Desert Local NewsAugust 31, 2009 Edition

DESERT LOCAL NEWS ‘Meet the Candidates’ August 31, 2009 ©

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Marion Ashley, Jeff Bowman and Dick Cromwell

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22 DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA August 31, 2009

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EDITORIAL/EXCLUSIVE- It was recommended by Roy Wilson himself

that State Senator John Benoit take over his seat with the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, five days before his death via a resignation letter. However, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger could pick someone else if he wanted to, according to fellow supervisor Marion Ashley.

Speaking to Desert Local News, Ashley pointed out how Former State Senator Jim Battin and Former Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia may be in the running for the late Wilson’s spot. “They are all good candidates, and I am willing to work with any of them,” he explained.

Benoit, Battin and Garcia are all Republicans. If Benoit is chosen, then a special election must be held to replace his vacant seat in the Senate. If Battin or Garcia get chosen, then the seat will be filled until the term expires. A decision is expected in thirty days.

In the meantime, the County Board of Supervisors will be discussing the naming of the Thousand Palms Fire Station and dedicating the West Valley Homeless Shelter in honor of Wilson on Tuesday.

Wilson left quite an impact on Desert Hot Springs as well as Palm Desert, as Mayor Yvonne Parks and Mayor Pro Tem Karl Baker have stated previously in a past article. City Manager Rick Daniels served on the Salton Sea Authority with Wilson and considered him a good friend.

Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack added, “I was privileged to call Roy my friend, and I will miss him greatly. He gave so much of himself to the community and causes he championed, and did so without thought of his own benefit or recognition.

“Roy Wilson exemplifies all that is good in public service, and our entire community owes him a great debt of gratitude. His legacy will continue in the hearts of those he helped and in the many achievements he accomplished on behalf of our region.”

Wilson’s legacy includes bringing the two major universities of California to Palm Desert to set up shop near the corner of Cook Street and the I-10 Freeway. He was also active in the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, which protects up to 27 different plants and animals. He was also a journalism teacher at College of the Desert.

Wilson also had extensive media experience. He has worked for the Turlock Daily Journal, radio station KYNO in Fresno, and as a summer interviewer for KABL-TV in Palm Desert. In 1967, he became a professor at College of the Desert and began teaching journalism.

In 1977, Wilson was appointed to the city council, and he was re-elected to his post in 1978, 1982, 1986 and 1990, serving four one-year stints as mayor. He served on the council for 17 ½ years before challenging a field of 7 candidates (including: Carol Engelhard, John Pena, Rolf Arnhym, Bradley Franks, Matt Monica, Steve Jones, Barbara Slavens) in a bid to replace retiring Fourth District Supervisor Patricia “Corky” Larson.

Wilson will be missed by many in the Coachella Valley. He was truly a legend that nobody could replace, as Ashley had stated.

Roy Wilson, recently resigned County Supervisor for the 4th District of

Riverside County, died suddenly at his Palm Desert home at around 6:30 p.m.

on Wednesday. He was 74.

BY LESLIE ANDREWS

Who will take over Wilson’s Seat?

3ELECTION 2009 • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009 3

Who will take over Wilson’s Seat?

4 DHS ELECTION 2009 • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

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DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- It was a happy day, it was an emotional

day as Desert Hot Springs City Councilman Scott Matas held a meet-and-greet Thursday night at the Capri Restaurant.

Joining Matas in support of his campaign were Mayor Yvonne Parks, Councilwoman Jan Pye, Mission Springs Water District contenders Dick Cromwell and Jeff Bowman plus County Supervisor Marion Ashley.

“It has been a pleasure working with Scott. It’s been three years and he’s done the best anybody has ever done,” said Mayor Parks. Councilwoman Pye adds, “He has turned around and made Desert Hot Springs a better place.” She brings up how Matas has served the city best with public safety issues and that he was responsible for Operation Falling Sun, which netted 120 criminals off the streets.

Ashley came up to speak in support of his friend, and also to mention a few words about his fallen colleague, Roy Wilson. “I’m here to support Scott for the City Council. He and this council are doing a great job,” he said. “When you start working together, you begin to move forward. The streets are taken care of, the parks are cared for, the police department has been beefed up. You’re going up.” Wilson, another supporter and friend of Matas, had died on Wednesday unexpectedly five days after submitting a resignation from office.

Matas concluded, “I want to see the city move in the right direction. The last two years, I’ve accomplished a lot for Desert Hot Springs. Public Safety was my first priority. Give me a couple more years and you’ll see more wonders in this city.”

Matas was born and raised in Desert Hot Springs.

A Scott Matas Meet and Greet at the Capri

Host Riverside Superviser Marion Ashley and DHS City Council member Scott Matas

Superviser Marion Ashley and DHS Mayor Yvonne Parks

5MEET THE CANDIDATES • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009


Paid for by the Committee to elect Russell Betts I.D.1317810

A Scott Matas Meet and Greet at the Capri

Marion Ashley, Jeff Bowman and Dick Cromwell

Scott Matas and supporters

Marion Ashley, Jan Pye

6 DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

COME ON DOWN!!!!Carl May Center on West Drive

10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – SaturdaySeptember 12, 2009

MEET THE CANDIDATES – HEAR THEIR VIEWS

Candidates for the City of Desert Hot Springs

Mayor Mayor Yvonne Parks

Councilman Russell BettsCouncil

Councilman Scott Matas

Councilwoman Jan Pye

Commissioner Russ Martin

Citizen Robert Bentley

Candidates for Mission Springs Water District

Directors President Nancy Wright

Director Randy Wright

Citizen Jeff Bowman

Citizen Dick Cromwell III

Come listen to the candidates as they respond to questions

That deal with the critical issues that impact Your future – Your home - Your pocketbook

Bring a Friend – Get Informed – Prepare to Vote

It Does Make A Difference!!

SponsorsDesert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce

Desert Local News

5DESERT LOCAL NEWS • FEBRUARY 4, 2009 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009 7

All services will be held at: Mission Lakes Country Club, 8484 Clubhouse Blvd, DHS

Drive through the complex to the Club House

Rosh HaShanah Services Friday, September 18 7:00pm Rosh HaShanah Services Saturday, September 19 10:00am Kol Nidre Services Sunday, September 27 7:00pm Yom Kippur Services Monday, September 28 10:00am

Discussion groups at 1:00 Yizkor at 4:00 Nilah at 4:30

BREAKFAST served after services No charge for residents of DHS – non-residents $20

Jewish Family Service of the Desert presents these services to the Jewish Residents of Desert Hot Springs as part of a financial

allocation from Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and the Desert Area.

For more information, please call 760-325-4088

No charge for services to residents of DHS non-residents $30

HIGH HOLIDAYS DESERT HOT SPRINGS

8 CALIFORNIAS SPA CITY • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

Nestled in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park, beautiful Miracle Springs Resort and Spa overlooks the Palm Springs Valley. 110 Large, Comfortable Rooms ~ 8 Natural Hot Mineral Water Pools ~ Excellent Restaurant ~ Lounge ~ Full-Service Spa ~ Weddings and Banquets.

Call 1-800-400-4414 for more information about MIRACLE SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

Miracle Springs Resort & Spa

9DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

Nestled in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park, beautiful Miracle Springs Resort and Spa overlooks the Palm Springs Valley. 110 Large, Comfortable Rooms ~ 8 Natural Hot Mineral Water Pools ~ Excellent Restaurant ~ Lounge ~ Full-Service Spa ~ Weddings and Banquets.

Call 1-800-400-4414 for more information about MIRACLE SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

Miracle Springs Resort & Spa

There are some political issues I do not favor and I presume you have your set of issues with which you disagree. Last weekend while having cheese and crackers with some friends in the cool of coastal Orange County one of them asked, “What can we do?” My response to her was, “Use your writing skills to tell our electeds what you think.” Many think our system of government is ‘fixed’ or fatally flawed and thus there is nothing we can do. This is sad.

I teach at a community college where many of my students are the first to graduate from high school. They will go on to be the first to earn a two year degree and hopefully a four year degree. They face enormous cultural pressure to join the family business or get a good job. However, that is not the future of their dreams. So in class we not only teach subject matter we encourage, cajole and dream build. But most of all we teach – Do not walk off the field

of battle before it is over. We teach, when you leave the field you will either carry your shield or your shield will carry you. They understand this. Work hard, study hard, ask for help from the teacher, get a tutor, but do not say, “I cannot …” without a valiant battle.

This same philosophy applies to the political arena. Many have prematurely walked off the field. Simply look at the percentage of citizens voting. It may be the poorest level of electoral participation in a viable western democracy. Many exclaim, “My vote will not make one bit of difference!” You can take this to the bank, if it is still in business, this year it will!

In earlier issues of Squeeze I have talked about growing weary. Now is not the time to become weary, if anything, we have to become vigilant. We have been politically sliced and diced so neatly over the past 50 years it has been almost painless. During those years has our

post office provided better services? Have our schools improved? Do we feel more secure in our homes? Do not misunderstand me, I love this country, there is none finer. However, our freedom has been slowly eroding and without concerted effort over the next 15 months we will experience the greatest peace time loss of freedom - ever.

If you want a great read get Tom Palmer’s new book Realizing Freedom. He discusses at length the difficulty of declaring that food, housing, clothing, medical care and certain social services are among a declaration of rights. Dr. Palmer, cautions us not to confuse freedom with ability, knowledge, virtue, health or wealth, but recognize that because of freedom we enjoy prosperity, peace, dignity, knowledge, health and a host of other benefits. F. A. Hayek described it well when stating that freedom is, “independence from the arbitrary will of another.”

That should be our measuring stick as we deliberate health care, cap and trade, federal bailouts, czarist salary reviews, government ownership of the automobile industry, clunker allowances, tax credits for select home buyers and the imperious conduct of those sent to distant places as our representatives. Do not allow them to operate in a vacuum. I state, unequivocally that those who do not subscribe to Hayek, will always be vigilant nor will they grow weary.

Tomorrow I return to teaching after a busy summer. I pray you have enjoyed what I have written in twenty editions of Squeeze. I intend to keep writing. We will cover a wide range of topics whose underlying theme will be ‘freedom’ unadulterated and unmodified. Freedom is the foundation for your ability to freely make choices for yourself and those you love.

To be continued …

The Squeeze Is On #19

BY HANK HOHENSTEINFormer DHS Citycouncilman

Hank Hohenstein


C DESERT HOT SPRINGS REAL ESTATE August 31, 200910

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Debbie McGowan

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C DESERT HOT SPRINGS REAL ESTATE August 31, 2009 11REAL ESTATE • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

Having been the former Mayor of the City of

Desert Hot Springs, and being a longtime real estate broker, few can better express the uniqueness of the City of Desert Hot Springs and Coachella Valley at large

and articulate the full brightness of its’ socio-economic and political future to an investor/developer.

Yes! Investment opportunities do still exist, even in

today’s volatile marketplace. Entrepreneurship is the key to success! One has to create ones own economic recovery “stimulus plan and implement it with extreme

prejudice!”

Need local help implementing your “stimulus plan”, I might be the land acquisition, development, sales

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If you know what you want, I can help you get it!

Let me turn local “red tape” into “red carpet

Alex W. Bias Broker/OwnerFormer Mayor

of Desert Hot Springs

Phone: 760-464-4470 E-mail: [email protected]

12 DHS ELECTION 2009 • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- In 2007, the citizens of

Desert Hot Springs elected their first female mayor. Nearly two years later, Yvonne Parks is seeking reelection. Desert Local News sits down with Mayor Parks and talks about all of the achievements she has made in her city and why she believes she should be elected once more.

“Through my leadership, we’ve built a team. We’ve accomplished a lot in less than two years,” she says.

For starters, at least 37 miles of roads in the city have been repaved. The parks, including Mission Springs, has been renovated. Crime has been reduced by 30 percent and the police force has nearly doubled. “It’s been a great two years, but we’ve had to make a lot of tough decisions. I think it’s just extremely important that we maintain what we have,” Parks explains. “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The length of the city council meetings have also shortened, going from all-nighters to nothing lasting more than three and a half hours long. Parks’ leadership was responsible for making the meetings more progressive. Plus, she credits the staff she has worked with (City Manager Rick Daniels, Police Chief Pat Williams, etc)

for the progress that has been made. “We are no longer the city with the worst crime in the Inland Empire,” she states.

Parks wants to see more things achieved for Desert Hot Springs. She adds, “I want to see the downtown revitalized. I want to see the streetscape completed with the halo intersection at Pierson and Palm. I want to see the Boys and Girls club completed, which will be a larger facility. I look forward to seeing an aquatic center for the high school kids. Our Annexation to the I-10 goes before LAFCO on September 24th.”

The image of the city has made a turnaround, says Parks as she further describes how Desert Hot Springs has gone from the laughing stock of the Coachella Valley to becoming a progressive city like all others in the Inland Empire. “I’ve raised the status of our city. They now see Desert Hot Springs with a new eye,” she says. “We have a good working council.”

Parks promises that this will be a clean campaign. “Most of the people have been happy with what I have done as Mayor here,” she states. “I’m very willing to share, and it builds teamwork.”

Yvonne Parks:Hoping For A Second

Time Around As Mayor

BY LESLIE ANDREWS

Desert Hot Springs Mayor Yvonne Parks ~ Photo by Bruce Montgomery

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13MEET THE CANDIDATES • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- Russell Betts became active in the Desert Hot Springs community shortly after arriving at the city in 2002. In 2007, he won a seat on the City Council after a campaign where he gained nearly twice the votes of the next highest vote getter. “That got me a seat on our city council,” said Betts. “It’s what you do with the seat afterwards that counts.”

Shortly after the new city council took office each council member was given an assignment to look into problems in the city. Betts was assigned to a sub-committee to look at failing residential streets. Most of the streets had not been paved in over 15 years. Betts said the first question was everyone saying there could not be new streets until the water district installed sewers. “I got together with the water district and decided any streets not going to get sewers in the next two years needed to get paved.”

“That ended up being called a $50 million problem, that’s how much the estimate was to pave all those streets,” he said. “In the end, we settled on resurfacing and checked the plan with private civil engineers.” Using that plan, the city will be done with 37 miles of paving next month.

On his race for mayor, Betts said he and Mayor Yvonne Parks get along very well. He said both of them ran positive campaigns in the last election.

“I watched as Yvonne stayed on a positive message. I used the same approach and will this election also. That raised the question why is Betts running for mayor.

“Yvonne and I have some profound differences of direction on key issues,” said Betts. “One of the bigger ones is taxes, specifically the parcel tax. A plan developed last winter placed too high a burden on homeowners, small store owners and our hotels and I objected.” Betts explained that homeowners were going to be asked to pay $240 a year while large land owners were only going to have to pay $4 a year. He said that was unfair.

“Yvonne’s position is that because there are not police and fire calls to vacant land that land owners should not have to pay,” said Betts. “We need more police and have to pay for them but large land owners also benefit from a safer community.” Betts said that instead of the issue being decided after the election that he thought the voters should have the ability to decide this election.

On other issues, Betts said he is working on issues he started even before he got onto the city council. One is to make sure developers meet the same standards other cities require. Stalled developments where the city did not get guarantees to finish the project and an apartment complex that was allowed to be built without a

building permit are others. Betts and his wife Meina

moved to Desert Hot Springs in 2002. He said they were trying to decide between Desert Hot Springs and LaQuinta. “We saw a great value in the home we purchased and figured Desert Hot Springs would be the next renaissance in the Valley.” He said when he did not see progress he got involved.

“We are starting to see progress. The improvement in public safety is an important one,” he said. “I don’t think there will be any more buildings put up without permits. But we have to remember it is only a start. We have a lot of hard work ahead.”

Betts said he wants to do the same for Palm Drive that he did for the streets, emphasizing he means all of Palm Drive from

the city limits. “We have world class spa hotel resorts. We have to carry that standard to the rest of our city.”

For the youth, Betts says a lot progress has been made like a new Boys and Girls club building coming in 2010 and a new little league park. “We’ve made a good start for our kids. But some of our youth are getting into problems and we need a police youth mentoring program.” Overall, Betts says the direction of the city comes down to identifying the need. “Once you know the objective, the rest is planning and getting it done.”

Betts spent 25 years in a manufacturing business before moving to Desert Hot Springs. He and his wife own and operate Meina’s Hair Salon.

Russell Betts: Betting On A

Mayoral PositionBY STAFF

Desert Hot Springs Mayor Yvonne Parks ~ Photo by Bruce Montgomery

Desert Hot Springs City Councilman Russell BettsPhoto by Bruce Montgomery

14 15MISSION SPRINGS WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTION

DESERT HOT SPRINGS – Dick Cromwell, a former Desert Hot

Springs City Councilman and nationally-recognized pioneer in the use of alternate fuels, has taken out papers for the Mission Springs Water District Board of Directors, one of two district openings on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Cromwell, a long-time Desert Hot

Springs resident, has attended MSWD board meetings for more than two years. Concerned the district is not doing enough to protect its award-winning water is the primary reason Cromwell decided to run.

“Our water is our city’s priceless brand.

It is the primary reason people live and visit here,” Cromwell stated.” Yet, it has been too easy to look the other way as the population grows and septic tanks age and are poorly maintained. It’s time to get serious about protecting our water with more than lip service.”

Cromwell outlined a three-point plan:

Completely sewer the city. Improve residential and commercial septic tank maintenance in the interim through

partnerships with MSWD, the City and the private sector. Move the Horton Sewer Treatment Plant to a new location that cannot encroach on residents and visitors.

Cromwell understands these are costly

projects that cannot be borne by the city’s residential and business community. His plans depend largely on federal grants and his experience as a consultant familiar with the inner-workings of Sacramento and the nation’s capitol.

In the case of the Assessment District

12 passed in 2004 to provide some 12,000 sewer hook ups, the property owner was to pay the first $4,100 with MSWD paying the balance. Cromwell notes that he believes MSWD is obligated to find the money to pay its share of the approximately 6,000 District 12 properties that have still not been hooked up.

“Our needs are exactly where grant

money should be spent. Without these improvements, the community one day could find itself in the same position as the Cathedral City Cove where the state gave the residents a deadline to get rid of septic

tanks or abandon their homes. Development of these plans and

implementing them will take expertise, connections, patience and, above all, leadership, he said. “I love this city and it deserves a major effort to protect its future,” Cromwell noted.

Cromwell is founder of the Coachella

Valley Clean Cities Region and co-developer, in partnership with COD, of a CNG training program that is in use worldwide. The training program later was the basis for the nation’s first community college curriculum for hydrogen fuel cells. Cromwell is a former SunLine Transit Agency general manager, City of Desert Hot Springs Planning Commissioner and Palm Springs Unified School District Board member, serving one year as district president. Cromwell has received many awards for his innovative technological leadership. He is a consultant to the clean energy transportation industry and has also served as a consultant to the City of Desert Hot Springs.

Cromwell Seeks Mission Springs Water Board Seat

BY LESLIE ANDREWS

©

14 15MEET THE CANDIDATES • DESERT LOCAL NEWS Agust 31, 2009


DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA-

For six years, Jeff Bowman has led a successful hotel business in Desert Hot Springs and has been an active leader in his community. Desert Local News sits down with Bowman and discusses his plans to seek a seat with the Mission Springs Water District.

Bowman, owner of the Living Waters Spa hotel, states that the MSWD has not lived up to their promises when it comes to creating sewers and wells throughout the city. “I feel strongly that the board needs to meet the needs of the community,” he says. “I feel that the MSWD has let us down in terms of sewers and water production.” Bowman goes on to say that a full-city sewer system was promised by the year 2005, but so far, slightly less than half of the city has been sewered.

Bowman has been studying the way the district works by recently taking tours of some of their activities, such as water production. “As of right now, they have only put in one new well,” he said. “They promised to have five new wells by 2010. We’re four wells behind.” He goes on to say that one well has uranium in it, which is located near the Mission Lakes Country Club. So far, nearly a half million dollars have been spent to clean that well.

Financially, Bowman adds that the

district has been burning through their reserve money, due to a $3.5 million deficit. “These problems could have been avoided if they were proactive and planned,” he states. “The district has served the community well since its existence, but during the last couple of years, they have not. They need new faces on the board.” Bowman objected to a recent major increase in water rates, saying that gradual increases could have been done instead. “I think it’s wrong that they did it in one big chunk like that. It’s a huge infrastructure that has to be developed.”

Bowman brings to his campaign years of experience in serving the public, volunteering his time to make Desert Hot Springs a better place. Currently, he serves as the chair of the city’s Public Safety Commission. He and his wife Judy have been honored with “Businesspersons of the Year” in 2006, and their hotel is top-rated.

When the Bowmans came to town, the city council had a lot of issues at the time. Bowman feels that the current council is the most progressive one so far. Both he and many others believe that they are moving the city forward. “Now’s the time to prepare for the next big wave in the city,” Bowman continues. “I’m a make-it-happen kind of guy and the Water District is a great place for me to apply.”

Jeff Bowman: Hoping For Change at MSWD

BY LESLIE ANDREWS

Jeff Bowman candidate for MSWD director seat

DESERT HOT SPRINGS – Dick Cromwell, a former Desert Hot

Springs City Councilman and nationally-recognized pioneer in the use of alternate fuels, has taken out papers for the Mission Springs Water District Board of Directors, one of two district openings on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Cromwell, a long-time Desert Hot

Springs resident, has attended MSWD board meetings for more than two years. Concerned the district is not doing enough to protect its award-winning water is the primary reason Cromwell decided to run.

“Our water is our city’s priceless brand.

It is the primary reason people live and visit here,” Cromwell stated.” Yet, it has been too easy to look the other way as the population grows and septic tanks age and are poorly maintained. It’s time to get serious about protecting our water with more than lip service.”

Cromwell outlined a three-point plan:

Completely sewer the city. Improve residential and commercial septic tank maintenance in the interim through

partnerships with MSWD, the City and the private sector. Move the Horton Sewer Treatment Plant to a new location that cannot encroach on residents and visitors.

Cromwell understands these are costly

projects that cannot be borne by the city’s residential and business community. His plans depend largely on federal grants and his experience as a consultant familiar with the inner-workings of Sacramento and the nation’s capitol.

In the case of the Assessment District

12 passed in 2004 to provide some 12,000 sewer hook ups, the property owner was to pay the first $4,100 with MSWD paying the balance. Cromwell notes that he believes MSWD is obligated to find the money to pay its share of the approximately 6,000 District 12 properties that have still not been hooked up.

“Our needs are exactly where grant

money should be spent. Without these improvements, the community one day could find itself in the same position as the Cathedral City Cove where the state gave the residents a deadline to get rid of septic

tanks or abandon their homes. Development of these plans and

implementing them will take expertise, connections, patience and, above all, leadership, he said. “I love this city and it deserves a major effort to protect its future,” Cromwell noted.

Cromwell is founder of the Coachella

Valley Clean Cities Region and co-developer, in partnership with COD, of a CNG training program that is in use worldwide. The training program later was the basis for the nation’s first community college curriculum for hydrogen fuel cells. Cromwell is a former SunLine Transit Agency general manager, City of Desert Hot Springs Planning Commissioner and Palm Springs Unified School District Board member, serving one year as district president. Cromwell has received many awards for his innovative technological leadership. He is a consultant to the clean energy transportation industry and has also served as a consultant to the City of Desert Hot Springs.

Cromwell Seeks Mission Springs Water Board Seat

BY LESLIE ANDREWS

©

DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009 16

Palm Springs Guides Movie Guide Nick Jones

“Basterds” tells two different stories, but with the same agenda, the assassination of Hitler. One story is of the “Basterds,” a group of Jewish-American soldiers who are out to get revenge on the Nazis. By joining the “Basterds,” a soldier is in debt to Aldo

Raine (Brad Pitt), the commanding officer of the “Basterds.” And, by Raines’ reckoning, the only way to repay said debt is with 100 Nazi scalps.

The other story is that of Shosanna (Mélanie Laurent), the only survivor of a Jewish family killed by a Nazi colonel nicknamed “The Jew Hunter.” This is depicted in the opening scene of the film, with Standartenführer Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz) of the Waffen-SS interrogating a French Dairy Farmer suspected of hiding a Jewish family. Landa manages to force the farmer to reveal that he is indeed hiding a Jewish family under the floorboards, and his Nazi party opens fire on the floor, killing all but Shosanna.

This movie’s main theme is revenge, and boy is revenge ever sweet. Pitt then upgrades it from sweet to pure fun. Pitt is amazing. Everything that comes out of his mouth is laugh-out-loud hilarious. His talent as an actor is often overlooked due to his high-profile personal life and famous good looks, but as Raine he shows everyone just how talented he is, delivering the best lines in the movie.

But the spotlight has been shining on Waltz, and rightfully so. Winning the best actor award at Cannes for his portrayal of Landa the Jew Hunter, Waltz creates a character unlike any ever seen before in film, especially as a Nazi. Most movie Nazis are dumb, brainwashed robots who do as they are told, but not Landa. This guy is smart. Very smart. Evil. Mannered. Absurd. Tarantino loves dialogue, and gives much of it to Waltz who keeps all the talking in the film — and there is a lot of it — genuinely interesting. I’m sure we’ll be seeing an Oscar nomination for this role.Palm Springs Guides Movie Guide Nick Jones rates

“Inglourious Basterds” five Palm Trees.

For mor about “Inglourious Basterds,” go to www.palmspringsguides.com

Movie Review: Inglourious Basterds

Movie Review: Inglourious Basterds • DESERT LOCAL NEWS • August 31, 2009 17Movie Review: Inglourious Basterds

Christoph Waltz

Mélanie Laurent

Eli Roth and Brad Pitt

18 MISSION SPRINGS WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTION

20 21DHS ELECTION 2009 • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

“Public safety is the building block

of every stable community. From that

starting point, we build a city.”

Desert Hot Springs Public Safety Commissioner

Desert Hot Springs Parolee Ad Hoc Commission

31 years in Law Enforcement

Desert Hot Springs Fire & Emergency Services Ad-Hoc Committee.

Desert Hot Springs Economic Development Sub-Committee

Vice Chair Coachella Valley Coalition to stop “Green Path North”

Active member of the community

Desert Hot Springs City Councilfor

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Board member since November 1988. Current term expires in December 2009. Chairs Public Affairs Committee. Member Engineering Committee.

Nancy is a founding member of the Desert Hot Springs Groundwater Guardian Team and from 1996 to 2003 was a member of The Groundwater Foundation’s Groundwater Guardian Council. In 2003, she was elected to The Groundwater Foundation’s Board of Directors. From 2000 - 2007 Nancy was

appointed by two governors to the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board and served as its chair for four years. She has been a member of the Desert Hot Springs Women’s Club since 1987 and served two terms as president. Nancy is also a board member of the Mission Springs Foundation and has been active in community service since 1985. Nancy and Pete, her husband, own a local construction company. They live in Painted Hills.

Randy Duncan, Director/Board member since July 2005. Current term expires in December 2009. Chairs Executive Committee. Member Human Relations Committee.

Randy, a former Marine, is broker and owner of a local financial planning and brokerage firm and an active member of the Desert Hot Springs community. Randy was a Planning Commisioner from 2004 until taking office with MSWD in 2005, and is a 2-term past president of the Noon Rotary Club. He is a past director for the Boys and Girls Club. Randy has been a resident of Desert Hot Springs since 1988. He and his wife, Diane, have two children.

Nancy Wright

Randy Duncan Elect

19 DHS CITY COUNCIL ELECTION 2009 • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- Local businessman Robert Bentley has

once again thrown his hat into the ring of contenders for a Desert Hot Springs City Council position. This time, he believes that the city needs him.

“They need someone who understands business, and I am the one lower taxes candidate. They’ve been on a borrowing spree for a year and a half now,” he said.

In the past, Bentley served as a Public

Safety Commissioner and he also has legal education. He feels that the Measure A Tax Increase was not sufficient enough for the city’s Police Department. “This city wants to do things that are not consistent with the

way government functions. They want to continuously avoid those issues and want to spend more time with buying properties,” he added. “The object here is limited government. This will lead to a balanced budget.”

Bentley believes that all of the other candidates believe in excessive taxes and wasteful spending. Yet, he also believes that he could work with anybody on the council. “My chances are excellent,” he said, remembering how his 2007 mayoral

campaign gave him more votes than incumbent Mayor Alex Bias.

Having grown up in Desert Hot Springs, Bentley is a strong advocate for the youth. “What the parents and the kids want, I am fully in support of,” he said. “I see the problems that kids faced, like not having much to do around here. I want to make an effort to go out and talk to the youth.” He also believes that being a hero in the community is a positive thing.

More jobs could be created by lowering the business license fees, as Bentley described. “They raised them from $45 to $225,” he stated. “They make it so difficult with all that red tape here in Desert Hot Springs. All sorts of people want to do business here and when they see how high the fees are, they may not try out their

ideas.”

Bentley’s website is available to the public at HYPERLINK “http://www.electbentley.com” www.electbentley.com

Robert Bentley: BY LESLIE ANDREWS

Why DHS Needs Him

Robert Bentley, Candidate for City Council of Desert Hot Springs 2009

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20 21SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- Russ Martin had a four decade long stint

with the Santa Monica Police Department and currently serves on Desert Hot Springs’ Public Safety Commission. Now he’s seeking a City Council seat. Desert Local News sits down with Martin and gets to the facts.

“Chief Williams has done an excellent job in guiding our police department. He’s got the right approach,” Martin states. “He is one of the most capable chiefs that I have encountered.” During the time when he and his wife Florence arrived in town about three years ago, there was turmoil going on in the city. “They let go of six police officers,” he said. “That can never happen again.”

Besides law enforcement and public safety, Martin believes that more could be done about the city’s image improvements. “We’re trying to bring people to Desert Hot Springs because we have a lot to offer,” he said. “We have world class spas. We need to make our city attractive for people to come back and visit us again. We could have dressed up our gateway a long time ago. The money’s been there. Now we may

not have the money to do it.” His goal is to make the city safe first, which includes safer parks, safer shopping centers and schools. He adds, “I want people to say that this is a good place to raise a family.”

High taxes are not the way to bring in revenue, as Martin pointed out. However, he did support Measure A (which raised utility taxes by two percent) because it was needed at the time. “Everybody needs to pay their fair share, and I will never support a parcel tax increase for residential homeowners and apartment owners. They are already paying their fair share,” he said. “As a general rule, I’m not in favor of increasing taxes to hire law enforcement. I’m in favor of balancing the tax rates.”

Martin felt that the city spent too much money buying properties left and right, like the Jewish Center for example. “They were advised by two city managers not to, but they went ahead and did so,” he mentioned. However, with that properties the city did

buy, Martin feels that a lot of potential could be done to improve their images. “Now that we own those sites, we cannot let them sit there like that,” he says.

The arts are one area Martin would like to see happen in Desert Hot Springs. “We need to showcase the young people and their talents in our community. I was involved in art growing up,” he said. “My interest in art led to a career in law enforcement indirectly. It kept me from doing anything wrong.” Martin feels that focusing on the athletics is also important, but there are a lot more areas to cover. “There are a lot of young people who can write, sculpt, play music. We need to have a venue for them, and one of those buildings in the downtown could be used for that purpose,” he says, suggesting a place similar to Ignition Coffee Lounge in Palm Springs, where a lot of young artists hang out.

Martin will be willing to work with all other city council members if elected. He adds, “In this campaign, there are no villains. I like every one of the city council members. There needs to be some issues addressed with their interaction, but I can get along with everyone.”

Russ Martin:A Retired Law Enforcement Officer Seeking A City Council Seat

Russ Martin candidate for DHS City Council

BY LESLIE ANDREWS



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COACHELLA, CA- On Sunday, August 30th at 1:17 am, officers from the Coachella Police Department responded to the 48000 Block of Calle Eldarica reference a man down call.

Officers arrived at 1:20 am and observed a Hispanic male adult, later identified as Gabriel Alexander Gutierrez (29 years of age). Gutierrez was found lying on the ground outside of his residence and had succumbed to an apparent gunshot wound.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Ben Ramirez with the Central Homicide Unit 760-393-3500.

Man Found Dead In

Coachella Household

BY VICKI LAWSON

20 21MEET THE CANDIDATES • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- For years, Terry Scheurer was a

community leader in the city of Palm Desert, bringing out quite a lot of progress. Now, as a Desert Hot Springs resident, he wishes to do the same. Desert Local News sits down with Schuerer and discusses the things and the issues that the city needs most.

“Palm Desert is a successful city. They do things the right way, and I’d like to see Desert Hot Springs do the same,” Scheurer said. “The city has a lot of positive things going for them.” Currently, Scheurer sits on the city’s Public Safety Commission. During a ten-year-period, he was the chair of Palm Desert’s Parks and Recreation Commission, Education commission and was quite vocal in participating in their city council meetings.

Transparency, Efficiency and Accountability are the three highlights of Scheurer’s campaign. For starters, he believes that all of the city’s meetings, including the Public Safety Commission and the Planning Commission should all have their minutes posted within 72 hours. And having the meetings start at 5 p.m. doesn’t seem like a good idea, he added. “I believe that the meetings should start at 6:00 so that working people could attend the city council meeting,” he said. “These are changes that need to be made.”

As Public Safety Commissioner, Scheurer believed that Measure A, the 7% utility tax was necessary to fund four new police officers. “We’re still short officers. We need to have 39. I’m happy to serve on the commission,” he said. “I think the

parcel tax should be adjusted so that it can be affordable.” However, the tax is only good for another ten years. “By that time, the city will be more profitable,” he added.

Scheurer supported the new Homeless Shelter center in North Palm Springs, but realizes that the city cannot afford to support it at this time. “We need to watch our pennies literally,” he says, stating how the city needs to tighten up on their spending. “It’s costly to send all five members to Las Vegas when they only need to send one,” he stated.

Scheurer believes that the city is driving businesses away, describing how some businesses (like Revivals Thrift Store) have left and how some refuse to set up shop here. “We need those businesses and a better plan of development. But it’s not happening,” he said. The annexation proposals to the I-10 Freeway are necessary for the city’s growth and prosperity. “That should be the common dividing line. That makes sense,” he continued. “We need businesses to open up near the freeway and on the 62 highway.”

Preserving the city’s water is important as well to Scheurer. “We need to protect our prize-winning water,” he said. “Whosever on the Water District

board needs to act fast by getting the city sewered.”

Finally, the city council should adopt a code of conduct, which Scheurer believes must be done. “They are all good people, but they have made some bad decisions,” he stated. “City Officials should adhere to a certain way, and we have to be accountable.”

Terry Scheurer: A Candidate Fighting for Transparency, Efficiency and Accountability

Terry Scheurer candidate for DHS City Council

BY LESLIE ANDREWS


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22 SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- Desert Hot Springs City Councilman

Scott Matas has been in the city all of his life. He has seen it change and grow during the years. Desert Local News sits down with Matas and talks with him discussing his goals and achievements while being a member of the city council. “We’ve accomplished all of them so far,” he said. “I want to run because I love my city.”

Matas then remembered the old times, seeing all of the changes that have come and gone.

“When I was a small child, this was a one cop town,” he remembers. “If you did something wrong, they would scold you.” He also remembers when there was only one elementary school in town, and he has also seen all three versions of the police department. Not to mention how he has seen a sleepy retirement community turn into a blue-collar working class city. He stated, “It hurts me when people talk badly about Desert Hot Springs.”

Of course, Matas has seen the hard times the city has gone through, as they have alternated between having their own police

department and having to contract with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. During the 1990s, when there was only very few deputies on board, crime levels peaked as parolees from the Los Angeles area would seek a home in Desert Hot Springs, because of its affordability and at the time a lacking in police services. Then in 1997, the city stepped in and formed its own police department once more. “It took us many years to find the right police chief, and we finally did with Pat Williams,” Matas said, having been a Public Safety Commissioner for nearly three years. He then praised the Chief for his efforts in cleaning up the city’s image, with recent sweeps like the Operation Falling Sun phases.

As a volunteer firefighter, Matas has also worked with the County Supervisors to help bring in another fire station in the West side of town, located near the Skyborne Housing Development. “Our master plan says we should have four or five fire stations in our city,” he said. “With stimulus money, we could build a new fire station, and a proposed police and fire substation for 20th and Palm once the annexations go through.”

Next month, the city of Desert Hot Springs will be breaking ground on a new Boys and Girls Club facility. “If we target the youth, create facilities for them, then they wouldn’t walk around the streets and create crime,” Matas added. “They would respect the place. You now will have a state-of-the-art program. Our youth is very important to us.” He also mentioned how there are more kids interested in playing in the local parks than before when the parks were below standards. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and we need the developments,” he concluded.

Overall, Matas believes that the achievements he made in the past two years will play a role in his reelection. “We got the I-10 annexation projects, the fire department and public safety going. I’ve also worked with the transportation and the homeless as well. We need to work on the 62 corridor as well. There is no service station out there between Cabazon and Morongo Valley. We have to brand Cabot’s museum and the city. We’re cleaning up the image. Now let’s bring the tourists back.”

BY LESLIE ANDREWS

Scott Matas:A Hometown Boy Seeking

Another Term On The City

Council

~Photo by Bruce Montgomery


DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- Jan Pye has been active with the city

of Desert Hot Springs for fourteen years, serving on the City Council from 1999 to 2001 and then serving again after the resignation of Al Schmidt in 2009. Desert Local News sits down with Pye and talks about her big plans to continue the active leadership she has taken part in.

“For me, it always feels good to do the right thing,” she said. “Basically, I’m going to continue to serve as a public servant and get the word out.”

In 2001, Pye took a gamble and ran for mayor against then-incumbent Matt Weyuker but lost. However, she feels this time around more comfortable as simply a council member. “Obtaining my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree I would not have been able to do if I had remained on the council,” she adds. “I became a much smarter person. And besides, Yvonne (Parks) is doing a good job.”

Pye came to Desert Hot Springs in 1995 from Los Angeles simply because she wanted her daughter to have a better education. “I didn’t want her to be a part of the Los Angeles public school system,” she mentioned. “Palm Springs Unified School District was one of the best and that is why I came here.”

At that time, there was no police department. Immediately, Pye began taking part in the community, to help make things better. “It was nerve wrecking to not get home before dark. It was very good

that they began their own Police Department,” Pye said. Originally, she wanted to be a Public Safety Commissioner, but her application ended up being in the pile of City Council appointments, as then-Councilwoman Kathy Smith resigned. She attended the meetings regularly, to make sure things were going right.

Pye agrees that there should be more fire stations. “As you grow, your services need to grow as well. We’re very fortunate that we haven’t had multiple fires going on at the same time,” she mentions.

Like all other candidates, Pye says that a good sized Boys and Girls Club is necessary for the city of Desert Hot Springs. Plus having a movie theater in town would help too. “A large part of our town are under the age of 18. If you have children busy with athletics and arts, you have a great competition against the gangs,” she states. “Plus, having our senior center is good because seniors need to be active. We need to provide more for them.”

Pye believes that Desert Hot Springs will always have the best value in real estate

housing. “We need to keep going in order to be ready, so that when the economy turns over, people will seek us as a desirable place to be. People are very nice and I’ve never lived in a city where people were so nice. We need to keep our eyes on the ball and continue our progress.”

Jan Pye: Eyeing On Another Council Term

Jan PyeDHS Candidate for City Council~Photo By Bruce Montgomery

©

BY LESLIE ANDREWS


24th Annual Imagen Awards • DESERT LOCAL NEWS • August 31, 2009 24

24th Annual Imagen Awards24th Annual Imagen Awards • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

Suzie Castillo

Andy Garcia

Tom Cruise

Hilda Solis & Dr. Lisa Lawrence

2524th Annual Imagen Awards • DESERT LOCAL NEWS • August 31, 2009

What a spectacular, star-studded event filled with so many highly revered Latino entertainment notables such as Benjamin Bratt, Jimmy Smits, Cesar “The Dog Whisperer” Millan, United States Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Andy Garcia, Paul Rodriguez and many more. Many entertainment media notables were in attendance acknowledging the honorees. We even saw Jeffrey Lehmann PBS’ “Weekend Explorer” there to celebrate this momentous event. The biggest thrill of the evening was a surprise appearance by a mega-star that made the audience spontaneously shriek and cheer their appreciation with the mere mention of his name — Tom Cruise.

This year marks the 24th Annual Imagen (pronounced ee-mah-hen) Awards. Imagen means “image” in Spanish. Each year, the Imagen Foundation honors positive portrayals of Latinos and Latino culture in entertainment with an annual black-tie gala, star-studded event. This year’s event was held in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills.

Helen Hernandez, Imagen founder and president, welcomed all in attendance and acknowledged some very notable dignitaries in attendance as well as announcing the special awards that were to be presented this evening. Four special awards were presented to some very exceptional people, as well as media excellence awards for stage, television and film actors, actresses, shows and production groups.

The 2009 Imagen Special Award Honorees were:

Lifetime Achievement Award — Emanuel Nunez of Creative Artists Agency

The award was presented by a surprise presenter, Tom Cruise, who has a long history with Nunez. This surprise literally levitated the ballroom with excitement, unbelievable! Nunez is responsible for creating the financing of projects by several “A” list CAA clients such as Nicholas Cage, Will Smith, Jim Carrey, Tom Hanks, M. Night Shyamalan, Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt to name just a

few.Creative Achievement Award — Silvio

Horta, “Ugly Betty” writer/producer. Horta is responsible for adapting the South American telenovela “Yo Soy Betty La Fea” into the ABC television comedy-drama series “Ugly Betty.” Horta is the head writer and one of the executive producers along with Salma Hayek, Ben Silverman, Jose Tamez and Joel Fields.

Norman Lear Writer’s Award — Roberto Orci, writer/producer- screenwriter of the mega-hit movies, “Star Trek,” both “Transformers” movies and “The Proposal: to name just a few. His talent range is evident in his ability to write science fiction box office hits and then successfully write a comedy hit as well.

Award was presented by a very guapo, Jimmy Smits.

President’s Award — Dolores Huerta, for more than half-a-century of humanitarian, cultural equity and community activism. Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers with Caesar Chavez. The recently founded Dolores Huerta Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to build active communities working for fair and equal access to health care, housing, education, jobs, civic participation and economic resources for disadvantaged communities, especially women and youth. Dolores Huerta’s mantra has been “Sí se puede...yes I can,” with emphasis on “orgullo,” which means “pride and familia...family.”

Award was presented by Benjamin Bratt, a lifetime friend and supporter of Huerta’s work.

The media award categories and winners this evening were as follows:

Television AwardsBest Primetime Program — “Little Girl

Lost: The Delimar Vera Story” (Lifetime) award accepted by Director Paul Kaufman.

Presented by Ana Layevska and Rudy Reyes

Best Actor - Hector Bustamante — “Little Girl Lost: The Delimar Vera Story” (Lifetime) Presented by Judy Reyes and Carlos Bernard

Best Actress — America Ferrera “Ugly Betty” (ABC )

Presented by A Martinez and Marlene Forte

Best Supporting Actor — Raymond Cruz “The Closer” (TNT)

Presented by Cote de Pablo and Maria Canals-Barrera

Best Supporting Actress — Ana Ortiz “Ugly Betty” (ABC)

Presented by Alexa Vega and Caitlin Sanchez (the voice of “Dora the Explorer”)

Other Television and Theatrical Awards given were:

Best Children’s Programming — “Dora The Explorer” (Nickelodeon)

Best Documentary/ Television: “A Class Apart” (Latino Public Broadcasting)

Best National Informational Program: “Despierta America” De Lava Platos a Chef (Univision)

Best Local Informational Program: “Vista L.A.” (KABC)

Best On-Air Advertising: “FSE Strings” (Fox Sports en Español)

Best On-Air Advertising (PSAs): University Health Systems – “Child in Injury” (Creative Civilization)

Best Variety or Reality Show: “Quiero Mis Quinces” – Cristina (MTV Tr3s)

Best Feature Film: “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Best Actor/Feature Film: Luis Guzman, “Maldeamores” (Maya Entertainment)

Best Supporting Actor/Feature Film: Manolo Cardona, “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Best Director/Feature Film: Carlitos Ruiz, “Maldeamores” (Maya Entertainment)

Best Feature Documentary: “Beisbol” (Winston Davis Assoc.)

Best Theatrical Short: “St. Paul” (Varona Prods.)

Best Live Theatrical Production: “8 Ways to Say I Love My Life and Mean It!”

For more on the 24th Annual Imagen Awards, go to

www.palmspringsguides.com

Story by Lisa Robyn LawrencePhotos by Allen Lawrence

The Beverly Hilton Hotel, International Ballroom Beverly Hills, California

24th Annual Imagen Awards


DLN PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT-

The cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells would like to remind you that school will be back in session starting Monday, August 31st.

Motorcycle officers and traffic officers from the Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells Police Departments will be out in full force ensuring the safety of returning students through a Traffic Safety Program. The goal of this program is to educate the motoring public and to reduce speeds in school zones. Additionally the program will educate and enhance the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.

As part of that education process motorists are reminded that the speed limit in a school zone with

children present is 25 miles per hour. Children walking to and from school must use the designated crosswalks when crossing the street and bicyclists must obey the rules of the road which include using designated bicycle lanes, traveling the same direction as traffic and obeying all posted stop signs and signals. In addition all bicyclists under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet.

The Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and the Indian Wells Police Departments take a proactive approach to this problem by enforcing speed, seatbelt, pedestrian and bicycle laws.

If you have any questions, please contact the Traffic Division at (760) 836-1600.

School In Session On Monday- Please Drive Safely

BY STAFF



(760) 329-5534 Fax (760) 329-3837




27 DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009 MATT WEYUKER COLUMN DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 31, 2009

STEREOPSISBY MATT WEYUKER

Former DHS Mayor Matt Weyuker

August

31th

Now he’s for it, now he’s not. President Obama is the reigning champion of “misdirection.” The main thrust of his “healthcare reform” proposal is the “public-option,” that would be funded by $trillions of taxpayer money.

First the President said that he must have the “public-option.” Then in a press conference, Obama said he would drop it. In a recent town hall meeting, Obama showed his ignorance about how physicians and medical plans work, when he ludicrously said, “Suppose that you, or your child, has a sore throat. The doctor looks at the surgery payment schedule, and greedily tells you that the tonsils will have to come out.” That’s not the way doctors are paid, and they must prove necessity before getting approval for surgery. This is the reason Obama thinks Socialized Healthcare is paramount in “reforming” American medical care, to stop the “greedy” doctors. Last week he again changed his direction, and at a press conference, Obama reiterated his “public-option” preference.

Obama’s “public-option” scheme is another way to replace our current healthcare system with a “single-payer” health system like Canada and England. “Co-op’s” are another term that has been used recently. But “co-ops” are member driven and managed – therein lies the Obama slyness. If “co-op’s” replace the “public-option,” in as much as there will be no “members,” and the government will be footing-the-bill, the government will have to run it – and it becomes the “public-option!”

Have you asked yourselves where Congress gets the Constitutional authority to consider and pass “healthcare reform” legislation? The US Constitution expressly details only 17 limited areas where Congress can enact legislation – and clearly, “healthcare reform” isn’t among them. If Congress really wants to “reform” America’s health insurance problem, then they should use their “interstate commerce” Constitutional authority by removing the artificial barriers that prevent health insurers from going across state lines to offer coverage. Another solution would be to have tort-reform as an integral part of any “healthcare improvement” legislation. When your doctor has to cover any liability by doing more testing, and tries to prevent lawsuits that drives medical costs up.

One of the more ridiculous comments made by the President, and others touting Obamacare, is that adding the so-called 47 million “uninsured’s” will not lead to medical-care rationing – particularly the seniors. This number includes the 12 to 13 million “illegals;” the 19 million who can afford to buy healthcare, but choose not to; and the 11 million who have changed jobs, and not yet qualified for their employer’s plan. Thus for this count, the 47 million “uninsureds,” are really only 5 million people– as opposed to the 260 million Americans who have health insurance plans.

Back to the seniors – did you know that in the House Bill, (HR-3200), in

section 1233, (pages 424 to 434), that there is a euthanasia provision in the guise of “mandatory end-of-life-decisions?” (Yes, I’ve read about ¾ of it – that’s more than I can say for many Congresspersons). Yet, Obama’s “shill,” AARP supports this bill. Other euthanasia victims are our Senior-Veterans. In a directive released by the Obama administration’s VA, the same “mandatory-end-of-life” provisions are reiterated.

Despite Obama’s plummeting poll numbers, (a new record low 45.3% approval rating), I believe that the President, Pelosi, and Reid will forge ahead and cram this unnecessary $1.8-trillon “universal healthcare reform” legislation down our throats. It is obvious that the majority of Americans (54%) don’t want healthcare changes, while a mere 31% support the President on this issue. The President just announced a $2trillion increase in the national debt, making it the largest single-year increase in US history!

This President is an unabashed liar about his “healthcare reform.” His statements: “You keep your doctor, you keep your insurer; The elderly will not face rationing or Medicare cuts; There will be no ‘Death Panels’; and The illegal aliens will not have coverage”; are not the case in the introduced bills. Either Obama has no idea what’s in his “Obamacare,” or he ‘s lied to us. Whichever, if Obama continues to ignore “We The People,” he will lose his Democrat-controlled Congress in 2010, and he will be a one-term President!

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DESERT LOCAL NEWS • August 31, 2009 31

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Desert Local NewsAugust 31, 2009 Edition