Phelan Chamber host Champagne Classic Car Show
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By Vicky Rinek
Phelan Chamber of Commerce geared up for the annual Champaign Classic Car Show. Hundreds of classic vehicles lined both sides and down the middle of Phelan Road. The show featured hundreds of vehicles from every era, including classic hot rods, rare motorcycles, and modern sports cars. Now in its 56th year, vintage vehicles represent every decade of the 20th century from the 1900s through to the 1990s.
Judges examined each entry, and awards were given to the following vehicles and their owners.
Hot Rod- 1954 Ford F100 to Jason Krell
Street Rod- 1931 Ford model A5 window to Joel McKee
Pre-50s- 1941 Wille’s American model 441 to Harold Davis
1950s Stock- 1955 Chevy 350 to Rick Conrad
1950s Modified- 1955 Chevy modified 210, Ryan Brown
1960s Stock- 1969 Chevy Camaro to Dan Coffee
1960s Modified- 1964 Ford Falcon to Douglas Herman
1970s Stock- 1972 Chevy Nova to Duane Dyson
1970s Modified- 1970 Plymouth Duster to Glen Pratt
1975 & Older factory Stock Muscle1965 Ford Mustang to Dylan Tranter
1976 & Newer Factory Stock Muscle- 2001 Dodge ACR Viper to Skip Ewing
Best of 1980s and 1990s- 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo to Dame Mills
best 2000s- 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT 8 to Pepper Fontana
Best Import- 1995 Subaru Impreza WRX to Andrew Sackman
Best Rat Rod- 1935 GMC Truck to Ron Devoll
Totally custom: 2003 Ford Crown Victoria to Zachary Jones
Best under construction: 1967 Ford Mustang to Brian & Kim Lombardi
Best Truck two-wheel: 1959 Chevy Truck to Eric Slavov
Best Truck four-wheel - 2003 Ford Excursion to Albert Therrien
Best Street Bike: 2007 Custom Chopper HX to Michale Parsons
Youth Special Interest - 2006 McPhantom Dragster Jr. comp to Jeff Ball
Burnout Street: 1970 Chevy Custom C10 to John Kozlowski
Burnout Race: 2004 Ford Mustang to John Scialpi
Open Header Street - 1970 Chevy Custom C10 to John Kozowski
Open Header Race: 2004 Ford Mustang to John Scialpi
Best Paint Stock - 1955 Ford Fairlane to David Bernal
Best Paint Custom- 1941 Willie American to Harold Davis
Best interior Stock- 1957 Ford Thunderbird to Charles Scolastico
Best Interior Custom- 1974 GMC C1500 Sierra Grande to Robert Howard
Best Engine Compartment- 1969 Chevy Chevelle to Daniel Jamora
Mayor’s Choice- 1969 Dodge Charger to Glen Pratt
President’s Choice- 1969 Lincoln Continental to David Umoren
Best in Show - 1955 Chevy Delray to Rick Conrad
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PHELAN PHAMLY PHUN DAY & PARADE
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By Vicky Rinek
The community came out in the hundreds to enjoy the 60th annual Phelan, the Phamily Phun Day, on Saturday, October 7. The morning started early as the Phelan Chamber of Commerce blocked off Phelan Road from Johnson to Malposa road. By 7:00 a.m., parade entries began to line the street.
Starting the parade at 9 a.m., the Serrano Cadets raised the flag, and Serrano Chior, Brianna Leslie, and Zitlaly Cruz sang the National Anthem.
The parade sponsor was Phelan Gas.
Serrano High School Diamondback Regiment Band started the parade, playing the Village People YMCA.
This year, the Grand Marshall, Snowline Superintend Ryan Holman, appeared at the front of the parade in a new all-electric Jeep provided by Victorville Motors.
The Phelan Royal Court, in a float provided by Daniel Meredith Plumbing, included:
Miss Queen, Alissa Gabriel, 18,
Miss Princess - Savannah Blakkan 19,
Teen Queen - Teagan Steele 14,
Teen Princess - Edie Morris 16
Young Princess - Priscilla Reyes 14,
Young Queen - Kailee Dones 13,
Jr. Queen - Angelina Genova 10,
Little Queen - Irie Marquez 9,
Petite Queen - Lolita Cardenas-Medel 4,
Petite Princess - Carly Arnold 6,
Tiny Queen Kaydence Lam 2.
The highlights of the parade were performances in front of the announcement table. The Serrano Dance Team, the 279th Cadet Corp and Military Prep Program, and Serrano Cheer wowed the crowds. Other notable groups included the High Desert Antique Power Association with restored antique tractors, the Fear Farm, Dusty Spurs, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Mounted Volunteer Search and Rescue team.
Once the parade finished, the crowds rushed into the vendor area. Cars lined the street for the Car Show, with booths lining the sidewalks. At the main stage, the Chamber held contests and entertainment, including pizza eating contests, roping contests, and live music by the Nomads.
Phun Zone, you could do rock climbing, slide down a giant slide, Go Fish game, Water balloon toss, an obstacle course, and face painting, among other things. The food court offered snow cones, polish dogs, and tacos. The street was bustling with the crowds and all the activities. Nearly every business in Phelan came out to support this annual event.
The Chamber volunteers spent hundreds of hours planning this event to unite the community, which was a great success.
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PPH CSD Special Parks Meeting
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November 11, 2021:
By Michael Palecki
On October 21, the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District (CSD) conducted a Special Meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Street Lighting Committee scheduled to review summer activities and to announce an array of events, which will take place during November and December. While the meeting progressed, a flyover video of the Phelan Community Park Expansion Concept and conceptual site plan, prepared by KTUA Landscape Architecture and Planning, streamed on the large screen monitor. That video can be viewed at: www.PPHCSD.org/YourParksYourWay .
Committee members present were Rebecca Kujawa (Chair) and Charlie Johnson (Director) with CSD Parks Supervisor Steve Lowrance and Water Conservation Specialist Jennifer Oakes also present. The first discussion item was a critique of the Concerts in the Park summer music program. Lowrance disclosed the three events were poorly attended in spite of postings on the Sheep Creek Road electronic sign, postings on Facebook and flyers enclosed in CSD water bills. Although it was warm, the weather was not a deterrent in so much as there was plenty of shade on the expansive cool lawn, and there weren’t any punishing winds. Kujawa was particularly disappointed with the September 11 attendance, which featured a color guard flag ceremony, recognition of first responders, and a captivating musical performance by High D Boys.
Continuing, Lowrance and Kujawa announced upcoming events for November and December. Starting off, Movies In The Park will be screened on November 12 and December 19 beginning at dusk in Phelan Community Park. During the week of November 21, street light holiday decoration will be installed throughout the Downtown Phelan commercial district. On December 3rd, the 1st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at 6 O’clock in the Phelan Community Park. Questioning who will throw the switch, Kujawa suggested a guest celebrity. She also volunteered to be the announcer, and disclosed “Santa Claus will be there.”
Coming up on Saturday December 11, a Kids Christmas Painting Class will be held in the Phelan Community Center. Children ages 7-12 will begin at 9:00 am while those 13 and up begin at 11:00 am. RSVP is required at (760) 868-1212. A Kids Baking Class will be offered on Saturday December 18 from 10:30 am until noon for ages 5 and up. RSVP for this event at (760) 868-1212.
Continuing with an update regarding the Phelan Park Expansion, Charlie Johnson commented, “The KTUA consultants did a fantastic job on the flyover video.” And then he repeated what CSD Engineering Manager George Cardenas disclosed the night before at the Regular Board Meeting. After meeting with Architect Tom Steeno it was disclosed the utility plan for the entire civic center and park is nearly complete. A SBC Land Use review for everything including the grading plan, has been scheduled with final approval anticipated in December. As the first increment of construction, 30,000 cubic yards of dirt will be repositioned.
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The Tri-Community Manna Project
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| Debra Gonzales, of the Tri Community Manna Project, prepare meals for shut-ins. |
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By Vicky Rinek
Many Families will not have a Thanksgiving. In the midst of crisis, faith guides a loving response. That’s how the Tri-Community Manna Project works. This group will be cooking up Thanksgiving meals to be distributed to those unable to have a healthy meal. If you want to show your thanks for all you have, please consider giving a small amount to feed our needy this Holiday Season. Donations are tax deductible. The Tri-Community Manna Project is a 501c3 foundation (ID #84-1542814).
Ladies of the Timberline Lions Club are teaming up with the Tri-Community Manna Project to make blankets for the homeless. This blanket program and your gifts mean so much during this pandemic. Through the generous support from individuals, the most vulnerable people around the Tri-Community are getting supplies like blankets and hygiene kits to keep them safe, healthy, and warm. For $25 you can help 10 individuals keep a little warmer and safer.
We accept donations of the following items: Any kind of fabric as long as it is washable from a 1/2 yard on up. We make blankets out of fleece, cotton, flannel, etc.; Poly pellets; thread - any kind; and/or monetary donations (used for supplies or shipping) Any donation can be dropped off at the Mountaineer Progress Office, 3407 HWY 2, Wrightwood, or call (760) 563-2264 and one of our volunteers will pick up your donation.
If you are able, please give generously today to show that Love never fails…not even in the Tri-Community.
To find out more about the Tri-Community Manna Project and how we are reaching out to Wrightwood, Phelan, and Piñon Hills, go to:
www.TCMannaProject.org
www.Facebook.comTCMannaProject
wwwinstagram.com/TCMannaProject
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Homeless Man Torches Encampment
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| Fire at a homeless encampment, on the vacant lot behind the State Bros’ Market, on Brawley in Phelan. Photo by Michael Palecki |
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By Michael Palecki
On Tuesday August 4 at 8:00 a.m., SBC Sheriff Deputies from the Victor Valley Station and firemen from the Phelan Station responded to a fire on Brawley Road south of the Stater Bros. Market in Phelan. According to witnesses who recorded the incident, after the suspected arson Bruce Hice ignited dumpsters behind Stater Bros., he was seen lighting fires in the field across the street.
The 42-year-old transient then started throwing combustible items and other items from a homeless encampment into the fire, which destroyed a sizeable portion of the encampment, including several shopping carts belonging to Stater Bros.
The encampment, which can be clearly seen from Brawley and Sheep Creek Roads, has increased in size over the past few months with an uncertain number of homeless people living there. After the incident, Bruce Hice was arrested for arson and transported to High Desert Detention Center, where he is currently being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Deputy D. Holland at the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, Phelan Substation, at (760) 995-8781.
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Four County Firefighters Injured Battling Phelan Structure Fire
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Staff Report
At 9:55 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2020, #SBCoFD crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 14400 block of Azalea in the community of Phelan.
First arriving crews found a large, single-story home well involved in fire with multiple exposures to adjacent structures on the property. Crews initiated a defensive fire attack in an attempt to knock down the fire and protect a large RV garage which was imminently threatened.
Crews were transitioning the fire from a defensive to offensive strategy from an exterior patio when a portion of the roof collapsed, causing the patio and a portion of the wall to come down. The collapse briefly trapped 4 firefighters. A “Mayday / Firefighter Down” message was broadcasted. Thankfully the crews quickly self-rescued or were assisted from the under the patio. The firefighters were quickly assessed and treated by an awaiting SBCoFD Medic Ambulance. Two were treated on-scene for minor injuries, but weren’t transported. Two firefighters sustained moderate injuries and were transported to an area trauma center for treatment. They were released the next morning to recover at home.
While fighting the fire, crews found what appeared to a large marijuana grow inside the home and garage. Due to the large volume of fire, collapse, and unknown hazards, crews switched to a defensive posture. The fire was ultimately knocked down in approximately one hour. Damage to the home and garage were extensive. No immediate fire hydrants were in the area, making consistent water flow a challenge. A water-shuttle operation was used to keep water flowing.
Due to the structural integrity of the home being compromised and hazards inside, a SBCoFD Dozer was utilized for mop-up operations.
The fire is under investigation by San Bernardino County Office of the Fire Marshall Investigators and the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department.
SBCoFD responded with 9 Engines, 2 Water Tenders, 2 Chief Officers, 2 Medic Ambulances and Fire Investigators. Cal-Fire assisted with an engine.
Incident: Residential Structure Fire
7/12/2020, 9:55PM
Location: 3500 block of Woodward rd, Phelan
Contact: Mike McClintock, Battalion Chief / PIO, mmcclintock@sbcfire.org
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Winners of 2020 Science Fair Announced
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By Donna Alvarez
Celebration night took place at the school board Tuesday night as middle school students and their parents filled the Snowline Joint Unified School District (SJUSD) Boardroom. Charlotte Eckenroth, Coordinator of Snowline’s Science Fair Program in charge of Quality and Learning Support, presented the prestigious awards. Over 30 judges scored the projects and were impressed by the creativity and scientific investigations of students. Eckenroth thanked the parents: “You no doubt supported your children’s passions in many countless ways at home. Also, special thanks to the teachers for going the extra mile this year with the students.” She asked the young scientists to come forward and receive their awards:
• Genesis Arauz: “Will It Attract?”
• Shayna Bailey: “Prevention, Now or Never”
• Taylorvon Bruce: “Killin’ It”
•Team - Jacob Brown and Jonathan Buckelew: “Pure to the Taste”
•• Third Place Winners: Team - Riley Carone and Addison Forshaw: “Passion to Imagine”
•• Second Place Winner: Verona Casalicchio: “How Do Hue Feel?”
•Team - Trysta Crimmins and Brookelyn Madole: “Safe in the Sun”
• Kace Dyerly: “Salty Water”
• Jada Echols: “Make It Rain”
Emmalee Excarzaga: “Hands Down Best Learning Around”
• Katie Foster: “Busting Rust”
• Audrey Galbraith: “PH Stomach Ache”
• Agram Gomez: “Musical Mangos”
• Sadie Grijalva: “Dancers Have Skills”
• Jonathan Jeong: “Music to my Roots”
•Kelly Johnson: “Spot that Dot”
•Carter Markey: “An Analysis of Which Type of Gas Lasts the Longest”
•• First Place Winner: Lindsay Masseth: “Energy in a Bottle”
• Jackson Mersman: “Ignorance is Bliss”
• Ryan Mickelson: “A League of their Own”
•Areyna Mitchell: “Green Eggs and Ham”
•Team - Kyle Nickerson and Hunter Way: “Blinded by the Light”
• Emily Smith: “Garbage to Garden”
• Brynne Staley: “Which Laundry Detergent is Best?”
• Ava Steinmann: “Food Waste Not in Good Taste”
• Samantha Thurber: “Persuasive Perception”
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Phelan Elementary School Peace Patrol
By Michael Palecki
For younger students at Phelan Elementary School, adjusting to educational curriculum and developing social skills sometimes presents difficulties. When conflicts arise and interfere with a positive interaction of classmates on the playground and cafeteria, members of the Peace Patrol intercede. These fourth and fifth graders have been trained on restorative circles, peer mediation, peaceful solutions, and being role models on the campus at all times.
While conflicts exist in everyone’s lives, learning how to resolve differences early on makes for a stronger person. Peace Patrol members are not involved in physical disputes, but will attempt to resolve an issue before it gets to the physical level.
Under the supervision of School Counselor Judi Skillman, selected fourth- and fifth-grade students go through an application process and need to get approval from parents, teachers, and Skillman before being invited to go through two days of training. After the training, they sign up for shifts to help younger students out on the playground and cafeteria. Peace Patrol students give up their recess and are responsible for all the classwork they miss during their shift.
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Recently, to culminate Phelan Elementary School’s participation in International Kindness Week, Peace Patrol members performed a “Kindness Clean-up Act of Kindness” in partnership with Scott Brown, President of High Desert Keepers. Brown provided students with trash pinchers, buckets, and trash bags which were donated by Mike Troeger of Mountain Hardware. With the help of a few parent volunteers as well, the task at hand was to focus on trash that blows in from the desert on the Stater Bros.’ side of the school and builds up against the playground fence.
In less than one hour, students collected more than a dozen bags of trash. Collected items included dumped cans of paint, cardboard, and fast-food wrappers. According to Skillman, “One lucky student found a dollar bill.” Resolving disputes before they escalate and cleaning up their neighborhood, Peace Patrol students donate their time for a better learning experience and better community.
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PPHCSD holds workshop for future Civic Center
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By Terri McCawley Hill
Tom Steeno, of Steeno Design Studio, presented the Board of the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District (PPHCSD) with a concept plan for the design of a Civic Center, on the PPHCSD property bordered by Sheep Creek and Warbler, at a workshop January 8.
Currently, the District has a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for development of Phase 1, the administration building, which would house the District’s offices, conference rooms, etc. A partnership with the San Bernardino County Sheriff could bring the department’s Phelan Substation to the facility, in the form of a lease agreement. Steeno reported they could break ground as soon as this spring, with approval of the Board, and financing in place.
The Civic Center project has been in the planning stage for several years. PPHCSD General Manager Don Bartz explained that the District had to be able to serve water to its own property, in order to make such improvements. Although the work could not be done during the Christmas storms, the District is ready to lay the pipes and bring water across Sheep Creek to their buildings and parks.
The long-term concept for the complex suggests expanding the plaza to include a multipurpose building, sports fields, and an aquatic center with a pool, locker rooms, and other amenities. Snowline Schools Superintendent Dr. Ryan Holman was at the workshop, representing the school district’s interest in possibly partnering with the CSD for a public pool. The concept also suggests transforming the make-shift access road to the elementary school, from the south side of the campus to Sheep Creek Road, a dedicated road for safe ingress and egress for children and their parents.
Steeno’s, and PPHCSD’s, concept is just that, for now. Funding through property tax revenue (already collected by the County and dispersed to the District), the Solid Waste Franchise Fee, and Dairy Property lease could make the concept - or a form of it, a reality in the next five to eight years.
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PPHCSD Annual Review
By Michael Palecki
During a Special Board Meeting of the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District (CSD) on January 8, directors, staff and legal counsel were tasked with an annual review of guidelines for conducting public meetings and activities. Items included in discussion and approved for 2020 were: Governance of the District, District Committees, Setting Compensation for Board of Directors, and Director Expenses for travel/training.
The meeting began with public comments from Richard Hall Division-3 Director of the Mojave Water Agency (MWA) alleviating initial concerns for a 55 gallon per person per day indoor limitation suggested by SB 606 and AB 1668. Hall cautioned that this effort is currently in a multi-year development process for indoor and outdoor water usage by 2030. In the meantime, the Agency has completed the first deep well to bedrock, which indicated it takes nine months for water to percolate into aquifers beneath MWA boundaries. A second-deep well will be drilled soon near Rancho Road. Results from these tests will determine how much water could be obtained from aquifers and how much will have to be purchased from the California Aqueduct to replenish those aquifers.
Snowline Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ryan Holman thanked CSD Directors for initially partnering with the School District and Chamber of Commerce for an array of community activities. Holman also acknowledged potential benefits for Phelan Elementary School with the development of a Civic Center by the CSD. As suggested earlier in the evening by President Charlie Johnson at a Special Board Workshop for the proposed Civic Center, the current ingress/egress orientation to Phelan Elementary could be reversed to Civic Center roadways to the south of the campus, eliminating a dangerous crosswalk on Phelan Road, and easing traffic congestion in front of the school.
Continuing with the meeting, CSD General Manager Don Bartz explained that at the onset of the CSD, committees, instead of hired employees, provided the functions of personnel. Initially, there were six standing committees meeting monthly, at a cost of $6,000 per meeting. As additional staff was hired, there was less micromanaging from the Board and an opportunity to impose upon itself requirements that allowed greater access to its meetings than prescribed by the Brown Act.
The Ordinance delineated time and place of regular meetings and special meetings, as well as criteria for agendas, open sessions, closed sessions, public comments, postings, and cancelation of meetings, as determined by an Annual Review.
A separate resolution focused on guidelines for the conduct of public meetings, duties and responsibilities of board members, Parliamentary procedure and general guidance of Board business as per Rosenberg’s Rules of Order. There were also provisions relating to personal conduct, communicating views on social media, interaction with staff, division of responsibilities, and the performance evaluation of the General Manager.
Updating and forming committees, the Board approved: Engineering - Kathy Hoffman and Mark Roberts members - a standing committee meeting monthly: Finance Committee was approved as a standing committee meeting quarterly, with Charlie Johnson and Rebecca Kujawa; Legislative Committee as a standing committee meeting quarterly, with Kathy Hoffman and Deborah Philips as members; Parks, Recreation & Street Lighting Committee as a standing committee meeting quarterly, Charlie Johnson and Rebecca Kujawa as members; also meeting quarterly, Waste & Recycling was approved as a standing committee, with Deborah Philips and Mark Roberts members.
Antelope Valley Adjudication remained an ad hoc committee, scheduled as needed with Mark Roberts and Charlie Johnson. The Property Management standing committee and the Mojave Adjudication ad hoc committee were disbanded.
The final actions taken by the CSD Board related to compensation for board members, and Directors expenses for travel and/or training. The stipend for attending meetings was increased from the 2012 level of $110.00 to $120.00 per meeting, pending a public notice and public hearing. Director’s expenses followed a schedule prepared by the Finance Committee, to be submitted quarterly.
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PPHCSD to bring their own water to property
By Terri McCawley Hill
At the November 6 meeting of the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District (CSD) Board, General Manager Don Bartz reported on the plan to bring CSD water to its properties. Currently, the CSD office, park, and adjoining lot receive water from Sheep Creek Water Company (SCW). The CSD petitioned SCW to allow the service to be transferred to their own lines, saving them money and ensuring water availability in the future. Bartz said workers will begin installing the necessary pipes to bring service to CSD buildings, which involves underground work in front of the schools on Sheep Creek, during Snowline District’s winter break.
At 4 p.m., before the regular meeting, the Board of Directors held a special meeting, during which they interviewed eight candidates for the vacant Board seat. The directors narrowed their choices to three, and chose to bring them back on November 13 for additional questions. Mike McGrath, Chuck Hayes, and Rebecca Kujawa were to continue their interviews and a candidate was to be selected and sworn in on the same night. Draft Ordinance No. 2019-02, Enabling Water Rates, Fees, & Charges, & Establishing the Rules & Regulations for Water Service within the District, were also to be reviewed and discussed at the special meeting.
The Board accepted the annual audit, which found the District’s books, records, and financial affairs to be “clean,” meeting guidelines set forth by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.
*As a result of the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program implemented by Southern California Edison (SCE), the District has already experienced power outages. In order to maintain a water supply during the PSPS events, additional power generators are necessary. While there is no practical economical way to maintain water supply throughout the District, the additional generators will allow a portion of the system to remain with water with the potential to move the generators to different locations in the system. In order to keep power to the District office, a generator is necessary as well.
District staff has determined that four additional medium-sized 175KW generators would be sufficient, along with one large 650KW generator, to keep the office running and to provide a water supply in part of the system. The medium generators are $86,900 + fees and taxes each. The large generator is $282,000 + fees and taxes. Staff proposes to utilize the credit received from SCE for the purchase of these generators as this expense was not budgeted (refer to Engineering Manager’s Report “Alternative Energy – 1.16 MW Solar Photovoltaic Project” section). Depending on market conditions, used generators may be available which staff would purchase instead of new generators. *From Memorandum, page 298 of the Board packet, 11/6/19.
Staff is updating the District’s Emergency Response Plan to include PSPS events. Stage III water conservation measures would be necessary during PSPS events, and possibly warrant an update of the District’s water conservation resolution. Information and updates can be found on the District website and will be included in mailers to customers.
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October 5, 2019
Phelan Phun Day
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Phelan Phun Day Parade & Car Show
By Michael Palecki
As the Phun Day Parade made its way west on Phelan Road, the weather conditions were perfect with clear sunny skies, mild temperatures and no wind. Announcing parade entries, as they passed in front of the Phelan Fountain and reviewing stand, was Rebecca Kujawa of the Phelan Chamber of Commerce, who reminded onlookers that this year’s theme was, “Remembering The 80s.” Carmen Scherubel, Kathy Hoffman and Dane Mills judged parade entries at the reviewing stand.
The parade, sponsored by Snowline School District, featured members of the Serrano High California Cadet Corps #279 unfolding the American Flag as Jose Guerra raised it up the pole. Singing a bluesy rendition of the National Anthem was Doctor of Education and Principal of Serrano High Willie Jones. Following those ceremonies, members of the Quail Valley Middle School Cheer, under the supervision of Coach Shawna Simmons, performed a kinetic cheer.
As drumbeats approached, Grand Marshals Kim & Brian Lombardy led the parade and waved to the crowd while sitting on the back of Charlie Johnson’s BMW convertible. As Kujawa announced, the couple had been residents of Phelan for more than 40 years and contributed much to the development of the community. Next, Phelan Chamber President Jeanna Mills waved from the open “T” top of a vintage Corvette Sting Ray driven by her daughter. Also residents of Phelan for 40 years, members of the Mills family are always represented at civic events.
Continuing, young ladies of the Miss Phelan Court waved as they passed with the crowd cheering. When the Snowline Kindness Bus passed, Snowline School District Superintendant of Schools Ryan Holman was given the microphone. He welcomed everyone and in his exuberant style listed a number of student accomplishments this year. Following the Kindness Bus, there was a steady stream of Snowline marching bands, cheer groups and other organizations with the Baldy Mesa Elementary School float playing the 80s song “Old Time Rock n Roll,” loudly.
Congratulations went to all the parade entries that made the event a huge success; those who took home trophies are as follows: Division #2 Equestrian - 1st Place was awarded to Hesperia Wranglers and rodeo queens; Dusty Spurs was awarded 2nd Place; High Sierra Packers with Mike Randell on horseback leading pack mules came in 3rd.
Division #3 Non-Equestrian - Serrano High School Cadet Corps won 1st Place; Pinon Hills Elementary with crowd-dancing students was awarded 2nd Place; Baldy Mesa Elementary took 3rd Place.
Division #4 Marching - 1st Plaice went to Serrano Cheer; coming in for 2nd Place was Quail Valley Cheer; 3rd Place was awarded to Serrano High School Rattlesnake Regiment Band.
The Sweepstakes Trophy was awarded to the Snowline Kindness Bus. The Best Use of Theme trophy went to Baldy Mesa Elementary School.
| By Gino Lewis
Phelan Phamily Phan Day went back to its roots Saturday, returning to their original location on Phelan Road, in front of the Stater Brothers parking lot. Some of the events held that day included a pizza-eating competition, chicken dance contest, longest beard competition, and a dog costume contest. The main events of the festivities were the Car Show, which had awards in more than 40 categories, and the announcement of the 2019 Miss Phelan winners.
On September 28, the Miss Phelan pageant was held at Pinon Mesa Middle School. There were six categories in the pageant. The 2019-2020 Court debuted and was announced Saturday. The winners were: Tiny Miss Phelan - Ainsley Lindsey, age 1; Petite Miss Phelan - Dakota Saylor age 3; Junior Miss Phelan - Teagen Steele age 10; Young Miss Phelan - Juila Slowinski age 14; and Teen Miss Phelan - Mia Stern age 16. The winner of Miss Phelan was 17-year-old Sara Stern. A few notable winners in the car show were Justin Sanders and his 1969 El Camino in the 17 and under category; Mayor’s Choice went to the 1969 Camaro owned by Dan Coffey; the Participants’ Choice winner was the 1954 Ford Pickup submitted by Walt Lesch. Lesch won against stiff competition, by one vote, over two others. Troy Gregory and his 1967 Bug won the popular Phelan Beater category.
The burnout competition drew a light turnout this year. The winners were Richard Rawlings and his 2003 Chevy Silverado in Street, and Nick Hill in his 1994 Ford Ranger 4x4 in Truck. Wrightwood’s Mike Ludwig was the big winner of the day. Ludwig entered the 1937 Ford Humpback 2-Door Sedan. Not only did he win Best in Show, he won Best Street Rod as well. Mike has been showing cars for 40 years and has owned the winner for 18 years. He repainted, reconditioned and re-did all the chrome. Mike says it’s his favorite car.
Steve Ewing set up the event, “Well, we have things to work on, that’s for sure,” Steve commented, “with the lull we had, a couple years off, and the different locations that we did. It’s back where it belongs on Phelan Road and we’ll just make it better and better each year. Hopefully it doesn’t grow a whole lot, well, I want it grow more but we’re running out of room. We have to do a little bit of work on getting things where we can get more cars here. We’ve had up to 200 cars in the past, we’d like to get at least that many again.”
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Music In The Park
By Michael Palecki
July 13, 2019: The Phelan Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District Parks and Recreation (CSD), presented Music in the Park last Saturday Evening from 5:00 until 8:00 pm. Although the temperature was warm, a gigantic patch of shade on the lawn was sufficient to cool hundreds of music fans as they listened to Ray Brooks and the Bluesmasters. Meanwhile, youngsters enjoyed playing on the swings, slides, and basketball court in Phelan Community Park.
Introducing the band and thanking sponsors was Phelan Chamber Board Member Rebecca Kujawa. She then mentioned that Ray Brooks, who turned 81 on Saturday, was a Grammy nominee and recipient of the City of Los Angeles Living Legends Blues Award. As the band slid into a jazzy instrumental Kujawa reminded the audience to purchase raffle ticket from Mia Stern - Miss Teen Phelan.
With Ray Brooks playing lead guitar and singing lead vocals, additional musicians included Kenny Tomlin on bass guitar, Mike Simone playing rhythm guitar, Daryl Dawes on keyboards, Bishop Higgins playing saxophone, and Tim Dancy on drums. Increasing the pace, the band then played the Ivory Joe Hunter song, “Since I Met You Baby,” with Brooks singing and Dawes playing a staccato organ.
The set included John Mayer’s “Gravity” with a rhythm guitar solo, Otis Redding’s “Dock On The Bay” with keyboard and vocal scatting, The Temptations “Just My Imagination” with a dominant saxophone, and a blistering version of “Can’t Get No Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones. Other favorites for listening enjoyment and dancing were Aaron Neville’s “Tell It Like It Is,” B.B. King’s “Country Girl,” and “Members Only” by Bobby Bland with a flourish of sweet guitars and organ.
During intermission Kujawa reminded concertgoers to get something delicious to eat from vendors Bettired’s Funnel Cake, Frankie’s New York Hot Dogs & Italian Sausage, and Needam’s Snack Shack. Following intermission, Brooks dedicated “My Girl” by The Temptations to, “All the ladies, from all the guys.”
Music in the Park continues on Saturday, August 3, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and plan to enjoy great music and food on the lawn of Phelan Community Park.
Celebrate Phelan Memorial Library’s 10-Year Anniversary
The San Bernardino County Library invites residents to the Phelan Memorial Library’s 10-year Anniversary Event. There will be crafts, free prize drawings, and a face painter. Be sure to bring a camera as Captain America and Captain Marvel join the celebration.
This event is another opportunity to celebrate and support the Countywide Vision’s literacy campaign, Vision2Read. The 10-year Anniversary Event will take place Saturday, Aug. 17, from noon to 2 p.m. All activities are free and open to all ages. Come join the fun!
The Phelan Memorial Library is at 9800 Clovis Road in Phelan.
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 system strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs, and services for all the people who call San Bernardino County home.
The library plays a key role in the achievement of the Countywide Vision, by contributing to educational, cultural, and historical development of our County community.
For more information on the San Bernardino County Library system, please visit http://www.sbclib.org/ or call (909) 387-2220
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Phelan Memorial Library
9800 Clovis Road
Phelan, CA 92371
(760) 868-3053
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