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Heard Around Town: Under the Full Moon
It was a week of both devastation and renewal in Tecopa, marked by the luminous presence of a full moon. Our cherished Borehole Spring was ravaged by fire, with over 9 acres burned. “A BLM Fire investigation is ongoing, with no obvious source of ignition determined from physical evidence,” reports the Amargosa Conservancy, intimating that…
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Heard Around Town: Power Struggles
Despite the high winds finally dying down, it was a rough week in Tecopa and Shoshone as temperatures plummeted into the low 20s and the power went out for nearly 25 hours on Monday, January 20 into Tuesday, January 21. Southern California Edison updated residents twice on repair work during the day, with an initial…
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Heard Around Town: High Winds and Hot Soaks
It was a windy one with the Santa Ana winds blowing through town for a few days starting on Tuesday, January 7. Tecopa had two short power outages during that afternoon when gusts were forecasted in the high 30s. But as Dan Leseberg noted on Facebook, “It’s not windy in Tecopa unless someone loses a…
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Heard Around Town
Welcome to our first edition, where we share what we’ve heard around town. Party People There will be a Community Healing Solstice Party on December 20 starting at 4pm at Thelma and Louise, all are welcome. Bring chairs, firewood, blankets, beverages, snacks, and your unique self. Tecopa Takeover once again featured local favorites MEGA-SCOPES, but…
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Save the Vole: Borehole Spring BLM Lawsuit Explained
In a legal battle aimed at protecting one of North America’s most endangered mammals, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) filed a lawsuit in 2022 against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for failing to take necessary action to protect the Amargosa vole and its critical habitat at Borehole Spring in the Mojave Desert.…
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Fire Devastates Borehole Spring, Endangered Amargosa Vole Habitat
A devastating wildfire broke out at Borehole Spring near Tecopa, California, overnight on February 11, inflicting catastrophic damage to the hot spring which is also a delicate wetland habitat of the endangered and endemic Amargosa vole (Microtus californicus scirpensis). The fire consumed a significant area of critical bulrush habitat surrounding the spring, posing a severe…
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Inyo County Sheriff’s Office Will Not Enforce Federal Immigration Laws
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release on January 30, ten days after the second presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, to reassure residents that enforcing federal immigration laws is not within their local law enforcement duties. Their primary focus, they emphasize, is safeguarding the community and fostering trust between law enforcement and the…
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Exploring Dumont Dunes: An Off-Road Enthusiast’s Paradise
Nestled just over 20 miles south of Tecopa, the Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area is a sanctuary for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Spanning an impressive 7,620 acres of public land, this Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) offers an unparalleled blend of heart-pounding OHV experiences, breathtaking desert landscapes, and opportunities for primitive camping…
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Surviving and Thriving: Best Practices for Camping in the Mojave Desert
The Mojave Desert, with its vast expanses of arid landscapes and unique ecosystems, presents both challenges and opportunities for those seeking to camp and connect with nature. As a region known for its extreme temperatures and diverse terrain, proper preparation and adherence to best practices are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.…
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A Desert Escape: Easy Road Trips to Tecopa from Los Angeles and Las Vegas
Tucked away in the vast and serene landscapes of the Mojave Desert, Tecopa, California, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. The ease of accessibility from both Los Angeles and Las Vegas makes it a perfect destination for a rejuvenating road trip. Whether you’re seeking the therapeutic embrace of hot springs, the rugged…