MBCA features prominently in an article and photo series by the Desert Sun about the Auto Camp Airsteam Resort under construction in Joshua Tree. The news article title aptly describes the concern: Glamping company brings Airstreams to Joshua Tree. Can development and nature coexist? The article includes comments from MBCA President Steve Bardwell, and he and Board member Pat Flanagan are included in the photo series accompanying the article.
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management in response to an action taken in the final days of the prior administration that would ease the path for the Cadiz Water Project. A right-of-way for the water mining scheme was granted without any public review. Read the news item by local radio KCDZ 107.7 and the press release from the Center for Biological Diversity for the latest information on this decade-long battle against draining important desert water reserves.
In the latest update from the Joshua Tree Genome Project, the research team reports that they have been planting Joshua tree seedlings across the Mojave Desert. In this stage of their research, they seek to learn about the relative effects of genetics and environment on the trees' development. On their website you can learn more about the science, the scientists, and the partners supporting the project, which include the Joshua Tree National Park Association and the California Native Plant Society.
Marina West, Manager of the Bighorn Desert View Water Agency and recently a Board member and Treasurer for MBCA, presented an illustrated virtual lecture on the "History of Water in the Morongo Basin: A Perspective on an Undervalued Resource" as a program for the Desert Institute, the educational arm of the Joshua Tree National Park Association. In this one-hour YouTube recording, Marina provides the Basin's water history in both geological and historical timeframes, with many anecdotes about the pioneers of harvesting water through the development wells in the Morongo Basin.
The recording of the Up Close Show interview with MBCA President Steve Bardwell and Secretary Laraine Turk is now available on the KCDZ 107.7 website. Topics covered in the March 12 interview include the Joshua tree as candidate for threatened status, renewable energy issues, the proposed County dark sky ordinance, and climate change. Early in the interview, News Director Gary Daigneault shares a story about his own interaction with MBCA's Founder Susan Luckie Reilly.
MBCA has joined over 70 organizations signing a letter addressed to Governor Newsom and the California Public Utilities Commission stating concern about changes to net metering. Net metering allows rooftop solar owners connected to the grid to receive bill credit for energy produced beyond their own needs. This does not work to the advantage of investor-owned utilities that are pressing for changes. The letter also encourages more solar battery storage and rooftop solar growth with extra support for low-income communities.
This fast growing desert native is a favorite among gardeners in the Morongo Basin and it is easy to see why. Brittlebush's (Encelia farinosa) grey leaves offset its profusion of yellow daisy-like flowers in a mounding habit. It has a long bloom cycle if given enough water. But not too much water as it is a true desert native and is used to an arid environment.
We love the structural quality of Desert or Rush Milkweed (Asclepias subulata) in the garden. This plant thrives in all Morongo Basin elevations (hardy to 10-20 Fahrenheit). Can tolerate some shade.
Speaking at an water industry event at the Salton Sea near Mecca on Monday, March 27, Scott Slater, the CEO of Cadiz, Inc, the company that wants to sell water from the Cadiz aquifer for enormous financial gain, shared that the company is considering piping water "to bring water to disadvantaged communities within our reach." Slater also revealed efforts "to pursue a relationship with the Salton Sea Authority...and the Torres...
Wonder Inn Resort Proposal Denied by Planning Commission
In a 4-0 vote, San Bernardino County Planning Commissioners denied the Wonder Inn project opposed by MBCA and hundreds of Morongo Basin area residents. Almost 50 citizens made their comments in person at the meeting. The citizens' group Stop Wonder Inn spent a year doing research to demonstrate how the project if built would have significant negative repercussions not only for Wonder Valley but the entire Morongo Basin. MBCA's initial...
Flamingo 640 Glamping Project going before Planning Commission
Wonder Inn Project update
Spring is here and so are Invasive Plants!
Rooftop Solar Update
2023 Desert Wise Living Landscape Tour