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.…

Free Locals Night at “Sky’s the Limit” Observatory on Saturday (7/2)

The hi-desert’s lessened light pollution means that our night skies have more stars visible to the naked eye than cities or even other rural areas that don’t limit outdoor lights. Tomorrow's moon will be a waxing crescent with just under 1/3rd of it lit. It's also the Saturday closest to the new moon and Sky’s the Limit Observatory will be holding their popular monthly Night Sky Program. However - August’s event is for locals only - hopefully giving residents who haven’t had a chance…

BLM seeking board members for California Desert District Advisory Council

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public nominations for positions on three of its advisory councils - one of those directly affecting hi-desert residents. The California Desert District Advisory Council (DAC) consists of members who represent stakeholder interests in public land management - such as conservations, ranchers, industry officials, tribal leaders, state and local government officers, academics, and outdoor enthusiasts. The council then provides advice to the BLM on…

BLM Desert Advisory Council to meet in Las Vegas Aug. 10

The Bureau of Land Management will host an in-person public meeting of the BLM California Desert District Advisory Council from 9 a.m.– 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, in Las Vegas. The meeting is open to the public and there will also be a remote attendance option. The meeting will include a presentation from the U.S. Forest Service on the Cleveland National Forest’s fee proposal and a DAC vote, and ethics and Federal Advisory Committee Act training for DAC members. The 5 field offices and fire…

Earthquakes above 5.0 can go from slight shaking to devastating damage quickly

On Monday, July 29th at 1:00 PM thousands of people felt the 4.9 earthquake that originated roughly 16 miles northeast of Barstow - shaking was reportedly felt from Los Angeles to Las Vegas with reports here in the hi-desert as well. A 4.9 magnitude earthquake makes news because you can actually feel it - it’s big enough to swing lamps and knock over books and vases, but only the weakest structures would receive damage from a quake of that magnitude. According to the Southern California…

Joshua Tree National Park preparing for popular Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseids meteor shower is an annual celestial show that can be best way for casual stargazers to witness a meteor shower, as the frequency of the Perseids can be as many as a meteor every few minutes during its busiest time. That’s what happened on August 12th, 2023. It was a Saturday and a new moon, and media outlets like Z107.7 and some slightly larger ones like the LA Times created a media storm, informing folks that the hi-desert and Joshua Tree National Park as is one of the best…

How do you keep cool on the hot and humid days? Share your tips!

My swamp cooler is struggling. Hot humid days have arrived and its not even August yet... giant cantankerous clouds rolling in over the Sheephole mountains tearing up streets and flooding homes in Twentynine Palms, but losing most of its fury by the time the damp warm air reaches Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley. When it’s over 100 and low humidity, clicking on that swamp cooler is one of the best feelings in the world. But on days when the humidity is already hanging on you as you walk to your car…

Smokin’ Cobras rock Yucca Valley Community Center tonight with free oldies concert

Whether you're young or oldr, everyone likes the oldies. And tonight at the Yucca Valley Community Center, the Smokin' Cobras will take the outdoor stage to play hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s for a free show. It's part of the Summer Music Festival concert series. It's a family friendly show, and it's completely free! Tonight's show kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Yucca Valley Community Center. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and bring a blanket or a lawn chair to enjoy…

Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Desert drop membership cost from $260 to $20 a month

The first day of school for many children in the hi-desert is Monday, August 12th. While Summer Vacation is paradise for most kids, parents can frequently have a hard time finding safe and fun activities to fill the long days. Heading Back-to-school helps fill the days with a necessary education experience, but for many  the hours between school letting out and the end of the work day can still be hard to cover for working parents. For over 40 years, the Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Desert has…

Going offline for a while in an online world

Internet has become pretty indispensable for almost everyone these days. Whatever you want to call it - the cloud, Facebook, email, maybe "that dang phone" - the internet and the world wide web of connectivity that it provides shoulders the responsibility of running the machinations of the world, and like electricity and water it has become an essential utility for most folks who enjoy the conveniences and distractions it provides. I live in Joshua Tree, and over the last few months…

Smokey Bear turns 80

Smokey Bear turned 80 years old on Friday, July 19th. With a tinderbox fire season hitting Southern California as well as wildfires singeing the state north of us - it’s a timely reminder that the charismatic mascot is more than a stern reminder to be smart with fire. 1945 Smokey Bear Poster Photo Credit USDA Smokey Bear started as an advertising campaign for the National Forest Service in 1944 - a fictional bear wearing blue jeans and a ranger hat painted onto colorful posters to educate the…