Salton Sea Story

Author: Helen Burns

  • Salton residents can choose from a weekend of events

    It was quiet on Thanksgiving as the Sea as families joined in “their _ day” together; and it couldn’t have ~ been more beautiful.

    One cannot help being touched by this tradition, which continues to be observed nationwide, despite the waning of old-fashioned family life.

    ‘t is heart-warming to see and ‘hear the smiles, the laughter, the ‘closeness among those who, setting fend. cares and commitments aside and often traveling many miles, ‘come together almost religiously to keep this day. It’s not all gone, no matter what they say!

    But now …

    There is a gigantic Rummage ‘Sale at the POA bldg., Salton Sea ‘Beach, this morning. It opens at 8 a m. Early birds are always delighted with their findings!

    A Swap Meet at the Sundowner, Salton City, opens at 10 a.m, today. These meets will be held bimonthly,

    And all’s set for those wonderful Turkey Drags, where dunesters get out to show off their vehicles from 10 a.m. today as the wash, Salton Sea Beach

    The great hoe-down type ° ‘Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest,’ where they fiddle every way but standing on their heads, is now underway at the Niland Chamber of Commerce.

    The eighth annual Bombay Beach ‘Holidays in the Desert Parade” is scheduled for today, starting at 2 p.m. Miss Salton Sea and Salton’s Junior Queen will ride in an Easter Buggy entry, and there will be lots more

    There is a very important meeting at 7 p.m. next Wednesday, November 29, at the Desert Shores Yacht Club, and every local resident should attend.

    Imperial County Sheriff Oren Fox talked forcibly to local residents last week regarding the importance of community involvement in the fight against drugs. He said he hasn’t seen the “War Against Drugs”’ yet and knows that federal, state and local governments, as well as the people themselves, should “get tough”

    Remember to come “stomp it out; with all the folks at the Ambulance Benefit Dance next Saturday, Dec, 2. Doors at the Salton Sea 3each Firehouse will open at 8 p m. Don’t forget the good cause!

    Johnson Landing’s outstanding Arts and Crafts Show will take lace from 9 a.m on December 2.
    Last Tuesday night at West Shores High School there was lots of electricity in the air as students enthusiastically received their letters and athletic awards while friends and family applauded with exuberance,

    Varsity Team Special Awards went to: Wildcat Award (exemplary in attitude and performance), Mike Medley; Most Valuable Player, IanFee; Most Inspirational, Anthony Crosby; Sportsmanship, Phil Madigan; Most Improved, Miguel Martinez.

    Named “All League Players” were Anthony Crosby, Ian Fee, Ralph Gomez, Jones Hensen, Phil Madigan, Fernando Martinez and Jeremy Walter,

    Volley Ball Honors: Jamie McLaughlin, Wildcat Award, Liliana_ Martinez, Most Valuable Player; Lisa Marty, Most Inspirational]; Candy Cimo, Sportsmanship; and Lauren Winters, Most improved. Lisa Marty was named “All League”

    After 18 years of employment at he Coachella Valley Unified School district and secretaryship at Sea View /West Shores School, the beloved Micki Sutherland has retirec and will be greatly missed. She and husband, Mike, though keeping heir home at Salton Sea Beach, will move to Palm Desert.

    Renee The new secretary is the lovely and efficient Patti Newell, also of Salton Sea Beach, She is receiving a big welcome by staff and students, who have been devastated as Micki’s leaving.

    A big welcome to the Bob White family of Salton City They moved here permanently from Sun City just six weeks ago. Loretta is not new to the area for she worked at “The Galley,” Salton City, 21 years ago. She has since remarried and she, husband Bob, and son, Joseph are now happily settled here

    More good news is that Al Curry of Salton Sea Beach is home and recouperating following major surgery as John F. Kennedy Hospital

  • Busy weekend for Salton Sea

    These days are magnificent, and motoring through certain areas of the desert is glorious. This week | visited Borrego Springs, which is 30 miles west of Salton City via $22 (Borrego Salton Seaway). The view Is spectacular.

    Clearly visible are deep, rugged ravines (Known as the Badlands) and steep, picturesque mountains bearing clearly visible marks of Mother Nature’s occasional! violent storms and day-to-day erosion. This is a perfect side trip for those wintering in the Southland and certainly a contrast to the plush sophistication of Palm Springs and her neighboring cities.

    Returning from Borrego Springs and descending toward the Sea, I was spell-bound at the sight of an intense blue Sea under pastel skies and surrounded by the desert’s beige, and various shades of pink Mother Nature’s blending of colors I’m sure is an inspiration to architects, fashion designers, and interior decorators.

    For those not interested in the scenic drive, there are plenty of other things to this weekend, including:

    • Today, Sheriff Oren Fox and SSB Fire Chief Harold Herzberg will speak at the general meeting of the Salton Sea Beach Property Owners Assoc. at the POA Bldg. at 10 a.m. Everyone’s invited.
    • Beta Alpha Tau is having a rummage-crafts-bake sale at Desert Shores today, beginning at 8 a.m., at the corner of Scott Ave. and Desert Shores Dr. sis
    • The Lionesses are holding a bake sale on the deck at DJ.’s in Salton City today from 8 am.
    • Marksmen should be out for the American Legion Turkey Shoot today at 10 a.m. on their lot adjacent to the market in Desert Shores. Turkeys and hams are there for the best “shots”
    • The American Legion Post at Bombay Beach will stage their Luau at the Community Center this evening from 4pm

    Thanksgiving Day at Salton Sea:

    • The Salton Tiki, Salton Sea Beach, will be closed but will serve turkey dinner on Wednesday evening, Nov. 22,
    • Salton Sea Beach Property Owners Assoc. will have its Thanksgiving dinner at the POA Bldg. at 3 p.m. Doors will open at noon. The cost is $2 per person. Those attending should bring a salad, vegetable dish or dessert to complement the turkey dinner
    • Kountry Kitchen, Desert Shores, will have Thanksgiving dinner from 4-9 pm
    • Mike’s Tackle Box will be a m open as usual on Thanksgiving, but The Windjammer will be closed.
    • The Desert Shores Market will | be open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
    • The Sundowner, Salton City, will offer a choice of roast turkey or roast beef with all the extras, from noon-6 pm.
    • At Salton City, Johnson’s Landing Store, The Rowboat, and the W.S. Market will be closed.
    • At the Ski Inn, Bombay Beach, a super Thanksgiving dinner is promised and will be served from 1-7 p.m. Reservations are necessary. Call 348-1285

  • Veterans groups honor student

    ‘This is the month of “Thanksgiving” and we stop, look around us, and are reminded of our beautiful, spacious land of great distances with its setting in the valley of the Sea, nestled between the picturesque Chocolate and Santa Rosa Mountains.

    Yes, we are thankful!

    An extremely impressive program was held by the American 7 Legion and VFW at Sea View/ West Shores school last Thursday. Officiating were Commander Bill Rivers of the W.S. American Legion; and Commander Warren Booth of the WS. VFW,

    Congratulations to Kristin Hansen of Salton Sea Beach, a senior at West Shores High School, who is the winner of the VFW “Voice of Democracy Script Writing Scholarship Program.” Kristin read her speech at the Veteran’s assembly, and all agreed that it has an excellent chance for victory in these contests. VFW Commander Warren Booth presented her with a check for $75

    The VFW Auxiliary is serving heir famous pancake breakfast at he Marina Mobile Estates Club10use in Desert Shores from 7-11 am, tomorrow.

    Tonight is the Firemens’ Ball at the Salton Sea Beach Firehouse. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and ‘‘Borderline” will play for dancing the night away. It’s always a good time!

    Sheriff Oren Fox will speak at the general meeting of the Salton Sea Beach Property Owners Assoc.
    on Nov. 18 at 10am

    Country western dance classes are opening at The Rowboat in Salton City next Tuesday, the 14th, and they will continue weekly with Terri Osborn instructing. She says “It’s free! Come learn the Montana, two- step, sweetheart polka, and more” —from 6 to 8pm

    And don’t forget those established and wonderful classes being held at The Windjammer in Desert Shores at 7 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Marion and Ken Stilson have finally returned from their “Summer” and they, with Linda Marty’s assistance, are instructing. It’s fun to do and also to watch.

    “Borrego Night” is being planned for Sat., Nov. 18, at The Sundowner in Salton City, when there will be free chili and pool playing from 5 p.m. Everyone is invited to this special occasion honoring Salton’s neighbors to the west.

    Next Friday, Nov. 17, the Lions Club is planning an authentic lasagna dinner, served from 6 p.m. at the Lions’ Center in Salton City. It is open to everyone; doors open at 5pm

    Beta Alpha Tau is scheduled for a rummage-crafts-bake sale sale at Desert Shores on Sat., Nov. 18. It will be at the corner of Scott Ave and Desert Shores Dr

    The Lioness are holding a preholiday bake sale on the dock at D.J.’s in Salton City from 8 a.m. next Saturday, Nov. 18

    The American Legion Turkey Shoot will take place next Saturday next to the market in Desert Shores from 10 a.m. until

    The W.S. Ambulance Service, brought 15 walkers and a big boost to the Ambulance Building Fund, although the monies have not yet all been collected. A total and also names of the walkers will be announced soon. The breakfast was delicious, and Bill Rivers, Pete Mirand a and Pat Goode had a very busy morning in the kitchen

  • Walk-a-thon highlights weekend activities

    We have definitely been aroused from our summer doldrums these past few weeks; and this will be another big weekend.

    The Walk-A-Thon, a West Shores Ambulance benefit, takes place this morning.

    The are about fifteen who will walk the six miles from Salton Sea Beach to Desert Shores and return. Each has sponsors who are pledging an amount of their choice per mile walked.

    Headquarters at the POA Bldg. in Salton Sea Beach, and here breakfast will be served from 7 am for a $3 donation.

    The VFW and Auxiliary will hold a rummage sale at the corner of Desert Shores Drive and Highway 86 this morning from 9:30 a.m.

    The VFW and the American Legion will give their Veteran’s Program in the West Shores School auditorium next Thurs., Nov. 9, at 8:30. Officiating will be Commander Bill Rivers, of the West Shores American Legion; and Commander Warren Booth, of the West Shores VFW. All are welcome to attend.

    Today is “Homecoming” at West Shores High School. They will take on Bloomington Baptist School at 11 a.m.; the dance will be from 8 p m. The popular Tony Franco, d.j from Indio, will keep things moving throughout the evening

    Kristi Taylor, of Westminster, and Jeffrey Miller, of Vista Del Mar, will be wed at the West Shores Baptist Church, Salton Sea Beach, this evening. Kristi, who was Salton’s Junior Queen in 1982-83, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Taylor of Westminster; and Jeffrey is the son of Mr. And Mrs. William Miller of Imperial,

    The seventh anniversary of the Borrego Springs Bank will be celebrated by members of the board of directors, stockholders and the staff tonight at a festive affair. Several from the West Shores are expected to attend

    It’s “Ship Ahoy!” at D.J.’s Bahia ~ Restaurant in Salton City next Wed., November 8, from 4pm.

    Remodeling and refurbishing from stern to stern has been under way this summer, and your hosts, Luis and Annetta, invite you to join them on this occasion. The special will be a chili verde dinner,

    The “Bahia” will serve genuine Mexican food and will feature frosty margaritas, ice cold beer and just the right wine to complement your luncheon or dinner.

    For starters, they will be open | from Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. For reservations or for additional information, call 394-0063

    The West Shores Seniors are staging their Luau at the Seniors Hall in Salton City from 5 p.m. on Noy. 10, Tickets are now on sale from members ($5). There will be food hinting of the tropics, music, and lots of door prizes. All are welcome; tickets may be sid hased at the door

    The North Shore Swap Meet is slated for Sat., November 11 from 8 until noon.

    Also on November 11 the Fireman’s Ball is to take place at the Salton Sea Beach Firehouse. “Borderline” will play from 9 p.m Doors will open at 8.

    Miss Salton Sea and the Golden Girls (Jackie Quinn, Marlene Bell, Gloria Lewis and Marilyn Waltz) will appear in the Cattle Call Parade, Which takes place at 9:45 a.m. on November 10.

    There will be a dedication of the newly constructed West Shores Baptist Church, Salton Sea Beach at 1:30, Sun., November 12

    Pastor Jerry Kilpatrick extends aspecial invitation to everyone for this much-anticipated occasion. There will be special music, guest speakers, refreshments and food.

    Richard Console’s Spook Run brought over 350 people out in a dark, lonely canyon west of Salton City last Saturday for a “real” Halloween!

    Vickie Coady of Salton Sea Beach, who had a full house; and Bob Neal, with his straight 10-ball hand, took tops in a poker drawing

    It was a glorious evening under starry skies and was greatly enjoyed by everyone. Many were even equipped to spend the night.

    A great time was also had at the many attending the Sundowner and Windjammer Halloween Costume Parties.

    Bob Falcon, wearing an Indian outfit with a fabulous feather headplece, was the over-all winner at the Sundowner; and the Windjammer top honors went to Marilyn Waltz, Cleopatra; Phyllis Nogales, an ornate devil; and Nancy Young, an extraordinary clown.

    The School Halloween Carnival also was a great success. The seniors planned and decorated a wonderfull haunted house, there were many winners for costumes, each class had a game booth. From the kitchen, Tom Johengen, Barry Moore, Bea Jewell and Ruth Johengen dished out hot dogs, hamburgers, chili and nachos. A real fun ‘night!

    The Borrego Springs Desert Festival was a big event last weekend and perfect weather prevailed There were over entries in Saturday’s parade, which had the theme “Tales of Pen Leg’s Lost Gold Mine.”

  • He wanted fish but ended up with pelican

    Huge clusters of plump golden dates hang heavy on the palms; patches of bright color are just now making their appearance on the ripening citrus; the vineyards, recently so green, are turning brown — all in their season.

    Flocks of white pelicans riving, cormorant are here too; and Nick Nicholson of Salton City can vouch for that. He had a bout with one the other day. He was fishing when the big black bird swooped down on the tilapia he was using for bait and was hooked. Nick reeled him in and in trying to free him all hell broke loose. Nick has scars to prove it!

    Well, there’s no frost on the pumpkins! Although the nights have turned refreshingly cool, Indian summer lingers.

    Miss Salton Sea and The Golden Girls will ride in the Borrego Springs Festival Parade today. It is scheduled for 11 am. The festival is a three-day affair (Oct. 27-28-29) centering around Christmas Circle, and many from Salton’s West Shores will attend.

    Those craving a real Halloween should follow the trail tonight to Richard Console’s “Spook Buggy Run.” EKerie sounds and sights along those canyon walls might be enough to make you wish you’d stayed home!

    All are 6 invited just follow the signs from the turnoff on $22 at Salton City, about two miles along $22 (Borrego Salton Seaway), then turn left toward the hot ponds. Signs will mark the way. In addition to the Spook Run, there will be a barbecue and entertainment by Shelia!

    Cant help thinking of the stories about the Superstition Mountain’s moaning and writhing, about the skeleton and his rattling chains and green lamp who roams the desert randomly as if in search of something, or the unmanned phantom ship that appears on the Salton Sea All comes to mind this time of year.

    If you’ve ever taken a ride on desert trails by moonlight on a chilly night in that skeleton of a buggy, the rail, you’ll never forget the creeping shadows, the long arms reaching out along the trail, then seeming to follow, the whirl of the wind, and the wildness, the screeching and snarling of that monster. Don’t go!

    The Windjammer at Desert Shores will be the scene of a Halloween Costume Party on Tuesday. Live entertainment and a strangeness Will prevail; and it will be fun!

    Last Sunday was the end of the 15th annual West Shores Howdy Neighbor Days, and there were nine wonderful days and nights. There were open houses at businesses, clubs and organizations throughout the West Shores communities there were dances, barbecues, chicken dinners, breakfasts, happy hours, sing-a-longs, drawings, special church services, and it all terminated with a Chili Cookoff and the presentation of awards.

    Winners in the various categories were as follows: for chili — Marlene St. Clair; pies — Bobbie Morris; cakes — Virginia Clawson, In the best dressed competition, first place winners were: man Mike Groves, woman — Ruth Layman; couple — Ernie and Phyllis Mogales; boy and girl — Marvin and Marlene Rasmussen.

    Madalyn Hill of Desert Shores was named “Old Timer of the Year”.

    Alabama Jim took a first in the beard contest: Wolf Bondzeit a first for his sideburns, and Mike Prince held top honors for his moustache.

    Dick St. Clair of Salton Sea Beach was the genial master of ceremonies who introduced the winners.and those assisting with presentations were: Mr. and Miss Salton Sea, Richard Console and Jan Clemens, Salton’s Junior Queen, Lauren Winters; Frank Farley, the Beach Boy, and Jackie Quinn, Golden Girl of 1989-90.

    On this year’s HND Committee were. Les and Linda Marty of Desert Shores, co-chairmen. Kern Abrams, vice chairman, Marlene St. Clair and Bob Waltz, sharing the office of treasurer, secretary, Bernice Duncan, and Madalyn Hill, counselor to the committee,

    They and their crews are to be congratulated for planning, organizing and carrying out this extremely successful 1989 event, which provided great entertain: meant for Salton residents and visitors and increased acquaintanceship along Salton’s shores.

    Next Saturday, November 4, wedding bells will ring at the West Shores Baptist Church, Salton Sea Beach, for Miss Kristi Taylor of Westminster and Mr. Jeffrey Miller of Vista Del Mar. Kristi is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Taylor of Westminister: and Jeffrey is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Miller of Imperial.

  • Snowbirds back to Salton Sea

    “Howdy Neighbor Days” at Salton Sea’s West Shores (Oct. 14-22) comes just at the right time-folks are happily returning from their vacations, the Snowbirds are arriving, and the homes, roused from their summer lethargy, are geared for action.

    The 10-day event opened last weekend with a carnival at the Desert Shores Park, and it was great. There were games, craft, food, refreshment booths by the various organizations, there was dunk tank and a fortune telling tent, the ambulance was stationed just inside the entrance to the park for emergencies and also added gusto with the intermittent blasting of sirens.

    Jackie Quinn, of Salton City, was named Golden Girl of the Year: and Lauren Winters, 15, of Salton Sea Beach, was crowned Salton’s Junior Queen of 1989-91(in two separate contests which were held at the park gazebo.

    Marlene Bell of Desert Shores was the runner op in the Golden Girls event, and she could have stepped from a page in a country-western thriller, with her boots. 10-gallon hat, chaps. holster, las-so and spurs that jingled.

    The Salton Sea Beach team, of Gloria Lewis and Marylen Waltz took third place and brought thunderous applause. Gloria, was in bib overalls trimmed in lace and had a cow in tow, which was Marylen (with udder) Others, all great and each in unique western attire, were: Dorothy Culpepper, Ginger Dean, Eva Harbaugh, Vi Herzberg. Ruth Layman, Phyllis Nogales. Ann Reyes, Pat Shuberg and Jackie Woodman.

    The Golden Girl of 1988-89, beautiful, petite Dottie Mullins of the beach community, stepped down from her throne that evening to crown Jackie “Golden Girl of the Year.”

    In the Junior Queen’s Court are Michelle Bell and Tonya Read of Salton City, and Elisa Guice and Tonya Peterson of Desert Shores, all lovely young ladies who ex-pressed the desire to give special assistance with community affairs throughout the coming year. They will be appearing in the W.S. Santa Claus Parade at Sal-ton Sea Beach on Dec. 10.

    They are cookin’ at the Desert Shores park today for the Chili Cookoff (the chili has to be prepared at the park). Judging the chili, along with baked goods entries, takes place at 5:30 — after that, we eat it all!

    Tomorrow, the American Legion will treat folks to their famous biscuits and gravy, eggs-sausage-beverage-breakfast from 6-10 a.m. at the POA building in Salton Sea Beach. (Only $2.50!)

    But speaking of haunts, the San Francisco earthquake is haunting us, for we too are situated adjacent to the San Andreas Fault It was about 1953 when 1 experienced my first earthquake at Sal-ton Sea and it was a big one In those days there were just a few trailers on the beach (no campers or motor homes then); it was due ing the week and about dusk

    I had hired a woman to assist me at the Reach House. It had just been moved back out of the water and was sitting on timbers and stilts about five feet above the ground. When the shaking started we were across the road way in my trailer, 1 remember being afraid to look out for fear the Beach !louse had crashed, but it just rolled with the punches!

    We ran over to the Beach House (bar and restaurant) and just as I reached for a glass the after shock came — it too was severe, and we made our way out as fast we could.

    My lady made her way “way out and I never saw her again. She was from San Diego. The few trailers and cars parked there made a complete exit — watched them leave and there wasn’t even a goodbye.

    Glasses, bottles, were all off the shelves — there was break-age everywhere, and the next morning I discovered wide cracks in the earth.