Apple Valley Review

Rocky Llamas, proprietor of Alive in the Spirit Catholic Bookstore on Highway 18, was raised in Chicago and moved to Los Angeles in 1954 at the age of 14. After high school, he joined the Marine Corps. He was married for 48 years until his wife’s death in 2009. He now works in the bookstore and serves the Lord as much as possible.
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Q: Describe a special memory you have of Apple Valley.
A: When my son bought a house here, my grandchildren were very happy to have their own house.
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Q: What do you do in your free time?

FROM STAFF REPORTS

APPLE VALLEY • Mayor Pro Tem Barb Stanton is calling for a new ordinance that would require all business owners in Apple Valley to certify under penalty of perjury that they’re using the federal E-Verify system, ensuring they’re only hiring employees who are legally authorized to work in the United States.

If at least two more council members agree during Tuesday night’s meeting, staff will bring a new ordinance back for final approval at a future meeting.

The Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library is recruiting volunteers to teach reading to adult learners. Adults who are interested should contact Larry at the library, (760) 240-7739. Hours are flexible and volunteers will receive training and all materials necessary to assist in teaching.

By Rene De La Cruz
APPLE VALLEY REVIEW

APPLE VALLEY • The Academy for Academic Excellence was given a Silver Medal Ranking that placed them in the top 3 percent of schools in the nation, according to a recent U.S. News report on America’s Best High Schools.

The ranking was based on the results of the 2010 Base Academic Performance Index which was announced last month.

“This is very exciting for our school,” AAE spokesperson Cheryl Thompson said. “The staff and students work very hard and it’s wonderful that our efforts have been validated.”

By Rene De La Cruz
APPLE VALLEY REVIEW

APPLE VALLEY • The United in Christ Baptist Church of Apple Valley, led by Pastor Patrick D. Foy, opened its doors and allowed Castle Rock Christian Fellowship Baptist Church to use their facility for their second location.

Some 150 excited worshippers from both congregations, and family and friends from Southern California and Texas attended the May 29 inaugural service.

By Pat Orr
APPLE VALLEY REVIEW

Why is today Flag Day? Two reasons come to mind. First, June 14, 1777, was the day the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States of America.

Second, having nothing better to do, the United States Congress established this date as our “National Flag Day” in August 1949.

Update
A June 14 arrest log item reported Mark Flatebo was arrested on suspicion of unspecified felonies. He has since pleaded no contest to misdemeanor evading an officer.

All names listed are residents of Apple Valley, and all suspected crimes were committed in San Bernardino County unless otherwise stated, as reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

June 8
David Zamora was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Salvador Sanchez was arrested on suspicion of assault and battery.

Eight local dance teams will square off Saturday for a variety of good causes in the fourth annual Dancing with the Sunset Hills Stars.

Dancers are soliciting “votes” at $20 a piece to support local charities.

Col. George Armstrong III beats out 270 nominees for prestigious award

By Rene De La Cruz
APPLE VALLEY REVIEW

APPLE VALLEY • Out of 270 nominees, from the United States and abroad, retired U.S. Air Force Col. George Armstrong III (pictured, right) was chosen for the 2011 Outstanding Air Force Junior ROTC Instructor of the Year.

Armstrong, who teaches Senior Aerospace Science at the Academy for Academic Excellence, was honored by the Department of the Air Force, Air University.

Ernelyn “Ernie” Navarro is the Manager of Community Outreach and Education at St. Mary Medical Center.