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“Over the Hedge” plays tonight at Yucca Valley Community Center Courtyard

By
Z107.7 News
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Summer movies return to the Yucca Valley Community Center courtyard beginning Friday (April 25). The Town of Yucca Valley Recreation Department is hosting outdoor movies for this and the next four Friday nights. Everyone is invited to bring a lawn chair to the family friendly films.

Tonight, the Town will be screening “Over the Hedge,” in which a mischievous raccoon named RJ tricks a group of woodland animals into helping him steal food from suburban homes to repay a debt to a bear. Led by the cautious turtle, Verne, the animals navigate the human world, facing challenges and temptations along the way. As their adventure escalates, RJ must decide between his selfish motives and his newfound family.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the films begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $2 and includes a popcorn.

You can purchase tickets in advance at www.yucca-valley.org

Friday, May 2 – Madagascar

A pampered lion, zebra, giraffe, and hippo from the Central Park Zoo unexpectedly find themselves stranded on the wild island of Madagascar after a botched escape plan. As they adjust to their new surroundings, their friendship is tested, especially when the lion, Alex, begins to struggle with his natural instincts. With the help of a quirky group of lemurs, they must figure out how to survive—and if they even want to return home.

Friday, May 9 – Cars

Hotshot race car Lightning McQueen gets stranded in the small town of Radiator Springs while en route to the biggest race of his career. As he begrudgingly repairs the town’s road, he learns the value of friendship, humility, and slowing down to appreciate life. By the time he reaches his race, he realizes that winning isn’t everything—sometimes, it’s about who you have by your side.

Friday, May 16 – The Lorax

In a world where trees have disappeared, a young boy named Ted sets out to find a real one to impress a girl, leading him to the reclusive Once-ler. Through the Once-ler’s tale, he learns how corporate greed led to environmental destruction and the loss of the Lorax, the guardian of the forest. Inspired, Ted takes action to bring nature back, proving that one small act can make a difference.

Friday, May 23 – Bee Movie

A young bee named Barry B. Benson discovers the human world and is shocked to learn that humans steal and sell honey. In an effort to stop the injustice, he sues the human race, leading to unintended consequences that threaten the balance of nature. Realizing his mistake, Barry works to restore harmony between bees and humans while embracing his unique place in the world.

Collision involving Sheriff’s OHV Patrol vehicle and civilian SUV sends one deputy to hospital

By
Z107.7 News
-

A collision in Joshua Tree involving a Sheriff’s vehicle sent one person to the hospital.

According to a social media post from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday (April 22) at around 4:00 p.m., two Sheriff’s off-highway patrol vehicles were attempting to locate a wanted felon near the area of Center Avenue and Shifting Sands Drive in Joshua Tree. The post says that one of the Sheriff’s vehicles collided with a civilian SUV.

The Sheriff’s department says that one deputy was injured, and the driver of the SUV tended to the deputy while medical aid arrived. The deputy was taken to an area hospital for treatment for minor injuries and has since been released.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. They did not respond to requests for additional details from Z107.7

In their post, the Sheriff’s Department says that the department will “conduct a comprehensive internal review of the incident and ensure our personnel have the necessary training and understanding of equipment to help prevent future collisions.”

The Sheriff’s Department has not yet responded to a request for additional details on the incident.

Yucca Valley Planning Commission approves mural for incoming business on Highway 62

By
Adeline J. Wells
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The Yucca Valley Planning Commission meeting began with an Exterior Color Change application for Taqueria El Comandante. This was the third time the Commission reviewed the application, which was previously denied twice due to a design and bright colors that were non-compliant with the color palette presented in the Commercial Design Guidelines. The applicant was in attendance remotely; following discussion the Commission moved to continue the item, recommending that the applicant work with Town Staff to identify a color palette and landscape plan that falls within the Design Guidelines.

The Commission then considered a Wall Mural Permit for a commercial building at 56193 Twentynine Palms Highway. Formerly Awe Bar, the space will be inhabited by Mojave Gold; the applicant proposes for artist Michaela Devon Kary to paint a mural along the building’s north, northeast, and southeast-facing walls. The mural theme is Celebrating the Flowers of the High Desert and depicts a variety of colorful desert blooms, including the Desert Willow, Mariposa Lily, Mojave Aster, and others. The application included color palettes with comparisons to those in the Commercial Design Guidelines.

A rendering of Mojave Gold’s mural.

The Planning Commission was unanimously in favor of the mural design and complementary of the color palette and completeness of the application. They moved to approve the permit, which will go to the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission for review of the design and artist qualifications.

The meeting concluded with a presentation of the Land Development Update. The Walmart fueling station is moving ahead with CEQA evaluation, and Bath & Body Works is making progress with Building and Safety. Vertical Bridge Monopine has indicated they will contact the Town within the next two weeks with an update as to whether they will proceed with the project.

Twentynine Palms Water District discusses Director stipends at Wednesday’s board meeting

By
Annelies Kuiper
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At a recent meeting of the Twentynine Palms Water District, Board members asked staff to research director benefits offered by other water districts. The results of that research were shared at Wednesday’s meeting of the Twentynine Palms Water District.

According to records from 2022, Twentynine Palms Water District Members received a stipend of approximately 133 per board meeting.

The following is a comparison of the stipends and benefits provided by other local water districts:

Joshua Basin Water District – $173.63 stipend. No other benefits.

Bighorn Desert View Water Agency – $179.58 stipend, plus option to obtain dental insurance for themselves and beneficiaries at director cost through district provider.

Hi-Desert Water District – $175 stipend plus fully covered dental and vision benefits and up to $2,200 in medical for themselves plus spouse (same as employees).

Mission Springs Water District – $250 stipend plus full medical, dental and vision benefits. $10,000 life insurance policy.

California Special District Association will be hosting their annual conference and exhibitor showcase in Monterey this year from August 25th to 28th. While all board members were approved to attend the conference, Directors Larry Bowden, Michael Arthur and Bob Coghill with his wife definitely committed to attend. The daily stipend was also approved for the Board of Directors during this conference.

General Manager Matt Shragge reported that Copper Mountain College will be offering water technology courses, which will also be of value to employees of the Water District.

Dance Mojave hosting silent auction fundraiser this Saturday (4/26) for upcoming production of “The Planets”

By
Adeline J. Wells
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On Saturday, April 26, Dance Mojave is hosting a fundraiser for their upcoming spring production, THE PLANETS. The event will be a silent auction held at 29 Palms Beer Company, during which attendees can bid on various goods and gifts generously donated by local vendors to support the production. Items up for auction include gift certificates, signed books, vintage items, t-shirts and tote bags donning the production’s logo, and more. 

Dance Mojave is a collective of performance artists based throughout the Hi-Desert. Their upcoming performances of THE PLANETS will be held May 9 and 10 at the Sky’s the Limit Observatory in Twentynine Palms; dances are set to the classic orchestral suite by Gustav Holst and original music by Yucca Valley composer Jeremie Levi Samson. Funds raised by the silent auction will help support the unique challenges posed by an outdoor production, as explained by Jenn Henry, the Executive Director of Dance Mojave.

“A production like this is almost like having a theatrical production at a campground. We are building a lot of the infrastructure from the ground up; we have five different sound rigs to make sure that the sound can be heard throughout the site, we’re assembling a stand-alone green room, renting hand washing stations, we’re making sure that everyone will be as comfortable as possible with as many services as possible on site. There are lots of different expenses that are a little bit non-traditional with performances.”

The silent auction fundraiser for THE PLANETS is free to attend and will be held Saturday, April 26, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the 29 Palms Beer Company. For more information on how to purchase tickets for the upcoming performance, visit https://www.dancemojave.com/

Silent Auction Items Donated By:

HABITAT
Hi-Desert Daydream
Joshua Tree Music Festival
Mojave Americana
Mojave Arts Academy of Dance
Nxwhere California
Rose and Co. Candles
Sarah Nicole Photo
Studio 29 Yoga
Viva Fit Yucca Valley
Wandering Mojave
White Label Vinyl
Wing-N-It
Generous Individual Donors

Previously reported:

“The Desert Nutcracker” dances on stage this weekend at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center

Registration opens for Coach Schneider’s Wildcat Basketball Camp

By
Z107.7 News
-

Registration is now open for Coach Schneider’s Wildcat Basketball Camp. Open to players ages 8-14 years old, the program is a partnership between the City of Twentynine Palms Parks and Recreation Department and the Twentynine Palms High School Girls Basketball Team. 

The program will teach the fundamental skills of basketball and is designed to assist with sharpening ball handling, shooting technique, dribbling skills and more! Participants will have the opportunity to learn from, and engage with athletes from the Girls High School Basketball Team and Coach Michael Schneider.

The camp runs from June 9 to June 13, and will be held at the Twentynine Palms Community Center. Registration is open now at 29palms.org.

The deadline to register is May 31. You can register here: https://twentyninepalms.recdesk.com/Community/Home

BoxoPROJECTS artist-in-residence Miles Takes on “Up Close Show” this Friday (4/25)

By
Gary Daigneault
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The current BoxoPROJECTS house artist-in-residence in Joshua Tree will be the guest on the Z107.7 “Up Close” show this Friday (4/25). 

British artist Miles Takes, known for color-rich paintings, will talk with host Gary Daigneault about building a sculptural installation that frames the desert landscape by day and reflects the brilliance of the stars by night. Takes’ open studio event is Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at BoxoPROJECTS, 62732 Sullivan Road in Joshua Tree.

Find out more on the “Up Close” show, tune in live Friday morning at 10:00am or get the podcast at z1077fm.com.

Two Marines rescued from bottom of gold mine in Twentynine Palms after they couldn’t climb back out

By
Z107.7 News
-

Two marines were rescued from the bottom of a non-operational gold mine shaft in Twentynine Palms. 

At around 1:00 p.m. on Saturday (April 19), San Bernardino County Fire received a call regarding a rescue at a mine shaft near Crown Road in Twentynine Palms. Officials with County Fire say that three people climbed to the mine at the top of a mountain. Two males identified as Marines in their 20s repelled 80 ft down the bottom of the mine, at which point their ascension device broke. A female in her 20s remained at the top of the mine and called 911.

County Fire says that neither of the men were injured, but were unable to climb out of the mine without assistance. Owing to the remote location of the rescue, County Fire dispatched a crew from Twentynine Palms, who coordinated the response of three technical rescue crews from across the county. The Marine Corps Logistics team from the Combat Center also responded.

County fire said that the challenge was getting the technical rescue crews to the mine itself, but that once they arrived, it was an easy rescue and the two men were free of the hole more than eight hours after the call was made to 911. 

No injuries were reported.

Photos provided by San Bernardino County Fire Department

Twentynine Palms City Council meeting gets heated on zoning changes, housing issues, and a handcuffed child

By
Heather Clisby
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Sara Shook of Partners Against Violence (center) posed with members of the Twentynine Palms City Council and other city staff in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Last night’s Twentynine Palms City Council meeting began 30 minutes late as council returned from three closed door sessions focused on the performance evaluation for City Manager Stone James and two un-specified legal matters.

The Twentynine Palms City Council covered much ground last night starting with a slew of proclamations. All councilmembers wore black ‘break the SILENCE’ t-shirts in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Following a state mandate, council directed staff to file the Housing Element Annual Progress report; 989 more residential units must be built by 2029 for the city to meet the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) goals. Council then quickly approved a status update on the city’s General Plan, another state requirement.

Council then swiftly approved amending the development code to avoid inconsistencies with state law pertaining to Planning Commission terms.

Proposed amendments to Mobile Home Parks and Special Occupancy Parks development code exposed enough concerns among residents that council took no action and chose to study the matter further.

“This seems like a monumentally terrible idea. Imagine living here for the peace and quiet and waking up one morning and finding that Burning Man has moved in to the parcel next door,” said resident John Talley-Jones.

Council confirmed the $2,500 price tag of cleaning up an abandoned car wash at 6045 Adobe Road. The property owner, Steven M. Velasquez, must now reimburse the city within 10 days or face a Special Assessment.

Council approved a contract amendment (a five percent fee increase) for Charles Abbott Associates, a firm that provides contract services that includes the city engineer, the city building official, and building inspectors.

Councilmember April Ramirez on the dais. 
Resident Jon Talley-Jones expressed concern over allowing campgrounds in residential neighborhoods. 
Glen Harris, co-president of the Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter, made a donation plea to the council for an upcoming event. 
Kimber, a mother of an autistic child who had been recently handcuffed by law enforcement at Luckie Park, informed council of the inherent dangers that exist despite mental health trainings. 
Gail French asked council to consider creating an ordinance that would restrict the numbers of vehicles on one lot and also the use of RVs as a rental unit. 

In what felt like a tense tug-of-war, council revisited the idea of the Self-Build Housing Project. With plans to partner with the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC), it would entail the city purchasing ten lots in one neighborhood and then selling the lots to ten families who qualify for the construction of new homes. Numerous residents urged the council to move forward on the plan while City Attorney Patrick Munoz cited several “red flags” on the project. Councilmember Daniel Mintz also voiced concern that the CVHC had not supplied adequate information to the council. Councilmember Octavious Scott took umbrage with the council’s hesitation, expressing frustration that an idea he had personally brought forth was consistently stalled. Ultimately, Mayor Steven Bilderain focused on an idea from resident and business owner, Karen Harper, who suggested an event that draws local prospective home owners who may qualify for the program.

Lynette Ramirez, CEO of the Ready4Reading Book Club, requested $5,000 for a backpack event next fall. The backpacks will include hygiene products, school supplies and books. Council granted the request.

Glen Harris, co-president of the Joshua Tree No-Kill Animal Shelter, made a plaintive donation request for their upcoming Woof Walk on May 3 at Essig Park in Yucca Valley. Council approved a $1500 donation at the Best in Show level.

Council approved sending a letter of opposition against AB 647 which would require cities to allow up to eight housing units on lots with an existing single-family home, or in an area zoned for eight units or less, without any environmental review or public input.

In public comments, several residents spoke out against an incident in Luckie Park on April 3 where an autistic boy was handcuffed and children as young as two were confronted with assault weapons by law enforcement. A call had been placed concerning someone wielding a knife and residents state that the response was overzealous and dangerous with no questions asked of the adults present.

Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District meets Thursday (4/23) to consider event applications

By
Jef Harmatz
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The Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District Board of Directors meets for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday to consider a number of applications for event funding in the coming months. 

The Board, known as the TBID, offers grants of up to $3000 and sponsorships of up to $20,000 for grants and programs within the City of Twentynine Palms with the objective of increasing tourism to the city. 

The application period ended on April 1, and will provide funding for events and programs beginning in July through the end of the year.

TBID Director of Marketing Breanne Dusastre said that the TBID saw a significant increase in applications for this round of funding. 14 event sponsorships will be considered for funding up to $3000 at the meeting. 

Of the 18 grant applications, which can qualify for funding up to $20,000, the Board has already evaluated and ranked six of the applications to move forward for further consideration. This includes a climbing “royale rumble” proposed by Cliffhanger Guides for December 12, a Joshua Tree Half Marathon proposed by Vacation races for November 1, the third edition of the 29 Palms Book Festival, organized by Desert General for November 7, AERIALNAUTS, a live performance event proposed by Sarah Kotzman for August 1, the second installment of the 29 Queer Film Festival proposed for September 19, and Climb Smart, a conservation and education event proposed by Friends of Joshua Tree for November 21.

With more events proposed to the TBID than funding will allow, the Board was able to be more discerning regarding events than they have been in the past. Comments from board members on rejected projects include scheduling and budget inconsistencies, vague proposals, ADA requirements, and in one case, sexual misconduct allegations against a person involved in the proposal.

The Board will consider, review and possibly fund proposals at Thursday’s public meeting, which is set for 3:30 p.m. at Twentynine Palms City Hall, located at 6136 Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms. 

Read the Twentynine Palms TBID meeting agenda here.

UK Artist Miles Takes explores desert night skies at BoxoPROJECTS, hold open studio on Saturday (4/26)

By
Hilary Sloane
-

Miles Takes, an artist visiting from the UK, explores the relationship between art, the night sky, and the desert landscape during his BoxoPROJECTS Residency in Joshua Tree. At his upcoming Open Studio event, the community can experience the cosmos through his newest work.

British artist Miles Takes is known for his vibrant, color-rich paintings, which boldly abstract motion, memory, and nature. His work has been exhibited internationally, with solo and group shows in London and Brighton. Now in residence at BoxoPROJECTS, Takes is exploring the beauty of the desert night sky and expanding his practice through sculpture.

Mikes Takes: “One thing that I’ve always been inspired by is the night sky how captivating that is. there’s such a scientific approach to observing it. The goal for me during the residency is to create artistic instruments that encourage people to look at the sky in different ways.”

Drawing inspiration from astronomical tools, Takes is building a sculptural installation that frames the desert landscape by day and reflects the brilliance of the stars by night. He’s also creating abstract wall and ground-mounted pieces that interpret the sky and terrain through fractal and geometric forms crafted from metal and other materials.

The public is invited to an open studio on Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at BoxoPROJECTS, 62732 Sullivan Road in Joshua Tree. Experience a chance to meet the artist, view his works in progress, and experience art shaped by the desert sky.

More details and directions can be found at BoxoPROJECTS.com.

All three Rotary Clubs holding basinwide Food Drive this Friday (4/25) in Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms

By
Z107.7 News
-

The combined Rotary Clubs of the Morongo Basin are holding their 13th Annual Food Drive this Friday (April 25) to benefit our neighbors in need.

Many of our area’s Rotary Clubs, including the Rotary Club of Joshua Tree, the Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms, and the Yucca Valley Sunset Rotary Club, will be conducting the annual Morongo Basin Rotary Food Drive. 

Rotarians and friends will be at the Stater Bros Yucca Valley East store and the Stater Bros Twentynine Palms store from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 p.m. to take your donations. 

Items needed are:

Canned tuna or chicken
Boxed oatmeal
Peanut butter
Spaghetti sauce and noodles
Canned beans
Canned fruit and vegetables
Granola bars

All non-perishable food donations are accepted and appreciated.

All food and cash donations will go directly to eight food pantries in the Morongo Basin for distribution to hungry families.

Argument over dirtbike on Sunfair dry lake results in stabbing and investigation into attempted murder

By
Z107.7 News
-

A dirtbike rider got into an argument with a camper at Joshua Tree’s dry lake bed, leading to an arrest for attempted murder.

On Saturday (April 19) at around 4:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Department says that Gerald Raymond, 67, was camping in the Sunfair Dry Lake Bed area of Joshua Tree, when he got into an argument with the victim who was riding a dirt bike near Raymond’s camp site. The Sheriff’s Department says that Raymond was angry at the victim for riding the dirt bike near the campground, and that Raymond stabbed the victim with a knife.

The victim, bleeding from the abdomen, returned to his own campsite, where his wife called 911. The victim was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment. 

Deputies say that Raymond was also injured in the fight, and that the victim was acting in self-defense. Raymond drove himself to Hi-Desert Medical Center for treatment, where he was contacted by deputies at around 7:00 p.m. and taken into custody. The Sheriff’s Department says that the victim is not expected to face any charges. 

Gerald Raymond was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $1,000,000 bail.

Twentynine Palms City Council faces a packed agenda tonight (4/22)

By
Heather Clisby
-

In what may prove to be a marathon meeting, the Twentynine Palms City Council will face a packed agenda tonight that includes four presentations/proclamations, four public hearings and six discussion items.

Per a state requirement, the council will hear the Housing Element Annual Progress report. A total of 989 more residential units must be built by 2029 for the city to meet the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) goals.

The next public hearing is also a state requirement, a status update on the General Plan which will ultimately be submitted to the State Office of Planning Research and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

Next, a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the development code pertaining to terms of the Planning Commission.

The final public hearing will address several proposed amendments to Mobile Home Parks and Special Occupancy Parks development code that include increasing density, establishing lot sizes, and expanding zone allowances.

Council will confirm the cost of abating an abandoned car wash at 6045 Adobe Road and likely direct the property owner, Steven M. Velasquez, to reimburse the city within 10 days for nearly $3,000 or face a Special Assessment against the property.

Council will discuss a contract amendment for Charles Abbott Associates which provides on-call contract services that includes the city engineer, the city building official, and building inspectors. This will be followed by an update on the Self-Build Housing Project.

Council will discuss possibly repurposing some of the remaining $37,010 previously allocated to purchase a mobile shower and partially fund a community resource center. Council may also redirect this item to the Housing and Homelessness Committee for a recommendation.

In honor of a partnership between the city’s Palms N Paws animal shelter and the Joshua Tree No-Kill Animal Shelter, council will consider a donation request.

Finally, council will consider casting a vote and sending a letter of opposition against AB 647 which would require cities to allow up to eight housing units on lots with an existing single-family home, or in an area zoned for eight units or less, without any environmental review or public input.

The meeting takes place on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road. It can be livestreamed or viewed on-demand via the city’s website, www.29palms.org.

Yucca Valley Planning Commission to review color change and mural applications at tonight’s meeting (4/22)

By
Adeline J. Wells
-

The Yucca Valley Planning Commission meeting will begin with a review of an Exterior Color Change application for El Comandante Taqueria, located at 56945 Twentynine Palms Highway. Tonight will be the third time the Commission has considered the application, which was denied twice due to colors and design being out of compliance with the Commercial Design Guidelines. The Commission moved to continue the item so that the applicant would be in attendance to answer questions about the design.

The Commission will then consider a Wall Permit Application for a commercial building at 56193 Twentynine Palms Highway, formerly inhabited by Awe Bar. The applicant proposes to paint a mural along the north, northeast, and southeast-facing building walls along the highway, with a theme titled Celebrating the Flowers of the High Desert. Town Staff recommends that the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission review the mural design and artist qualifications.

Lastly, the Planning Commission will receive the Land Development Update.

Tonight’s meeting is open to the public and begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Yucca Valley Community Center.

Twentynine Palms Water District meeting agenda for Wednesday (4/23)

By
Annelies Kuiper
-

The Twentynine Palms Water District will hold its monthly meeting tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 pm at the District Office, 72401 Hatch Road in Twentynine Palms.

At the previous meeting on March 26th, Staff was given direction to research director benefits offered by other Water districts. These will be compared and discussed.

California Special District Association will be hosting their annual conference and exhibitor showcase in Monterey this year from August 25th to 28th. Staff will be looking for Board Members to attend, along with seeking approval for Directors’ daily stipend while attending the conference.

The Board will also receive a report on maintenance and water quality.

Located at 72401 Hatch road in Twentynine Palms, the meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday April 23rd.

The Public is most welcome to attend.

Ride Basin Transit for free today on Earth Day (4/22)

By
Z107.7 News
-

Today is Earth Day and all day long you can ride any San Bernardino County public transit system for free. That means Basin Transit bus lines won’t cost you a dime today and you can keep the car at home and let your friendly neighborhood bus driver do the commuting.

Basin Transit has lines that loop around the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center and routes that reach all the way north to Landers, east through Yucca Valley and they even have a line that runs down the hill to Palms Springs.

Normal intercity highway fares are usually $2.50 for adults and half that for seniors, but today you can keep your cash in your pocket and ride for free.

You can find route and fare info at www.basin-transit.com

Get up close-up with the giant flowers of the Parry’s Nolina right now in the Pioneertown Mountain Preserve

By
Robert Haydon
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Lots of blooms can spotted off the trail in various stages.

Those who live in the desert year round don’t have to rely on a superbloom to get their fill of flowers. Lots of native cactus are blooming, native creosote have sprung their yellow flowers along with bladderpod, penstemon and globe mallows all showing off their colors as well.

There’s another desert native that’s pretty common around the basin, but it truly doesn’t stand out until its in full bloom. The Parry’s Nolina (Nolina parryi) is a green leafy puffball of a plant, with long flexible leaves that set it apart from something like a Yucca or a Joshua Tree. Both of those have a more rigid leaf that ends in needle-sharp points.

This Parry’s Nolina has two stalks starting to emerge.
The creamy white flower has pink details you normally can’t see when they are mature.
The stalks start to take shape as they grow upward.

The Parry’s Nolina is a bit friendlier to get up close to, and the examples around here in the hi-desert ten to stay low to the ground but can get quite large. They sort of look like leafy green “fry guys” if you are of a certain age or maybe an art deco pom pom.  They like elevations above 6000 feet but you can find them in all parts of the hi-desert, and right now you can see them in all stages of bloom on the Chapparosa Peak Trail in the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve. The 3.3 mile varied terrain hike to the peak has some rocky switchbacks with Parry’s Nolina dotted alongside the trail. The trail isn’t a loop though, so you’ll double your miles on the way back.

The trail isn’t a loop, so prepare to double your time on your hike out and back to the summit.

You may recognize the Parry’s Nolina in it’s late spring or summertime form when a stalk comes out of the base plant and grows a giant cream colored cone-shaped flower. The flowers eventually dry out and have a distinct sound as the flowers shake in summer winds.

These stalks and flowers can grow as large as 12 feet tall according to the national park service, which is why it’s a treat to see them up close. There are some just emerging from the base plant and they look almost like an elongated artichoke. Some further up the trail and in rocks are already sprouting flowers. Pioneertown Mountains Preserve Ranger Mitchell Schlickenmayer told me that they have noticed that the tarantula hawk seems to be particularly attracted to the flowers of the Parry’s Nolina. The tarantula hawk is a large wasp that preys on its namesake, but its best to keep your distance as a human, too.

You can go see them yourself in the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve which is located right off Highway 247 and Pipes Canyon Road.

Lots of blooms can spotted off the trail in various stages.
The “skeleton” of a bloom from last spring can be seen on the far right.
This is a Parry’s Nolina flower in late May of 2024.
The stalks can reach 12 feet into the air.

CalFire and SB County release Fire Hazard Severity Map and they are looking for your feedback

By
Z107.7 News
-

The County of San Bernardino and Cal Fire have released new information regarding our area’s fire risk as part of a new, interactive map and they are asking you for your feedback.

The previous Fire Hazard Severity Zone map was last updated in 2011 and identified only very high fire hazard zones in local responsibility areas. The new map includes all three fire hazard risk levels, helping residents gain a clearer understanding of wildfire threats in their communities.

The list focuses on unincorporated areas of California, so municipalities like Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms are not represented, though significant areas of the Morongo Basin are included. The majority of our community included in the fire hazard severity zone map are listed in the as “moderate” risks, though less populated and more mountainous areas north of Morongo Valley and Yucca Valley are listed as “high” risk. Though no part of our community is listed as “very high” risk, wooded and mountain areas to the northeast of the Morongo Basin, near Big Bear, are listed in the most severe category.

Fire Hazard Severity Zone ratings are based on a range of factors, such as the likelihood of fire ignition, potential fire behavior under extreme weather, historical fire incidents, types of flammable vegetation, terrain features like hills and canyons, proximity to wildlands, and anticipated weather patterns over the next 50 years. In addition, the ratings account for flame and ember intrusion from nearby wildlands and flammable vegetation within urban areas, offering a more localized evaluation of wildfire risk. 

The public comment period for the new Fire Hazard Severity Zone map ends on April 30. The county will hold public hearings and ordinance readings before the formal adoption of the Fire Hazard Severity Zone map by the Board of Supervisors on June 10.

To learn more about the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map and submit public comment, visit www.sbcfire.org/fire-hazard-severity-zone-map.

MUSD and CMC Board of Trustees joint meeting this Tuesday (4/22)

By
Z107.7 News
-

A joint meeting between the Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees and the Copper Mountain Community District Board of Trustees will be held Tuesday afternoon (April 22).

On their agenda is an update on early college initiatives, the RISE Program, and the Coding Club. The Boards will vote on renewing the College and Careers Access Pathways.

The meeting is open to the public and begins at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Joshua Tree Professional Development Center, 6061 Sunburst Street in Joshua Tree.

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