US President Joe Biden designated two California sites as national monuments, including a desert area significant to native tribes and a dormant volcano. The Chuckwalla National Monument in the southern California desert preserves over 624,000 acres and holds significance for several tribes. The Sattitla Highlands National Monument in northern California protects 224,000 acres and is sacred to the Pit River and Modoc tribes. Biden made the announcement at the White House, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural wonders.