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.…

Yucca Valley Planning Commission begins looking at development standards for new businesses

A lighter agenda left room for heavier discussion on code requirements for new businesses at last night’s Yucca Valley Planning Commission. The meeting kicked off with an item from last month - that’s the color change request for the newly renamed “Field Station Joshua Tree” located at the west entrance of Yucca Valley. The former Travelodge is technically a mile closer to Morongo Valley than it is Joshua Tree, which is about 9 miles east of the site on Hwy. 62. Last month the…

 “Field Station Joshua Tree” paint job up for approval at tonight’s Yucca Valley Planning Commission

The former Yucca Valley Travelodge - now named Field Station Joshua Tree - gets another go at getting their exterior paint colors approved. At last month’s meeting the revamped motel’s developers didn’t submit the correct amount of exterior mockups and were told to come back this month with the correct amount for proper consideration. Drainage issues at Brehm park are making the fields extra soggy, especially with all the wet weather we’re having. That issue alongside new business development…

Metallic balloons cause too much harm for such a temporary pleasure

Last year over 800,000 customers lost power in Southern California due to - not rolling blackouts or ancient faulty equipment - but to metallic balloons. You tend to see them more around Valentines day, graduation and birthday parties - and if they are released they have to come down somewhere. If that somewhere is on a power line, the metal in the balloons can cause lines to short or explode, causing outages and wildfires. If they miss a power line, they still hit the ground somewhere out in…

Hi Desert Nature Museum puts out call for art, announces 2024 exhibits

Yucca Valley’s Hi Desert Nature Museum is putting out the call for artists who enjoy making art out of recycled or repurposed materials. Their annual spring recycled art exhibit "Metamorphosis: A Recycled Art Exhibition" will open March 23, and the museum is searching for local artists to contribute works of art for display. Artists of all ages are encouraged to create and submit artwork, there is no cost to participate and each artist can submit up to two pieces. Awards will be given…

Western Joshua Tree Protection Act gets updated website, annual report

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sent out their annual report on the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. The Act lists the species as threatened and was signed into California Legislature in July of last year. The Department of Fish and WIldlife reports that their hazard management permit program - which authorizes the removal of dead trees or the trimming of living ones that neeed it - has issued 137 of those permits to date. The fees collected from impacting the…

Yucca Valley Town Council packs meeting with FP-5, STR, Aquatic Center and budget updates

Listen here: Two presentations lead off the Yucca Valley Town Council meeting last night - the first by 3rd District Rep Dawn Rowe where she presented the town with a  check for 1.6 million dollars for Pickleball Courts. There’s also a million dollars being set aside for rehabbing the Senior Center, alongside 5 million in County funds for the long-planned aquatic center. Dawn Rowe presents a check for YV Pickleball Courts County Fire Protection District Interim Deputy Chief of…

Yucca Valley Town Council meets tonight: FP5, STR’s and salary increases

The Yucca Valley Town Council meets tonight to hold an informational session on Measure W and FP5, of particular note as last night’s FP5 meeting in Landers was canceled due to the weather. On the Yucca Valley Town Council Agenda - a county update from 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe - and a fire protection district update from San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Chief Munsey. Then up for approval is the amendment to the town development code for temporary special events in…

“State of Emergency” declared as County preps for winter storms

A state of emergency for San Bernardino County was declared yesterday (February 4) by State and County officials in anticipation of heavy precipitation, though the Morongo Basin is likely to be spared the very worst effects of the storm. The National Weather Service reports that a strong Pacific storm system will bring impactful and dangerous flooding rains, heavy snow, strong winds, coastal flooding, and high surf to Southern California. Our local National Weather Service forecast office…

Yucca Valley Boys Soccer recognizes dedication and achievements of senior team members

The Yucca Valley High School Trojans Boys High School Soccer team took a momentous pause during their recent match against the Cathedral City Lions to honor the dedication and achievements of their graduating seniors and their families. In a heartfelt ceremony, the Trojans recognized each player's unique contributions. Each senior received well-deserved recognition, highlighting their commitment to the team over the years. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the Trojans faced a challenging…

Raise money for Unity Home at Desert Bingo

The popular Desert Bingo returns to Belfield Hall in Landers tonight for what they are calling a "massive" bingo event. In association with the Landers Homestead Valley Association, they will be offering bingo winners big ticket prizes like Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, and Pitbull tickets, original artwork from hi-desert artists Lorry Stone, Abe Alvarez-Tostado, Steven Wybenga, and more, along with dozens of gift cars for area businesses. The Joshua Tree Catering Company will provide food,…