Fontana's South Fire is 49% contained
National Forests are closed but Parks stay open, County seeks input on short-term rentals, and dove season kicks off
Hello from California’s high desert. We are on track to get a storm or two this evening from the remnants of Hurrican Nora, but I am not complaining about the cool breeze that came in this morning. What a fitting way to ring in September!
It’s been a hard week. Between the devastation in Louisiana and across the Southeast from Hurricane Ida and the uncertain future of South Lake Tahoe as heroic firefighters defend it from the Caldor Fire, it’s been hard to concentrate on anything else.
I know I talk about climate change, the climate crisis, and a whole host of other pretty depressing topics up here most weeks. There’s been an understanding among reporters that most stories are now climate change stories, meaning that everything from business to politics has some element of climate change playing a role. That’s certainly true of the recall election coming up in a few weeks. It’s true of the infrastructure bill going through Congress. It’s true of every conversation I’ve had recently where the other person remarks that this is the hottest summer in the Basin they can remember.
It’s hard to not talk about it, at this point, regardless of what the actual topic of conversation may be. Although I know all hope is not lost yet, all week I have mourned places that will undoubtedly be irreparably changed because of the climate crisis. It’s hard to compartmentalize and set that aside in my regular conversations. I am Chicken Little, for better or worse.
I did see a tweet, though, that helped put things in perspective. It included an image of two deer standing in a stream while a fire burned on a mountain overhead. I made the mistake of not saving it for posterity, unfortunately, but the gist of the text was that these terrible, catastrophic events happen and we keep going. We rebuild (see my book recommendation below for more on this) and eventually, the earthly scales come back into balance.
I’ve been holding that notion, that we are living through unprecedented times with the opportunity to drastically change things for the better, as a light in uncertain times. I am taking more time to sit with the grief of everything, but I am also ready to do what I can to make it through to the stream, lit by sunlight and covered with fresh, healthy trees.
Update from last week: The South Fire near Fontana is 49% contained as of Monday, and Lytle Creek residents were allowed to return to their homes under an evacuation warning, which is a downgrade from the previously mandatory order. The San Bernardino National Forest Service said the fire had burned a total of 819 acres, and crews were aided in their efforts with the increased humidity this week.
And now onto this week’s news:
Starting Tuesday, all National Forests in California are closed to camping, hiking, and day-use, the USDA Forest Service announced Monday. The closure will remain in effect until at least September 17.
The closure affects 20 million acres of land in California, including the San Bernardino National Forest, Angeles National Forest, and Los Padres National Forests. Violators face $5,000 fines for trespassing.
National parks, state parks, and BLM land are not included in the closure.
“I have made the difficult decision to temporarily close all (California) National Forests in order to better provide public and firefighter safety due to extreme fire conditions throughout the state, and strained firefighting resources throughout the country,” California’s regional forester Jennifer M. Eberlien said in an email obtained by The Sacramento Bee.
The closure is in part to protect campers and hikers should a fire break out given the favorable fire conditions over the next few weeks. It also allows the Forest Service to divert resources to the Dixie and Caldor Fires raging in Northern California.
San Bernardino County is conducting a survey among residents about the current short-term rental county rules
San Bernardino County is soliciting feedback from residents about the current short-term rental rules.
The survey is relatively straightforward and seeks input on new rules from both residents and current short-term rental owners. It asks about neighborhood disturbances, parking, and dumping, among other complaints associated with STR properties.
There isn’t a posted deadline for when the survey closes. Residents can submit feedback here.
Today is the start of California dove hunting season, which runs through September 15
Today was the official start of dove hunting season in California, which runs for two weeks through September 15.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has prepared crop fields at many of its wildlife areas to attract doves and provide productive dove hunting opportunities for the public, according to the CDFW website.
The season will be closed from Sept. 16 through Nov. 12, and then open again from Nov. 13 through Dec. 27.
Entry procedures vary from area to area, so hunters are advised to call ahead in preparing for their hunt.
CDFW is asking all hunters to respect physical distancing from other hunters and adhere to all site-specific rules and regulations for COVID-19.
Pupdate of the week: Alice’s health scare from a few weeks back is officially resolved after a trip to a specialist in Los Angeles. We have a happy, healthy pup!
Trail tip of the week: Now that the forests are closed and the weather has cooled, I’m hoping to get some quality time in Joshua Tree National Park before the crowds arrive. I cannot recommend the hike up Ryan Mountain enough, but make sure you are prepared with sunscreen, water, and a good hat. It’s still summer, so make sure you are aware of the heat and sun!
Book of the week: I have to recommend Paradise by Lizzie Johnson, but with the caveat that it is probably best to start it after fire season is officially over. The incredibly well-reported and empathetic book chronicles the Camp Fire’s run through Paradise in Northern California in 2018. At points, it is hard to read, but I so appreciated the author’s focus on the town’s resilience and sense of community in the fire’s aftermath that it made me almost hopeful about everything terrible happening in the Sierra Nevada again this year.
Small business of the week
ZZIEE Ceramics is hosting a launch party on Monday, September 6, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. to celebrate its new location in Yucca Valley. The ceramics studio is owned and operated by Elizabeth Eisenstein, a potter based near Joshua Tree. Her handmade pottery is beautifully earthy and fun, drawing inspiration from the Mojave Desert. According to her website, Eisenstein previously worked at MazAmar Art Pottery in Pioneertown.
ZZIEE Ceramics is located at 56155 Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley across from the Jelly Donut. All ceramics are 20% off for the opening party on Monday.
A short programming note — I will be taking the next two weeks off in observance of Labor Day and my first wedding anniversary the following week. I plan to spend lots of time outside away from screens, but I will be back in your inboxes on September 22.
Have a great next few weeks! I hope you enjoy the long weekend if you are able, and get outside!
- Megan
Have fun and get some rest during your time off! And happy anniversary!
I very much enjoy your lilting muse of the news.
Enjoy your weeks off.