of the Lucerne Valley Unified School District has called for wise funding cuts at state and federal levels As both federal and state leaders push for streamlined education spending Livingston is offering clear support—with one firm condition: “Special Education must finally be fully funded and protected from cuts.” In a letter to government leaders, Livingston voiced strong backing for targeted reductions to the U.S. Department of Education and called for a parallel effort to reduce unnecessary layers of bureaucracy within California’s education system he made clear that the savings must be reinvested where they matter most “We can’t keep pouring money into top-heavy systems—whether in Washington or Sacramento—while our students with disabilities are still being shortchanged,” Livingston said “We need to be honest about what’s working and what’s not Broken PromiseLivingston explained that when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act became law in 1975 the federal government pledged to fund 40% of the excess costs of educating students with disabilities that number still hovers around just 13–15% Livingston called the shortfall “a broken promise” that continues to place a disproportionate burden on local school districts like Lucerne Valley Unified “Our district has done everything we can to serve our Special Education students with quality “But we’re being forced to stretch our limited dollars to fill the gap left by both the federal and state governments.” While the spotlight is often on Washington Livingston stressed that California must also look hard at its education bureaucracy “Too many of our dollars are tied up in compliance paperwork and duplicated oversight,” Livingston said “We need Sacramento to trust local educators and ensure funding flows directly to the classroom—especially for Special Education services that are federally and morally required.” Livingston emphasized that his position reflects the values of the Lucerne Valley community—fiscally responsible student-centered and rooted in local accountability “I support making smart cuts at the top so we can invest at the bottom where it matters most: with our students,” he said “Our families don’t want politics—they want results And fully funding Special Education should be one of the first things everyone can agree on.” Lucerne Valley Unified School District will continue to advocate for full federal and state funding for Special Education and urges parents and constituents to make their voices heard and finally deliver on a promise that’s nearly 50 years old.” (VVNG.com) — Authorities are investigating a shooting that left a man injured early Thursday morning in Lucerne Valley According to the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to a report of a gunshot victim at about 2:14 a.m The incident occurred near Rabbit Springs Road and Meridian Road was walking along Rabbit Springs Road when he was shot in the back by an unknown male suspect The victim was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive While conducting a follow-up investigation at the scene authorities determined that the vehicle was not connected to the shooting Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy Bowman at the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 552-6800. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 800-78-CRIME or visit www.wetip.com 📢 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 (VVNG.com) — A crash involving a big rig and a sedan left one person dead Monday night near a popular restaurant in Lucerne Valley The collision was reported at about 9:24 p.m at the intersection of State Route 247 (Old Woman Springs Road) and Barstow Road newer-model four-door sedan became lodged underneath the semi-truck’s 50-foot box trailer San Bernardino County Fire crews arrived on scene shortly after the crash was reported and assisted with the emergency response California Highway Patrol logs indicated that the semi was not hauling hazardous materials but a hard closure was later requested while authorities conducted an investigation the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Division was notified Air Expressway Tow was called to assist with clearing the wreckage from the roadway The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol The identity of the deceased has not been released Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is urged to contact the CHP Victorville Area office at (760) 241-1186 Additional details will be updated as they become available Related Article: Female Driver Killed in Crash at Old Woman Springs Road and Barstow Road Intersection Experience an unforgettable evening under the stars and moon as the San Bernardino County Library in partnership with County Museum and Regional Parks hosts an “out of this world” stargazing and lunar event on April 12 from 7-9 p.m at the Janice Horst Lucerne Valley Branch Library located at 33103 Old Woman Springs Rd This event will allow the community to explore the wonders of the night sky like never before using the library’s recently installed observatory We invite you to marvel at the April full moon commonly known as the “Pink Moon,” through smaller telescope stations perfect for celestial observation try your luck in an exciting opportunity drawing and enjoy an illuminating presentation on the observatory’s incredible capabilities be inspired by a showcase of stunning recent photos captured by the library staff using the observatory’s telescopes It’s an adventure that blends science exploration and wonder—perfect for all ages “This gathering perfectly illustrates how libraries are transforming into vibrant centers of innovation education and community connection,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco “The new observatory is an incredible asset for our patrons and we’re thrilled to highlight its potential with an enchanting evening of stargazing and astrophotography.” The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serves a diverse population over a vast geographic area The County Library strives to provide equal access to information programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home The County Library plays a key role in the achievement of the Countywide Vision by contributing to educational cultural and historical development of our county community Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative A crash between a big rig and a car left a woman dead in Lucerne Valley on Monday night at Old Woman Springs Road and Barstow Road according to the California Highway Patrol A Chrysler 200 ended up pinned beneath the truck Initial investigation revelated the woman was driving east on Old Woman Springs road "at a high rate of speed" just prior to the crash The big rig was northbound o0n Barstow Road and had entered the intersection after stopping at a stop sign the driver of the Chrysler failed to stop at the stop sign-controlled intersection and collided with the left side of the (box) trailer within the intersection," the statement said The woman driving the Chrysler died at the scene She was identified by San Bernardino County coroner's officials as No injuries to the truck driver were reported More: 4-year-old girl killed in solo-vehicle crash near Barstow can reach the CHP's Victorville Area Office at (760) 241-1186 (This story has been updated with additional information.) (VVNG.com) — An Apple Valley man was arrested for attempted murder after allegedly shooting a man in Lucerne Valley and fleeing the scene deputies from the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a shooting in the 13000 block of Visalia Avenue deputies located a confidential male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest fled the scene in a white U-HAUL Chevy Silverado pickup truck prior to deputies’ arrival With assistance from deputies assigned to the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station and the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit authorities were able to locate both Moores and the vehicle in the area of Laguna Seca Drive and Tussing Ranch Road in the unincorporated area of Apple Valley Moores was taken into custody without incident and booked for attempted murder The victim was transported to a local hospital and was reported to be in stable condition The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Detective T. Bechtol at the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at 760-552-6800. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 800-78-CRIME or online at www.wetip.com An Apple Valley man is accused of attempted murder after allegedly shooting another man in Lucerne Valley this week The shooting took place just after 8:30 p.m in a remote area along the 13000 block of Visalia Avenue San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department officials said "When deputies arrived, they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest," according to a statement from the agency The victim was hospitalized in stable condition They further learned the suspect had fled in a U-HAUL pickup truck and soon located the suspect about 15 miles away in the area of Laguna Seca Drive and Tussing Ranch Road in an unincorporated county area near Apple Valley No information regarding a motive in the shooting was available of Apple Valley was taken into custody without a struggle and booked on suspicion of attempted murder Bail was set at $1 million pending legal proceedings More: Teen suspect arrested after beer run escalates into shooting at Apple Valley Circle K Anyone with information was urged to contact Detective T. Bechtol of the Sheriff's Victor Valley Station at (760) 552-6800. Information may also be provided anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463. (VVNG) — Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department proactively patrolled an unsanctioned off-highway vehicle (OHV) event in Lucerne Valley over the weekend resulting in one arrest and multiple citations several hundred off-road enthusiasts and side-by-side vehicles gathered in the rural desert community for an unofficial event four deputies equipped with two OHV Jeeps patrolled the area to educate riders and enforce California’s OHV laws approximately 125 off-roaders were contacted during the enforcement operation One individual was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and several citations were issued for violations including operating OHVs on public roadways and failure to comply with helmet requirements Officials said deputies focused on educating attendees about the safe and appropriate use of off-road vehicles and the designated legal riding areas within San Bernardino County The Sheriff’s Department reminds the public that off-roaders are responsible for knowing and following local and state OHV regulations Residents who witness illegal OHV activity in progress are urged to contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 245-4211. Non-emergency OHV concerns can also be reported via email at OHV@sbcsd.org The public is invited to peer at the cosmos from a newly installed observatory as the San Bernardino County Library hosts a free stargazing event in Lucerne Valley this month The "April Astronomy Adventure" will take place from 7 p.m at the Janice Horst Lucerne Valley Branch Library 33103 Old Woman Springs Road in Lucerne Valley "This event will allow the community to explore the wonders of the night sky like never before using the library’s recently installed observatory," library representatives said in a written statement and enjoy an illuminating presentation on the observatory’s incredible capabilities." A collection of photos captured by library staff using the observatory's telescopes will also be on display Astronomers of all ages will we welcome at the family-friendly event More: Former astronaut to host inaugural event at new observatory in Lucerne Valley The San Bernardino County Boar of Supervisors voted to fund the  3-meter, motorized "ScopeDome" at the library site in late 2023. deputies from the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of damage at the Lucerne Valley Sheriff’s Department Sub-Station deputies discovered that the door of the sub-station had been forcibly opened the suspect did not gain entry into the building detectives identified 35-year-old Mario Morales as the individual responsible for the vandalism Bowman of the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station He was subsequently booked at the High Desert Detention Center on charges of vandalism Morales is currently being held in lieu of $30,000 bail The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy S. Bowman at the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at 760-552-6800. Callers can also remain anonymous by reaching out to We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or online at www.wetip.com A Lucerne Valley man is on a long road to recovery after he was shot and severely wounded while visiting his mother in Bullhead City Marvin Lloyd McCoy said he is working to bounce back from both physical wounds and economic hardship stemming from the broad daylight attack A bullet pierced his chest near his neck and exited from his back he said Tuesday as he continued recovering at home following a hospital stay It passed within an inch of his carotid artery The bullet also missed striking the victim's lungs by only a fraction of an inch The shooting stemmed from a seemingly inconsequential argument "I've tried and tried to come up with a reason why he would do that The shootingThe shooting took place about 2:30 p.m according to the Bullhead City Police Department McCoy said he had just arrived at his mother's home and parked his pickup truck when he was confronted by a man known to hang out in the neighborhood McCoy said he told the man he needed to leave The man lifted his shirt to display a handgun in his waistband and demanded to be shown more respect McCoy again told the man to leave and set down items he had been carrying anticipating a possible need to defend himself "As soon as I set my backpack down and got back up "It all happened before I really knew what was going on." McCoy was taken to a local hospital by ambulance before being rushed to a trauma center in Las Vegas by helicopter for further treatment He added that he began feeling lightheaded as he bled profusely while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance "I was just trying to stay awake," McCoy said Investigators quickly identified 39-year-old Tony Chafin as a suspect in the shooting but he remained at large until the night after the attack He was taken into custody about 8:45 p.m. on April 10 at an apartment in the 3500 block of Nay Sands Drive in Laughlin, Nevada, police said in a written statement A gun was seized during a search of the apartment Chafin was booked on suspicion of attempted murder aggravated assault and criminal misconduct involving weapons He was in the process of being extradited back to Arizona to face charges The road to recoveryAlthough he was happy to have been released from the hospital McCoy said he remained in a great deal of pain six days after the shooting Injuries caused by the gunshot included a broken collar bone and possible nerve damage to one of his arms It was too soon to tell whether he would regain full use of his arm adding that his doctor "sounds fairly confident I'll make a full recovery." the shooting also inflicted major financial injury McCoy said he didn't expect to be able to return to work for about six months McCoy said he was also due to lose his health insurance at the end of April Rally for Lloyd's Healing and Hope To help ease the burden, loved ones established an online fundraiser on GoFundMe.com "This has put him in some financial hardship are asking for some help from his friends so he can focus on his health without the worry of money and losing everything this man has worked so hard to get," according to his stepmother More: No victims found following shootout at crowded stadium in Adelanto Anyone with information on the case can reach the Bullhead City Police Department at (928) 763-9200 A stubborn fire gutted a home in Lucerne Valley this week Wednesday at a two-story house in the 9200 block of Cody Road San Bernardino County Fire Department officials said It may have ignited inside an attached garage Firefighters arrived to see flames burning through the roof as they spready into the attic space They pouring water on the fire and ensured there was no one inside significant fire involvement was found in the attic space," Kern said in a written statement firefighters were forced to retreat from the area A lack of fire hydrants in the area slowed firefighters' progress stored ammunition and propane tanks inside the burning area created additional hazards during firefighting operations," Kern said Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames in about 90 minutes Officials summoned the Red Cross to help a single adult resident and two dogs find temporary lodging representatives of San Bernardino County Professional Firefighters Local 935 pointed at the incident as an example of why more staffing and resources are needed in and near secluded neighborhoods Current staffing levels in Lucerne Valley are configured for emergency responses, but faces "significant operational limitations" when dealing with more complex situations, such as structure fires, requiring aid to be summoned from other fire agencies, " the union said in a written statement due to the vast coverage area and the distance between fire stations there is often a delay in receiving reinforcements," the statement said "The closest County Fire resources responding to Lucerne Valley originate from Hesperia or even Fawnskin—miles away from the incident scene This extended response time can have serious implications for fire suppression efforts and the safety of both firefighters and residents." More: 3 killed, 3 critically injured in wrong-way crash in Adelanto "San Bernardino County’s firefighters remain committed to protecting lives and property but the challenges faced in communities like Lucerne Valley highlight the urgent need for investment in staffing and resources," the statement continued so too must the fire service’s ability to meet the increasing demands of emergency response Local 935 urges county officials to prioritize funding for fire personnel to ensure that when seconds count the necessary resources are already in place to respond effectively." Superintendent Peter Livingston of the Lucerne Valley Unified School District has voiced his support of the potential shutdown of the U.S Livingston’s announcement on Monday also included his support for local control and smarter federal support “The potential closing of the Department of Education represents a pivotal opportunity to return decision-making power to the communities that know their students best,” Livingston said “Local districts like ours are best equipped to address the unique needs of our schools without one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington.” President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20 that calls for the shuttering of the U.S an agency that he called wasteful and polluted by liberal ideology Trump directed his education secretary, Linda McMahon to take "all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the States," a White House summary stated However, the order's immediate impact is unclear since only Congress can eliminate a federal agency. Additionally, the federal government does not set school curriculum, which has long been the purview of states and local school districts, USA Today reported. Livingston said as the national debate grows over the dissolvement of the Department of Education some local education leaders are voicing support — not as a move against public education “but as a step toward restoring flexibility Livingston sees the possible closure as an opportunity to rethink how education is funded and governed — especially in rural areas where distant federal mandates often don’t align with local realities Targeted federal fundingWhile advocating for reduced federal bureaucracy Livingston emphasized the continued importance of targeted federal funding — particularly in support of vulnerable student populations and under-resourced rural communities “Every dollar that goes to federal bureaucracy is a dollar that’s not going directly into classrooms,” he said “Redirecting education funding straight to local districts means we can invest more in teachers and student success — where it really matters.” Livingston pointed to specific areas where continued federal investment is both necessary and welcome — including Special Education and Title I programs which provide essential support to low-income students Livingston claims that fully funding special education is long overdue and a “federal promise that’s never been kept.” most vulnerable students deserve more than partial support “We also still need Title I money — but it doesn’t have to come through a giant bureaucracy,” he said “That funding could be managed through a streamlined agency or even block-granted directly to states and local districts with minimal strings attached.” Livingston also called for the reauthorization and full funding of the Secure Rural Schools Act — a critical program for communities that has limited access to local revenue due to large areas of federally managed land The National Forest Service said the Secure Rural Schools program provides critical funding for schools and other municipal services to more than 700 counties across the U.S A portion of Forest Service funds generated through multi-use activities are distributed to eligible counties to help maintain local roads and schools “If the federal government wants to help rural schools reauthorizing and fully funding the Secure Rural Schools Act is one of the best ways to do it,” Livingston said News, sports and more: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the Daily Press app the Department of Education oversees many federal programs and regulatory efforts Critics say it has grown into a sprawling agency that “imposes top-down control often burdening smaller districts with complex compliance requirements and limited flexibility,” Livingston said “Federal programs often come with strings attached,” Livingston said “Eliminating that layer opens the door to innovation and freedom at the district level — giving us the ability to do what works best for our students without having to ask for permission.” Livingston was clear that removing the department should not be viewed as abandoning public education — but rather as a chance to rebuild the system in a way that respects local leadership and prioritizes students over paperwork “Lucerne Valley is a strong believer in local control “The future of education doesn’t depend on more federal oversight — it depends on trusting communities to lead.” Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com A recent earthquake in the Victor Valley got the attention of some residents in Lucerne Valley and the surrounding area The 2.6 magnitude earthquake at a depth of just over 4 miles was reported at 9:09 p.m The earthquake was marked south of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks and near Crystal Creek Lucerne Valley resident Susan Wright told the Daily Press she “felt a small bump” while sitting in her family room chair Wright added that she only checked her earthquake app to confirm the quake after her two huskies “sprang up and looked confused.” (VVNG.com) — Get ready for an unforgettable evening under the stars as the San Bernardino County Library in collaboration with the County Museum and Regional Parks presents an exciting stargazing and lunar event on April 12 the Janice Horst Lucerne Valley Branch Library will transform into an astronomical hub for all ages This “out of this world” event will give attendees the chance to explore the night sky like never before using the library’s newly installed observatory Participants will enjoy a variety of interactive STEAM activities and an informative presentation about the observatory’s advanced capabilities the event will feature a stunning showcase of recent photographs taken by library staff using the observatory’s high-powered telescopes Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a first-time viewer the evening promises to be a captivating mix of science This family-friendly event is free to the public and perfect for anyone eager to experience the mysteries of the cosmos Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to discover the universe from the heart of Lucerne Valley (VVNG.com) — A fatal traffic collision occurred this afternoon near the Mitsubishi Cement Plant in Lucerne Valley CHP units were dispatched to a rollover crash on SR18 near Lincoln Road the incident involved a single vehicle rollover resulting in the driver being ejected from the car The driver’s body was discovered on the roadway soon after the accident the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office was requested to assist and the incident is currently under investigation While the identity of the deceased has not yet been released authorities continue to examine the cause of the crash it is unclear whether the hazardous weather conditions A Wind Advisory has been issued for the area, with gusty winds and rain impacting the region throughout the day, as previously reported by VVNG The investigation into the collision is being handled by the Victorville CHP Station Motorists are urged to exercise caution in the area due to ongoing stormy weather conditions Further details will be provided as they become available 🔗 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. (VVNG.com) — A solo vehicle crash occurred on Sunday night in Lucerne Valley Emergency services received the first report of the incident around 8:30 p.m at the intersection of Crystal Creek and Santa Rosa roads as noted by the California Highway Patrol logs with the driver pronounced dead at the scene Initial investigations suggest that no other vehicles or individuals were involved in the accident The identity of the deceased has yet to be disclosed pending confirmation and notification of next of kin by the San Bernardino County coroner’s office Details regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash remain sparse as the investigation is still in its preliminary phase The CHP indicated that the vehicle was found on its roof and situated on the dirt shoulder adjacent to the roadway Additional assistance from local towing services was called in to handle the situation and further information is awaited from ongoing inquiries into the incident UPDATE 11/25 — The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased driver as 23-year-old Thomas D (VVNG.com) — A structure fire in Lucerne Valley resulted in significant damage to a two-story home prompting a substantial response from San Bernardino County Fire crews who battled the blaze for approximately 90 minutes San Bernardino County Fire crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire in Lucerne Valley Crews received reports of smoke coming from the vents of a house possibly originating from an attached garage of a home in the 9200 block of Cody Avenue Firefighters arrived to find a two-story single-family residence with 25% fire involvement and active fire spread into the attic space crews initiated interior attack operations to contain the fire and perform a primary search to ensure no occupants were inside Firefighters gained access to the roof to perform vertical ventilation as well as bring hose lines aloft to aid in suppression efforts and stop the fire spread significant fire involvement was found in the attic space a primary search confirmed no occupants were inside Firefighters successfully stopped the fire from spreading further into the living spaces and several bedrooms Suppression efforts were complicated by a lack of hydrants in the area requiring multiple engine companies and a water tender to shuttle water to the scene stored ammunition and propane tanks inside the burning area created additional hazards during firefighting operations The fire was brought under control in approximately 90 minutes but extensive overhaul operations were required to ensure complete extinguishment The home sustained significant damage to the garage and approximately 50% of the structure San Bernardino County Fire responded with three engines Cal Fire and Apple Valley Fire District assisted No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters The American Red Cross was requested to assist one displaced adult and two dogs The cause of the fire remains under investigation by San Bernardino County Fire’s Office of the Fire Marshal A man killed in a violent solo-vehicle crash in Lucerne Valley last week had been identified as a 29-year-old "devoted father" from Apple Valley according to California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County coroner's officials He was at the wheel of a 2007 Honda Accord the driver of the Honda made an unsafe turning movement to the left and directly into natural vegetation," the CHP said in a written statement The Honda then continued into a raised dirt mound causing it to roll multiple times across the southbound lanes of Highway 18 along with good Samaritans including a paramedic and two nurses provided treatment to the badly injured driver Yahaira Vargas said her brother was on his way home from work when the crash took place "He was a family man coming home to his two boys," she wrote in a statement accompanying an online fundraiser to aid with funeral expenses "He was a devoted and very present father who worked tirelessly to provide for them GoFundMe: In Memory of a Devoted Father: Jose Rojas "Anyone who has ever gotten the chance to meet him will tell you that he was always happy and joking," Vargas said "This has been a tragic loss to everyone who knew him He will forever be remembered by everyone who loved him as a hard-working family man He always had everyone's best interest at heart and was quick to help anyone in need." and shrimp empanadas during a fundraiser to help with funeral costs from 10 a.m Saturday at 21145 Multnomah Road in Apple Valley More: Person killed in solo-vehicle crash along Highway 18 in Lucerne Valley Santillan of the CHP's Victorville Office at (760) 241-1186 (VVNG.com) — The driver who lost his life in a rollover crash on February 13 in Lucerne Valley has been identified as Jose Rojas The crash occurred at approximately 3:35 PM on SR18 near Lincoln Road According to the California Highway Patrol the crash involved a single vehicle that rolled over causing the driver to be ejected from the car The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office was called to assist at 4:06 PM Jose Rojas was described as a devoted father and a hard-working family man and his sudden passing has devastated those who knew him shared a heartfelt message on a GoFundMe campaign to support his family during this difficult time “He was a family man coming home to his two boys,” Yahaira wrote “He was a devoted and very present father who worked tirelessly to provide for them The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs and other expenses we are asking our community and our village to help us lay him to rest,” Yahaira added “Anything will be greatly appreciated.” Yahaira mentioned that a fundraiser will be held soon with more details to be shared as arrangements are finalized The crash initially reported near the China House restaurant was later clarified by locals with residents stating that the collision occurred near El Ranchos Farm just minutes away from the Mitsubishi Cement Plant including Destiny Coole Hernandez and Christina Olivas helped confirm the correct location of the incident It was not immediately clear whether hazardous weather conditions The Victorville CHP Station is handling the investigation Motorists wishing to help Jose Rojas’ family can visit the GoFundMe page to donate during this difficult time [Link to GoFundMe] (VVNG.com) — Two suspects were arrested after breaking a vehicle window and shooting at the victim in the Lucerne Valley Supermarket parking lot deputies were dispatched to 32946 State Highway 18 following reports of an attempted murder Konior learned the incident involved an adult male victim who was confronted by Amanda Miller Miller allegedly smashed the windows of the victim’s truck with a hammer while Esparza threatened the victim with a handgun the victim reversed his vehicle and collided with the pickup truck driven by the suspects Esparza then reportedly fired a shot at the victim’s vehicle as it drove away Esparza was arrested on charges of attempted murder and Miller was charged with vandalism over $400 Both individuals were booked at the High Desert Detention Center The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy K. Konior at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com Deputies arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with a shooting outside a Lucerne Valley market on Friday afternoon The victim escaped injury in the alleged attack in the parking lot of Lucerne Valley Market and Hardware according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department A man and woman "who are known to the victim" arrived at the business and confronted the man, sheriff's officials said in a written statement The woman smashed out the windows of the victim's truck with a hammer The man brandished a handgun and threatened the victim "The victim feared for his safety and quickly reversed his vehicle crashing into the pickup truck the suspects were driving," the statement said "Esparza fired one round at the victim’s vehicle as the victim drove away." Deputies found and arrested the suspects a little under two hours later at a home in the 9500 block of Blackhawk Trail according to sheriff's officials and county booking records No information regarding a motive was available of Lucerne Valley was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and making criminal threats of Lucerne Valley was booked on suspicion of felony vandalism Bail for Esparza was set at $1.2 million pending an initial court appearance Miller was released on bail pending legal proceedings on Saturday More: 19-year-old Victorville man killed in motorcycle crash Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sheriff's Victor Valley Station at (760) 552-6800. Information may also be submitted anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463 Homicide detectives have launched an investigation after the body of a 26-year-old Rialto man was discovered inside a secluded Lucerne Valley home which was severely damaged in a suspected arson fire the following day The body of Anthony Zamora was found about 11:40 a.m Tuesday at a home at Wilshire Road and Locust Avenue A man called the sheriff's department to report seeing what he believed to be a dead body inside the home "Responding deputies arrived and located a male subject, later identified as Anthony Zamora, deceased," sheriff's officials said in a written statement An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death the death was being investigated as a potential homicide case Officials were again summoned to the home the following afternoon when it went up in flames Deputies and firefighters found the home "fully engulfed" when they arrived sheriff's department spokeswoman Gloria Huerta said "The fire was extinguished and the incident is currently under investigation." The incident was initially being investigated as an arson No further details were available Thursday More: Man struck and killed by car along Highway 18 in Apple Valley Anyone with information was urged to contact the Sheriff's Homicide Detail at (909) 890-4904. Information may also be provided anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463. (VVNG.com) — Two men from Lucerne Valley were arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine and are currently held on a bail amount of $700,000.00 deputies from the Lucerne Valley Sub-Station served a search warrant in the 29000 block of Cove Road in Lucerne Valley.   a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine and signs of a methamphetamine conversion lab were located,” stated sheriff’s officials in a written statement San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division and San Bernardino County Fire Department Hazmat Division responded to assist with the investigation were arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance and booked at the High Desert Detention Center the chemicals found at methamphetamine conversion labs and methamphetamine clandestine labs are highly volatile and may ignite or explode if mixed or stored improperly “Fire and explosion pose risks not only to the individuals producing the drug but also to anyone in the surrounding area Toxic chemical exposure can pose a variety of health risks,” stated DEA officials The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy D. Bagwill or Depuy A. Lara, at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com Investigators dismantled an alleged methamphetamine lab and arrested two suspects in Lucerne Valley this week The raid took place about 10:45 a.m., Wednesday at a secluded property in the 29000 block of Cove Road Investigators arrived with a search warrant stemming from an ongoing investigation "During service of the warrant, a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine and signs of a methamphetamine conversion lab were located," the sheriff's department said in a written statement were arrested on suspicion of manufacturing a controlled substance Bail for the suspects was set at $700,000 each pending their initial court appearances scheduled Friday in San Bernardino County Superior Court Phelan: Body retrieved from aqueduct identified by loved ones as missing Victorville man A San Bernardino County Fire Department hazardous materials crew was called in to mitigate any potential safety hazards Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sheriff's Victor Valley Station at (760) 552-6800. Information may also be submitted anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463 Lucerne Valley Elementary School has begun implementing the Ron Clark Academy House System to improve student learning Since the start of the school year Lucerne Valley Elementary School has begun transforming into a school with four separate “houses” that comprise not just one school, but “one big family,” Lucerne Valley Unified School District officials said students are rewarded for exhibiting positive behaviors and earning points Points can be earned by acting responsibly and leaving things better than you found them The point system also reinforces general student expectations The school also displays a leaderboard to acknowledge achievement a team of educators from the school attended training in Atlanta to learn how to implement the Ron Clark Academy House System The house system was inspired by the tradition at British boarding schools that’s featured in the Harry Potter series according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution The Ron Clark Academy tries to re-create a bit of the Hogwarts wizardry school magic with the ceremony it uses to match incoming students with houses including a “wheel of houses” and an indoor slide the new system has lived up to its promises The school’s longtime Operations Assistant Dolores Barela who supervises a special class for students displaying behavioral challenges has noticed a dramatic drop-off in the number of students referred by teachers to her class Overall school attendance is also increasing That’s because of the positive influence of the House system “Kids acknowledge one another,” Barela said A group of Lucerne Valley Elementary School educators gave a spirited presentation on the status of the school’s new implementation at the board of trustees meeting on Nov “This wasn’t a typical low-key teacher’s presentation,” district leaders said all wearing colorful jackets that glittered popped up out of their school board room seats and began a four-word chant as audience cheered enthusiastically." The chant was presented by schoolteachers Stephanie Klinger physical education teacher Jamie “J.P.” Farrell and school counselor Candice Carter Each represented one of four “houses” that students were paired with The translation of the chant words explained as: Several school board members who volunteered to be “sorted” into a house spun a colorful automated spinning wheel on the large TV screen “The kids are going above and beyond this and taking ownership of our campus in brand new ways,” Klinger said To learn more about the Ron Clark Academy and its House System, visit ronclarkacademy.com Increased student attendance is benefiting teachers and pupils of the Lucerne Valley Unified School District “Average Daily Attendance” at Lucerne Valley Unified School District increased by 1.78% during the first part of the 2024-25 school year according to Superintendent Peter Livingston The increase equates to greater in-school success for students and a salary increase for teachers “If our students are at school they have more time with our incredible teachers and all our support staff,” said Livingston about the jump in attendance He added that with the COVID-19 pandemic in the rearview mirror The student increase also gives the district’s staff members a reason to smile According to last year’s agreement between the Lucerne Valley Teachers Association members of California School Employees Association Chapter 743 and the district 17 will receive an additional 1% increase ongoing and retroactively to July 1 “We agreed with our bargaining units to increase salaries based upon increase in ADA after the increases we already settled on for this year,” Mr “If we (the school district) get the funding but all of our people will be getting an additional increase in salary retroactively and ongoing due to their incredible focus on getting kids to school and helping them learn.” If Lucerne Valley Unified School District’s average daily attendance continues to climb employees will continue to benefit financially The district will be looking at the average daily attendance data again in mid-March which will reflect the second Principal Apportionment (P-2) with the California Department of Education for the 2024-25 fiscal year “If we hit a 3% total increase of ADA at that point we will honor the 2 percent increase retroactively and ongoing (one additional percent),” the superintendent said Besides a general push to increase average daily attendance Livingston credits a recent state rule change that allows districts to recover more “ADA funding” for students in independent study “I fully believe we can hit the 3 percent increase of ADA by P-2 with everyone on board with the recoup of Independent Study days,” Livingston said  Livingston expressed gratitude for all who have helped increase ADA — students “With our entire district and community on board deputies responded to a bomb threat report at the UPS facility located in the 17300 block of Jasmine Street in Victorville Public Information Officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department the threat was made by a male subject who claimed he would bring a bomb and weapons to the UPS location The threat was reported by employees at UPS’s corporate office deputies were able to identify the suspect as Jason Gullickson Warrants were issued for Gullickson’s arrest Deputies located him at his home and arrested him on charges of making criminal threats under Penal Code 422(A) with the intent to terrorize Gullickson was booked into the High Desert Detention Center (HDDC) and is being held on a $20,000 bail He is scheduled for an arraignment at a Victorville courtroom on March 3 Deputies continue to investigate the incident It’s not every day that a High Desert student receives a photo and note, both signed by “Guardians of the Galaxy” and "Jurassic World” actor Chris Pratt. Sixth-grader Dominic Dozier from Lucerne Valley Elementary School admitted it was wishful thinking when he mailed a request to Pratt The request was part of the Flat Stanley Project designed to help students improve reading and writing skills and spark interest in learning about different people in different places Lucerne Valley Elementary School library technician Candyce Kennedy selected the Flat Stanley Project as her elective for the school’s After School Program What’s a Flat Stanley?In 1995, Canadian third-grade teacher Dale Hubert started the project that includes paper cut-outs based on a 1964 children’s book “Flat Stanley” by the author Jeff Brown.  Stanley Lambchop is accidentally flattened by a falling bulletin board Stanley's parents then rolled him up and mailed him to a friend in California using “Flat Stanley” to help students improve reading and writing skills and to also spark an interest in learning about different people in different places Lucerne Valley After School Program students each wrote a story colored their cutouts of Stanley and then began mailing them out to people near and far so I had the students each choose a celebrity they would like to send one of their Stanleys to,” Kennedy said The students collected the names of a variety of celebrities “from actors “I warned the students that we most likely wouldn't be getting back anything from this endeavor “Something amazing happened,” Kennedy added “We received a reply from the actor Chris Pratt with a signed picture of him from ‘Jurassic World,’ but not only that he signed the Stanley as well!" Kennedy stated Kennedy admitted she was nervously excited the day she received Pratt’s response “I am shaking as I write this,” Kennedy said “This is going to be an amazing experience for one of our students and I can't wait to tell him!” “Dominic was completely awestruck when I did the big reveal as were the rest of the students in the elective,” she said Dominic’s school is part of the Lucerne Valley Union High School District. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz (VVNG.com) — Authorities are investigating the death of a 26-year-old Rialto man found in a home in Lucerne Valley on Tuesday morning deputies from Victor Valley responded to a residence located in the 34400 block of Wilshire Road after a reporting party expressed concerns about a potential deceased individual inside the property deputies discovered the body of Anthony Zamora The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail has taken over the investigation and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause and manner of death Deputies and firefighters returned to the same location the following afternoon to manage a fire that had engulfed the home where Zamora was found deceased According to sheriff’s department spokeswoman Gloria Huerta and the cause of the fire is now under investigation officials are treating the fire as a potential arson case Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com A man died in a solo-vehicle wreck on a remote stretch of road in Lucerne Valley on Sunday night The crash was first reported about 8:30 p.m No other vehicle or people were believed to have been involved The victim was identified by San Bernardino County coroner's officials as Thomas Murphy No further details were released as the investigation remained in its early stages More: Man killed, two people hurt in violent crash on the 15 Freeway in Victorville Anyone with information can reach the CHP's Victorville Office at (760) 241-1186 Lucerne Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees approved a project they say will save the district millions of dollars in energy costs Design-build-manage contractor SiteLogIQ will add state-of-the-art sports field lights to Lucerne Valley High School’s Ron Peavy Stadium SiteLogIQ will manage all aspects of the project The expected savings to the district are just over $2.2 million according to Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Olga Fisher Much of the savings will come from a reduction in projected electricity costs Since 1979 the cost of electricity has risen by 311% according to SiteLogIQ’s K-12 Account Executive Nick Eddy "The last three years have all been double-digit escalation rates," he added According to the SiteLogIQ representatives the cost of the project would be helped by the Inflation Reduction Act which allows the district to obtain a federal tax credit That tax credit could mean as much as 40% of the project investment would go back to the district The following are the planned improvements at each site: Middle/high school: SiteLogIQ will install 100 kW / 558 kWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to provide demand management and energy arbitrage by working in conjunction with the existing solar photovoltaic carport system replace outdated sports field lighting with new LED fixtures introduce pathway lighting between the sports field and parking lot upgrade existing building controls to Pelican Wireless TC3 thermostats replace outdated switchboard for the site’s main utility service with new district-procured switchboard at the middle/high school campus Elementary school: The company will install an additional 43.2 kilowatts of solar to offset the meter on the Lucerne Valley Elementary School’s northern end and upgrade existing building controls to the Pelican Wireless TC3 thermostat systems SiteLogIQ will replace 14 existing heat-up units and upgrade existing building controls to the Pelican Wireless TC3s SiteLogIQ plans to tackle some of the projects this school year Some of the work will start over winter break will take approximately 18 months to complete The River's Edge Ranch in Lucerne Valley known as a “Place for Second Chances,” will receive thousands of dollars of support from San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez said that he have pledged a total of $100,000 to help the nonprofit continue their mission of helping those in need “We believe in the power of second chances and are committed to helping those who need it most,” Armendarez said He explained that River's Edge Ranch is a "safe haven" for men facing drug addiction After visiting the ranch earlier this month Armendarez said he discovered that the organization uses a multi-phase approach that effectively integrates manual labor and mentoring support to restore and transform many lives “I was able to tour the ranch alongside members from San Bernardino County’s Department of Behavioral Health Department of Community Development and Housing and the Office of Homeless Services,” Armendarez said He added that the ranch plays a big part in giving hope and purpose to these individuals residents care for and connect with animals Billboard hitmaker: Christafari to bring reggae sound to Calvary Chapel Victorville “They also help out in the community by serving meals at local shelters and growing spiritually through church and Bible study,” Armendarez said “These activities teach them the value of giving back and helping others.” individuals move on to two more phases of support where they continue to live in a caring environment while receiving job training and the tools they need to find meaningful work More information on the River’s Edge Ranch can be found online at theriversedgeranch.org A retired NASA astronaut will be hosting the inaugural event at the newly completed Lucerne Valley Branch Library Observatory on Saturday evening The celebration will be led by retired NASA astronaut and Tierra Luna Engineering founder Jose M. Hernandez, whose company constructed the observatory, according to San Bernardino County Library representatives The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted last year to authorized the purchase and installation of a 3-meter motorized "ScopeDome" at the library according to the office of Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe The work was completed by Tierra Luna Engineering which specializes in aerospace and engineering outreach products Its founder, Hernandez, is a once-time migrant farmworker-turned NASA astronaut who was featured in the 2023 film "A Million Miles Away." More: Foundation fights to preserve history of American aviation at Edwards Air Force Base "This project will allow the county to engage students in real-world hands-on STEAM educational programs with a focus on space science,” Rowe said upon approval of the project the library will increase accessibility to STEAM educational resources through community engagement to keep pace with our nation’s need to inspire youth to pursue occupations in the math and science fields," she added Lucerne Valley Elementary School students recently laced up their running shoes and participated in the annual "Run in the Rocks 5K" fundraiser The event featured veteran runners with decades of running experience like third-place overall finisher Richard Redding Several new runners were members of Lucerne Valley Elementary School’s 100-Mile Club according to Lucerne Valley Unified School District officials Lucerne Valley Elementary School teachers Michelle Lane and Kari Berletich oversee the running club there are between 50 and 75 young runners who run one and three times a week in their PE classes Members can also log in miles — with a parent’s signature — at home a group of 15 club members rose early for the school district’s annual Run in the Rocks event at Lucerne Valley High School The runners ranged from first to sixth grade Run in the Rocks allowed the students to run with others of all ages broke the 30-minute mark by running 29:27 in the 5K course as the fastest youth finisher in the race that was just over three miles Club members also compete in a fun run at the end of every trimester with the entire school running around the sports field and getting an opportunity to run through a large blow-up arch Students received a T-shirt and earned trinkets like water bottles and other items as they met each 25-mile milestone and a medal at the end of the year for reaching 100 miles the 100 Mile Club gets students “up and moving,” said Vici Miller the students encourage each other and make another positive relationship,” Miller said The following are the 100 Mile Club members who participated in the Run in the Rocks event:  Run in the Rocks is a fundraiser for the Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Educational Foundation the foundation has given money for graduating senior scholarships and the annual fifth grade camping in Big Bear event several Lucerne Valley Elementary School fifth-graders attended the 2024 edition of the multi-overnight event at High Trails Science Camp The search continues for a 69-year-old Lucerne Valley man who went missing from a San Bernardino County campground more than a week ago David Mitchell was last spotted about 10 a.m walking in the Deep Creek Hot Springs area south of Apple Valley and east of Hesperia "Mitchell was last seen walking alone, per video from a trail camera, from the hot springs," sheriff's officials said in a written statement was found seemingly abandoned at the Bowen Ranch Campground detectives and deputies from the Victor Valley Station with the assistance of search and rescue volunteers conducted an extensive search of the Deep Creek Hot Springs and the surrounding areas," according to the statement "San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division conducted an aerial search of the area." Mitchell was last seen wearing an unknown color hooded sweatshirt More: Have you seen him? Lucerne Valley man vanishes from campground in Deep Hot Springs Anyone with information was asked to contact the Victor Valley Sheriff's Station at (760) 552-6800, or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Information may also be submitted anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463 Firefighters took a defensive stance and called for the brief shutdown of Highway 18 after a fire engulfed a three-story home in Lucerne Valley threatening to cause a collapse as well as spread to nearby brush on Friday afternoon The fire was first reported about 4:20 p.m according to San Bernardino County Fire Protection District logs Firefighters reported from the scene that a narrow three-story home next to a commercial structure was fully involved with flames "The fire was impinging on the residence and had extended into nearby fencing "Firefighters were initially challenged by the lack of water supply available in the local water system and had to rely on the use of a water tender and a shuttling operation from subsequent engines as they arrived." firefighters were heard warning over the radio of the entire structure's "imminent collapse." They requested the California Highway Patrol shut down both directions of Highway 18 as they worked to douse the flames and prevent them from spreading to nearby brush The closure was lifted shortly after 5 p.m. High winds helped the blaze spark several small spot fires across the highway from the burning home "These spots were quickly contained with minimal spread Crews were successful in keeping the fire to the original building of origin." Radio broadcasts indicated the bulk of the fire had been extinguished about 4:45 p.m A scorched car and pickup truck could be seen outside the charred remnants of the home More: Hesperia man's body found in desert, cause of death unclear A person died in a solo-vehicle rollover crash along Highway 18 in Lucerne Valley on Thursday afternoon The crash was first reported amid heavy rain about 3:30 p.m according to California Highway Patrol logs It was initially reported as a single-vehicle crash in which an occupant was thrown out of the wreckage The victim died at the scene and a San Bernardino County coroner's investigator was called to respond More: Man accused of biting nephew's ear off during fight in Newberry Springs can reach the CHP's Victorville Office at (760) 241-1186 (This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.) (VVNG.com) – A solo-vehicle rollover crash occurred on Highway 18 close to Joshua Road on the evening of February 18 leaving one person dead and two others in critical condition The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene shortly after 10:30 PM after receiving alerts about a vehicle overturning in the desert Witnesses reported that the vehicle had rolled into a remote area making it impossible to see from the main roadway which was found upright approximately 30 feet off the highway One individual was rushed to Providence St The condition of the other two occupants remains unknown as authorities continue to gather details Desert Valley Towing was called in to assist with the recovery of the vehicle No further details were immediately available as of Wednesday UPDATE 4/9 — The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased driver as a 48-year-old resident of Moreno Valley (VVNG) — A woman was killed following a two-vehicle crash Monday night at the intersection of Old Woman Springs Road and Barstow Road when the Barstow Dispatch Center (BDC) received reports of a traffic collision involving an ambulance responding to a call in the area Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Victorville Area along with personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to the scene and located the involved vehicles: a black Chrysler 200 and a red Freightliner truck pulling a white Stoughton box trailer First responders found a solo female driver inside the Chrysler Her identity has not yet been released by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office the Chrysler was traveling eastbound on Old Woman Springs Road at a high rate of speed when it collided with the Freightliner truck Investigators said the Freightliner was traveling northbound on Barstow Road and had entered the intersection after coming to a stop at the stop sign the Chrysler driver failed to stop at the stop sign-controlled intersection and struck the left side of the trailer The investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by the CHP Victorville Area Office Anyone with information is urged to contact Officer H Related Article: Person Killed After Sedan Becomes Trapped Under Semi in Lucerne Valley (VVNG.com) — Lucerne Valley Adult Education will host an open house at its Education Center on Tuesday guests will learn about the High School Diploma program for adults The diploma program is taught by teacher/coordinator Nancy Monson Lucerne Valley Adult Education also offers English as Second Language (ESL) classes that are taught by teacher Rene Jaime and para educator Madeline Velazquez Victor Valley College counselor Rebecca Monjaraz will be in attendance to discuss offerings at VVC Lucerne Valley Adult Education has successfully graduated over 30 adults in the last four years Lucerne Valley Adult Education is located in Room AB112 on the Lucerne Valley Middle High School campus For more information, contact Nancy Monson, Facilitator & Teacher, 760-248-2124, Ext. 7007, Nancy_monson@lucernevalleyusd.org; or Kim Anderson, Records Technician, 760-248-2124, Ext. 8122; Kim_anderson@lucernevalleyusd.org Participants from around the nation weathered blustery conditions to attend the first-ever “RoboPalooza” competition and festival at Peterman Hill a small peak about 10 miles north of Lucerne Valley The "Robotics Festival and TelePresence Competition" was organized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers considered the world's largest technical and professional organization dedicated to the advancement of technology The robotic event was created “to inspire the youth and public and to promote robotics for space in general,” said Robert Mueller a senior technologist and principal investigator at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center “Lucerne Valley is an ideal location for testing robots and simulating being on the Moon or Mars,” Mueller said Lucerne Valley Unified School District Superintendent Peter Livingston invited teachers to bring students to the event Accepting the invitation were students from Lucerne Valley Elementary School The students had the rare opportunity to see representatives from top robotics demonstrate their creations during the Nov there was the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Telepresence Competition with a $5,000 prize Grazing goats could soon be used to prevent fires by eating away grasslands and heavy shrub fire areas of Southern California California’s wildfire season has long been a source of anxiety for communities across the state prompting innovative solutions to manage fire-prone areas Many believe Lucerne Valley Unified School District Superintendent Peter Livingston’s goat proposal would be a win-win situation for fire control and education The proposed initiative by Livingston includes rural school districts in California exploring plans to raise goats in Future Farmers of America programs and lease them to the state for wildfire prevention Grazing goats conceptCalifornia’s grasslands and shrub-heavy areas are natural tinderboxes known as “nature’s lawnmowers,” are uniquely equipped to reduce this risk Goats can clear dense underbrush and dry vegetation more effectively and sustainably than heavy machinery By integrating goat husbandry into Future Farmers of America programs students would gain hands-on agricultural experience while contributing to wildfire prevention efforts "Our students are the heart of our rural communities and giving them a tangible role in protecting California is an opportunity we can’t pass up," Livingston said and provide a vital service to the state." The initiative would see rural schools across California raising herds of goats through their FFA programs trained and managed by students under the supervision of experienced agricultural advisors would be leased to state and local fire departments or land management agencies These goats would then be deployed to graze on fire-prone vegetation reducing the fuel available for potential wildfires “Revenue generated from leasing the goats could be reinvested into the schools funding everything from additional agricultural projects to scholarships for students pursuing careers in environmental science or animal husbandry,” Livingston said Livingston said the goat program presents several clear advantages Fire prevention: Regular goat grazing would reduce the buildup of dry vegetation directly mitigating the risks of wildfires Educational opportunities: Students can gain practical experience in animal care aligning with FFA’s mission to prepare future leaders in agriculture.Economic viability: Leasing goats would generate a new school revenue stream lessening financial strain on rural districts.Environmental impact: Goats offer an eco-friendly alternative to mechanical clearing reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional methods.Immediate impactSimilar programs that involve goats aren’t unprecedented Colorado and Oregon have successfully used goats for fire mitigation integrating these efforts into school systems is an innovative twist that could serve as a model for other states "When students see the immediate impact of their work—helping prevent devastating wildfires—it inspires a deeper connection to their education and their community," he said "This program could become a cornerstone of rural education in California." The Lucerne Valley Unified School District plans to pilot the program with local fire agencies and agricultural experts The school district would first need the support of Gov the initiative could expand to other rural districts across the state “As California continues to battle increasingly severe wildfires innovative solutions are more important than ever,” Livingston said “By empowering rural students to take an active role in fire prevention this program not only addresses a critical environmental need but also invests in the future of agriculture and education.” Livingston said he and others are championing the fire control effort adding that "This is about equipping our students with the tools to succeed while making our state safer for everyone Anyone interested in learning more about the program or supporting its development can contact the Lucerne Valley Unified School District’s administrative office at 760-248-6108, or by visiting lucernevalleyusd.org Deputies rolled out in off-highway vehicles of their own to conduct OHV enforcement and education campaigns in the Victor Valley including at a large "unsanctioned off-road event" in Lucerne Valley The Lucerne Valley gathering took place Saturday "Several hundred people and side-by-side vehicles attended the gathering," according to a sheriff's department statement Four deputies used two department off-road vehicles "to educate off-roaders and enforce California and OHV laws," according to the statement "Educational efforts were focused on safe and appropriate use of OHVs Roughly 125 off-road enthusiasts were contacted by the deputies One person was arrested on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle and several tickets were issued for offenses such riding without a helmet or registration A similar operation took place Monday, April 7, near the newly-opened Silverwood community in Hesperia More: Man and teenage boy killed after car slams into utility pole in Apple Valley About 70 people riding ATVs and other off-road vehicle were approached by deputies, the Hesperia Police Department said via social media Off-road vehicles are not allowed to operate in Hesperia "The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reminds off-road enthusiasts to be familiar with local and state laws regarding the safe and lawful operation of OHVs and legal OHV riding areas in San Bernardino County," according to the statement In-progress illegal off-roading can be reported to the sheriff's department's non-emergency line at (760) 245-4211. Concerns may also be emailed to the department at OHV@sbcsd.org (VVNG.com) — Between October 19 and October 25 investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division served eight search warrants and contacted suspects at various locations in Lucerne Valley and Hesperia investigators contacted gang members and persons prohibited from possessing firearms The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors authorized funds for county-wide crime suppression The intent is to provide additional funding to the Sheriff’s Department allowing for increased law enforcement services related to quality-of-life issues affecting the communities in our county Operation Consequences will focus on conducting targeted crime suppression operations in the High Desert and the Sheriff’s jurisdiction surrounding the city of San Bernardino The operation will include personnel from the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division United States Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force and Department of Homeland Security Investigations Operation Consequences will take place over the next several months to curb violent crime disrupt and dismantle targeted criminal street gangs and locate and arrest criminals who are illegally possessing Lucerne Valley Middle High School has met the challenges of teaching an influx of students whose native language is not English While the school population has risen by 49% since 2020 the number of English language learners has skyrocketed by 203% said Lucerne Valley High School mathematics teacher Cynthia Parker The math teacher is part of a Lucerne Valley Middle/High School team tasked with examining the school’s English language learner numbers and other aspects of learning Parker reported her findings to the school board on Oct “It’s a very rapid increase that we are trying to quickly respond to,” Lucerne Valley Assistant Principal Jessica Haecker said Hispanic students have thrived in all areas of student life in Lucerne Valley Hispanic students are in Eagle Leadership positions and serve as school representatives at school board meetings The elementary students have had similar success at the Middle School and bilingual Spanish-speaking students serve as officers at the high school’s Future Farmers of America organization and on the Associated Student Body three of the top five graduating seniors were Hispanic including valedictorian Itzel Ramirez Tapia she thanked her father in English and Spanish for coming to the United States so she and her siblings could pursue the American Dream is now a student at the University of California Berkeley Senior Zochil Castillo said she was shy and nervous when she first came to the high school but now the school “feels very positive and welcoming.” District officials said the school’s English Language Development program is making a difference in Castillo's ability to comprehend and speak English “There are lots of things I still don't know or understand but I am learning a lot,” and teachers in general “are very helpful when I don't understand something; they always help me,” Castillos said credits his ELD class for keeping him interested “It’s making me learn more and more about English It’s pretty interesting the stuff we are doing,” said Luna who shared his appreciation for the assistance he receives from all teachers at the high school “The things they are teaching me are really interesting While most of the new ELL students are native Spanish speakers the middle high school has also welcomed new students coming from different parts of the world “That’s the coolest thing to see,” Principal Jason Story said “When a new kid comes to your campus a lot of times they’re scared they’re really secluded and that takes a while — weeks You’ll see them the next day on our campus smiling like they’ve been there their whole lives And it doesn’t matter where they’re coming from — Palestine “We have students transferring from other nearby schools all the time,” Parker said adding that she has also observed that new students assimilate quickly “It’s a very friendly environment to be a part of.” The school district also encourages parents to attend regular English Language Advisory Committee meetings that are held throughout the school year she encourages students to strive to be 1% better every day and teachers to pass along that mindset “That’s something that we started talking about with our students,” Parker said “We’re trying to put in their minds that it’s not about scoring the highest on the test but it’s more about ‘Hey how did you do last time and just do a little better.’ Every time just a little bit better.” Parker added that it’s important for teachers to encourage freshmen and sophomores to adopt that mindset “By the time they are juniors or seniors that should already be a habit to them.” School administrators are confident both the students and teachers are up to the challenge “Our teachers have been phenomenal,” Haecker said but we’re blessed to have such an awesome staff.” One person was killed following a collision involving a big rig and a sedan near Cafe 247 in Lucerne Valley, San Bernardino County At approximately 9:24 p.m., personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Department were dispatched to the intersection of State Route 247 (Old Woman Springs Road) and Barstow Road following reports of a two-vehicle crash newer-model four-door sedan had become lodged underneath the semi-truck’s 50-foot box trailer and the California Highway Patrol confirmed that the semi was not transporting hazardous materials at the time Truck accidents can occur for various reasons often stemming from negligence or violations of safety regulations even minor mistakes can lead to catastrophic outcomes If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, our San Bernardino County truck accident lawyers are here to provide you with expert legal guidance and support during this challenging time Arash Law has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted personal injury law firms in San Bernardino County and the entire state of California. With over $750 million in settlements and verdicts our attorneys have helped countless clients rebuild their lives after accidents We are committed to doing the same for you Your health and ability to secure fair compensation may be significantly impacted by the steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident but it’s also easy to make mistakes under pressure Our truck accident attorneys in San Bernardino County recommend that you take these important steps after being in an accident in order to safeguard your health and legal rights: I HAD AN ACCIDENT In 2022, 4,764 people lost their lives in major truck accidents The number of fatalities from large truck crashes increased by 51% in 2022 compared to 2009 the lowest since fatal crash data collection began in 1975 The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has provided the following additional key statistics: If you or someone you care about is hurt in a truck incident you do not have to go through this difficult time alone Our dedicated San Bernardino County truck accident attorneys are here for you We are committed to safeguarding your rights at all stages of the process Six people were injured following a five-vehicle crash on the northbound 15 Freeway near Highway 138 in the Cajon Pass A bicyclist sustained serious injuries after being hit by a vehicle in Sacramento on Saturday evening According to the Sacramento Police Department and another woman and two children sustained injuries following a two-vehicle head-on crash in El Dorado Hills A motorcyclist was killed following a suspected DUI crash in Merced on Saturday afternoon Two young men were killed following a suspected DUI crash in Fresno on Friday night and two others sustained non-life-threatening injuries following a multi-vehicle collision in the Westlake community of Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon California’s Powerhouse Accident Lawyers With a consecutively proven track record Disclaimer: Not every one of our firm’s attorneys has received the recognitions stated here Visit the attorneys’ specific profile page under the ‘Our Firm’ tab for specific attorney recognitions (888) 488-1391 Do I Have A Case? Let’s Chat 2960 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 9001024hr Local Line: (213) 277-587824hr Local Line: (310) 277-7529Available by appointment only 333 University Ave. #200Sacramento, CA 9582524hr Local Line: (916) 414-9552Available by appointment only 505 Montgomery St. #1000San Francisco, CA 9411124hr Local Line: (415) 969-7799Available by appointment only 15233 Ventura Blvd. #500Sherman Oaks, CA 9140324hr Local Line: (818) 696-4440Available by appointment only 99 South Almaden Blvd. #600San Jose, CA 9511324hr Local Line: (408) 766-3161Available by appointment only 11801 Pierce St. #200Riverside, CA 9250524hr Local Line: (951) 530-4659Available by appointment only 8880 Rio San Diego Dr #800San Diego, CA 9210824hr Local Line: (619) 431-4840Available by appointment only 185 N. Hill Ave. #201Pasadena, CA 9110624hr Local Line: (626) 723-3933Available by appointment only This website is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read on this site Using this site or communicating with the law offices of arash khorsandi through this site does not form an attorney/Client relationship Copyright © 2025 The Law Office of Arash Khorsandi Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Accessibility | Careers WE’VE RECOVERED OVER $750 MILLION FOR OUR CLIENTS (VVNG.com) — A three-story structure fire prompted officials to shut down Highway 18 in the community of Lucerne Valley on Friday afternoon The old wooden tower was located behind the former Lucerne Valley Leader office Firefighters with San Bernardino County Fire responded to the incident and reported heavy flames and smoke showing from the three-story structure crews reported the entire structure’s “imminent collapse.” The bulk of the fire was knocked down by 4:45 pm and the closure of Highway 18 was lifted shortly after 5:00 pm No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation local news accessible to everyone—because an informed community is a stronger community.