A hero in the desert: Remembering Chuck Yeager s Victor Valley days
Victorville Daily Press
For one man, the recent death of retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles “Chuck” Yeager evoked memories of a time when the legendary pilot worked, lived and played in the Victor Valley.
The decorated hero whose accomplishments include shooting down 13 German planes during World War II, breaking the sound barrier in 1947 and instructing aerospace pilots commanded at George Air Force Base in Victorville.
“Back in the day, people who knew of Col. Yeager treated him like royalty,” said Tom Umphries.
The 74-year-old Umphries was a friend and neighbor when the Yeager family lived near Del Rey Elementary School in Victorville in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Victorville Daily Press
Natural sunlight flooded the interior of the three-story Kaiser Permanente building in Hesperia as the hospital s members sought services there for the first time.
After breaking ground over a year ago, the 54,000-square-foot facility opened Tuesday on the corner of Escondido Avenue and Kaiser Permanente Way.
Kaiser spokeswoman Gwen Kleist told the Daily Press the “Next Gen” medical office comes complete with high-tech exam rooms, telemedicine capabilities, fast appointment check-in options, a modern design and additional features for members.
“It really is a high-tech marvel, built to serve our members living in the High Desert and throughout the region,” said Kleist, who added that Jan. 12 will see the opening of the first-floor café and and specialty departments on the third floor.
Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru brings life-sized replicas, monster trucks to Toyota Arena
Victorville Daily Press
High Desert Hot Wheels fans are excited after discovering that life-size versions of their favorite cars, along with monster trucks, have invaded the Toyota Arena in Ontario for the month-long Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru experience. I can t wait to see the expression on my kids faces when they see these giant Hot Wheels, said Jonathan Molo of Victorville, who plans on taking his family to the event this month. My sons, Asher and Lennon, are going to freak out when we get there.
Concerning the state-mandated stay-at-home order in place in San Bernardino County due to rising COVID-19 cases, Molo told the Daily Press, It s great knowing that there s a safe and fun place to take the family.