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.…

Joshua Tree apartments’ laundry room emptied of $2000 in quarters

Listen here: A locked laundry room at the Yucca Trail Apartments in Joshua Tree was reportedly broken into on early Wednesday morning, with approximately $2000 in quarters stolen from 12 coin-operated washers and dryers. According to the sheriff’s report, two males and a female suspect in an older model 4-door white station wagon were seen leaving the apartment complex after forcibly entering the rear door of the laundry room with a tool A Yucca Trail Apartment resident who asked not to be named…

Mojave Desert Land Trust adds 6,601 acres of protected desert land in 2022

Listen here: Land conservation and protection remains a hot topic this year as populations continue to grow here in the Morongo Basin and other rural desert areas. The Mojave Desert Land Trust, or MDLT, has closed out 2022 with 6,901 acres of desert being permanently protected and added to their significant land holdings in California. Some significant acquisitions include 232 acres in Death Valley national Park, a 640 acre property in the Mojave Trail National Monument, and over 1400 acres in…

Thrifty Thursday for seniors at the Yucca Valley Library bookstore

Today is Thrifty Thursday at the Friends of the Yucca Valley Library bookstore. Senior Citizens can buy one book and get another of equal or lesser value for free. If you’ve never been to the bookstore, it’s located right inside the Yucca Valley library entrance, on your left, and its full of used books, cds and dvds at great prices. All proceeds from sales of the items go right back into the Yucca Valley library - so you can get some great deals on books, music and movies while helping out one…

Operation: Dust Devil Week 1 results – citations, arrests, and OHV education

Operation Dust Devil was in full-effect over the holidays, officially starting on Saturday December 17th. Deputies patrolledYucca Valley, Pioneertown, Twentynine Palms and other hi desert areas popular with OHV vehicles. During the patrols, deputies issues 21 California Vehicle Code citations, 25 code enforcement violations, towed 3 vehicles and made four arrests. 140 off-roaders were contacted and provided with education resources on legal riding areas and safe-riding practices. Operation Dust…

Coat giveaway at United Methodist Church in 29 Palms

Here at the peak of winter, one High Desert church is providing free coats to those in need. The United Methodist Church of Twentynine Palms is offering coats and warmer clothing to all comers free of charge. The church is located at 6250 Mesquite Springs Road, next to the high school and is open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12PM Noon.

How to (responsibly) dispose of your Christmas tree in the Morongo Basin

Your Christmas tree may still appear green, but all that time inside your home in the high desert has dried that dead tree from the inside out, making it extremely flammable. Needles, sap and small branches can burn too quickly for an indoor woodstove to safely handle, and a Christmas tree can combust so fast that it can literally explode - causing damage to your woodstove, chimney and possible more. The same goes with burning outdoors - embers and burning material can easily lift into the air…

Holiday Travel heads up: Route 66 (National Trails Hwy) Road Closures

Holiday travelers take note - if you are heading out of the hi-desert using historic Route 66, there are some lasting closures that won’t reopened until after the new year. Some sections of the National Trails Highway (AKA Route 66) and associated access roads remain closed due to damage sustained during storm activity earlier this year. • Both directions on National Trails Highway are closed between Chambless and multiple bridges. This closure continues until the highway rejoins I-40 at…

Wildfire Season Planning – Joshua Tree and Homestead Valley tonight 12/22

Most winters - fires aren’t a concern in the hi-desert, but its always good to be prepared for the possibility of a dry and extra-active wildfire season.  The Morongo Basin Fire Safe Council is seeking local input at its final community wildfire protection plan meeting. The plan will serve as the guiding document for the council to secure funding for projects that will help local residents and community groups prepare for the effects of wildfires. The council is inviting residents to share…

Copper Mountain College full-ride scholarship open for applications to Morongo Basin HS Seniors

High School seniors in the Hi Desert have a great opportunity to graduate from college debt free. One Morongo Basin senior has the opportunity to receive the Greenleaf Scholarship from Copper Mountain College. The Greenleaf Education Fund was established by the estate of F. Roy Greenleaf, Jr. - who came to the Morongo Basin in the 1970s and started a community bank. His arrival coincided with the beginning of fundraising for the building of what has become Copper Mountain College, and he became…

Crochet for a Cause Club warms up 29 Palms with 74 handmade scarves

If you recently noticed some cozy knits at bus stops, signs and and other public areas around 29 Palms - that’s because the Students in the Crocheting for a Cause Club at Twentynine Palm High School recently handed out and placed scarves around town - 74 to be exact. The scarves were handmade by the students and were placed for those in need of some extra warmth and comfort this winter and holiday season. Great job to students in the 29 Palms Crocheting for a Cause Club!