Desert-Wise Landscape Tour

Environmental Bills on Governor Newsom's Desk

In his latest "Boiling Point" newsletter, Los Angeles Times' climate and environment writer Sammy Roth summarizes some of the environment and climate-related bills passed by California legislators and awaiting Governor Newsom's signature or veto. For each bill Roth describes context, what the bill would do, and lists supporters and opponents. SB 1374 regarding net energy metering on rooftop solar was noted in MBCA's June 10 eblast. Other bills relate to water and...

New Joshua Tree Research Uses iNaturalist Data

A new study in the online journal Ecology Letters focuses on changes to Joshua tree viability and blooming since the early 20th century. The study uses data from citizen scientist reports of Joshua trees and their blooms through the iNaturalist app, plus historic data. While climate change seems to be increasing the frequency of Joshua Tree blooming, it is also negatively affecting the survival of Joshua tree seedlings. A Los...

MBCA Joins Appeal against Weakening California Environmental Protections

As the California Legislative session draws to a close, MBCA has joined with 93 other organizations signing a letter opposing efforts to "gut and amend" legislation that would weaken environmental protections without public input.

Video Examines Aratina Solar Project Approval and Joshua Tree Destruction

A new YouTube video explores the history of protection for Joshua trees and the controversially approved destruction of 4000 Joshua trees for the Aratina Solar Project in Kern County.

MBCA Questions Joshua Tree Housing Development Proposal

Local Joshua Tree residents alerted MBCA about receiving a notice from the County about a proposed housing project in their neighborhood. Recipients were offered the opportunity to comment on a Tentative Tract map application to subdivide about 18.5 undeveloped acres into 64 parcels of "minimal impact" homes. MBCA's comments highlight the lack of information on the project and insufficient time window for providing comments. We question any claims concerning sustainability and responsible growth and development. Also addressed is the lack of...

Morongo Basin County Code Enforcement Update

A County Update reports that the addition of a third Code Enforcement Team has improved the availability of the South Desert Team that serves the Morongo Basin. Code Enforcement Chief Ignacio Nunez states that “The new Central Desert Team has helped to reduce the number of cases handled by other desert officers, allowing them to respond more quickly to new cases and follow up on ongoing cases. Officers now have...

Desert View Conservation Area Highlighted

A new video highlighting Joshua Tree's Desert View Conservation Area has been produced by San Bernardino County, whose Special Districts department oversees the preserved acreage. This free daytime recreation area north of Joshua Tree National Park has received improvements for visitors in recent years and additional educational signage is planned.

MBCA Joins Coalition Supporting Bi-Directional EV Requirement in California

Joining with 113 state and national organizations, MBCA signed onto a letter in support of California's AB 59, a bill which would mandate that future electrical vehicles be bi-directional, providing a source of power to households when needed. As noted in our June 24 Eblast, "With the many recent setbacks to rooftop solar, this legislation would serve to encourage rooftop solar and micro-grid DG generation, while providing resilience to our...

MBCA Joins Group Comment on Jurupa Valley Warehouse and Ancient Oak

MBCA was among 14 Inland Empire non-profit groups supporting a comment letter concerned with the Rio Vista Specific Plan for the Riverside County City of Jurupa. The Plan includes a warehouse and other industrial development that, in addition to air quality, water, and urban heat impacts, would endanger the over 13,000 year old Jurupa oak, among the oldest living things on the planet. The letter contains extensive analysis of problems with...