By Peter Day
Senior Reporter
Fittingly, Ron Scriven's first official event to benefit his campaign for honorary mayor was colored green.
About 50 of Scriven's supporters helped launch his campaign with a traditional St. Patrick's Day dinner at the Senior Center last Thursday night. Lucerne Valley Chamber President Woody Hart, who is a former honorary mayor himself, and a small crew of cooking volunteers, prepared the meal of corned beef, cabbage and potatoes.
"This was our first one," Scrivens said. "We're going to start rolling now."
A former resident of the Crestline and Lake Arrowhead area, Scriven served in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a chief (SKC, USN, ret.). After retiring from the Navy, he settled in Lucerne Valley in 1995 and operated a mobile screen business. However, like many other small businesses, Scriven's didn't survive the economic downturn of the late 2000s.
Later, he went to work for the Lucerne Valley Market and Hardware Store, retiring from the Market recently. Three years ago he followed his heart and began working as a DJ at Adelita's Mexican Restaurant. The position allowed him to showcase his karaoke singing skills and spin the favorites as a disc jockey. Currently, the Adelita's karaoke is held on Tuesdays, which feature $1 "taco Tuesday" tacos, and on Friday's, which features $1.50 asada tacos. (And of course, Adelita's complete menu and bar drinks are also available).
As a longtime resident of Lucerne Valley, Scrivens sees his participation in the Honorary Mayor race as a way to be involved in his community and help out.
"It's a chance to raise more for the Chamber and a chance to have fun."
Lucerne Valley has qualities others don't have, according to Scrivens. He loves that it is a small town and people know each other. He likes that it is rural with a lot of room with scenic views.
"People out here generally seem to care," he said. "There's a pride you don't see anywhere else. I've traveled all over the world, but I have not seen a better community."
Scriven's upcoming benefit events: Bingo at the Senior Center on April 13 (must be 18 and over); Mega Swap Meet booth at the Chamber office on May 7; Barbecue and Karaoke at noon at the Lazy Lizard Ranch on May 28 and a Karaoke Party at noon on June 4 at Adelita's Mexican Restaurant. The Honorary Mayor Finale Dinner will be held on June 10.