Robert Haydon is the Online News Editor at Z107.7 He graduated from University of Oregon's School of Journalism, with a specialty in Electronic Media. Over the years, he has worked in television news, documentary film, and advertising and marketing.…

Former Yucca Valley Travelodge renamed “Field Station Joshua Tree,” exterior color change delayed

The former Travelodge at the west end entrance of Yucca Valley has been renamed “Field Station Joshua Tree” and has applied for a color change request at last night’s Planning Commission in Yucca Valley. Also on the agenda was a exterior color changes and improvements for La Casa Del Tequila. Both could be characterized as routine change requests for developing businesses - however Field Station Joshua Tree’s application only included one exterior perspective view of the revamped property, while…

Yucca Valley Planning Commission reviews two exterior business changes tonight

Just two business change proposals on tonight’s agenda for the Yucca Valley Planning Commission. First up, a color change request at the old Travelodge near the west entrance of Yucca Valley at 54850 Twentynine Palms Highway. Then just up Hwy. 62 at the new La Casa Del Tequila, the Planning Commission is reviewing a request to enclose their outdoor courtyard, refinish the exterior facade, construct a trash enclosure and improve the parking lot. Those items plus the consent agenda and future…

Light Trespass Ordinance in effect for everyone in unincorporated SB County areas

As of January 7th of this year, all exterior light fixtures in unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County must comply with the Light Trespass Ordinance, or LTO. The supersedes a previous deadline in 2023 that gave leniency to businesses and all existing lights. According to a reminder sent out in the Morongo Basin Conservation Association’s latest newsletter - if you have an unshielded exterior light that casts light onto a neighbors home or property, or is part of the colder blue light…

BLM land in Southern California open for all types of recreation

You may be hearing a fair amount of acronyms over the next few weeks - OHV, KOH, BLM. That’s because one of the biggest off-road events in the United States is coming into the Morongo Basin this weekend, creating a community of thousands of off-road enthusiasts that will populate the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle area - also referred to as OHV land. OHV use is big here in the Southern California as we are lucky to be surrounded by thousands of acres of public lands. However, off-road…

Arthur Davies retrial set for February 5th, pre-trial prep today for man accused of manslaughter in child’s death

Listen here: Pre-trial prep has begun today for a planned February 5th retrial date for Arthur Davies, the man charged with involuntary manslaughter and felony assault of a child for his suspected involvement in the death of Parker Lee Schumacher, the 1-year-old son of his then girlfriend.  Arthur Davies was also charged with 1st degree murder but was found not guilty in his previous trial, but the jury came back deadlocked on the lesser charges, resulting in a mistrial. Prosecution said that…

Southern California OHV public lands have long legacy of off-roading recreation

Listen here: Reporter's Note: A reader pointed out that I don't make the clear distinction that not all BLM land is open to OHV riding - an important point. The BLM land referenced in this article is designated for off-road use, but each area that the BLM manages has different regulations for its use by the public. Please check the laws and regulations for any public lands before visiting them. The King of the Motos begins today... the motorcycle-only races that precede the King of the…

Yucca Valley Town Council address residential special events, rumored Yucca Mesa hotel

Listen here: The meeting started with Mayor Lombardo proclaiming that January of 2024 as School Board Appreciation month, thanking members of the MUSD board that were in attendance, along with CMC board members who couldn’t make it - for their service to the public and private, and parochial schools and for having a positive impact on the town and its residents. The Yucca Valley Town Council (L to R) Council Member Rick Denison, Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Drozd, Mayor Robert Lombardo, Council Member…

Yucca Valley announces artists for new Public Art Program

the town of Yucca Valley has announced their selection of talented artists for their upcoming Public Art Program, which is aimed at transforming the town’s utility boxes into vibrant works of art. They are seeking public comment for the program and the selected artwork. The artists selected for the program are Chloe Allred, a painter, writer and educator based in Yucca Valley, Julie Peasley, a digital artist living in Yucca Valley, action sports artist and digital designer Sherri Scott, and…

Yucca Valley recreation classes and events to keep you moving all winter

The Town of Yucca Valley Parks and Rec department has some classes this winter to keep you moving and active. They have brought back their Adult HILO Class, following the resounding success of the fall session. It started on January 4th and the program is running for 10-weeks, combining invigorating high-intensity workouts with low-impact movements. The classes have a convenient drop-in rate of $10 and welcomes individuals of all fitness levels, with no prior experience is necessary. Those…

Help the unhoused with a shoe fundraiser this Saturday (1/13)

Winter in the hi-desert can have wild weather swings - warm sunny days quickly drop to freezing temps after the sun goes down. For the rising number of unhoused in the Morongo Basin, a new pair of shoes can create a more comfortable day and warmer night. A shoe drive and fundraiser put on by Joshua Tree event space Furstwurld will hold its third and final collection day this Saturday the 13th. For the past 3 Saturdays, they have been collecting new or gently used shoes for kids ages 6 to 18, as…