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.…

Drones ground air support in fire, search & rescue efforts

The Geology fire in Joshua Tree National Park is 90% contained - and is a good reminder of why drones aren’t allowed to fly in the park. When a drone is spotted in the area, helicopters aren’t permitted to fly because of the danger drones pose to their much larger family members. This includes fire-fighting helicopters, as well as search and rescue aircraft such as the helicopters that were present at the initial search for Trammell Evans. In the case of search and rescue operations - although…

Summer solstice star party tomorrow night in Joshua Tree (6/16)

With the Hi Desert continuing to grow, and new satellites being launched every few weeks - it's possible that this Saturday's new moon is the darkest the hi desert skies will ever be. With our dark skies being constantly brightened by string lights and satellites - it's a good time to get out and enjoy the ancient celestial wonders that continue to appear in the skies as long as we allow them. To celebrate the longest day of the year The Joshua Tree Astronomy Arts Theatre is…

Downtown sewer fees kept off 29 Palms tax roll at City Council meeting last night (6/13)

Listen here: At last night’s 29 Palms City Council meeting, a single dissenting vote will move the proposed wastewater billing for 12 downtown businesses off the tax roll and into their mailboxes each month. The meeting started with recognizing Explorer Troop 870’s efforts to clean up the field near Circle K - where 14 explorers and their family members cleaned up nearly 10 bags of trash - earning them a donation from the city of 29 Palms and Burrtec. A proclamation officially recognized June…

Yucca Valley grass fire threatens multiple homes Monday evening (6/12)

Dry grass and vegetation caught fire at a property in the 7400 block of Borrego Trail in Yucca Valley yesterday evening at 5:30PM. San Bernardino County Fire were enroute to another public service call when they spotted the smoke column and headed toward it. As the fire crews arrived at the scene, they found a brush fire threatening several homes in the area. Calls came in to dispatch reporting the fire as crews had already started to attack the flames. Additional crews arrived and secured a…

Cool down with bird walks in Big Morongo Canyon every Wednesday

For over 20 years, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve has conducted weekly bird walks. The Walks are led by knowledgeable birders who provide an enthusiastic and informative tour of the birds inhabiting Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and adjacent Covington Park. Bird walks begin at 7 am every Wednesday during the summer months, beginning June 7, 2023. Beginning October 1, the bird walks will be held at 8 am. Bring your binoculars and spend the morning strolling the trails with knowledgeable local…

Library Summer Reading Programs keeps kids learning during summer break

Summer reading is an important part of a child’s education - as the 3 month break has been known to cause a dip in a child’s developing reading skills. The hi desert has three solid summer reading programs and they all start today! This programs are open to all ages. Readers can track their books on the Beanstack app in order to earn and collect rewards at their local branch.  For Every 30 items checked out between June 5th and July 30th - readers will be entered into a drawing for grand prizes.…

HAM Radio License Exam coming to Yucca Valley (6/24)

We’re of course big fans of radio here at Z107.7, and the Morongo Basin’s geographical isolation has long been a playground for amateur radio operators. Taking a drive around the mesa or out highway 62, you may spot some extra tall radio antennas cutting the blue desert sky from enthusiasts sending their signals outside of the basin and into the great unknown… waiting for someone out there to receive it. If this romantic notion of early electronic communication sounds exciting to you - as it…

Mojave Trails National Monument public comment period extended

The Bureau of Land Management announces an extension of the public comment period for the Mojave Trails National Monument Management Plan. Acceptance of public comments has been extended 15-days and will close on July 5, 2023. The management plan seeks to create an overarching approach to preserving and protecting the 1.6 million-acre monument that extends across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The public is invited to contribute their ideas for what is essential to that…

Basin wide skateboarding event at 29 Palms Skate Park (6/21)

GO SKATEBOARDING Day is June 21st, and for the 3rd year in a row Aaron and Paul’s GO SKATE event is taking over the Twentynine Palms skatepark. There will be a lot of skating, a best trick contest, a skateboard race - and if the last couple years are any indication - a large audience turning out to see skaters of all ages and skill levels get out and spend some time on the board. The event is free and volunteer-run. If you are under 18 you must wear a helmet and sign a waiver before…

Boys and Girls Club of the Hi Desert start summer programming (6/19)

The Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Desert is open for Summer Programming beginning June 19 th ! They have an 8-week program available for youth ages 5-18, and they provide breakfast lunch and snack.  The Boys and Girls Club of the hi desert is open 7am-6pm and provide a safe and fun filled program with arts, sports, outdoor activities, and a lot more.  They have drop in day prices, weekly prices, or a discounted monthly price available. To register your child please call the Boys and Girls Club…