Joshua Tree National Park.
Tami Roleff photo
Joshua Tree National Park’s off season is during the summer months, but last summer, visitation was up 11% from June to October, and the number of visitors was up 20% last November. A park spokeswoman implied that Californians staying closer to home during the pandemic may be why the number of visitors to Joshua Tree National Park increased last year.
March and April are traditionally the busiest times of the year at Joshua Tree National Park. Based on increased visitation last year during what was typically the slow season, the park expects even more visitors this spring.
With the state easing out of the post-holiday COVID-19 spike, and ICU capacity increasing throughout the state, including in San Bernardino County, Gov. Gavin Newsom today lifted the strict regional stay-at-home orders issued in December moving the county back into the previous tier system. San Bernardino County remains in the Purple Tier.
As a result, local restaurants will be allowed to open for outdoor service, personal care services (such as hair and nail salons) may reopen with modifications, retailers may allow more customers into their stores and campgrounds may resume operations, among other changes.
Managing editor Tami Roleff has more updates about the lifting of the stay-at-home order…
The 29 Palms Art Gallery plans to hold its second annual spring art and craft fair in March. Hilary Sloane has more information about how to apply to be in the event…
The 29 Palms Art Gallery is accepting applications for artists and high-end crafters for its Second Annual Spring Art and Craft Faire. This year’s Faire, held on the first day of spring, is Saturday, March 20th, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Faire draws locals and tourists alike. The event is open to all artists and high-end crafters. Jurors are looking for a variety of artwork that may appeal to casual shoppers and art collectors. Space is limited to 30 vendors. The gallery is located just off National Park Drive, in 29 Palms. Art vendors will be well-spaced around the gallery grounds to help ensure social distancing for artists and shoppers. There is a $10 application fee, plus a separate space rental fee based on desired booth size. Applications must include three images and a short artist bio. Deadline to apply i
Continuing our top stories of 2020 are three stories with a big effect on the environment and wildlife. Several fires west of the Morongo Basin blanketed our area with smoke for days. The Apple Fire started July 31, caused by burning carbon from a diesel truck’s exhaust off of Oak Glen Road in Cherry Valley. The fire burned more than 33,000 acres and threatened evacuations of Morongo Valley and Pioneertown. The Dome Fire in the Mojave Preserve burned 43,000 acres of thick Joshua tree forests; it was started by lightning August 15. Closer to home, lightning sparked a small wildfire in Sunfair Dry Lake in Joshua Tree August 18, and burned 160 acres. The El Dorado fire started September 5 by a gender-reveal smoke-bomb near Yucaipa. It burned almost 23,000 acres. Both the Apple and El Dorado fires were not declared 100 percent contained until November 18.
Many people will visit Joshua Tree National Park as part of their new year’s weekend celebration. While campgrounds remain closed, visitors can still take advantage of hiking trails and the visitor centers. With winter season among the most popular times for the national park, visitors are advised to take a few precautions before visiting. Temperatures in the park can drop to near or even below freezing during the Winter season, especially during early morning and late evening hours, so visitors are advised to wear multi-layered clothing. Bring ample water, 1-2 gallons of water per person per day is recommended, and protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunscreen, or both. Hilary Sloane has tips about entering the park during this busy time…