The Desert
The tramway, the trails and the heat: life at the foot of the San Jacintos.
Hurricane Rachel's remnants could bring heavy rain and flash-flood risk to the valley this weekend
Forecasters warn of rapid flooding in washes, low-water crossings and dry creek beds, echoing Tropical Storm Hilary in 2023. The rain should end the desert's latest heat stretch.
The Tramway is back: rotating cars tentatively return to the mountain tomorrow after a month of maintenance
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is tentatively scheduled to reopen Monday, October 5, after its annual maintenance closure, kicking off the winter season in the San Jacinto Mountains.
Newsom signs bills easing Joshua tree permits and fees
One bill takes effect immediately, cutting the cost for homeowners to remove or trim up to 10 western Joshua trees. A second streamlines dead-tree permits and expands tribal access, starting Jan. 1, 2027.
Aerial Tramway closed through October 4 for annual maintenance
The cars are getting new interiors, the controls are being serviced, and state inspectors must sign off. Tentative reopening: October 5 at 10 a.m.
The week the valley baked: July's extreme heat, by the numbers
Forecasts hit 117, warnings stretched for days, and the overnight lows never gave the desert a break. A look back at the summer's defining week.
Desert Water Agency adopts fourth rate increase in five-year plan
The board approved higher rates for water, recycled water and wastewater in June. New potable rates take effect January 1.