HESPERIA — As firefighters continue to battle the Bluecut Fire and evacuees wait to return home, many individuals and groups have decided to reach out them.Officials at The 99 Cents Only Store said its Main Street store near I Avenue in Hesperia will hand out water, baby wipes, snacks and other items to anyone affected by the fire.The store, which is located near the evacuation center near Sultana High School, will begin handing out resources Friday morning, officials said.Fitness trainer Laura Streppone of Victorville played Santa Claus by dropping by the Apple Valley Municipal Animal Shelter on Thursday to hand out some supplies.Streppone said she did a little shopping at local pet stores, and showered the animal shelter with cat and dog food, toys, towels, litter pans, food bowls and pizzas for shelter employees“I was even short money on pizza, but Little Ceasars on Highway 18 in Apple Valley pitched in,” Streppone said. “I truly hope the families can be reunited with their fur babies soon.”The Town-operated facility took in some 400 small animals displaced by the fire that began in the Cajon Pass Tuesday.After spending a night away from their home off Coriander Drive in Oak Hills due to mandatory evacuation orders for the Bluecut Fire, Connie Mumford and her family were happy to offer up a small token of gratitude to those who've been fighting the 35,000-plus-acre fire on the front line.With some help from her grandfather, Ed Hackbarth, the founder of Del Taco who made a supply run from Barstow, Mumford's husband, Michael, a California Highway Patrol officer, hand-delivered some 40 burritos to firefighters and other personnel on Thursday."It's important to let them know that they're appreciated," Mumford said. "We had to evacuate for a day, but we're back and the house is OK. It's just a way of saying thank you for all that they do."Recently, High Desert Church completed two days of collecting and distributing food and supplies for first responders and residents.Firehouse Subs of Hesperia recently donated 64 cases of bottled water and provided 100 free sandwiches to the firefighters battling the Pilot fire that began Aug. 7.High Desert Baptist Church provided hot meals, emergency food, hygiene supplies and clothing during an outreach event at their church in Phelan on Thursday. Director Bill Edwards of the Victor Valley Rescue Mission said the BJ'S Restaurant in Victorville opened up their kitchen and their hearts by donating food to feed up to 200 people for the event.The Hesperia Church of the Nazarene held a similar charity event at their church the day before.For those interested in donating to those affected by the Bluecut Fire, donations can be made from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army Social Service Office , located at 14585 La Paz Dr. in Victorville.“It’s so beneficial that the community is coming together to help others,” Streppone said. “Some people can be so negative, but getting out and helping others usually solves that attitude.
Rovinsky, 27, Diamond Bar #3 – Trevor Sanchez, 29, RiversideOn ”SPECT: #1 – Daniel Mervine, 27, Jurupa #2 – NatashaThursday, August 18, 2016 at 7:00 a.m. deputies responded to a call of suspicious subjects at a home located within the evacuation area. Deputies arrived and made contact with the suspects, who were attempting to leave the residence with a flatbed truck. The suspects told deputies they were picking up property for a friend that lived at the residence. Deputies made contact with the property owner who advised that he did not give anyone permission to take his property. The three suspects were taken into custody without incident and will be booked for Looting and Grand Theft Auto. If anyone has information related to the suspects involved, they are urged to contact Sheriff’s Central Station at (909)387-354