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PRESORTED STANDARD
British Government Whistleblower Defends Decision and Challengesthe Government see page 11
US POSTAGE PAID Desert Hot Springs, CA PERMIT NO 00005
June 17, 2020 Vol. 16 No. 46
CA Estuaries Go Virtual By Desert Star Staff IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. -- The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way families, educators and students can experience state parks -- through expanded online programs. The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, on the U.S.-Mexican border south of San Diego, showcases the
salt marsh where the Tijuana River meets the Pacific Ocean. Education coordinator Anne Marie Tipton says the reserve’s virtual field trips teach classrooms around the state about the estuary’s role in the environment. “It filters out pollution, and it will also buffer storms,” she points out. “It’s a nursery for the ocean. We actually are a
nursery for halibut. And we sequester or grab carbon out of the atmosphere. “ California has lost 90% of its wetlands to development. The reserve is an important stop on the Pacific Flyway and shelters 370 species of birds. The visitor center is closed due to the pandemic, but trails are still open. Check out the reserve’s
Facebook page to sign up for virtual junior ranger programs. Tipton says the salt marsh in the estuary boosts the fight against climate change. “They grab that carbon through photosynthesis better than any other plant community in the world because no one eats it,” she explains. “It doesn’t burn. The saltwater impedes methane production,
which is a big heat-trapping gas. Salt marshes are really the unsung heroes of the world. “ California’s two other National Estuarine Research Reserves at Elkhorn Slough near Monterey Bay and in San Francisco Bay also offer virtual programs this summer. Support for this reporting was provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals Canceled for 2020 A message from Goldenvoice
Under the continuing health guidance of the County of Riverside, Coachella and Stagecoach 2020 will not take place this October as previously rescheduled. This is not the future that any of us hoped to confront, but our main focus remains the wellbeing of our fans, staff, artists, desert partners and everyone involved in the festival. A year without Coachella and Stagecoach is hard for us to comprehend, but we have every intention of returning in 2021. As of now,
Coachella weekend one will take place April 9 – 11, 2021 and weekend two will be April 16 – 18, 2021. Stagecoach is set for April 23 – 25, 2021. We look forward to sharing our new lineups and more information. We can’t wait to be together in the desert again when it is safe. All 2020 passes will be honored in 2021. Current pass holders will be sent an email by the end of the day on Monday, June 15 with further instructions to request a refund or to roll over to next year.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.