Remote Surveillance Trailer in Antelope, CA

The vibrant wildflowers and poppies that bloom across Southern California state parks in spring are expected to be “limited” this season, California State Parks announced on Monday.

The reason behind the forecast is below-average rainfall this winter, according to California State Parks. The stunning views of flowers in bloom in Southern California typically attract visitors eager to catch a glimpse or snap a photo, sometimes to the flowers’ detriment.

While the wildflower display “may be small this year,” California State Parks encourages visits to various state parks in the region for other landscape views and outdoor recreational offerings.

This past January was the ninth driest in California since 1895, and despite recent storms that have brought rain to the region, drought conditions remain, according to a Feb. 13 drought status update from the National Integrated Drought Information System. Southern California has faced a “severe lack of precipitation” since Oct. 1, according to the California Department of Water Resources’ Jan. 31 report, with the region facing below-normal levels of rainfall between Oct. 1 and Feb. 10, according to the drought status update.

“Wildflower growth depends on a delicate mix of weather factors, including rain and its timing, amount of sunlight, seasonal temperature patterns, and wind, that cause the bloom timing and the number of flowers seen across the region to vary from year to year,” according to California State Parks.

The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, where its hills can turn orange with an abundance of poppies in bloom, received less rainfall in the fall and winter compared to 2017 and 2019, which resulted in an “extraordinary bloom” in sections of the park, said California State Parks.

Another destination for wildflower viewing is the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which saw less than an inch of rain at its headquarters this winter. The park averaged more than six inches of rain in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023 when “sections of the park saw a significant bloom,” according to California State Parks.

Where can you see wildflowers in Southern California?

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Chino Hills State Park, Red Rock Canyon State Park, Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch and Ocotillo Wells state vehicular recreation areas and Picacho State Recreation Area are among the destinations that have seen “spectacular springtime blooms” in the past, said California State Parks. However, historically, an impressive wildflower display occurs after more than average seasonal rain.

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.

Antelope Valley, CA (April 11, 2025) – A pedestrian was injured Thursday night after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene at the intersection of 67th Street West and Columbia Way, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The hit-and-run incident was reported at approximately 8:12 p.m. on April 10th and was classified under CHP code 20001, which indicates a hit-and-run involving injuries. Emergency personnel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and sheriff’s deputies responded shortly after, confirming that all lanes of Columbia Way were blocked following the collision.

Initial reports confirmed that the pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle, which failed to stop and render aid. CHP officers implemented a road closure eastbound on Avenue M near 67th Street West while paramedics treated the injured victim. The full extent of the pedestrian’s injuries has not yet been disclosed, but the rapid response suggests they may have been significant.

The suspect vehicle involved in the crash has not yet been identified, and the investigation remains active. Authorities are urging anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area to come forward to assist with the case.

Our thoughts are with the injured pedestrian, and we hope for their full recovery.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents in Antelope Valley

Pedestrian safety continues to be a major concern in areas like Antelope Valley, where open roadways, limited lighting, and higher speeds contribute to increased risk—particularly after dark. Crashes like the one that occurred Thursday night highlight the devastating impact of drivers failing to remain at the scene.

When a driver flees the scene, it not only compounds the trauma but also delays critical care and leaves victims vulnerable—both physically and legally. Columbia Way and 67th Street West, surrounded by rural stretches and intermittent traffic control, are especially dangerous at night, when drivers may not be expecting foot traffic.

Sadly, hit-and-run incidents involving pedestrians are on the rise across California. Law enforcement agencies have increased their efforts to locate fleeing drivers and ensure accountability, but the trauma left behind for victims and families can last a lifetime.

Victims of pedestrian crashes often face long recoveries, steep medical costs, and complex insurance issues. Seeking professional support—from medical providers to legal advocates—can make a significant difference in the outcome.

At Local Accident Reports, we’re dedicated to helping victims of pedestrian collisions navigate the path ahead. If you or someone you love has been hurt by a hit-and-run driver, we can connect you with trusted professionals and resources tailored to your needs. Contact us today for support and guidance in the aftermath of a serious crash.

A settlement agreement was reached after a 53-year-old Clayton man poached a pronghorn, a mammal that looks like an antelope, in Modoc County.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife began its investigation last August when its law enforcement division received a tip of a person who’d been seen illegally shooting and taking a pronghorn with a bow on private property in Modoc County, according to a news release.

The pronghorn, a male, had been illegally taken, CDFW officials determined. Investigators determined that Earnest Davis, 53, had poached the hoofed animal.

Davis pleaded no-contest to violating a section of the state’s fish and game code involving the illegal taking of the pronghorn on private property and other violations were dismissed. The settlement agreement, which was reached on Jan. 30, included the following terms:

“We have zero tolerance for poaching and those who would cheat the system and undermine the opportunities Californians have to legally hunt pronghorn antelope in this state,” said Nathanial Arnold, CDFW law enforcement chief, in the news release. “We’re grateful for the collaboration and support from Modoc County District Attorney Salarno, who shares our values of protecting one of California’s iconic big game species.”

Pronghorn hunting in California is “tightly regulated” to protect declining populations located mostly in the northeastern corner of the state, according to the news release. Only 137 pronghorn hunting tags were offered by CDFW last year.

What is a pronghorn?

Pronghorn are fast-running mammals native to North America that appear similar to deer or antelopes, and may be referred to as antelopes, but actually belong to the family Antilocapridae, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Antelopes refer to many species in the Bovidae family, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare. These animals can maintain high running speeds longer than a cheetah, said the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.