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.…

Fallen or dead Joshua Tree? Find removal and permit info inside

If some of the damage from the recent storm includes Joshua Trees that have fallen on your property, or just some trimming - the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act requires that you apply for a permit to remove or alter the protected species. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is required to process these permits within 30 days of receipt of the fallen or problem trees - that window shrinks down to 10 days if the tree creates an imminent threat to public health and safety. …

Monday Updates – HWY 62 has one lane open with CHP escort, long delays expected

Highway 62 in Morongo Valley has one lane open with a CHP escort. The lane will alternate east / west traffic with an escort from CHP - expect delays. Monday 8/21 Updates: All MUSD Schools and offices are closed. Copper Mountain College is closed today. As of 6:30AM - via CHP's website: Hwy 247 from Pipes Canyon to Old Victor Road is closed in both east and west directions. 10 Freeway is closed in both east and west directions from Palm to Bob Hope intersections Hwy 62 from Goodwin Rd to…

Mosquito-borne West Nile virus detected in city of San Bernardino

The first locally acquired human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) this year have been confirmed in the city of San Bernardino, according to the Department of Public Health. WNV is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Signs and symptoms of WNV may include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms. However, people 50 years of age and older and individuals with diabetes, hypertension, who are…

Joshua Tree National Park will be closed over the weekend due to Hurricane Hilary

According to a press release from the National Park Service, a Flash Flood Watch has been issued for Joshua Tree National Park starting tomorrow, August 19th at 11 am until August 21st at 5 pm due to Hurricane Hilary. The park is expected to receive severe rainfall and flash flooding. Park management will be initiating a full closure of the park over the next 36 hours. Park staff will continue to monitor the park and…

Book Sale at Joshua Tree Library Saturday (8/19) – $2 for a bag of books

This rainy weekend will be a good one to stay inside with a book or two - and there’s a sale where you can score a whole bag on Saturday morning for a lot of reading for little dough. The Friends of the Joshua Tree Branch Library will be having a book sale from 9-3 on Saturday Aug.19th for $2.00 a bag. Bags will be provided by the Friends of the Library. While you are there -  be sure to join the Friends of the Library. Your membership will help support the Joshua Tree library. Your membership…

Buy One, Get One for Seniors on Thrifty Thursdays at Yucca Valley Library bookstore

Thrifty Thursdays are Buy-one-get-one free on all books for senior citizens, and the bargains extend to DVDs too! All your purchases at the bookstore benefit the Yucca Valley Library, allowing them to purchase more books for their general collection as well as fund special reading programs and other fun and important events from one of our communities oldest and most important civic institution: the library! The Friends of the Yucca Valley Library is located right inside the Yucca Valley Library…

Arthur Davies told two-different stories during investigation into toddler’s injuries that lead to murder charge and arrest

Testimony in the Arthur Davies trial continued yesterday on the only scheduled court-date for the week. Prosecution called witnesses to testify on the two stories Arthur Davies gave to law enforcement. Detective Cassandra Certa provided the majority of testimony, as she was present during the initial interview with Davies on February 11, 2018 - the day before 17 month old Parker Lee Schumacher succumbed to injuries resulting from the blunt force trauma inflicted upon him a day earlier.…

JTNP seeking volunteers for Fall fee collection and visitor engagement positions

Joshua Tree National Park has a volunteer opportunity for people who want to learn more about park operations, fee collection, and visitor engagement. The positions were created before the unprecedented amount of visitors who came to the park for the perseids last weekend. Online News editor Robert Haydon rejoins us with info on the volunteer position. Joshua Tree National Park is hiring Assistant Fee Collector volunteers - who will assist staff by collecting fees from visitors and providing…

Cooler temperatures and accessible hikes down at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is located on your way down the hill on the edge of Morongo Valley - and it’s 31,000 acres of protected land nestled amongst the Little San Bernardino Mountains in the Sand to Snow National Monument. It has one of the 10 largest cottonwood and willow riparian habitats in California. If you live in the hi-desert and you haven’t visited yet- you may be surprised at the change in landscape and weather. The marshy habitat keeps things shady and cooler, and there are…

Fortynine Palms Oasis and Trail closed through October 1st

The Fortynine Palms Trail and Oasis is closed until October 1st to allow bighorn sheep undisturbed access to surface water. Joshua Tree National Park is under drought conditions, and herds in the area rely on the oasis spring to survive the hot summer months. The closure started yesterday and remains until October 1, or until summer monsoons provide adequate rainfall to increase water availability. Park Rangers and National Park staff wants to remind you to be prepared when hiking in the park…