Furstwurld, the non-profit community event space operating slightly below the radar in Joshua Tree, was closed suddenly by the county last week. Furstworld founder Bobby Furst and the organization’s board of directors received a call from San Bernardino County Code Enforcement on Thursday, March 9, regarding a musical performance scheduled for Friday, March 10.
The closure was confirmed by San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe’s Field Representative Glen Harris, who said that the action was taken after a complaint was made to County Code Enforcement.
Furst said that the decision was made to cancel the Friday event, along with all other scheduled events, 22 in total, in order to avoid fines.
Furst said that, at the moment, they have not received the letter of complaint from the County, and therefore they cannot address any issue. In the past the event space has operated only on donations, but Furst said that, as it has grown in popularity, Furstwurld is under more scrutiny.
In 2016, neighbors complained to the County about Furstwurld. Furst says that since then, he and the board worked with the surrounding community to limit the impacts of the events, and that the venue has a good relationship with his neighbors.
Though many in the community have asked Furst how they can help, he said that it is too early for action.
Furstworld Board President Robbi Robb said that the board has already begun the application process for a conditional use permit from the County, which would allow the property to continue operating as an event space.
Furst stressed that he is trying to “play by the rules.”
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