Lawsuit seeks immediate halt to mining at Mojave National Preserve

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck parts of Northern California on [date], causing widespread shaking and prompting residents to seek safety. The quake occurred at 8:10 a.m., with its epicenter located in a rural area of the region.

Within minutes, a magnitude 2.0 aftershock was recorded, heightening concerns about additional seismic activity.

Local authorities reported no immediate casualties or major structural damage, but emergency services are conducting assessments across affected areas. The earthquake was felt as far away as the San Francisco Bay Area, with social media users reporting shaking that lasted several seconds.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the event and noted that aftershocks are likely in the coming days.

Residents are urged to review earthquake preparedness plans and secure heavy furniture. Schools and businesses in the impacted zones have been advised to check for safety hazards.

This event serves as a reminder of the seismic risks in California, where the Pacific and North American tectonic plates interact. Experts recommend having emergency kits, knowing safe spots, and practicing drop, cover, and hold on drills.

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to immediately stop unlawful mining activities at the Colosseum Mine within Mojave National Preserve, a protected unit of the National Park System. The motion, filed on Tuesday in Los Angeles, seeks to prevent further irreversible damage to the fragile desert landscape.

Mining at the Colosseum site ceased in 1993, and the National Park Service was in the final stages of reclaiming the mine for public use. However, the Trump administration reversed course in April 2025, approving new mining operations.

Recent grading, bulldozing, and road construction have already caused documented, irreparable harm to the desert environment and restricted public access to the preserve.

NPCA, represented by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit in April challenging the administration's decision, alleging violations of multiple federal laws designed to protect national parks from harmful mining impacts. The injunction request asks the court to intervene to safeguard the area Congress designated for permanent preservation under the 1994 California Desert Protection Act.

Chance Wilcox, NPCA’s California Desert Program Manager, expressed deep concern: "What’s happening right now at Mojave National Preserve is gut-wrenching. To see parts of this landscape, in the heart of the Clark Mountains, being stripped bare and graded down to dirt is hard to put into words.

We can’t sit by and allow irreparable damage to change this place that was promised to future generations, and that’s why we’re urging the court to step in to protect the park now."

Katrina Tomas, an Earthjustice attorney, added: "Bulldozing, road construction, and mining within the Mojave National Preserve will irreversibly harm the desert landscape in one of our most treasured public places. The Colosseum Mine is proceeding with operations despite being in violation of national environmental laws.

We’re seeking a preliminary injunction to halt this destruction before it’s too late."

The Colosseum Mine is located near the Amboy area in San Bernardino County, within the Mojave National Preserve. The NPCA and Earthjustice are urging the court to act swiftly to protect this unique desert ecosystem.

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to immediately stop mining operations at the Colosseum Mine within Mojave National Preserve, alleging irreparable damage to the fragile desert landscape. The motion, filed Tuesday in Los Angeles, seeks to block further activity at the mine, which was originally closed in 1993 and was in the final stages of reclamation by the National Park Service.

However, in April 2025, the Trump administration approved a reversal, allowing new mining to proceed. Recent grading, bulldozing, and road construction at the site have caused documented harm to the environment and limited public access to the preserve, according to the NPCA.

The NPCA, represented by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit in April challenging the administration's decision, citing violations of multiple federal laws designed to protect national parks from harmful mining. The organization is now asking the court to intervene before further damage occurs.

"What's happening right now at Mojave National Preserve is gut-wrenching," said Chance Wilcox, NPCA's California Desert Program Manager. "To see parts of this landscape, in the heart of the Clark Mountains, being stripped bare and graded down to dirt is hard to put into words.

We can't sit by and allow irreparable damage to change this place that was promised to future generations."

Katrina Tomas, an Earthjustice attorney, emphasized the urgency: "Bulldozing, road construction, and mining within the Mojave National Preserve will irreversibly harm the desert landscape in one of our most treasured public places. The Colosseum Mine is proceeding with operations despite being in violation of national environmental laws.

We're seeking a preliminary injunction to halt this destruction before it's too late." The NPCA argues that the mining activity violates the California Desert Protection Act of 1994, which designated the area for permanent preservation. The court is expected to rule on the injunction request in the coming weeks.

San Bernardino County has been awarded a $1,923,432 federal grant to expand access to HIV prevention services, primary medical care, and essential support for residents in the Inland Empire who face financial barriers to care. The funding, announced today by Rep.

Pete Aguilar (CA-33), aims to ensure that no one in the region goes without lifesaving treatment due to cost.

“No one in the Inland Empire should struggle to get affordable, quality care while navigating the devastating effects of HIV,” said Aguilar. “That’s why I am proud to announce this grant funding for San Bernardino County to expand access to HIV treatment and prevention services so that no one in our region has to go without the lifesaving care they need, simply because they can’t afford it.”

The grant will allow the county to provide comprehensive healthcare to HIV-positive individuals, including preventive measures, medical consultations, and support services. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations in the Inland Empire.

The funding comes from the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which supports communities in delivering essential care to those most in need.

San Bernardino County officials have emphasized that this investment will strengthen local healthcare infrastructure and help bridge gaps in access for underserved residents. The program is expected to launch in the coming months, with services coordinated through county health departments and community partners.

The annual Fourth of July fireworks display over Big Bear Lake, a cherished summer tradition in the Bear Valley area of San Bernardino County, is set to take place on Saturday, July 4th. The professionally produced show will launch from a barge on the lake, beginning once the sky is fully dark, typically between 8:45 PM and 9:15 PM.

Presented by Visit Big Bear and staffed by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake, the event also receives support from the City of Big Bear Lake, the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department, and Pine Knot Landing. Their combined efforts aim to ensure a safe and well-coordinated holiday celebration for both residents and visitors.

Fireworks can be viewed from numerous locations around the lake. Radio station KBHR 93.5 will broadcast a patriotic soundtrack synchronized to the show, and spectators are encouraged to bring a portable radio to lakeside spots or tune in via the KBHR App.

To manage the significant increase in holiday traffic and ensure pedestrian safety, the City of Big Bear Lake and the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department will implement temporary restrictions following the fireworks show. Right-hand turns only will be in effect on Big Bear Boulevard from Georgia to Temple in Big Bear Lake, and intersections will be controlled by sheriff’s deputies to keep traffic flowing and reduce congestion.

Pine Knot Avenue, from the south side of Big Bear Boulevard to the north side of Village Drive, will be closed to all motor vehicles from 6:00 PM through midnight to accommodate increased pedestrian activity and improve viewing access in the Village area. Caltrans will assist with traffic flow on state routes entering and exiting the valley to help reduce bottlenecks and maintain safe travel conditions.

Personal fireworks, including so-called “safe and sane” varieties, are strictly prohibited in Big Bear Valley and throughout the San Bernardino National Forest. Visit Big Bear extends its appreciation to the Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake, the City of Big Bear Lake, the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department, and Pine Knot Landing for their partnership and support in making this year’s Fourth of July celebration safe, memorable, and community-focused.