High Desert businesses weigh in on impacts of a potential government shutdown
Gavin Nguyen
JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – “Joshua Tree is a tourist town. We rely on tourism for our income here.”
Merilee Kuchon is the owner of Roadrunner Grab and Go, positioned right next to the Joshua Tree Visitor Center along Park Boulevard. Visitors pass in and out of the store – getting busier as the high season approaches.
But with that seasonal uptick expected within weeks, Kuchon is now growing worried that a government shutdown will throw a wrench into her business’s bottom line.
“It is dismaying to me coming out of a very slow summer season, moving into what is supposed to be our busy season starting in about a week,” she explained.
Other businesses in Joshua Tree, though, pointed to a resilient community that would slow – or completely mitigate – any negative impacts of slower traffic if the national park were to draw fewer visitors.
One business owner who did not want to appear on camera told News Channel 3 that High Desert businesses are becoming less reliant on tourism to stay afloat.
Meanwhile, Edo Brizio, the owner of a trailer parked near the Visitor Center, said more park visitors could be on their way if the shutdown happens.
“Are you a little bit worried [that] maybe not as many people would come through?” reporter Gavin Nguyen asked.
Brizio replied, “That doesn’t worry me as much. If anything, knowing that the park is open at no charge. I’m thinking we might see even more people.”
Local nonprofits are concerned about the negative impacts government shutdowns could bring to Joshua Tree National Park, especially after a shutdown in late 2018 brought vandals and filthy conditions to the area.
“I would go and scrub toilets every day,” recalled Susan Burnett, the owner of Mojave Sands Motel in Joshua Tree. She explained a local volunteer corps emerged to clean up and manage the park during the last shutdown; if another one does occur, she said she is committed to keeping the park in good condition again, and is hopeful that the local community will rally again to do the same.
“We will do our part to volunteer and help the people that are still coming to visit and help keep our park clean and safe.”