Elections, short term rentals, high school violence, and our town’s eponymous tree all made headlines this past year – and as we close out 2022 we thought we’d take a look back at some of the top stories we’ve covered here at z1077 news.
The 2024 election saw a few tight races here in the high desert. In the 29 palms city council, only 8 votes separated newcomer Octavious Scott from unseated incumbent Karmoulette O’Gilvie in the only contested district seat in the 29 palms city council race. The California State Assembly district races were also close, with District 34’s keeping republican tom lackey, and District 47’s republican Greg Wallis edging out Christy Holstege in a race that frequently saw both candidates switching places as votes were counted.
A California proposition that tried to legalize sports betting at tribal casinos failed to pass, but one that banned flavored tobacco products statewide passed with 65% of the vote.
In Yucca Valley, – Voters overwhelmingly approved a Transient Occupancy Tax Rate increase from 7% to 12% The additional tax will apply to all lodging stays––short-term vacation rentals, hotels, and motels Reporter Hilary Sloane reported on the changes:
The decision on whether the Western Joshua Tree’s status should be protected as a threatened species was delayed twice this year – with the last delay pushing the decision into 2023. Reporter Mike Lipsitz reported on what that means for the iconic species.
Since that meeting in October, the Joshua Tree has remained protected until the February 23rd meeting of the California Fish and Game Commission – when the potential fate of that status could be determined.
As a new year approaches, it offers everyone a time to reflect on the year that has been. Arts & Entertainment Reporter Charlie Thomas has a retrospective of 2022 in local theater:
We has extensive coverage of County Measure D that reversed a previously voter-approved initiative to limit county supervisor’s pay.
As we wrap up 2022 and look back at some contentious elections and complicated measures, there’s one story and election that we covered just down the hill that had universal appeal. Gabriel Hart joins us with a quick look back at Morongo Valley’s very first dog mayor election.
