On our most recent rainy day, March 13th, Tecopa received 0.20 inches of precipitation at the Tecopa CEMP station, bringing the total for March to 0.35 inches and for February to 0.59 inches. While the area remains in a significant long-term rain deficit, the past 30 days have brought 1 inch of rain, or about 30% of the average annual total. The creosote bushes and other shrubs are showing signs of improvement.
In extra local news, the “Snowpah” formation, resembling a mother goose and her babies, appeared on the Nopah Mountains facing Tecopa, but you’ll have to get up early if you want to catch her.
Emergency Closure Order Issued for BLM Lands Affected by Nopah Fire
On March 19, BLM staff began installing fencing around the burn area at Borehole Spring, which will remain in place until the site has sufficiently recovered from fire damage.
Chris Otahal, Wildlife Biologist with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), issued an emergency closure order following the Nopah Fire, which occurred on February 11.
Effective immediately, public access is prohibited in the burn area; however, the order does not extend to the portion of the spring commonly used for soaking.
Due to a logistical oversight, the fencing materials were initially left behind. As a result, the posts were installed first, with the actual fence set to be completed on March 20.
Exceptions to the closure apply to federal, state, and local emergency personnel, BLM staff, and those with written authorization from the BLM. Anyone found violating the closure order may face fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, vehicles in violation may be towed.
The closure aims to protect public safety and allow the land to recover before reopening for use.
High Party Season in Tecopa
In the past few weeks, local artist Jehane Rucquoi has hosted two remarkable soirees, each one a testament to her boundless energy, infectious joy, and unwavering creativity. The first event was an art offering, an intimate gathering in Tecopa Heights showcasing Jehane’s collection of paintings and prints on offer, each priced from “$4000 to 0.”
While the price range may have seemed vast, the majority of the artwork was available for a modest $20 to $40, allowing attendees to experience the transformative power of Jehane’s art without breaking the bank. The paintings were set against the backdrop of Jehane’s renowned bottle walls, a striking and unconventional display, complemented by a secret cactus garden and the graceful presence of olive trees. It was an atmosphere that encouraged contemplation and connection, where art, nature, and Jehane’s unique vision converged.
The second event took place at 3 Moons in Charleston View, where Jehane’s experimental earth buildings served as the perfect backdrop for her 92nd birthday celebration. Throngs of guests arrived, with Jehane’s unrelenting enthusiasm infusing the occasion with a sense of renewal and delight.
Villa Anita’s head of ceremonies, Carlo, a close observer of Jehane’s infectious spirit over the years, remarked to the assembled revelers, “I want to become a Jehane, we should all want to become a Jehane.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, for Jehane embodies a rare and beautiful energy that encourages those around her to keep going, no matter the challenges they face. Jehane herself replied, “All together we keep going,” a mantra that reminds us of the strength we derive from unity, perseverance, and the simple joy of living authentically.
Looking ahead, Jehane will host her third soiree, an equinox party at 3 Moons on March 20, a celebration that aligns with the changing of the seasons and the harmony of nature. It’s a fitting tribute to her belief in the cyclical nature of life and her commitment to honoring the present moment. In a world where so many of us feel weighed down by the demands of daily life, Jehane reminds us that we are capable of embracing joy, creativity, and togetherness, even in times of exhaustion.
In a time when so much can feel uncertain, Jehane’s soirees are not just events—they are celebrations of life, art, and the enduring power of human connection. They serve as a reminder that joy can be found even in the midst of exhaustion, and that, through shared experiences, we can all continue to move forward together.
Failure to Pay
The concessionaire at Tecopa Hot Springs Campground has not paid their annual rent of $5,000 since renegotiating their contract with Inyo County during the COVID pandemic. The agreement allowed them to skip rental payments for two years while making contractually required improvements, but they did not complete their obligations and never resumed paying—and have since audaciously informed the county that they do not plan to.
Additionally, while the concessionaire collects fees without paying anything back into the public coffers, they also never obtained a permit from the BLM, which owns the land, for their rental cabins. The cabins placed near the facility’s northern public bathroom were the result of a failed foam building experiment that leaks water when it rains. While the two sticks and bricks buildings behind the bathhouse may be salvageable, they are also unpermitted and not up to code. We hear the county’s Department of Public Works recently inspected the grounds, though no reports on the state of the property have been released yet.
Inyo Supervisors to Request Change to Tecopa Meeting Date
At the next Inyo County Board of Supervisor’s meeting on March 25, 2025, the Board is seeking approval for changes to the 2025 meeting calendar, including relocating their April 8 meeting from Tecopa to Independence, California. To accommodate the change, a special meeting would be held in Tecopa on May 6, replacing the originally planned April 8 meeting in that location. The reason cited is a lack of accommodations available for the county on the original date because of a convention.
Road to Nowhere
In the board’s last meeting, the Public Works department recommended awarding a contract for the purchase of 440 tons of Cold Mix Asphalt for Tecopa Road repairs. The successful bidder, Holcim – SWR, Inc. from Las Vegas, was selected with a total bid amount not to exceed $65,230.
While some have referred to the upcoming transportation project, which will install bike lanes and sidewalks between Tecopa Hot Springs and Tecopa Heights, as the “road to nowhere,” they may not realize how many people increasingly rely on walking and biking in the area.
Willing to Spy?
Residents are encouraged to respectfully photograph and, if they feel comfortable, inquire with large groups visiting Borehole Spring whether they are being led by tour operators. They are sometimes identifiable by their silly hats. If so, it is crucial to ask who the tour operator is and whether they are licensed by the BLM. Send us your photos and a brief description here.
To legally operate on public lands, tour operators must hold a Special Recreation Permit (SRP) from the BLM. These permits, as outlined on the BLM website, are granted to businesses, organizations, and individuals for commercial, competitive, and organized group use. The SRP system helps the BLM track and manage commercial activity on public lands while ensuring the protection of these valuable resources for future generations. Recently, TecopaCabana reported that unlicensed tour operators are listed on TripAdvisor, charging $175 per person to visit Borehole Spring, highlighting the importance of ensuring that operators are properly permitted to protect both the land and the public experience.
Vandals in Bishop
The BLM Bishop Field Office is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible for damaging petroglyph panels at the Volcanic Tableland, north of Bishop. Anyone with information is urged to call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or report online at WeTip.com.
Editor’s Note
We understand that the recent mention of former local firefighter and EMT Tyler Carter, as reported in Heard Around Town on February 26, may have been uncomfortable for many to read. The details of his situation are not easy, but the truth is important for several reasons.
First, this information was relayed during a public board meeting of the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District (SIFPD) concerning the challenges of retaining EMT volunteers. The issue at hand was not just about one individual’s actions but also about the larger commitment and context of how volunteer emergency responders are supported, trained, and retained. Tyler’s situation highlighted a significant concern—how some individuals may take advantage of training and resources, and for a variety of reasons are not able to provide a meaningful return to the community. By addressing what was said in the meeting, we are shedding light on the broader issue of ensuring that public funds, such as those provided by SIFPD for volunteer training, are being used effectively and responsibly. This is a matter of accountability, which impacts the safety of residents and sustainability of volunteer emergency services in our area.
Second, Tyler’s case also brings attention to substance abuse issues that can arise among first responders, particularly in high-stress environments like those involving trauma and emergency situations. Studies indicate that approximately 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared to 20% in the general population. Additionally, research suggests that nearly 30% of first responders may struggle with substance use disorders.
Third, and most importantly, the news served to clear up a series of rumors that had been circulating without any evidence. There were many claims made about Tyler’s actions and career, some of which painted an incomplete or misleading picture of the situation. By reporting the facts as they were presented in the public meeting and in public records, we aimed to set the record straight. Rumors can quickly spiral and damage reputations, and we work to ensure that the community is given accurate information to the best of our ability. If you think we got something wrong, use the form below to let us know.
While certain news may make us uneasy, it is the role of journalism to inform the community with truth, even when it’s difficult. Our goal is to provide you with the full picture, so you can make informed decisions and move forward with clarity.
Oh and speaking of misinformation…
In addition to the concerns raised by Tyler’s case, it’s important to address the spread of false rumors and misinformation that have been circulating within the community, particularly from Dan Leseberg at Death Valley Brewing. Dan has been the source of several unverified claims, which we reported as such, including information about Tyler and about a certain family allegedly abusing animals, the latter of which has caused considerable distress and consternation among local residents, for which we apologize.
Despite our attempts to engage with Dan and explain the critical importance of sharing only truthful information backed by evidence, his response was to add anyone affiliated with TecopaCabana to the growing roster of local residents banned from his brewery, for being “too negative.”
This reaction has only fueled the spread of baseless rumors and further undermined trust and truth within the community. Moreover, TecopaCabana also reported last week that Dan is seeking to do the same SIFPD training Tyler received, with the department potentially investing over $7,000 in a summer course for him at Unitek College. A discussion about this is on the agenda for the March 20 SIFPD board meeting at 6pm in the Community Center.
Given this, it becomes even more crucial that volunteers in this field understand the importance of sobriety and relaying true and accurate information, particularly in high-stakes environments like first responder work. It’s essential that those who take on these critical roles are held to the highest standards of responsibility and integrity, as lives often depend on the reliability of their actions and words.
Send Us Your Letters
Going forward, we ask that you send letters to the editor in the form below when you have a problem with something reported here. When we have incomplete information or get things wrong, we are happy to address them and correct ourselves when necessary. We believe respectful dialogue is the only way forward, and to that end, we will not tolerate bullying or harassment in any of our comment forums. Bullying gets you banned, end of story. If you’d like to see more on this, read our moderation policy.
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