Hesperia's newest night market came to town on Sunday is an effort to revitalize nightlife in the city giving residents a reason to save gas money from going downhill on the weekends which reopened last year after falling on hard times and a two-year hiatus Town’s End Bar & Grill: New owner welcomes guests to revamped Apple Valley restaurant The iconic Grange Hall is a Hesperia icon that witnessed the rise of Route 66 and predates the construction of Interstate 15 The last time Grange Hall board members spoke with the Daily Press they were determined to fight for the reopening of the event space to garner more community involvement in Hesperia Since its grand re-opening Grange Hall has hosted all sorts of fun events like bingo night fiber arts classes with the Hooked on Yarn Group The new Sunday night tradition was resident Zeke Ignacio's idea He says the goal of the market is to celebrate the heart of the High Desert—the people This community event is family-friendly and will see a rotating lineup of local food trucks and small business vendors that sell everything from jewelry and boutique items to freeze-dried candy home décor and more in a vibrant outdoor setting “I wanted to create a space where the community could gather and make Sunday nights something to look forward to,” Ignacio told the Daily Press Vendors and food trucks at the grand opening who will be among the rotating lineup include: Grange Hall will double up on events Sunday May 4: A Mother's Day Craft Fair event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m and the Hesperia Night Vibes market from 6 to 10 p.m The night market will continue every Sunday night at the High Desert Grange located at 16682 Yucca St McKenna is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com. the Hesperia Unified School District (HUSD) will host a special event to honor 49 employees retiring at the end of the school year at the Administration and Education Support Center Annex These dedicated individuals have spent years serving the staff and HUSD will celebrate their contributions as they transition into the next chapter of their lives The following employees will be honored at the event: “We are so grateful for the many years of service these amazing individuals have given to our district,” said Isaac Newman-Gomez “Their contributions have impacted the lives of countless students and we wish them all the best in the exciting next chapter of their lives.” The event will be an opportunity to celebrate their legacy and wish them well as they retire from their distinguished careers with the district 📢 Stay connected with the High Desert’s largest news community 🔗 For more local news, visit VVNG.com we’re dedicated to keeping the Victor Valley informed with essential Our newsroom works tirelessly to bring you the latest stories that matter—news that fosters awareness If you value our reporting and want to see it continue local news accessible to everyone—because an informed community is a stronger community The Hesperia Community Farmers Market is canceled for Saturday Expected wind speeds will reach 20 to 25 mph Saturday according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) These extreme conditions can create dangerous situations for both vendors and visitors, farmers market organizers said via Facebook The strong winds will also make it feel significantly colder than the actual temperature Organizers expressed regret for canceling the community event that so many residents look forward to each weekend and promise that the decision was "not made lightly." They will "truly miss" seeing all the happy customers this weekend but the cancellation was settled "with genuine care and concern for everyone’s safety." Weather forecast: Spring showers, breezy conditions expected in High Desert, mountains Many vendors already prepared their market goods before the last-minute cancellation The Crafted Crumb is offering free sourdough deliveries on Saturday in lieu of the market with no minimum purchase and a $2 discount on bread. Additionally, message Lucky Cat Gardens on Instagram to pick up plants set aside for the canceled market The Hesperia Community Farmers Market will be open next Saturday on Mother's Day. Residents can stay connected on social media for updates and event news Still need your farmers market fix this week? The Phelan market will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 5 at 4128 Warbler Road. McKenna is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com. (VVNG.com) — Drivers traveling through the Cajon Pass overnight should prepare for lane and ramp closures beginning next week as Caltrans continues work on the $25 million Cajon Weigh Station Relocation Project According to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) southbound Interstate 15 (I-15) will see a series of closures between May 5 and May 17 to facilitate construction on the relocation of the SB Cajon Weigh Station and Truck Safety Check Area The project is expected to be completed by summer 2025 The following closures will be in effect Monday through Saturday nights from 7:00 p.m Caltrans advises motorists to reduce their speed while traveling through the construction zone and to plan ahead for potential delays PLAN AHEAD and drive safely; being mindful of closures and alternate routes Know before you go!” the agency emphasized in a public notice The construction schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions and material availability For real-time updates and to sign up for commuter alerts in the Inland Empire For those needing information in alternate formats or other languages contact Caltrans Public Affairs at (909) 383-4631 or TTY 711 🔗 For more local news, visit VVNG.com. At VVNG, we’re dedicated to keeping the Victor Valley informed with essential, community-driven journalism. Our newsroom works tirelessly to bring you the latest stories that matter—news that fosters awareness, engagement, and connection in the High Desert. If you value our reporting and want to see it continue, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your contribution helps keep independent, local news accessible to everyone—because an informed community is a stronger community. HESPERIA — Fire crews responded to a garage fire at 145 S. State St. Sunday, May 4, shortly before 5:30 p.m. (VVNG.com) — Authorities are asking for the public’s help as they investigate two incidents of vandalism and burglary that caused more than $150,000 in damage to homes in the Silverwood Project area of Hesperia According to a statement from the Hesperia Police Department the break-ins occurred on two separate dates — April 19 and April 27 2025 — at multiple residences near Ranchero Road and I Avenue Investigators said unknown suspects entered several properties under construction or unoccupied and caused extensive damage The motive behind the crimes remains under investigation and no suspect descriptions have been released Detectives are now urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area during the timeframe of the incidents to come forward Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective R. Oakleaf at the Hesperia Police Department by calling (760) 947-1500 or the Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or submit information online at www.wetip.com This is a developing story and VVNG will provide updates as they become available Hesperia resident and self-dubbed “coffee lover” Rose Warrenton shared her excitement about Dutch Bros coffee coming to town “I read last year that Dutch Bros was replacing China Palace but I never saw any construction until today,” Warrenton told the Daily Press "I'll probably be first in line to buy drinks when they open." After nearly 30 years of business, Hesperia’s China Palace Buffet Restaurant building is no more as Dutch Bros begins to demolish the restaurant to construct its popular coffee shop City of Hesperia officials took to Facebook on Monday to announce that the coffee shop company began demolishing the old restaurant building at 15555 Main Street The city also stated that the new 950-square-foot drive-through-only coffee shop is expected to open in July “My favorite Dutch Bros drinks are the Annihilator Freeze and the Double Torture,” Warrenton said The new Dutch Bros will be the company’s first store in Hesperia after opening its first High Desert shop near Apple Valley High School in 2020 Dutch Bros later opened three other coffee shops in the High Desert Dutch Bros is located on Bear Valley Road east of Interstate 15 and Hook Boulevard east of High Desert Church Barstow’s Dutch Bros coffee shop is on Main Street and near Interstate 15 Town of Apple Valley officials announced in 2024, that future construction of the Buffalo Trading Post Plaza on the southeast corner of Rancherias Road and Highway 18 will include a Dutch Bros China Palace’s 5,600-square-foot free-standing building was near Wienerschnitzel in the Hesperia Marketplace shopping center near Main Street and Eleventh Avenue China Palace Restaurant was featured in 2023 in the Daily Press story “China Palace in Hesperia remains a culinary tradition.” customers have had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of handmade Asian dishes at China Palace China Palace has had just three owners since it opened with Luis Jimenez taking ownership in 2020 Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com (VVNG.com) — Dutch Bros Coffee has officially begun construction on its first Hesperia location marking a major milestone with the demolition of the former China Palace Buffet building today crews demolished the longstanding buffet restaurant at 15555 Main Street site cleanup efforts began as preparations move forward for the new drive-thru coffee shop City officials said the new Dutch Bros Coffee is expected to open in July 2025 Plans for the project were first revealed in 2024 after the Hesperia Development Review Committee approved the redevelopment of the 5,400-square-foot China Palace building situated near Waba Grill and Wienerschnitzel at Main Street and 11th Avenue is a high-traffic area in the Hesperia Marketplace shopping center the new Dutch Bros will feature a 950-square-foot drive-thru building with 12 parking spaces When redevelopment plans were first reported last year employees at China Palace Buffet appeared unaware of the upcoming changes Attempts to reach management at that time for comment were unsuccessful The property was listed for lease at $2 per square foot and was quickly taken under contract known for its customizable drinks and energetic drive-thru experience has been expanding rapidly throughout California and across the country the company proudly opened its 1,000th shop “We are pleased to deliver quarter-to-date Q1 same shop sales above our expectations supported by positive traffic and strong business momentum This positive trend is a testament to the strength of our brand and the dedication of our team,” said Christine Barone Chief Executive Officer and President of Dutch Bros during the company’s inaugural Investor Day we are focused on our bold goal of reaching 2,029 shops in 2029 Led by field operations teams deeply rooted in our culture and hungry to grow and supported by a leadership team with complementary skills and firsthand knowledge of scale we are well positioned to deliver sustainable long-term value while staying true to our mission of making a massive difference The City of Hesperia also welcomed today’s milestone “Dutch Bros Coffee’s arrival brings another exciting addition to Hesperia’s growing business community We look forward to welcoming them soon!” Further updates on construction progress and the official grand opening date will be shared as they become available including five assault rifles and armor piercing ammunition along with drugs and a stolen Jeep while carrying out a search warrant at a Hesperia home this week Monday at a house in the 18600 block of Lilac Street according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Deputies arrived at the home with a search warrant stemming from an ongoing investigation "A search of the residence was conducted resulting in the location and recovery of two stolen pistols, five assault rifles, large-capacity ammunition magazines, ammunition including armor piercing rounds, suspected narcotics, items indicative of drug sales, and one stolen Jeep Gladiator," the sheriff's department said in a written statement identified as 33-year-old Luis Armando Padilla was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs for sales carrying a loaded and stolen firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle Bail was set at $40,000 pending legal proceedings More: Apple Valley man accused of murder in fatal stabbing of 16-year-old boy Anyone with information was asked to contact the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500, or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Information may also be submitted anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463. (VVNG.com) — A small hillside fire sparked near the Main Street overpass in Hesperia on Thursday afternoon temporarily slowing traffic and prompting a quick response from firefighters The San Bernardino County Fire Department received the call at approximately 2:31 p.m The incident was reported as an “outside fire” along Santa Fe Avenue near C Street Several small spots along the hillside reportedly caught fire Firefighters with Engine 302 arrived on scene and began dousing the area to prevent the flames from spreading Although smoke was initially visible from the roadway A water hose was connected to a nearby hydrant and firefighters remained on site for mop-up operations The fire was extinguished without any reported injuries or damage to nearby structures Traffic on Main Street was briefly impacted as drivers slowed to observe the emergency activity The cause of the fire remains under investigation The Hesperia Christian softball team clinched at least a share of the Agape League title Wednesday afternoon with a victory over Academy of Careers & Exploration The Patriots pulled off a 7-3 victory on the road facing off against the Eagles as both teams entered unbeaten in Agape League play Hesperia Christian jumped out to an early lead in the first inning on a two-run single from Elyse VanderWeide scoring Josslyn VanderWeide and Eden Skinner The Eagles struck back in the bottom of the third inning with a two-run home run from Addison Shockley Hailey Hoffman took over in the circle for the final three innings striking out six batters over four innings going 3 for 4 with two runs and a stolen base; Elyse VanderWeide ended 2 for 4 with three RBIs and a run; and E Speer went 2 for 4 with a RBI and a stolen base Hesperia Christian hosts ACE on Friday and can capture the outright Agape League title with a victory Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero: Date, time, how to watch the Times Square blockbuster fight the Saints locked up the Desert Sky League championship with one game left to play in the season Christian Aispuro struck out five batters and allowed two runs on five hits over six innings Angel Candelaria led the offense by going 3 for 4 with three RBIs and Aksel Inzunza went 2 for 4 with three RBIs and a run Nico Padilla struck out eight batters over six innings and allowed one run on four hits to lead the Hawks a run and a stolen base; Uriel Martin went 2 for 3 with a RBI and a run; and Jordan Davis went 2 for 4 with two RBIs four Academy of Careers & Exploration golfers punched tickets to the CIF-SS Individual Regional tournament after the two-day Cross Valley League Finals Nathaniel Carlson led all shooters after two days of action at Apple Valley Golf Course with a combined score of 139 He shot a 70 on the first day of action and followed that up with a 69 on Wednesday The top four finishers will compete at the regional tournament at Los Serranos Country Club on May 12 the Aztecs scored six runs in the top of the seventh for a comeback victory over the Hawks Silverado loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning Aleenah Aldana broke for home and was tagged out by the catcher to end the game The teams are now tied for third place in the Desert Sky league standings with three games left in the season Tennis ScoresDesert Sky League FinalsSingles Championship: Daniel Pereda (VV) def Aiden Gloria (GH) 6-2Semifinals: Pereda (VV) def 10-7Doubles Championship: Aiden Diaz and Jonathan Parra (A) def 6-2Third place: Joseph Terry and Diego Mesta (GH) def Angel Soto and Trey Shaw (S) 6-3Semifinals: Diaz-Parra (A) def 6-2Didn't see your team's scores in this roundup All local varsity scores and results can be reported by email to Daily Press reporter Jose Quintero at JQuintero@VVDailyPress.com at @J0seQuintero to report any results throughout the season (VVNG.com) — A hit-and-run crash in Hesperia that left two people injured Tuesday evening is gaining widespread attention online as the community works together to identify the individuals who fled the scene at the intersection of Sequoia Street and Apatite Avenue According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department the incident was a two-vehicle collision involving an Audi The other driver was injured and transported to a hospital “Deputies responded to a two-vehicle traffic collision The second driver was injured and transported to a local hospital,” said Mara Rodriguez spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department the hit-and-run suspect remains outstanding alleging that the Audi driver ran a stop sign and T-boned his cousin’s grey Toyota Camry Lopez said both the driver and a second person fled on foot shortly after the crash his cousin described the crash in a message “They were speeding through a stop sign and my car got T-boned My current conditions have worsened as now I have a collapsed lung and am currently hospitalized.” The incident was first brought to light in the Victor Valley 411 Facebook group where a relative of the victim shared details A short video clip recorded by a passerby who witnessed the aftermath was later provided to VVNG The footage shows two individuals fleeing on foot through an alleyway between houses along Apatite Avenue That same video was later shared to TikTok and other social media platforms by several community members in an effort to identify the individuals responsible Photos of the Audi and Camry show extensive damage A bystander captured an image of a man in a black hoodie running from the scene Lopez described the man seen running as being in his early to mid-30s and it’s unclear if they are also being sought by authorities A report has been filed with the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station at (760) 947-1500 Investigators are reaching out to the public for clues in a series of burglaries and vandalisms reported in Hesperia's now year-old Silverwood community over the past two weeks The crimes took place between April 19 and April 27 in the community at the south end of the city "Multiple subjects broke into several residences located in the Silverwood Project in Hesperia," sheriff's officials said in a written statement "The subjects caused over $150,000 in damage Investigators with the Hesperia Police Department are looking for anyone with information related to the vandalism and burglaries occurring in the area." Investigators are looking for anyone with information regarding the vandalism and burglaries in the area Authorities did not disclose the specific number of crimes in the series More: Opening of Silverwood homes becomes ‘reality’ in Hesperia’s Summit Valley Anyone with information was asked to call the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Information may also be provided anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463 (VVNG.com) — A Hesperia man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators recovered firearms and a stolen vehicle during the service of a search warrant earlier this week The warrant was served at approximately 11:23 a.m at a residence in the 18600 block of Lilac Street in Hesperia According to the Hesperia Police Department 33-year-old Luis Padilla was identified at the scene as the homeowner investigators discovered five assault rifles Authorities also located suspected narcotics Padilla was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center on multiple felony charges including possession of narcotics for sale (HS 11351) possession of a controlled substance while armed (HS 11370.1(a)) carrying a stolen loaded firearm (PC 25850(c)(2)) and possession of a stolen vehicle (PC 496d(a)) Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or visit www.wetip.com HESPERIA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Newly released body-worn camera footage and 911 dispatch audio from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department provide new details about a fatal 2023 deputy-involved shooting in Hesperia where a man staged a fake home invasion call began when deputies responded to a 911 call claiming armed intruders had broken into a residence in the 13000 block of Sunland Street in Hesperia fabricated the emergency to lure law enforcement to the scene Valensia can be heard pleading for help while avoiding providing specific location details Valensia claimed that people were inside his home and that he was in danger he repeatedly refused to provide his exact location instead urging the dispatcher to “trace the call” to find him Despite multiple attempts by the dispatcher to obtain an address Deputies responded to the call at approximately 7:02 p.m Valensia exited the front door wearing a mask and holding a handgun Authorities said he pointed the weapon at the deputy prompting an immediate lethal force encounter Valensia continued to advance toward the deputy chasing him around a parked vehicle while still holding the weapon The deputy fired additional rounds while taking cover The deputy’s body-worn camera was deactivated when it struck the ground during repositioning A second deputy arrived on scene at approximately 7:10 p.m and issued commands for Valensia to drop the gun Deputies approached the downed suspect and found he displayed obvious signs of death Valensia was pronounced deceased at the scene Investigators recovered the handgun still in Valensia’s right hand with his finger on the trigger It was later determined to be a BB gun designed to replicate a Sig Sauer P365 9mm handgun detectives learned that the 911 call for help was placed from a phone number associated with Valensia leading authorities to conclude he staged the fake home invasion in an apparent attempt to lure deputies into a deadly confrontation The initial responding deputy suffered lacerations to his arm during the incident He was treated at Desert Valley Hospital and later released additional deputies established a perimeter and obtained a search warrant to investigate the possibility of a second suspect inside the home Members of the Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division (S.E.D.) conducted a thorough search but found no additional suspects or individuals inside The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office conducted an independent review to determine whether the actions of the involved deputies were within the law The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division conducted a criminal investigation related to the actions of the suspect the department conducted an internal administrative review of the critical incident to determine whether the deputies’ actions were within department policy and to assess whether any additional policies or equipment improvements were needed for future critical incidents Related Articles: Deputy-involved shooting occurs in Hesperia during active burglary Hesperia man fatally shot by deputy after calling in false home invasion robbery (VVNG.com) — A 14-year-old boy was arrested after a physical struggle with a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy in Hesperia an encounter partially captured on video and generating mixed reactions online The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 4:11 p.m. in the 10100 block of Third Avenue. According to a written statement from the Hesperia Police Department deputies responded to reports that a subject had allegedly brought a firearm to a school he contacted individuals believed to be involved As the deputy attempted to speak with them Authorities said that when the deputy attempted to detain him leading to a brief struggle and use of force Deputies did not locate a firearm during their investigation Video footage of the incident shows the deputy and the teen struggling as the deputy attempts to detain him The teen resists and is forced to the ground the teen appears to make physical contact with the deputy — although it is unclear whether it was a push or a strike the deputy delivers multiple punches to the teen’s head and at least one punch to the teen’s stomach while repeatedly ordering him to put his hands behind his back the teen can be heard cursing and questioning the deputy’s commands A knife is visible on the ground during the struggle but the deputy is later seen picking it up and collecting it as evidence The 14-year-old was transported to the Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center and booked for PC 69 – Resisting an Officer Reactions to the video have been mixed with some viewers expressing concern over the use of force against a minor after no firearm was found while others pointed to the seriousness of the original call and the potential risks involved when a subject resists detention commenters emphasized the importance of complying with law enforcement commands stating that resisting arrest could escalate a situation Others expressed regret that the encounter involved a minor and called for careful review of the deputy’s actions Anyone with information regarding the investigation is urged to contact the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001 Anonymous tips can be submitted through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or online at www.wetip.com (VVNG.com) — A motorcyclist was airlifted to a trauma center Friday night following a crash at a busy intersection in Hesperia at the intersection of Main Street and Peach Avenue emergency personnel responded to a collision involving a black motorcycle Witnesses on scene reported that a white Ford truck pulling a trailer may have been involved VVNG was unable to confirm that information as the vehicle was not present when reporters arrived Deputies with the Hesperia Police Department confirmed the crash was not a hit-and-run All parties involved remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation The male rider was transported by helicopter to Antelope Valley Hospital the motorcycle was found lying on its side in the roadway The crash prompted a hard closure of Main Street from Peach Avenue to nearby intersections Deputies said the closure would likely remain in place for another hour to an hour and a half Drivers in the area were being detoured through Timberlane Avenue and Yucca Street Officials urged motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes The cause of the crash remains under investigation (VVNG.com) — Kaiser Permanente has acquired parcel of land in Hesperia fueling speculation about a possible expansion of its existing healthcare services in the region The Oakland-based healthcare provider closed the deal on the vacant lot which is located on Escondido Avenue between Sultana Street and Kaiser Permanente Way The new property sits adjacent to a medical office building that opened in 2021 The sale was completed at the end of November for $7.5 million In a recent update shared on his @MikeandBobbyShow YouTube channel Arias expressed hope that the new land could lead to a significant development for the region “Hopefully we’ll see a new hospital coming soon,” he said Although Kaiser Permanente has yet to disclose specific plans for the site the existing medical office building offers services including family medicine along with a conference center for medical staff it does not currently offer hospital facilities the healthcare giant could be positioning itself to meet the growing demand for more expansive services in the High Desert area The possibility of a new hospital would mark a significant development for the community and further enhance Kaiser’s presence in Hesperia (VVNG.com) — Traffic is heavily congested along the southbound I-15 freeway Monday evening as ongoing construction has forced the closure of multiple lanes According to the California Highway Patrol incident logs lanes 1 and 2 are currently shut down between Bear Valley Road and Joshua Road due to an active construction project The lane closures are causing significant traffic backups stretching several miles — from Hesperia all the way past Nisqualli Road in the city of Victorville Caltrans crews are working in the area and have requested CHP assistance with traffic control as delays continue to grow The post-holiday timing may be worsening the situation many travelers who extended their weekend are now returning home further contributing to the already slow-moving traffic Drivers are advised to avoid the area or allow for extra travel time as delays are expected to persist into the evening hours (VVNG.com) — A 36-year-old Hesperia man was arrested for attempted murder after firing shots at a victim outside an occupied residence early Friday morning deputies with the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station responded to reports of shots fired in the 12000 block of Fifth Avenue deputies located two 9mm shell casings near the scene spokeswoman Gloria Orejel with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Authorities said the victim was not struck by the gunfire deputies identified the suspect as Jade Perez Perez fled the scene after the shooting but was later located in a vehicle in the city of Victorville Deputies conducted a felony traffic stop and arrested Perez without incident A records check revealed Perez had two outstanding felony warrants at the time of his arrest He was booked at the High Desert Detention Center for his warrants and for PC 664/187 — attempted murder and no additional information was immediately available Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station at (760) 947-1500. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or visit www.wetip.com Some Victor Valley residents have vocalized their frustration with the current administration by protesting outside Rep. Jay Obernolte's Hesperia office and at town hall and community coffee events in Victorville and Yucca Valley Another protest is being organized by Hesperia's Local Democracy Project (LDP) from 12 to 2 p.m April 5 in front of Obernolte's office at Hesperia Civic Plaza "We’re doing this because the people of the High Desert deserve better," said Josiah Delgado communications director for Hesperia's Local Democracy Project "While Jay Obernolte cozies up to billionaires like Elon Musk and pads his own wealth our communities are left without basic necessities—no hospital Event organizers are encouraging the community to show up and voice their concerns with recent executive orders and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts The representative and his staff have been invited by the organizers "but [we] are under no illusions they will actually show up." Obernolte's office did not respond to inquiries from the Daily Press Many High Desert residents expressed their opposition to the protest via social media stating that they support their president and his actions other residents have pledged their allegiance to the protest "We have to show up and mobilize," Victor Valley resident Marcela Horta Rede said "It's [Obernolte's] job to listen to our concerns," Claire Broderick added "If we make a concerted effort to call him in and he deflects maybe we can get him out of office come election time." Delgado is convinced that the administration's latest budget takes resources away from veterans 50501 Movement protestsThe April 5 Hesperia protest is a variation of the nationwide 50501 Movement protest on April 5 and all local events are organized by independent volunteers Movement members are encouraged by the organization to do their own due diligence before participating in any action The volunteer-run organization hosts 50 peaceful protests across 50 states for 1 singular movement the April 5 "Veto Day" protests aim to "stop the MAGA assault on our country and Constitution." The Alameda chapter of 50501 urges its members to show solidarity against the "unconstitutional and immoral acts that the Trump administration and its officials/non-officials have done For more information on future 5051 protests across the nation, visit fiftyfifty.one (VVNG.com) — A significant milestone for the much-anticipated Silverwood master-planned community located in the Summit Valley area of Hesperia with a ribbon-cutting event attended by key developers and local leaders The event marked the beginning of the Silverwood community’s transition from a concept to a vibrant new neighborhood in the High Desert General Manager of the Silverwood Master Plan expressed his excitement during the ceremony calling it the culmination of 13 years of hard work “We’re opening this weekend with a soft opening, and our grand opening is coming up on April 5th and 6th,” Ohanian told local videographer Jose Gonzalez of JGKIX. “We’re looking forward to releasing homes and welcoming people to come live in this community starting in about May or June and we hope to sell a couple hundred homes this year.” located south of Ranchero Road near I Avenue will introduce homes to the community and will be followed by additional phases over the coming years The full development of Silverwood is expected to take 17-18 years The first homes are expected to be available soon with prices starting in the $400,000s and reaching up to the high $600,000s Ohanian emphasized that one of the project’s goals is to provide obtainable homes for young people allowing families to create memories and build their lives in Silverwood “I’m so excited about the idea of people starting their lives here—from having their babies to retiring,” Ohanian said Silverwood will include a range of homes within walking distance of parks and trailheads making outdoor activities a key part of the community’s design “Every home is within five minutes of a park or trailhead creating an opportunity for an outdoor lifestyle,” Ohanian noted in an interview with Gonzalez will eventually include nearly 15,633 homes With more than $160 million allocated to local road improvements Silverwood promises to enhance both infrastructure and quality of life for future residents The development’s first phase will introduce a selection of homes from five builders: Lennar Homebuyers will be able to choose from a variety of single- and two-story models with sizes ranging from 1,539 to 3,539 square feet and featuring options like side-yard RV parking and commercial spaces designed to serve residents’ needs as they settle in over the coming years Silverwood is poised to become one of the largest and most dynamic developments in the Victor Valley also referred to as the Mojave River Valley The grand opening event on April 5th and 6th will provide the public with the opportunity to explore the first models and learn more about the vision for Silverwood For a closer look at the ribbon-cutting event and additional details you can watch the video by Jose Gonzalaz of JGKIX below For more information and to view the latest floor plans, visit SilverwoodCalifornia.com Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration Announcement of Opportunity for Public Hearing State Route 138 Curve Correction near Hesperia Project Name: State Route 138 Curve Correction What Is Being Planned: The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to realign State Route 138 (SR-138) from Post Mile (PM) T16.2 This project will improve the vertical and horizontal alignment within this segment to enhance safety and reduce the number of collisions Other project features include drainage rehabilitation and guardrail replacement within the project limits Caltrans is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Why This Notice: Caltrans has studied the effects this project may have on the environment The studies show the project will not significantly affect the quality of the environment The report which explains why is called an Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND) This notice is to tell you of the preparation of the ISMND and to offer the opportunity for a public hearing The document tells you why the project is being proposed what alternatives have been considered for the project how the existing environment could be affected by the project the potential impacts of each of the alternatives Where You Come In: Do you have any comments about processing the project with an ISMND/EA or disagree with the findings of the study Would you care to make any other comments on the project Please submit your comments or request for a public hearing in writing no later than March 20 via e-mail to: Gita.Tokhmafshan@dot.ca.gov or: Please include “SR-138 Curve Realignment” in the subject line The date we will begin accepting comments is February 18 If there are no major comments or requests for a public hearing Caltrans will proceed with the project’s design Contact: For more information about this study or any transportation matter contact the Caltrans District 8 Office of Public Affairs at (909) 383-4631 this document can be made available in Braille To obtain a copy in one of these alternate formats CA 92401; (909) 501-5742; or use the California Relay Service 1 (800) 735-2929 (TTY to Voice) 1 (800) 854-7784 (Spanish and English Speech to Speech) the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 and Federal Executive Order 12898 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations) Caltrans will make every effort to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities and that services and benefits are fairly distributed to all people Caltrans will facilitate meaningful participation in the transportation planning process in a nondiscriminatory manner (VVNG.com) — A pedestrian died Thursday night after being struck by a vehicle on Hesperia Road just south of Bear Valley Road near Donert Street Emergency responders arrived at the scene at about 8:47 p.m to find an unresponsive man lying in the roadway Witnesses reported that CPR was performed before he was rushed to a hospital in Victorville According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department logs a 26-year resident of Hesperia who manages the property at a nearby liquor store known locally as “Oz,” as a homeless individual who frequented the area Laureano said the man was attempting to cross the street after finding one liquor store closed Laureano also reported that the man was struck by two vehicles At least one of the vehicles sustained significant front-end damage including a shattered windshield and broken headlight Hesperia Road was temporarily closed for several hours as authorities investigated the incident voiced concerns about pedestrian safety in the area urging the city to install traffic signals and additional lighting citing several accidents along that stretch of road “This area is full of homeless people,” Laureano said “With two liquor stores nearby and no signal lights to slow traffic The Hesperia Police Department is continuing to investigate the crash further details regarding the incident and the involved vehicles have not been released the City of Hesperia’s Development Review Committee discussed an extension for a commercial development at the southwest and southeast corners of Fashion Court and Mariposa Road proposes to build three drive-thru restaurants and a 7,850-square-foot retail building The extension of time granted for Site Plan Review SPR21-00014 allows for an additional year for Inland Land Group to begin the plan check and permit process there are no confirmed tenants for any of the buildings,” Kelly Brady Public Relations Analyst for the City of Hesperia providing the applicant one more year to begin the plan check and permit process.” leaving many hopeful that announcements about tenants will be made in the near future The development will span two parcels within the 4.6-acre site located on Mariposa Road and Fashion Court Below is a breakdown of the proposed buildings and their locations: The surrounding area has seen some recent developments as well. McDonald’s, which was once a part of the Inland Land Group’s five-parcel property was acquired by the fast-food chain and opened in December of 2024 It’s designated as Building C in the site plan McDonald’s sits on a 1.07-acre portion of the 4.6-acre total property located near Fashion Court and Mariposa Road there’s a Chevron gas station housing Chronic Tacos and Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express at the intersection of Fashion Court and Mariposa Road is a Circle K store with Krispy Krunchy Chicken inside a separate future Popeyes restaurant is expected to open behind the Circle K This Popeyes is unrelated to the Inland Land Group project or the current development proposal While the site continues to show promise with its commercial potential residents and local business owners will have to wait for announcements regarding the project’s tenants The latest extension for the site plan approval could provide the developer with the necessary time to secure leases and solidify plans for the future businesses that will occupy the site Last week Ed and I drove to a town between Grand Rapids and Ludington to reunite with the "Hesperia Gang." This gang was affectionately named originating at the Farm Women's Symposium (FWS). Most of the ladies lived in or near Hesperia at that time, thus the name. They graciously adopted me into the group when I began to attend the symposiums.   These ladies and I shared many conversations about our farms, families, churches, personal lives, pets and whatever else. We became acquainted with one another very well over the years.   As our group aged, so did our attendance to the FWS. Some of us (me, for one) haven't been able to attend for the last three years. My "excuses" were due to the caring of my elderly father and then a year of cancer treatments followed by another year of recovery. With these years of absence to our yearly get-togethers, we needed another plan. That's when I asked if we could gather in their area. An email went out to the group about this possibility. Our "party planner" took over from there to nail down a day and time: April 9th at 12:30 pm.   The traveling weather was delightful for Ed and me as we ventured northwest. Not a lot of signs of spring, but we saw some of them. Upon arrival, hugs were passed around and introductions. None of them knew Ed, so they had the opportunity to meet the man who supported me and cared for the family while I attended the FWS.   These ladies planned a delicious lunch as we sat and chatted and ate. It was just like days of old. I was reminded of all those times we chatted in the hotel rooms or during down times of the symposium. I remembered how special each of these ladies was to me - unique in their own special way. For three hours we sat and chatted; the most precious three hours I could ask for. Ed, thankfully, had the husband of our hostess to talk with. Tom and he seemed to have plenty of farming conversations to fill the time before lunch. Then they joined us at the table for food and fellowship. Soon it was chore time for Tom and the rest of us dispersed too. But not before getting a picture of the "gang" again. We should have put an empty chair in the picture as one of the dear ladies was not feeling well and couldn't attend the luncheon. (Missed giving you a hug, Laurie!)   As you can see in the picture, I'm sporting my new hairdo that God has given me thus far after losing my hair to chemo in 2023. I was told that regrown hair can come back in different colors or characteristics than one's previous hair. I wasn't really picky except I asked the Lord "no red hair, please." With my complexion, red just wouldn't go. And I'm quite pleased that the regrowth is mostly the color it was before with a touch more grey. I earned those grey hairs though! We ladies hugged again and said our goodbyes as we all departed our gettogether. Ed and I were offered accommodations at the Konkel riverfront cabin where they had a guesthouse too. We decided it would be best not to travel back home, so we accepted their offer. (This was all planned ahead of time.)  If you have read the Farmers' Advance for a very long time, the name Shari Konkel may be familiar. She and I wrote articles for the newly formed Inspirational Page, created to uplift those in the farming community. Shari and her family worked hard on their large dairy farm (which they have retired from) as she shared stories from that aspect. Shari was the connection between me and the Hesperia gang.   As we drove northward to Shari and her husband's new homestead, we stopped at their former homestead - the farm. Ed took a picture of Shari and me at the road with the eight or nine huge silos as the background scene. Shari then showed us the house she grew up in and part of the farm. It's still a dairy farm, but the new owners have expanded its capacity. Again, I thought to myself, "Lord, bless the dairy farmers who work tirelessly day and night!"   From the farm to the riverside cabin, we trekked into the deep woods to our overnight stay. Our host and hostess gave us a tour of their beautiful home with lots of wildlife running about outside. Even some bears have ventured past their home. Then we toured the guesthouse which used to be a horse barn. The former owner changed it into a guesthouse with the Konkels adding their touch to the décor. We couldn't have asked for better accommodations! Shari and her husband took us to Ludington, Michigan to one of their favorite restaurants. This place specializes in their own homemade ice creams made right on location. And since we were there in the off-season, a  scoop of ice cream came with every meal. The choices were endless in the many different flavors to choose from.   After another delicious meal, the Konkels gave us a mini tour of Ludington. Ed and I decided this would be on our list of places to visit during the off season. We saw a beautiful setting sun and a big Lake Michigan awaiting the adventures. It really was a special time of renewing friendship and encouraging one another. I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Carson for hosting the luncheon and Mr. and Mrs. Konkel for the tour of Ludington and our overnight stay. Ed and I enjoyed the whole trip. Even though we were gone for approximately 30 hours, we packed a lot of adventure, fellowship and delicious food into that time. Thank you, Hesperia Gang! I love and appreciate each one of you (and you, too, Laurie)! Gail loves the Lord most of all. She delights in her calling to be a wife to Ed Malick and a mother to seven children ages 26 to 42 and grandmother of nineteen. Ed is sixth generation on the homestead family farm in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan. (VVNG.com) — Deputies responded to reports of shots heard at Hesperia Lake Park on Monday evening According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department dispatch logs to the 7500 block of Arrowhead Lake Road after reports of possible gunfire Witnesses at the scene reported an altercation followed by sounds resembling gunshots when VVNG reached out to the department for further details officials have yet to confirm whether any suspects were located or if any individuals were injured the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500 (VVNG.com) — A new Asian market has officially opened its doors in the High Desert providing a much-needed option for residents seeking authentic Asian foods located at 15800 Main Street #250 in Hesperia and was met with excitement from the local community noticed a gap in the market for Asian ingredients They decided to fill that void by offering a store that meets the growing demand for these products in the High Desert adding that while the store is still building its inventory they are eager to expand based on customer feedback a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held around 11:30 AM and local residents had the chance to explore the market The event was attended by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce and San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Col who presented the market with a Certificate of Recognition for its launch “Thank you for investing in our community.” “We were pleased to provide a Certificate of Recognition to 52 Asian Market during their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting with the @GHDChamber,” Cook shared on social media Alvan Chow mentioned that he hopes to offer cooking classes to teach the community how to prepare traditional Asian dishes the market is focused on serving the essential needs of the area Chow encourages customers to share any product requests they may have the couple is committed to expanding their inventory based on what the community desires While the market is still in its early stages customers are already praising it for the selection it offers Several positive Google reviews highlight the market’s friendly service and the quality of its products “Great to see this Asian market here in the High Desert area Now I do not have to drive an hour or more to get oriental food The owner is very friendly and will listen to my needs I will definitely go back again to get more stuff from them.” “Great Asian market with great selection of Asian groceries including goji berries I am grateful that they provide groceries from my hometown to satisfy my Chinese stomach This is the biggest Asian market in the area.” be sure to visit 52 Asian Market or call them at (760) 488-1127 Snowcapped mountains were the backdrop as dignitaries and community leaders toured model homes at the Silverwood master-planned community ribbon-cutting event at Hesperia’s Summit Valley Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony of 18 model homes was hosted by Silverwood General Manager John Ohanian and executives of the project situated between Ranchero Road and Silverwood Lake just north of the San Bernardino Mountains Four of the five builders showcased homes at the event and city and construction partners of the project which broke ground in December 2021 “We started working on this project about 13 years ago so today is a milestone event — the reality of fully constructed model homes that you’ll be able to tour,” Ohanian said Ohanian added that a grand opening is scheduled for April 5 and 6 as the project hopes to welcome people moving in sometime in May or June Silverwood officials said the two-day grand opening event is scheduled from 10 a.m Building lives and memoriesOhanian believes Silverwood is the “premier master-planned community," not only in San Bernardino County with houses starting in the low $400,000 range He added that the Silverwood project will elevate “everything in the area” as it creates a high standard that other communities will try to attain to “You'll have a community where families can build lives and memories here,” Ohanian said Nearly 20 multi-generational floor plans shared online by Silverwood show single and two-story models Some property features include side-yard RV and toy parking Former Hesperia mayors Thurston “Smitty” Smith and Eric Schmidt told the Daily Press they were excited to see the project come to life “Silverwood is going to be a great addition to the High Desert “I can’t wait to see this community come alive with people right here in Hesperia.” Smith also addressed people and organizations who “resisted the project,” saying that land growth and the “master-planned project is a positive.” Since the beginning, Silverwood, formerly known as Tapestry, faced opposition in court and the court of public opinion master-planned community with all the bells and whistles,” Smith said “Building 20 homes here and 20 homes there is fine but building an entire community is a whole different thing.” Smith said some of the perks to the community are the new fire station Located in the northern portion of the development Phase 1 will include nearly 2,100 dwelling units consisting of homes Silverwood will be constructed in nine phases over the next 15 to 20 years The entire Silverwood project spans 9,366 acres and includes nearly 15,633 dwelling units For more information on the Silverwood project, visit silverwoodcalifornia.com students in rural areas and programs that feed hungry children Four educators from local school districts met with the representative Sultana High School history teacher and President of the Hesperia Teachers Association a former special education history teacher in Beaumont Unified District and California Teachers Association Board Member Both educators expressed the critical need for funding in District 23 schools Obernolte responded to inquiries made by the Daily Press about the meeting at the Hesperia Library He said he always enjoys meeting with his constituents and especially appreciated the "productive conversation" with local teachers "[The conversation] gave me the opportunity to listen to the people working directly with our children every day," Obernolte told the Daily Press "I will continue to fight to ensure our students get the federal funding and resources they need to succeed in the classroom." District educators fight for fundingThe meeting with Obernolte took place during the congressional recess when members of Congress were given time to return to their home districts to meet with constituents Abt told the Daily Press that it is clear Obernolte is opposed to funding cuts for students in the district but "would not commit to protecting the Department of Education an institution that ensures that our communities receive these funds and services." Resvaloso is most concerned about the impact cuts to education will have on students with disabilities He says there are over 3,000 students with special needs in Hesperia who depend on federal resources for critical support and services to access a high-quality education alongside their student peers "Losing these resources would devastate a special education program that is already severely underfunded," he said after the meeting Other Hesperia residents have been vocal about the need for funding for special education programs as well and have organized protests and rallies in front of Obernolte's Hesperia office in the past The Hesperia Library meeting was timely, district educators told the Daily Press, because federal education funding is currently under attack USA Today reported that President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to eliminate the U.S which he said was "45 years in the making." The Department of Education supplies a small percentage of funding to public schools, enforces anti-discrimination laws, and administers the Student Aid Program. It also oversees federal student loans held by nearly 43 million people, or one in six American adults, according to the Congressional Research Service "We have to keep up the momentum with these critical demands for students in our local schools,” Abt urges Communities in Obernolte’s district rely on more than $455 million dollars in federal funding annually sources at the Hesperia meeting told the Daily Press Educators say they will continue to call on Obernolte to champion strong federal support for these essential education programs and commit to protect vital funding for students upon his return to Congress McKenna is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com City of Hesperia leaders unexpectedly announced the suspension of demolition and new construction of the Ranchero Road bridge over the California Aqueduct In a brief Facebook post on Wednesday evening city leaders stated that the suspension was “in the best interest of the city.” The city added that suspending the project was “due to unanticipated delays and other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.” The city will suspend demolition and construction of the Ranchero Road bridge at this time while evaluating alternative strategies City comments on suspensionOn Thursday morning Hesperia spokesperson Kelly Brady told the Daily Press we can confirm that unforeseen delays with the California Department of Water Resources permit have impacted the project.” Brady added that the city diligently worked for two years to secure the permit the city continued to face challenges with an unclear path forward significant cost increases have further affected the project,” Brady said potential litigation matters related to the contractor exist and we are unable to provide further comment at this time.” “This decision allows the city to carefully evaluate the best course of action,” Brady said “Staff is actively working to identify alternative strategies while ensuring the best possible outcome for the city and community.” Hesperia leaders said after years of planning the bridge over the California Aqueduct on Ranchero Road would finally be demolished and replaced The project includes removing the existing two-lane bridge and constructing a new one with six vehicle travel lanes and shared pedestrian/bicycle pathways The bridge spans the aqueduct on Ranchero Road between Cottonwood and Seventh avenues which would be shuttered for the 10-month demolition and construction project The two-lane bridge project was expected to be completed in August 2025 After preliminary and underground work for bridge demolition had been completed the city announced the closure of the bridge was temporarily lifted through mid-January 2025 The lift was extended into February and now the bridge project appears in limbo Meanwhile, work continues on the nearly completed Ranchero Road widening project between the east side of Ranchero Road near I-15 and east toward Seventh Avenue Improvements to the Ranchero Road bridge have faced several obstacles for nearly 14 years The Ranchero Road aqueduct bridge was constructed in 1969 and was later described as too narrow to efficiently accommodate pedestrians and additional vehicular traffic The bridge replacement project was placed on hold as the city focused on the Ranchero Road corridor improvement project from Interstate 15 to the BNSF railway underpass near Santa Fe Avenue, which began in 2011 Over 10 years ago, despite knowing the city had planned to widen Ranchero Road and replace the bridge, the California Department of Water Resources required Hesperia to fund an earthquake retrofit project on the aqueduct bridge, the Daily Press reported. The $560,000 retrofit project began in 2014 and forced the closure of a portion of Ranchero Road a major route for commuters in the southern end of the city water resources representative Brian Moore felt the wrath of the Hesperia Council when he announced the Ranchero Road bridge would not reopen to the public until mid-February of that year more than three months after its promised completion date In 2019, the Hesperia Council reluctantly voted 5-0 to adopt a mitigated negative declaration under the CEQA, which paved the way for the Ranchero Road bridge project, the Daily Press reported. The retrofitted bridge did not meet the new Department of Water Resources requirements and could not be expanded Due to the height discrepancy from the old to new Department of Water Resources clearance standards constructing an adjacent bridge was not feasible demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new bridge was required the Department of Water Resources told the council Eight bridges cross the aqueduct throughout the city and all are owned and maintained by Department of Water Resources the newly retrofitted bridge on Maple was opened to traffic almost four weeks ahead of the Department of Water Resources' schedule (This story has been updated to include additional information.) Investigators are looking for two armed intruders who they say forced their way into a Hesperia home and tied up the family during a home invasion robbery over the weekend Saturday at a home in the 11700 block of Farmington Street San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department officials said The two robbers broke into the house through a back door "The suspects tied the family up and stole an undisclosed amount of cash," according to a sheriff's department statement Officials said the robbers than left the home and no descriptions of the suspects were available The victims ultimately managed to free themselves and call 911 for help More: Man jailed following alleged drunken rampage at Piñon Hills bar Anyone with information was urged to contact Deputy Mahli of the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 552-6800. Information may also be submitted anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463 (VVNG.com) — Authorities are investigating after gunfire erupted at the Santa Fe Apartments in Hesperia Wednesday night The incident was reported at about 10:09 p.m San Bernardino County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Gloria Orejel told VVNG that deputies responded to the complex after receiving reports of shots heard in the area deputies confirmed that shots had been fired and that at least one apartment had been hit Multiple patrol units and a sheriff’s helicopter were deployed to the scene to assist with the investigation A witness told VVNG that one of the bullets narrowly missed her friend’s son as it came through a window (VVNG.com) – A Hesperia man is in custody following a police operation that led to the seizure of 16 firearms deputies from the Hesperia Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the 18400 block of Temecula Avenue and several large capacity rifle magazines deputies found three pairs of brass knuckles and approximately 1.2 pounds of suspected narcotics was arrested and subsequently booked into the High Desert Detention Center including being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of narcotics with intent to sell This arrest is part of an ongoing initiative aimed at tackling illegal activities within the community The Hesperia Police Department continues to investigate the matter and urges anyone with relevant information to come forward by contacting them at (760) 947-1500 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001 For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be reported to the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or through the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com (VVNG.com) – A tense four-hour standoff in a Hesperia neighborhood ended with the arrest of a 32-year-old man who had barricaded himself inside a residence after allegedly making criminal threats deputies from the Hesperia Police Department responded to reports of criminal threats at a home on the 9300 block of Pecan Avenue The suspect, identified as Allan Josue Benitez, was reported to be armed and under the influence of narcotics. The victim, fearing for their safety, managed to escape the home with children while Benitez was asleep and alerted authorities,  the department said in a written statement.  Benitez refused to surrender and barricaded himself inside the residence prompting the response of the Special Enforcement Division and Crisis Negotiation Team Nearby residents reported being unable to leave their homes for hours as law enforcement surrounded the area with snipers positioned on rooftops as a precautionary measure authorities successfully apprehended Benitez without incident A search warrant executed at the residence resulted in the discovery of a firearm Benitez was booked into the West Valley Detention Center without bail and faces multiple charges PC29800(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm PC30305(a)(1) – Prohibited to Own Ammunition and PC32310(a) – Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine A submitted photo captured the moment deputies escorted Benitez from the home following his arrest the victim and children were unharmed during the ordeal Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or submit information online at www.wetip.com investigators assigned to the Hesperia Police Station began an investigation reference a subject performing illegal dentistry from the 9300 block of 11th Avenue in the city of Hesperia the suspect was identified as Uriel Torres Cortes a search warrant was served at Cortes’ residence Investigators recovered evidence of Cortes performing dentistry without a license California Department of Consumer and Affairs confirmed Cortes did not have a license to practice dentistry.  Cortes is being charged with HS11154(a)- Prescribing a Controlled Substance without Treatment HS11153.5(a)- Furnishing Controlled Substances and BP1701(f)- Practicing Dentistry without a Valid License Sheriff’s officials said the case will be sent to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for review and filing Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Detective S Lafond with the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001 Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com (VVNG.com) — Joann Fabrics and Crafts has announced plans to close approximately 500 of its nearly 850 stores nationwide including the Hesperia location at 12779 Main Street This decision follows the retailer’s second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in less than a year and a representative stated that they don’t yet know when their store will close but expect it to be months out situated in the High Desert Gateway shopping center has been a community staple since relocating from Victorville’s Seventh Street Its closure is part of a broader strategy to “right-size” the company’s store footprint addressing ongoing financial challenges and declining sales Interim CEO Michael Prendergast cited “significant and lasting challenges” in the retail environment including inventory shortages and decreased consumer spending He expressed concern about the substantial impact on the company’s team members Joann offers a wide variety of crafting supplies The Hesperia store has been a go-to source for local residents’ crafting needs The closure of this location marks a significant shift for the company and the community it has served for years For more information on the store closures and the company’s restructuring efforts A Phelan man died after he was struck by a car along Bear Valley Road in Hesperia over the weekend The collision was first reported about 10:25 p.m San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department logs show Coroner's officials identified the man was 66-year-old Glenn Dill He had listed addresses in both Phelan and Laguna Beach He was believed to have been crossing Bear Valley Road near the intersection when he was struck by a 2017 Audi A6 headed east in the No. 1 lane, the sheriff's department said in a written statement The Audi was being driven by a 34-year-old Oak Hills man "The left front section of the vehicle collided with the pedestrian," according to the statement "The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene." More: Witnesses sought after two-car crash leaves Adelanto mother of five dead The cause and circumstances of the collision remained under investigation by the sheriff's Major Accident Investigation Team Any witnesses, or anyone with information, was asked to contact Deputy D. Holland of the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500. Information may also be provided anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463 (This story has been updated with additional information.) (VVNG.com) — San Bernardino County Public Works has shared a progress update on the Summit Valley Road Safety Project announcing the completion of recent improvements along the rural high-traffic corridor that connects Hesperia with the Cajon Pass officials thanked the community for its patience “We’re excited to share the results of our Summit Valley Road project Thank you to our crews for their hard work and to our community for their patience.” The project focused on a 5.5-mile stretch of Summit Valley Road starting 1.36 miles north of State Route 138 and continuing east into the City of Hesperia Work crews were active daily from April 21 through April 24 between 7:30 a.m Before-and-after images shared by the county show a dramatic visual improvement The freshly resurfaced blacktop now contrasts cleanly with vibrant yellow and white road striping Curving sections of roadway are now marked by reflective warning signs and sharper painted lines helping guide drivers through previously faded or unmarked zones The county said it will continue posting project updates on its official social media channels as future phases are scheduled A 14-year-old boy was arrested after allegedly assaulting a deputy who was investigating a report of a gun brought to a Hesperia school campus on Wednesday when authorities received a report of a person bringing a gun to the recently opened Pathways to College K8 A responding deputy approached a group that has reportedly been in possession of the firearm "When the deputy asked to speak to the subjects who allegedly had the firearm, one of them, a 14-year-old male, walked away," a sheriff's department statement said The subject was arrested and taken into custody." Officials did not provide details on the "use of force," but department spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez said it did not involve a Taser or baton Video circulating online that purportedly captured the encounter depicts the teen wrestling with the deputy before being pushed to the ground As the deputy tried to get the teen in handcuffs he can be seen punching the boy four times in the head and once in the body as he shouts "put your hands behind your back." The teenage suspect was arrested on suspicion of resisting an officer More: Victorville, L.A. men accused of shooting 12-year-old bystander in head in Ontario Anyone with information can reach the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500, or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Information may also be provided anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463 Joann Fabrics and Crafts announced they plan to shutter 500 of its nearly 850 stores nationwide The company’s announcement on Wednesday came after the once-popular retailer filed for a second bankruptcy since March 2024 Court filings show that Joann stores are set to close in all 50 states Michigan and Pennsylvania facing the most closures The Joann store is located in the High Desert Gateway shopping center in Hesperia west of Interstate 15 the Joann store was located on Seventh Street in Victorville Retailer bankruptcy: Joann closing 61 stores in California along with hundreds more across nation Joann’s Fabrics first filed for bankruptcy in March 2024 after securing around $132 million in new financing to put toward its $1 billion debt After weathering a financial storm, the company was once again on a thread as it closed stores before the retailer filed again for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January to "facilitate a sale process to maximize the value of its business." ‘Significant and lasting challenges’In January interim CEO of Joann Michael Prendergast explained that since becoming a private company in April the board and management team have continued to “execute on top-and bottom-line initiatives to manage costs and drive value.”  the last several years have presented significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment coupled with our current financial position and constrained inventory levels forced us to take this step,” Prendergast said "This was a very difficult decision to make given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members our customers and all of the communities we serve.” Several customers shared their thoughts on the closure of Joann stores my daughters and I started buying our material and accessories online,” Gentry told the Daily Press “There really is no need to visit a shop unless you want to feel the texture of the material.” Others claimed online stores have a larger selection of fabrics and lower prices compared to brick-and-mortar locations Store closures"A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time," the company stated A company spokesperson said the store closures are part of the ongoing Chapter 11 process and that Joann has already filed a motion in court to get the go-ahead to shutter roughly 500 locations "Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN," the statement continued Joann was founded in 1943 and sells a variety of crafting supplies including fabric by the yard, sewing machines, Cricut machines, yarn, home decor and more. The Joann store in Hesperia is located at 12779 Main Street. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz (VVNG.com) — A fierce fire tore through a commercial building on Bear Valley Road Friday afternoon a unique entertainment venue loved by the community east of Hesperia Road and across from the Vons shopping center Flames quickly engulfed the 4,108-square-foot structure which was built in 1987 and housed three suites Firefighters took a defensive approach as they battled the flames which continued burning for over 90 minutes though concerns remained about the building’s structural integrity and it is unclear whether the third suite was occupied at the time of the fire an excavator was brought in to tear down unstable walls once the flames had been subdued known for its creative and interactive entertainment experiences was a cherished local spot that hosted video game and pool tournaments took to Instagram after the devastating loss to share an update: we will rebuild quickly and better than before.” A GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Sam Restore Not An Arcade After Fire” was launched to assist in rebuilding efforts The fundraiser describes Sam as a generous business owner who created a welcoming space for families and gamers alike “He always gave the best prices and offered discounts to those who needed them and Not An Arcade was more than just a business—it was a community hub,” the campaign states sharing a video in which he joked that the arcade would be closed for a few days for remodeling and to get some fresh air “Really love your attitude and spirit despite everything that happened — it truly shows the kind of person you are and we can’t wait to see you relocate and come back even stronger!” Those interested in contributing to the rebuilding of Not An Arcade can donate through the GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/86d780bc (VVNG.com) — Deputies are investigating after shots were fired during a large party in Hesperia on Saturday night in the area of Sequoia Street and Cottonwood Avenue According to Sheriff’s spokeswoman Gloria Orejel dispatch received a report of shots fired after a caller heard gunfire and saw people running from the area they learned that two male subjects had been involved in a fight during the party Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station at (760) 947-1500 Update: The link to the updated article is below (VVNG.com) — A heavy law enforcement presence has gathered at a Hesperia residence Tuesday afternoon Authorities are focused on a home in the 9300 block of Pecan Avenue near Juniper Street Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department including members of the Specialized Enforcement Division (SWAT) Unmarked sheriff’s vehicles and emergency personnel are also stationed nearby The reason for the response has not yet been confirmed by officials Residents in the area can expect Pecan Avenue to remain closed until further notice and a continued police presence while authorities handle the situation “This is an active investigation,” Sheriff’s spokesperson Amanda Paslak stated No further details have been released at this time (VVNG.com) — JOANN Fabrics in Hesperia remains open as of this week and store employees say they’ve received no confirmation yet on when the location will officially close While several JOANN stores across California are slated to shut down by the end of April, including some as early as Monday the 28th, the Hesperia location at 12779 Main Street is not among those with a confirmed closing date, according to a recent list published by USA Today. an employee told VVNG that the store expects to remain open into May but the exact timeline depends on how quickly inventory sells down “We haven’t been told when we’re closing yet,” the employee said and we won’t know the final sale date or markdowns until corporate announces them.” The store is actively clearing out merchandise with storewide discounts on all remaining items Some items — like Christmas floor mats — were marked up to 90% off Fixtures and furniture are also being sold In the Victor Valley 411 Facebook group several shoppers debated whether it was still worth stopping by “I went today and there’s a lot left in my opinion I keep waiting for the candles to be cheaper.” Another added that while some aisles were completely empty “There was still a lot of fabric left,” they said noting that the store had implemented “an online rule that you must buy 2 yards of fabric.” JOANN Fabrics & Crafts announced in February that it would begin closing all 800+ locations nationwide following its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing Hesperia shoppers still have time — at least for now — to take advantage of the final sales (VVNG.com) — A shocking road rage incident on Hesperia Road in Victorville on March 11 The Victorville Police Department is now asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect involved According to a post shared on the Victor Valley News Group Facebook page a 21-year-old woman was attacked by another driver after a series of aggressive actions by the assailant on the road near Chase Bank on Hesperia Road and Camanche Street The victim’s mother reported that the other vehicle allegedly cut her daughter off and brake-checked her multiple times After the victim exited her vehicle to assess the damage The woman was punched in the face and chest and her head was slammed onto the pavement The victim was transported to the hospital with a bloody lip Her 3-year-old son witnessed the assault from the backseat A video from a passerby who witnessed the incident has been shared The video has helped authorities in their investigation but they are still searching for the suspect and vehicle involved LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a92moBEHCcw The suspect is described as a Black female wearing red clothing and driving a black Ford Fusion “Deputies conducted a search for the vehicle and subject but were unable to locate a subject or vehicle matching the description,” stated Socorro Cuevas public information officer for the Victorville Police Department Eyewitnesses are encouraged to come forward with any information that could help identify the vehicle or suspect The department is investigating the case as a potential violation of California Penal Code 242 which covers simple battery as the unlawful use of force or violence upon another person Community member Jamaal Wynn posted a comment on the Facebook post “I don’t know how this truly went down but I’m just going to say this…if someone does something stupid to you in the road don’t show any signs of aggression and just let them be stupid and go on about their day.  If you happen to do something stupid to someone and you get called out apologize profusely and try to defuse things Maybe just don’t engage at all and pay better attention to the road Many road rage incidents can be avoided if people just let things go and/or apologize Never engage with an unhinged and crazy person you could literally be playing with your life.“ Anyone with information is urged to contact the Victorville Police Department at 760-241-2911 (VVNG.com) — The Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to reports of a dead body located near Joshua Street and Mariposa Road at approximately 5:26 p.m Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene and confirmed the discovery Residents of the Oak Hill community reported seeing a sheriff’s patrol vehicle stationed near the location for several hours as deputies awaited the arrival of the coroner to recover the body the coroner arrived at the scene and retrieved the deceased individual Authorities have now confirmed that the body was that of an adult male located amongst some bushes near the intersection The cause and manner of death are still pending autopsy results. The identification of the deceased has not yet been released and notification to next of kin is still underway According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department the initial notification about the body came from a tip submitted through the We-Tip hotline The Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station continues to gather information and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses Editor’s Note:This article has been updated with new information provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department The body was confirmed to be that of an adult male and the notification about the discovery came from a We-Tip call The cause and manner of death are still pending autopsy results and the identification of the deceased has not yet been made public local news accessible to everyone—because an informed community is a stronger community.