Human resources professionals usually take several steps to prevent offensive conduct at work, including such measures as zero tolerance harassment policies.

When does offensive conduct in the workplace actually cross the line into illegal conduct? A federal court for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal recently addressed this question. Westendorf v. West Coast Contractors of Nevada, Inc., 712 F.3d 417 (9th Cir. 2013)

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Only in 29 Palms...

We welcome and encourage readers to send us their stories and/or pictures of things that only happen in 29 Palms! This is your opportunity to share the love you have of our wonderful city!!  

We received a call today from our friendly Publics Works office.  The gentleman (no, we're not mentioning any names) on the other end of the phone stated that he was just calling to check on how things were coming along with our Car Show & Street Fair.  For those who don't know how our Public Works Department is involved, it is them who clean the highway prior to the event, ensure all streetlights are operating properly, setup and remove the barricades, provide the portable lighting, and overall assistance during the evening's activities.  It's a big job that is greatly appreciated by us and the spectators attending the event.  When I assured him that things were rolling along smoothly, he mentioned that he was leaving for vacation to attend a family member's wedding and would not be back to work until the following week.  It was important to him that he follow-up with us prior to his departure, making sure that we knew he would not be present that evening and that someone else within their department would be taking care of things that day.  A big shout out to the gang at Public Works.  We appreciate all your hard work and effort you put in to helping the Chamber, and the City pull off a successful event.  We couldn't do it without you!  

CMC Upcoming Graduation Ceremonies

Copper Mountain College will pin Spring 2013 graduates of the Vocational Nursing and Registered Nursing Program during a ceremony on May 23, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. in the Bell Center Gym.

In addition the commencement ceremony for 2013 graduates will be held the following day, May 24, 2013, at 5:45 p.m. in the Bell Center Gym.

CMC will have 165 students receiving degrees, 18 students receiving two degrees and 1 graduating student earning three degrees.  CMC's youngest graduate this year will be seventeen years old and our oldest will be 66.  CMC will have 58 students receiving certificates of achievement and 51graduates receiving certificates along with their degrees.  Mr. Greg Brown, Vice President of Student Services stated, "These graduates represent the manifestation of our college's mission, representing our diverse desert community, prepared to go directly to work and prepared for transfer to some of the best colleges and universities in the nation."

The speakers for the commencement ceremony on the 24th will be Congressman Paul Cook, as our keynote speaker, Joe DeSantis as our faculty speaker and Chris Morin, as our honor graduate speaker.  Morin says, "Copper Mountain College has helped me to grow in ways I never thought I would".

Anyone interested in enrolling in Copper Mountain College should contact the Office of Student Services at 760.366.3791.  For General information about Copper Mountain College visit our website at www.cmccd.edu.

"WHAT GOES DOWN MUST COME UP"

The Joshua Tree Chamber of Commerce is hosting a informational meeting on the topic of "What Goes Down Must Come Up".  Due to increases in the real estate market there is the possibility of the San Bernardino County Assessor raising the taxable value of over 100,000 parcels. 

This informational meeting is open  to the public and will be held at 6:30-8:00 p.m., May 29, 2013, at the Joshua Tree Park & Recreation Building (the Community Center), Sunset Rd., Joshua Tree.  Call the Chamber office at 760-366-3723 or the Community Center at 760-366-2471 for directions. 

2013 Greenleaf Scholar is Graduate of Twentynine Palms High

At a recent ceremony held in the Bell Center, Copper Mountain College Foundation announced its 2013 Greenleaf Scholars.  Aiden Blake Smith, a senior at Twentynine Palms High School was chosen out of a very competitive field to receive this year's Greenleaf Scholarship.  The scholarship will pay tuition, books and fees plus living expenses while Aiden is a student at Copper Mountain College; in addition, to paying those same expenses while he completes a baccalaureate degree at a four year institute. 

Endowed by local banker F. Roy Greenleaf Jr., the scholarship is awarded each year to a promising student that is interested in learning, success oriented, has performed successfully in school and shows a desire to return to the Morongo Basin upon completion of his education.  Aiden Smith exemplifies those characteristics and with his mom, Colleen Tahbo by his side, proudly accepted the 2013 Greenleaf Scholarship. 

Three finalists for the Greenleaf Scholarship were also present at the ceremony and each received a $500 check to help with their future college expenses.   The finalists were Madeline Aiken and Sierra Bailey, students from Yucca Valley High School and Kelly Christensen from Twentynine Palms High School.

Mr. Greenleaf's legacy lies with the Greenleaf Scholars of the past decade which include Jill Burkett (2002), Jennifer Meyers-Giddings (2003), Catey Cahill (2004), Ryan O'Connell (2005), Samantha Stephens (2006), Tollian Waite (2007), Geanne Weaver (2008), Rhonda Romberg (2009), Candace Crepes (2010), and Roberto de la Cruz (2011).  Last year due to the economic downturn, a Greenleaf Scholar was not chosen.  Aiden Smith (2013) will continue the rich tradition Mr. Greenleaf left to help students achieve their educational dreams. 

 House Passes Federal Stolen Valor Act

Congressman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) announced that the House of Representatives voted today to pass H.R. 258, the Stolen Valor Act, by a 390 -3 vote. This legislation holds accountable those who try to benefit from false claims of military awards such as the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Purple Heart.      

In June 2012, the United States Supreme Court struck down the original Stolen Valor Act of 2005, declaring the law was in violation of the First Amendment. The law made it a federal misdemeanor to represent oneself falsely as having received U.S. military decorations or medals. The Court determined that simply lying about one's military service and accomplishments qualifies as protected speech under the constitution.      

This legislation, introduced by Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nevada), resolves the Constitutional issues by requiring a so-called "intent to defraud" provision - meaning the violator had the intention of obtaining money, property, and other tangible benefit as the result of a false claim.      

As a state lawmaker, Cook authored California's state Stolen Valor Act, which was signed into law. Cook's state law included an "intent to defraud" provision and has not been challenged in court.     

Cook, who is a co-sponsor of H.R. 258, stated, "This law is long overdue. It's a continuation of the important work we did at the state level when I was Chairman of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee. The new law ensures that we protect and honor veterans and the sacrifices they've made. When people make false claims of military rank and heroism, it does a tremendous disservice not only to our vets, but to the public. I'm extremely glad the bill passed the House and am optimistic that it is on the path to becoming law."     

A member of the House Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired as a Colonel after 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal with valor device and two Purple Hearts for actions in combat.

Lil Bugs Pet Shop May Special!!