Mojave Desert

Iconic Joshua trees and wind turbines greet travelers as they enter the community of Mojave. More than 150 Afghan refugees are building new lives in the town, three years after United States' chaotic departure from the country.

Could a green energy boom in the desert devastate a natural icon?

Joshua Yeager

A solar farm in the Mojave Desert is destroying thousands of iconic Joshua trees. It could be the tip of the iceberg as the state prioritizes renewable energy.

The Santiago Desert Estates sits at the edge of Mojave, a short distance from wind turbines and Joshua trees. It's one of the last affordable rental markets in California, which is one big reason the mobile home park has become a community for Afghan refugees in the state.

Community

In California’s desert, refugees from Afghanistan make a new life for themselves

Joshua Yeager

Nearly three years after the United States pulled out of Afghanistan, more than 150 refugees fleeing Taliban rule have found homes in California’s Mojave Desert.

Business & Economy

New LAist Podcast Explores False Promises In California City

Laura Tsutsui

In the southeast corner of Kern County is the Mojave Desert. In that dry landscape there’s a city that looks half built. There are roads and some houses,…