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.…

Cima Road. in Mojave National Preserve closed through March 2024

Access to the Cima Dome in the Mojave National Preserve will need a heavy duty 4WD vehicle to access it for the next year. Cima Road - which connects to I-15 at exit 272 and ends at the intersection of Kelso-Cima Road in the preserve. The 17-mile road will be undergoing heavy construction until March of next year, closing access to Cima Dome, the White Cross World War I memorial, and Teutonia Peak. The Trailhead will be limited to visitors who can access the area via unimproved backcountry roads…

Trial delayed for Pejman Elahi, 29 Palms man accused of attempted murder

The trial of Pejman Elahi has been pushed back to early April after the defense says they would like more time to prepare for the trial. Elahi was arrested in November of 2022, after being wanted in a shooting that left a victim with 3 gunshot wounds. The resulting search for Elahi put the nearby Palm Vista Elementary School on lockdown out of precaution. Sheriff’s deputies were able to find Elahi using helicopters and ground units, and a search of his home near the elementary school found drugs…

CAL FIRE releases new website for easier wildfire monitoring, reporting

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) released a new website this month. The redesigned website works well on mobile phones and allows easier access to CAL FIRE’s current wildfire reports - along with fire prevention info along with hiring and recruitment resources. The incident map tracks fires that are larger than 10 acres statewide, and the fire stats page shows a history of fires throughout the state along with a hopefully positive outlook for the 2023 fire…

Accused child-murderer Arthur Davies’ trial date pushed back as defense searches for court expert

Listen here: It was a full docket in M2 on Friday Morning at the San Bernardino Superior Court in Joshua Tree. Accused child-murderer Arthur Davies appeared at what was supposed to be his final pre-trial hearing in a case that has taken nearly 5 years to come to a jury trial. Arthur Davies was arrested in 2018 for the murder of his then-girlfriend’s one-year-old son. Since then, there have been numerous pre-trials and continuances. The jury trial was set to begin today, March 13th - however…

Joshua Tree National Park seeks grant to restore areas affected by illegal off-roading

With 800,000 acres of wild and open desert in Joshua Tree National Park - visitors taking their cars off designated roads can be difficult to monitor and it can be potentially devastating to the fragile ecosystems that exist within the park. Joshua Tree National Park is preparing a grant application for the 2023 California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Restoration Grant - or the OHMVR Grant for short. Funds awarded would be used to support several projects - including…

Mojave Desert Land Trust renews accreditation with Land Trust Alliance

The Mojave Desert Land Trust has retained and renewed it’s Land Trust Alliance accreditation - a rigorous process with an organization that helps protect 20 millions acres of land across the United States. The Land Trust Alliance is an independent organization with 950 land trust members across the country. The process of receiving the accreditation looks at a land trust’s fiscal accountability, organizational leadership, and land stewardship. Being a nationally accredited land trust is a sign…

Operation Dust Devil: Week 11 of off-roading enforcement

Operation Dust Devil finished its 11th week as San Bernardino county sheriff’s deputies patrolled Morongo, 29 Palms, Yucca Valley, Landers, as well as Hesperia, Trona and Summit Valley. They issued 3 California vehicle code citations, 2 county code citations and towed 3 vehicles. Overall they say they contact 235 citizens and provided resources on legal riding areas and safe riding practices. Operation Dust Devil is the county sheriff’s effort to increase patrols hoping to curb illegal…

Desert Arc holding “Shred it and Forget it” on Monday, Mar. 12 from 9 to Noon

Do you have confidential records that you need securely destroyed? Desert Arc is holding a Shred it and Forget it event tomorrow from 9 to noon in the old Hi-Desert Star parking lot. It’s $5 a box of paperwork or $10 per hard drive. Medical records, financial and legal documents, and other personal information will be destroyed securely. That’s tomorrow and on the second Monday of every month.

29 Palms Historical Society Tea Social this Sunday, Mar. 12

The 29 Palms Historical Society is celebrating International Women’s Day with a Tea social with 29 Palms first telephone operator - Blanche Ellis. On Sunday from 12:30 to 2:30 you are invited to come enjoy tea and light snacks with others in this first of many events planned to detailing the stories and lives of our fellow desert dwellers. White gloves and fancy hats are optional, but welcome. The event is free, but donations are always welcome. The event is taking place tomorrow from 12:30 to…

Morongo Basin Healthcare Community Health & Resource Fair seeking vendors for free booths

The Morongo Basin Healthcare District is partnering with the Town of Yucca Valley to hold a Community Health and Resource Fair on May 6th at the Yucca Valley Community Center. Community non-profit organizations are invited to participate in this event by displaying a vendor booth. There is no charge for vendors and the event is free. Participating vendors must be healthcare related or provide another important community service or resource. Deadline to submit vendor applications is April 21,…