Culver City Observer -

Search Expands for Missing Culver City Hiker

Efforts by search-and-rescue personnel to locate missing hiker Edward Rosenthal, 64 of Culver City were expanded on Tuesday. Park rangers and volunteer searchers are combing an area of rugged hills and canyons near Yucca Valley, California for the missing hiker. Rosenthal, 64, has been missing since Friday evening when he failed to return from a hike near Black Rock Campground inside Joshua Tree National Park. Rosenthal was reported missing to park rangers on Sunday afternoon.

A helicopter from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office is providing air support for approximately 55 personnel from Joshua Tree Search and Rescue and San Bernardino County Search and Rescue during Tuesday’s search operation. Search-and-rescue members on horseback are also participating.

The focus of Tuesday’s search are the hiking trails south of Black Rock Campground, especially the Panorama Loop and Warren Peak trails. Search protocol involves looking left and right and examining under trees, around rocks, and into natural depressions while hiking the trails.

The terrain in the Black Rock area is characterized by steep ridges cut by canyons and dry streambeds. Elevations vary from 4,000 to 5,500 feet. The forecast is for the temperature to approach 100 degrees today and there is little shade and no water in Black Rock Canyon.

On Friday afternoon, Rosenthal parked at Black Rock Campground where he communicated to other campers his intention to go out for a solo day-hike. When he failed to return either Friday or Saturday, his absence was reported to park rangers. Based on information provided by Rosenthal's family to search officials, it is believed that he is an experienced hiker and is in good physical condition.

Rosenthal is 5 foot 7 inches in height, weighing 145 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing eyeglasses, a tan shirt, tan pants, and a tan wide-brim hat with a tail for sun protection. He was carrying a black camelback-style backpack.

A local Realtor, Rosenthal is known for brokering deals to sell historic downtown office and industrial buildings for conversion into condo or apartments.

Anyone who might have seen Rosenthal or someone matching his description in the area is asked to call the Federal Interagency Communications Center (FICC) at 909-383-5668.