Dispatch - Week of August 17
San Bernardino is looking for poll workers, California could see a megaflood, and a note from the Dispatch
Hello from California’s high desert, where it feels swampier than usual thanks to the heat and humidity that hasn’t let up. The NWS Vegas said this has been the most active monsoon season for the region in the last 10 years.
And now, onto this week’s news:
In local news:
Yucca Valley Material Lab received a grant from the California Arts Council that will support the salary for a new part-time community outreach coordinator.
Yucca Valley has proposed turning a tennis court into a pickleball court as the sport soars in popularity, but not all residents are supportive of the proposed changes.
Many shops and restaurants are closed this week as everyone heads out for a last chance at summer vacation.
Many businesses are updating their hours in real-time on Instagram.
San Bernardino County is looking for poll workers for the November elections. You will be paid for your time on election day, as well as for the mandatory training to be completed before November.
More information on how to register for the training is here.
In state news:
Speaking of major flooding, a new report out last week outlined the conditions under which a superstorm could flood most of the state’s central valley.
The report outlines that, due to climate change, the chance of such a flood has increased since researchers last evaluated the risks.
In other news:
President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act on Tuesday.
The bill is the first major climate investment at the federal level in decades with roughly $369 billion allocated to solar panel installations, electric vehicle purchases, and other initiatives.
Adam Neumann, the disgraced founder and CEO of coworking company WeWork, just got another $350 million for his next company — an apartment rental startup.
Pre-season NFL games started last week, and college football kicks off on August 29.
Pupdate of the week: The dogs were not a fan of the major storm that blew through the Basin Tuesday afternoon. We’d been spared the worst of it so far, but this was their first real taste of monsoon season, and they decided they are not fans of it.
Trail tip of the week: Do not hike in washes during monsoon season. Do not drive through washes in monsoon season. Do not walk your dog, ride your bike, or do cartwheels in washes during monsoon season.
Show of the week: My palate cleanser show between watching the Emmy contenders has been Masterchef, which I’m streaming on Hulu. It airs live on Fox on Wednesday evenings as well. This season has contestants from past seasons back to compete, including some folks from Masterchef Junior. If you need a bit of a mindless reality show with lots of heart, Masterchef is where it is at.
And with that, I will also be taking a bit of a summer break. The Dispatch will be back in your inboxes on September 21. Have a great rest of your summer, a lovely Labor Day Weekend, and as always, take any chance to get outside.
- Megan