Sacramento

Miss hiking during mud season? These Colorado desert destinations are perfect for spring

Spring in Colorado is colloquially known as shoulder season (or mud season), as folks come off the slopes and wait for the snow to melt and alpine wildflowers to bloom. When it comes to hiking, however, we’re making the case that this time of year should be rebranded as desert season. For some, it likely already is. Tourists flock to enjoy the stunning desert scapes in Moab, Utah, this time of year before temperatures rise to nearly 100 degrees in the summer months. But if you can’t make it that far, Colorado also offers locations where you can hit the trails, enjoy the rock formations and (mostly) avoid trekking through mud. When it comes to desert hiking, prepare for prolonged exposure to the sun with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and lots of water since the terrain doesn’t typically offer much shade. Some canyons have flowing water, though others don’t, so if you’re bringing a dog make sure to pack enough for everyone to stay hydrated. Here are four desert destinations to check out this spring. Keep these in mind for fall, too, when the weather turns

Sacramento

Bert I. Gordon made terrible movies for 60 years. He’s an inspiration.

Christopher Borrelli | Chicago Tribune CHICAGO — Bert I. Gordon, who died earlier this spring at 100, was the absolute worst filmmaker who ever lived. Or so some might argue. You’ve heard Ed Wood was the worst. Or Roger Corman. Or maybe Michael Bay. But Gordon was not lousy for one or two decades. He was a terrible filmmaker for about 60 years, and when he got around to writing his memoir in 2010 (“The Amazing Colossal Worlds of Mr. B.I.G.: An Autobiographical Journey”), it was the absolute worst book ever written by a filmmaker. To borrow from the lurid posters for his movies, his talent, such as it was, screamed: Amazing! Towering! Beyond Description! Just not in a good way. You could say I’m unkind. But there’s poetry to this life: Bert I. Gordon was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, seven years after Orson Welles was born in Kenosha. That’s the universe pranking us. Or God laughing. “Empire Of The Ants,” by actor and filmmaker Bert I. Gordon. Poster art with Joan Collins, 1977. (LMPC via Getty Images/TNS) Before his name fades from memory (Gordon died within days of

Sacramento

No more hospital corners: Mom’s mistake sparks business idea for fitted flat sheets

As the mother of two Michele Wytas knows the struggle of trying to keep a top sheet on a bed. Every time she would do her final night check on her sons when they were younger, “the sheets would be all over,” despite her having made the beds with tight, folded top sheet corners. Her sons didn’t want to re-make the bed and neither did she, as one bed was up against the wall and had to be pulled out to tuck the corners. With those vivid memories in mind, Wytas would come up with a solution that “I fell upon by accident,” and turned it into a business. Her “Toesty Sheets” – sold in full sets – include a top sheet with fitted sheet corners on the bottom so the sheet doesn’t fall off, yet the toes are free. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Toesty Sheets (@toestysheets) Crowdfunding to expand the business  The business is doing well, Wytas said, but she’s launched a crowdfunding campaign to take it to the next level and is looking to partner with a mattress

Deserts

UPDATED: Man Gunned Down at Lake Elsinore Residence

LAKE ELSINORE (CNS) – A man was fatally shot at a Lake Elsinore property, but the shooter was not immediately identified, authorities said Monday. The deadly attack occurred just after 2 p.m. Sunday in the 33100 block of Jamieson Street, just west of Grand Avenue, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Ben Ramirez said that patrol deputies were called to the location to investigate reports of a man down and found the victim, whose identity was not immediately released, at a residence suffering from several gunshot wounds. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Ramirez said detectives from the Central Homicide Unit took over the investigation. A possible motive was not disclosed, and there was no word on who the assailant may have been, or whether investigators were close to making an arrest Monday. Anyone with information was asked to contact the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777. Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.

Deserts

Authorities Seize Over $1 Million in Goods at Marijuana Dispensary

JURUPA VALLEY (CNS) – Authorities seized over $1 million worth of processed marijuana, marijuana concentrates, vapes, edible items and psilocybin mushrooms at an unlicensed marijuana dispensary in Jurupa Valley, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced Sunday. Deputies from the department’s Jurupa Valley station responded to the 1700 block of Production Circle at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday regarding a disturbance. Upon arrival, numerous people attempted to flee, according to deputies, but several were detained. Deputies found evidence of an illegal or unlicensed marijuana dispensary, secured the location and subsequently obtained a search warrant. Members of the sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team allegedly found approximately 115 pounds of processed marijuana, 10 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, 100 pounds of marijuana concentrate, 2,400 marijuana vapes and 1,200 edible marijuana items. The investigation was ongoing. Anyone with relevant information was asked to contact Deputy Butler at 951-955-2600. Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.

Deserts

Armed Man Robs Moreno Valley Business, Still At Large

MORENO VALLEY (CNS) – An armed robber made off with an undisclosed amount of cash after holding up a business in Moreno Valley, authorities said Sunday. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Moreno Valley station responded to the business in the 16400 block of Perris Boulevard at 11:23 p.m. Saturday. They learned that a man entered the business armed with a handgun and demanded money from the store clerks. The suspect fled the location with an undisclosed amount of cash. He was described as an adult male in his 20s wearing a white hoodie, black pants, and black bandana over his face. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. The investigation was ongoing. Anyone with relevant information was asked to contact Deputy J. Padilla 951-486-6700. Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.