In today’s newsletter,

• Death Valley castle partially reopens

• California banning 1 pound propane canisters

• Lots of wildlife news

In other Death Valley news, the 7.0 earthquake off the coast of Northern California yesterday shook Devil's Hole in Death Valley, causing waves to stir up the waters of endangered pupfish that live in the 500-foot-deep pool.

California to Phase Out 1 Pound Propane Cylinders by 2028

I was feeling guilty about all the empty green one-pound propane cylinders littering my garage, so I finally got a reusable 5-lb tank last year. It seems I was ahead of my time.

California has passed a law that will ban the sale of the canisters beginning January 2028. The company that makes the larger tank I bought, Flame King, is now making 1lb reusable bottles and selling a system for refilling them from a larger propane tank.

Overstretched Forest Service Halts Prescribed Burns in California

The U.S. Forest Service has halted prescribed burns in California “for the foreseeable future,” citing a need to preserve resources for wildfire response. The decision during the critical fall burning season raises concerns about long-term wildfire risks among fire experts.

Prescribed burns are vital in reducing fuel and protecting communities, but critics say the Forest Service’s caution may prioritize short-term safety over proactive forest management. With state and tribal agencies continuing their burns, the pause highlights growing frustration over federal fire policies.

Two New Wolf Packs Discovered in Nothern California

When I was a kid, my primary recurring nightmare involved being chased by wolves - which I blame on Disney’s terrifying depiction of Canis lupus in Peter and the Wolf. I’m since over my fear (I’m not scared, you’re scared!) and happy to see gray wolves making a comeback in California.

Double Humpback Whale Breach Off Dana Point

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Dana Wharf Whale Watching posted this epic shot of two humpback whales breaching simultaneously in late November.

Young Mountain Lion Returned to Wild After Rehabilitation in Ramona

Okay, last bit of wildlife news - but look at that cute face! A young female mountain lion found on death’s doorstep in May has been returned to the wild in San Bernardino County after recuperating at San Diego Human Society’s Ramona facility.

Man Narrowly Survives Rock Slide Crushing His Sprinter Van Near Crestline

In mid-November, Joseph Furtek, from Lake Arrowhead, was driving on the mountainous Highway 18 near Crestline when his Sprinter van was crushed by boulders from a landslide. The rocks smashed the passenger size of the RV, leaving Furtek with a traumatic brain injury and severe leg injury.

His sister has launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs and replace his destroyed motor home, which he had just purchased as his residence days before the incident.

Other News

An off-duty firefighter who went missing while free-diving in Long Beach is presumed dead.

SoCal surfers had much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving based on these photos on Surfline.

The fee increases at Joshua Tree National Park that we reported on earlier took effect December 1, with fees for campsites going up by 50%-75%