After a long successful career as a Photostylist and producer in New York and Los Angeles, Hilary Sloane moved to the Morongo Basin and began a new career as a journalist and documentary photographer, getting a journalism certification from Michigan…

Desert Wise Landscape Tour showing off native gardens and water-conscious designs this Sunday (4/21)

The annual Desert-Wise Landscape Tour offered by the Morongo Basin Conservation Association is happening this Sunday, April 21, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. The public is invited to visit five home sites and one demonstration garden located in the Morongo Basin. Each of the five homes featured on the tour offers a distinct and captivating perspective on desert-wise landscaping. These landscapes are not only creative but also water-conscious, showcasing a harmonious blend of native and…

Art Queen complex in Joshua Tree sold to LA based non-profit AHA Projects

Listen here: Art Queen, the iconic community public space in downtown Joshua Tree for music, art and local vendors, has been sold to a Los Angeles-based non-profit. The complex, which covers more than one acre on the south side of Twentynine Palms Highway, includes a number of storefronts and residences, and was listed for sale at just over $2 million dollars. The buyers - AHA Projects - say their mission statement focuses on providing support to artists and people working in creative fields.…

All-Female Art Rock Band Yvonne Champagne Plays Album Release Show April 13 at Taylor Junction

Prepare for an electrifying night of intense music as the all-female fuzz rock sensation Yvonne Champagne takes the stage for their album release during the Second Saturday Art Walk on April 13 in Joshua Tree. On Saturday, April 13, along with the Joshua Tree Art Walk, The band Yvonne Champagne plays its album release party performing new songs from its third album, “Witch Moon,” a heavy-fuzz rock tribute to the desert moon. Also performing is WAXY, a powerfully unique psychedelic garage rock…

Conference on Trauma Education and Ethics at Copper Mountain College, sponsored by “The Fighting Cacti”

Copper Mountain College CTE, (Career and Technical Education) Advisory Committee is sponsoring an all-day Trauma-informed education and ethics conference free of charge. Everyone is invited. The Fighting Cacti Trauma conference, a rich tapestry of learning experiences, will be held at Copper Mountain College, 6162 Rotary Way in Joshua Tree, on April 26. Kickoff Breakfast begins at 8:30, and Keynote Speaker Franko Heke will join remotely. There is a $20 charge for this session only. The…

What does it take to Feel Safe? White Rock Horse Rescue: a place of refuge

Listen here: Ever wonder what it takes for a horse to feel safe again after a life of abuse or neglect? It's more than just a roof over their heads—it's about finding a place where they can truly relax, heal, and rediscover trust. White Rock Horse Rescue (WRHR) is one place where CEO and Founder Isabel Megli has dedicated her life to providing sanctuary for horses and people who get joy from caring for animals. Isabel Megli / Photo by Hilary Sloane Tucked away, a couple of streets up…

Yucca Valley Planning Commission meetings to cover mobile home and apartment updates

This morning at 10 a.m., there will be a special meeting of the Yucca Valley Town Council, in which the council will discuss extending a moratorium on changing age provisions at mobile home parks. Then at 6 p.m., the Yucca Valley Planning Commission will meet in regular session to review a permit request for a five-unit apartment complex. During the Department Reports, the Yucca Valley Planning Commission will review a request to construct a five (5) unit apartment complex on a 0.67-acre…

Yucca Valley Town Council to discuss “Gates of Spain” mobile home park expansion

The Yucca Valley Town Council will hold a Special meeting at 10 a.m. on January 9 to discuss and review the Gates of Spain Mobile home Expansion Plans. On December 1, the Yucca Valley Town Council prevented an effort by the new owners of the Gates of Spain Mobile Home Park to open the facility to residents of all ages. A special meeting to continue this discussion is scheduled for tomorrow morning. To study the requested changes for the Gates of Spain Mobile Park and consider creating a new…

Yucca Valley Planning Commission wraps up projects and permits before holiday break

The Yucca Valley Planning Commission met Wednesday night to ensure all open projects and permits were completed or dealt with before the holidays. During the meeting, the Commission reviewed a color change decision that continued from the last two meetings and approved a multi-family complex at 7120 Palo Alto Avenue. The project is a five (5) unit apartment complex on a 0.67-acre site. The request includes a variance from the required open space area, building separation distance, and driveway…

The Yucca Valley Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, 12/20

The Yucca Valley Planning Commission will meet Wednesday night to review a color change decision that has been continued from the last two meetings, along with other Town business. During the Department Reports, the Yucca Valley Planning Commission will review an application to change the exterior color of the commercial structure located at the northeast corner of Twentynine Palms Highway and Prescott Avenue. The Planning Commission will also receive the Land Update Report. The meeting is at 6…

Organics and green waste recycling starts January of 2024

As California Senate Bill 1383 requires, Yucca Valley will implement its Organics Recycling in January by providing organic waste collection services for residents and businesses. The goal is to reduce organic waste sent to landfills by 75% and recover surplus edible food to feed Californians facing food insecurity. Separate all waste, yard trimmings, and other organic materials from regular trash. Organic waste includes food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning, and non-hazardous wood…