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…

Morongo Basin Unity Home hosts Wild West Showdown fundraiser

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In support of this cause, Unity Home is holding its biggest Fundraiser of the year, the Wild West Showdown. Join the Unity Home Wild West Fundraiser On October 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Have your photo taken in the Photo Booth, and bid in the Dessert Auction or the Silent Auction. Your donations go to Unity Home, providing a place of safety for victims of domestic violence and educating and assisting them through counseling, legal advocacy,…

Yucca Valley Planning Commission recap: Temporary Special Events in residential zones and guidelines for mascots and statues

At last night's meeting, the Commission postponed the review of an exterior color change at 6625 Prescott Avenue until the next meeting. However, they did approve an exterior color change for 55315 Twentynine Palms Highway. There were audience comments from people present and online when the discussion turned to Special Events in residential areas. Janis and Dennis Pask opposed special events because of traffic and wear and tear on unmaintained dirt roads. Ben Johnstone, a vacation rental…

Yucca Valley Planning Commission meets to discuss temporary special events in neighborhoods

The Yucca Valley Planning Commission will continue discussing Temporary Special Events in Single Family Residential Zoning Districts and review the Exterior Color Change for 6625 Prescott Avenue and 55315 Twentynine Palms Highway. In addition, the Commission will decide on the Commercial Design Guidelines on Branding Mascot and Statues and forward it to the Town Council. The final act of business at tonight’s meeting is a review of the Land Development Update Report. The public is welcome. The…

 Yucca Valley Town Council discussing ideas and initiatives for town’s future development

Last night's Yucca Valley Town Council meeting delved into various vital topics, emphasizing community initiatives and future development ideas. The evening began with a presentation from Suzanna Barnett, the Executive Director of Morongo Basin Unity Home, who highlighted efforts for Domestic Awareness Month. Unity Home has been providing transitional housing with the town's support for three decades and working in local high schools to raise awareness about teenage dating violence.…

Organics Recycling Program Rollout is on the agenda for Yucca Valley Town Council tonight

The Yucca Valley has two essential items on the agenda for tonight's meeting. The Yucca Valley Town Council will receive and file information about the rollout of the state-mandated Organic Recycling Program. The Council will also conduct an open discussion on various initiatives and ideas identified as critical for future discussion, prioritization, and development. The public is welcome. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/94671172944?pwd=Zy9iRXQxeG9xWkVpV3FlcitTUzgwUT09 Meeting ID: 946…

Yucca Valley Planning Commission looks at cannabis laws, mascot and business changes

The Yucca Valley Planning Commission Meeting will review the California Senate bill on Medicinal Marijuana Delivery and other critical business. As part of what will be a busy meeting, the Yucca Valley Planning Commission will convene tonight in regular session to hold a public hearing regarding possible changes to local cannabis laws. Also on the agenda are discussions regarding commercial events in residential neighborhoods and store mascots. The Yucca Valley Planning Commission will review…

27th Annual Gubler’s Orchid Festival blooming October 7th and 8th

Experience displays of beautiful live orchids, photograph, and learn about these beautiful plants during this weekend in October at the 27th Annual Morongo Basin Orchid Festival at Gubler’s Orchids. See over 30,000 Venus Fly Traps and other carnivorous plants waiting for their next meal. The Gubler family has loved and grown orchids for four generations. Originally in Switzerland, Gubler Orchids was opened in 1918 by Heir Gubler. His second son, Hans, moved to California in 1954 and started…

California Desert Summit Panel – Working to protect the desert: Dr. Tim Krantz

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and protecting the California Desert's ecological health were the focal points of discussion during the recent Defending the Desert Summit. Dr. Tim Krantz, a University of Redlands professor, and the Wildlands Conservancy's Conservation Director, provided valuable insights into these critical regulations. CEQA, enacted in the early 1970s, serves as a cornerstone of environmental protection in California. It mandates that public agencies…

YVTC presents “Spirit of Yucca Valley Award” to Evelyn Conklin

At last night's Town Council meeting, Timothy McLarney with True North Research presented the results of a recent survey on Town performance. Residents' top desire was safety and preserving Yucca Valley's small-town quality. The survey will be posted on social media. The Yucca Valley Town Council presented the Spirit of Yucca Valley's Exceptional Accomplishments Award to Evelyn Conklin, who imagined and created the original High Desert Nature Museum in 1964 in the middle of…

Yucca Valley Town Council agenda includes Aquatic Center update

The agenda for tonight’s Yucca Valley Town Council Meeting includes a Spirit of Yucca Valley Award and introductions to New Employees. Also on the agenda is a Master Fee Schedule Resolution and a 2023 Aquatics and Recreation Center update. The Town Council is recommended to adopt Resolution No. 23-XX, establishing the Master Fee Schedule and rescinding all fee resolutions in conflict. This resolution is an overall fee study for items charged to the Public, from animal licensing, business…