Ah, those halcyon Victorville days

Victorville, according to a story in The Sun by my esteemed colleague Stacia Glenn, is the second-fastest growing city in the nation. Right behind New Orleans.

The only thing The Vic lacks is Reggie Bush.

Well, maybe not the only thing.

When I was offered a job at the Victor Valley Daily Press in 1992, I really didn't know where Victorville was. I had to look it up on a map. My shoulders slumped when I learned it was smack dab in the Mojave Desert. I had visions of old wagon wheels and cow skulls, blowing in a fierce desert wind.

The wind part was accurate, but few of my other pre-judgments were. The first thing that struck me driving up I-15 into The Vic was how built up it was. Downright civilized. Red Robin. Olive Garden. Scandia Play Center. Even a Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum.

Well, the museum is gone now, packed up and moved to Branson, Mo. But the progress the High Desert has made in the interim has compensated. Back in '92, I used to drive all the way to Barstow to watch 49er games at a little sports bar called Hooz on First. Now I could watch Alex Smith throw interceptions at any assortment of sports bars spread throughout the High Dez.

As time passes, I'm sure I remember my four years living in The Vic through rose-colored glasses. It was a mostly enjoyable time - covering the High Desert Mavericks, watching tinhorns line dance at the Cocky Bull and eating "garbage burritos" at some taco emporium whose name I've long since forgotten.

One thing I haven't forgotten is the Daily Press editor at the time, Steve Williams, announcing "Our Christmas party will be at the Blue Danube, or whatever that place next door is called." He meant the Blue Parrot, which has since been renamed. I miss that curmudgeonly wordsmith, Steve Williams.

The Vic has its negatives, but I choose not to remember them. I'm just happy so many people are moving there, and hope some of them subscribe to The Sun.

- John Murphy
berdooman@aol.com
909-633-4829

www.insidesocal.com/sb/prepdpog