Local & Community
New California Law Eases Rules for Removing Hazardous Joshua Trees
A new California law could make it easier for desert property owners to deal with dead or hazardous Western Joshua Trees.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1663, authored by Assemblymember Greg Wallis of Bermuda Dunes, which changes the permitting process under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act.
The law simplifies the existing no-fee Hazard Management Permit process for hazardous Joshua Trees. Property owners can now designate an authorized agent, such as a contractor or property manager, to handle the permit process without an additional certification.
The permits apply to qualifying hazardous trees, including dead trees and certain living trees that pose an imminent threat to public health or safety.
AB 1663 also expands the state's authority to work with California Native American tribes on the cultural use of Western Joshua Trees, including the purchase and sale of trees for tribal cultural purposes.
Newsom also signed Assembly Bill 1808, authored by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo and coauthored by Wallis. The measure makes additional changes to Joshua Tree permitting involving single-family residences as well as public works, commercial and industrial projects.
Together, the changes are intended to streamline aspects of the state's Joshua Tree permitting system while maintaining protections under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 30, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Headline: He Cleans Wheelchairs for FREE — And the Story Behind It Is Amazing! At just 21 years old, Dean Lopez is turning his passion for car detailing into something much bigger. After a simple act of kindness went viral, he and his business partner began cleaning and restoring wheelchairs for free. They’ve already helped hundreds of people, including veterans and wheelchair athletes. And Dean says it’s something he never wants to stop doing. Watch his inspiring story! #ActsOfKindness #WheelchairCommunity #GoodNews #NBCPalmSprings #CommunityHeroes
Remember shopping at Toys “R” Us? The iconic toy retailer is making a comeback just in time for the holidays! Toys “R” Us has opened more than 160 standalone stores nationwide, including locations in California. Some even feature candy shops and cafes! And there’s more: a new store is planned for New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. Looks like the holiday wish list just got a little longer! #ToysRUs #HolidayShopping #RetailNews #NBCPalmSprings #CoachellaValley
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Jadarius Hester with the jump pass TD, 2) Anthony Hodge with the rushing TD, 3) Jayden Ayers with the rushing TD, 4) Jacob Vann with the Saftey, or 5) Jadarius Hester with the rushing TD #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
Meet Linda from Memphis. 👋 After hours of flight delays at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Linda and other stranded passengers found themselves without food vouchers, hotel accommodations or even food options once airport restaurants and vending machines closed. Why were there no food options available at PSP for passengers stranded at the airport last night? Have a similar experience or additional information? Email our newsroom at news@nbcpalmsprings.com.
Passenger at Palm Springs International Airport, Kaitlyn James expresses frustration over airlines communications and operations during the almost 5 hour, nationwide, FAA ground stop #faa #groundstop #continuingcoverage #reactions #localnews
After over 4 hours of fully stopped departures, passengers make their way back to the Palm Springs International Airport after the nationwide ground stop was lifted #groundstop #faa #update #coachellavalley #760
You asked what those 39,000 public records actually uncovered. Here are the receipts. #therogginreport #deserthotsprings #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
BREAKING NEWS 🚨: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ISSUES NATIONWIDE GROUND STOP, HALTING DEPARTURES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs on our socials and story posts for the latest updates #breakingnews #faa #nbcpalmsprings #groundstop #nationalnews
🎣 The fish are coming to Lake Cahuilla! Watch as Lake Cahuilla is stocked with fish ahead of the community Fishing Derby! A big thank-you to Mark Jernigan, owner of Yellow Mart in Indio, for being a longtime supporter of this special community event. Local businesses like Yellow Mart help keep traditions like this going! Get ready to cast a line and enjoy a great day at the lake! 🐟 #LakeCahuilla #FishingDerby #YellowMart #IndioCA #CoachellaValley #CommunitySupport
FINAL SCORE: FIREBIRDS WIN! 🔥🏒 A 2-1 victory for your Coachella Valley Firebirds tonight! Another hard-fought win, another reason to celebrate in the desert! 🐦🔥 WHO’S READY FOR MORE? 🔥 #Firebirds #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValley #HockeyTown #firebirdswin