Hiking News: Fossils Stolen from Death Valley National Park, $1000 reward

DEATH VALLEY, CA - In our opinion, this is absolutely unacceptable, the responsible parties NEED

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to be located and the items returned to their correct location. Park rangers recently discovered that fossil footprints were removed from Death Valley National Park.

Trackways of mammals and birds were formed about 3 to 5 million years ago, when the animals left footprints in a muddy lakeshore area. Scientists visit the area regularly, photographing and recording the exact location of each footprint. They discovered the fossils were missing during a recent visit and reported it to park rangers.

Backpackers in the area were photographed and may have witnessed the crime or have information about those responsible. Investigators are offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible. Please see the attached flyer to view photos and for information about how to submit a tip.

South of the Border Inspired lunch

One of my favorite proteins is a bit surprising.  Being vegetarian, of course it would not be the ever popular bacon.  Most would assume tofu as a generic answer.  Those with some veg option knowledge might guess tempeh or seitan, but they too would be wrong.  This favorite ancient seed of mine boasts 14g of protein and a laundry list of essential vitamins and minerals per every 3.5oz of uncooked grain! 

That's right, I am talking about quinoa (keen-wah).  This little dietary gem is originally from the Andean region of South America.  The Incas treated it as sacred, referring it to "the mother grain" until the Spanish conquistadors invaded and forbade them from cultivating this amazing grain.  Thus eliminating quinoa from popular diets and making it largely unknown until recently.

Fortunately for everyone, quinoa's popularity is growing.  Not only is it gluten free, but it is one of only a few plant foods that are considered a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.  I like to prepare quinoa the way i think the ancient Andean people probably enjoyed it, with simple vegetables and warm spices like in the following recipe: South of the Border Quinoa. 

Mail Theft: A growing problem and how to help stop it

Temecula, CA - As many of us here in the suburbs of the Inland Empire have discovered, mail theft is a growing issue. Community 'cluster mail boxes' have been a prime target since they provide multiple opportunities to gain valuable personal info, checks and small packages. The picture here is from my mailbox across the street from my home. Needless to say I was rather pissed off to find this.

After speaking with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and doing some research, I have some pointers I would like to share with you:

1 - Don't have mail or packages delivered to your home. Seriously, no joke.
Get a post office box or a mailbox at a 'postal annex' type place. The advantage to a 'postal annex' type location over the Post Office is independent mail locations accept USPS mail AND UPS/FedEx - the Post Office will only accept USPS mail. You might need to drive to the mail box store to pick things up, but you will know that your Amazon package is safe there.

2 - If you are not into the idea above, or the cost for a separate mailbox is outside of your budget, be sure to pick up your mail from your mailbox EVERY SINGLE DAY. Not every other day, not once a week. EVERY DAY! If your mail isn't in the mailbox over night, then your mail doesn't get stolen by tweekers. It is really that simple. Tweekers and thieves typically work in the dark of the night, if your mail is already in your house - you have already made the best defensive move.

3 - If you have packages delivered to your home while not there, be sure to get a HD camera for the front door area. Make sure it works and is motion sensitive. Use it everyday. While some thieves will still take your package, if they see a camera, some will just move along after seeing others arrested when the videos of thieves go viral on social media.

4 - If your mail or packages are stolen, don't just post about it on FB or IG, FILE A DAMN POLICE REPORT. For real, my mailbox has 12 slots and I was the ONLY PERSON TO FILE A REPORT in my neighborhood according to the deputy. Crimes are not going to report themselves, nor does your local patrol officer have time to be checking FB 'community talk' pages to see what crimes have been going down. Get on the phone and call PD so they know what areas to step up patrols and if the dirtbags thieves are caught - you will likely be notified if your items are retrieved as part of an arrest. As well you can report suspected mail losses to Postal Inspectors by calling 877-876-2455 (press 3) or at postalinspectors.uspis.gov

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Riverside County: Upcoming events in April 2017

Public Safety Expo   Apr. 1
An interactive day with leading public safety agencies that provide services to help keep people Moreno Valley safe - all in a festive atmosphere complete with music, food and giveaways.
Time/Place: 10am-2pm / Moreno Valley Civic Center  
Contact: 951-413-3000 / www.ci.moreno-valley.ca.us

Riverside Air Show   Apr. 1
With more than 200 acres of aircraft displays, fun for the kids, food and refreshments, helicopter displays and community group

exhibits your family will be thrilled to be part of this very unique entertainment opportunity.
Time/Place: 9am-4pm / Riverside Municipal Airport
Contact: www.riversideca.gov/airshow

Bridal Expo   Apr. 1
The event will feature local wedding vendors for services including catering, bakeries, party planners, DJs, photographers and much more!
Time/Place: 11am-3pm / Eastvale Community Center: 13820 Schleisman Rd.
Contact: 951-727-3524 / www.jcsd.us

Lake Elsinore Water Ski Marathon   Apr. 1-2
These are qualifying races for the United States World Water Ski Racing Championships in Seattle. The Lake will be closed during the event due to this high speed event.
Time/Place: Sat 12-5:30pm, Sun 8am-12:30pm / La Laguna Boat Launch
Contact: 951-674-3124 / www.lake-elsinore.org

Victims’ Rights Candlelight Vigil   Apr. 6
Paying tribute to Crime Victims’ of Riverside County.
Time/Place: 7-8pm / Riverside Historic Courthouse
Contact: 951-955-5450 / www.rivcoda.org