Desert Oracle Radio hosted by Ken Layne

Four students from Twentynine Palms High School avoided Ted Allen’s chopping block this week, winning a regional cooking competition. The students are part of the school’s Culinary Career Technical Education program, and they competed against three other schools in the “Chopped”-style tournament hosted by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools on Tuesday (January 20.) Briana Johnson, Anisa Youso, Antwone Wilson, and Colton Wissmeyer won first place for Best Main Dish and third place for Best Overall.  Students were required to demonstrate technical skills, teamwork, time management, creativity and professional kitchen practices while preparing and plating their dish for industry judges. They worked collaboratively to assign roles, manage workflow, problem-solve under pressure and execute their final product within strict competition parameters. Their award-winning menu featured shrimp rösti with cilantro chimichurri, using dill as the secret ingredient, and Moroccan lamb chop with carrot purée sweetened with honey, green beans and lemon-mint Mediterranean rice, with lemon as the secret ingredient. The Twentynine Palms High School CTE program provides students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for success in the culinary and hospitality industries. To learn more about the program visit https://www.morongousd.com/page/career-technical-education The post Twentynine Palms Culinary students come out on top in “Chopped” style competition appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

I had the pleasure of attending the opening weekend of Theatre 29’s production of Marjorie Prime, directed by Eddie A. Tucker. The 2015 play by Jordan Harrison was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, with several successful runs around the world before making its Broadway Debut in 2025. Set in the mid-21st Century, it explores the crosshairs between memory, family, and technology. The aging Marjorie struggles to remember elements of the life she lived. She seeks companionship by way of Walter Prime, a specimen of artificial intelligence designed to interact as her late husband.  Despite having a slim cast of four, the production of Marjorie Prime was bolstered with an impressive set of skilled local actors. Wendy Cohen played the title role convincingly as a beloved, yet flawed woman navigating conflicts between her past and current state of mind. Marjorie’s caretaker is her daughter Tess, played by Sharianne Greer, whose somewhat prickly personality is anchored in skepticism of technology and mortality. Both actresses portrayed the strained mother-daughter dynamics with bittersweet honesty. Kurt Schauppner was charming as Tess’s husband Jon, whose role as an optimist aided both reluctant women in their reluctance to embrace reality. His removal from family trauma was exemplified in the line that he “had a little more room” when comforting his mother-in-law, a relatable sentiment for those caretaking and guiding through generational shifts. The incredibly lifelike role of Walter Prime was played by Kevin A. Hayles, who artfully walked the line of portraying an artificial intelligence specimen rich with memory but devoid of authentic human emotion. The set and costumes of Marjorie Prime were modern and modest. The entirety of the play takes place in a home living room, thoughtfully detailed with pastel ceramics, kitschy knick-knacks, and a blanket draped over the sitting chair of its title character. These elements set a simple stage on which complicated family dynamics could unfold unfettered. The slightly off-center “waiting room” in which the Primes would remain until called accentuated the ever-looming presence of not only the artificial intelligence roles, but in turn, our resting memories. Tucker’s production of the drama Marjorie Prime is a thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics as science progresses along with time. In a world that feels increasingly heavy under the weight of artificial intelligence, its themes of aging, technology, and memory as they conflict with love strike as ever poignant. Marjorie Prime continues its run at Theatre 29 through February 1. Performances run at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evening, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available for purchase online at theatre29.org or by calling the Theatre 29 Box Office at 760-361-4151. The post Marjorie Prime brings poignant family drama to Theatre 29 appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

The suspect in a fatal hit-and-run case returned to court yesterday, and the case will move forward in February. Troy Reynolds, the suspect in a 2024 hit-and-run collision that killed Yucca Valley teenager Joshua Barreras, returned to Court yesterday morning for a Pretrial Hearing. District Attorney Jason Gueltzow was present for the prosecution, as was Attorney James Rogan for the defense. Both attorneys confirmed with Judge Sarah Oliver that their parties were indeed ready to move forward with a Jury Trial on February 17, the date that Judge Oliver had scheduled during the previous hearing in November 2025. Judge Oliver then offered the victim’s family an opportunity to address the Court, and statements were made by two members. Judge Oliver then addressed all members of the Court audience, and conveyed the importance of composure and respect throughout the trial.  She said, “It will not get easier before it’s over, but it’s very important that everybody have composure, because it will interfere with Mr. Reynolds’ right to a fair trial. It will interfere with our process of justice.” Troy Reynolds is charged with Felony Hit and Run Resulting in Permanent Injury or Death; he is currently out on $500,000 bail. The post Troy Reynolds trial to begin in February; Judge stresses composure to families appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree’s long-standing bookstore Space Cowboy Books celebrates its ten-year anniversary this Friday. When he and his partner moved to Joshua Tree in 2015, Jean Paul Garnier recalls the town as “more sleepy, no traffic, and less populated”––all welcoming attributes for a couple escaping big city life. But for the writer and lifelong book collector, Garnier says the one thing he felt was lacking in town was a bookstore––the closest one being Raven’s Books all the way in Twentynine Palms.  “I had a lifelong dream of opening a bookstore, but it always felt sort of unattainable. Working as a handyman at the time, my partner and I met some people at Art Queen who said there was a vacant shed and my partner talked me into it. I thought, ‘this is a crazy idea––I’ve got about three months’ worth of money that I can roll the dice on to open this store. So, we were in that shed in the beginning, and people would walk into the store and say, ‘Science fiction bookstore in a shed in the middle of nowhere? You’re absolutely insane and you won’t last a month!’ And that was ten years ago, this month,” said Garnier. They started hosting readings, film screenings, and music under the shop’s banner, attracting both local and international writers and readers to the shop and brand. The bookstore quickly expanded its square footage into its current location in Sun Alley Shops, then expanded its operations to include the award-winning storytelling podcast Simultaneous Times (which will celebrate its 100th episode later this year) and an independent publishing house for Space Cowboy Books. “Part of the dream was to sell used books to earn money to make new books. To test the waters, we started off with a series of chapbooks (DIY-printed softcovers, typically smaller page-counts) which were almost exclusively for local authors. My attitude is: always start with those around you. Help those around you first, and then you branch out if that works,” said Garnier.  Space Cowboy’s first proper book was an anthology companion to the podcast in 2018, followed by three more volumes. Since then, the press has released a multitude of books from local and international authors, including Pedro Iniguez’s Mexicans on the Moon, a recent winner of the world renown Bram Stoker Award and the equally revered Elgin Award.  Garnier says that running a bookstore has helped him redefine his relationships with books and the people who have come into his shop over the last decade  “Relationships are one of the most important things in our lives, and stories are about relationships, yet reading is a very intimate act that we often do alone, so to be able to share this with a broader community a global community has hands down been the most rewarding aspect of the bookstore.” As his business becomes internationally recognized, Garnier remains committed to charitable outreach: he’s worked with Spark Growth to build elementary school libraries and supplies for homeschooled children, provided books for prisoners, and still offers one free book to all children under fourteen who enter the shop.  While its focus is on science fiction, Space Cowboy Books also carries all kinds of literature, poetry, and non-fiction, all used or new, leaving something for everyone with the thrill of hunting through its carefully selected stock. All books and curio will be 10% off at The Space Cowboy Books Ten Year Anniversary Celebration this Friday, January 23 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., featuring live music from The Kearns Family (featuring Z107.7’s own Pat Kearns) and experimental junkshop duo Phog Masheen with snacks by Epicurean Fling. Space Cowboy Books is located at 61871 Twentynine Palms Highway, one block east of Park Boulevard. View this profile on Instagram Space Cowboy Books (@spacecowboybooks) • Instagram photos and videos The post Space Cowboy Books celebrates 10 year anniversary in Joshua Tree this Friday (1/23) appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

The Morongo Valley Community Services District (MVCSD) Board of Directors held their regular 6:00 p.m. meeting last night (January 21). During agency reports, new Morongo Valley Fire Chief Michael Catalbiano stated the department is actively seeking new recruitments through Copper Mountain College and “hitting every possible avenue they can,” including paramedics. General Manager Brittany Chavez has suggested creating a fund for medical school to train willing recruits for Paramedic Certification, an item that received positive response from the Board, to be revisited in April after the fiscal budget is clearer. Former Board member Kristina Brook of K&M Enterprises was in attendance with a proposition for grant writing and fund development for the MVCSD, testifying that her company has raised over 3.2 billion dollars for her clients, with a recent win of five million. Brook said K&M’s success has “put them in a position to help the smaller organizations that can’t afford to pay for the services up front,” offering the MVCSD a reduced rate of $95 an hour at 20 hours a month, pay when they can. This also received positive engagement from the Board, who agreed to pursue it further once the fiscal budget was sorted. The request for the CSD to issue $50-$100 prepaid Visa cards to Fire Staff supplies was voted down, cited by Director Johnny Tolbert as “gifting public funds.” Discussion yielded ideas of a secondary lockbox containing extra petty cash on a card to be reconciled by Chief Catalbiano, but no action was taken, tabled until the next meeting.  The post MVCSD considers hiring grant writing and fund development company run by former board member appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

During the first study session, the Commissioners discussed land use approval expiration dates and whether the expiration of the business license as the hard date on which land use approval expires is satisfactory. Community Development Director Keith Gardner informed the meeting  that the land use approval expiration date currently falls on the date the business license expires and that is the only notice. The commissioners agreed that the land use approval expiration date should continue to fall on the date the relevant business license expires. Another study session followed, examining whether some zoning districts which are very similar in size or development standards should be consolidated. Notably the Rural Living 2.5 acre RL zoning was compared to the Residential Family 2.5 acre minimum RS-E zoning as they are very similar in most ways. It was soon noted, however, that the color coding used on the maps was confusing and needed to be amended. Vice chair Alex Garcia agreed with Commissioner Jim Krushat that the colors used to illustrate the zoning areas need to be more contrasting. Community Development Director Keith Gardner was asked to address a future meeting with a more concrete plan as to which zones could be consolidated. The question of consolidating zoning districts will be further discussed at a future meeting. The post Twentynine Palms Planning Commission studies land use and zoning districts at Tuesday’s meeting (1/20) appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

Good news for those who have been waiting the last two-and-a-half years for the boardwalk at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve to reopen: repairs are finally underway with a hopeful finish date in mid-February. Since Tropical Storm Hilary damaged the Preserve in August of 2023, the boardwalks have remained in disrepair primarily around the water bridges. Because there are two waterways in the Preserve’s riparian ecosystem (lush transitional zone between land and water), those areas must be protected by the Army Corps of Engineers and The California State Water Board. Combined with additional environmental assessments, Preserve Director Kevin Wong said those permitting issues took longer than anticipated, along with the County deciding where they were going to get the funds from. “The biggest delay was the county deciding where they’re gonna get the money from. They decided not to take it out of the annual budget because it was obviously not going to happen within that year, so then they decided to take it out of capital reserves. The other process was the planning department coming up with a true plan. There are four areas that they are going to work on, and they started working on two of those areas––right now they got the boardwalks pulled out and strengthened the rest of the boardwalk so they can attach the components.” Work on the boardwalk started on Monday, January 5, and Wong says they are racing to get it finished to make way for one of their fine-feathered annual VIP visitors: “The Least Bell’s Vireo is a federally endangered bird that nests alongside the boardwalk, and they can’t do any work that might disturb their nesting. Its nesting season is from mid-February to mid-September so with any luck they’ll finish this within a month provided there are no weather issues in which case we can open back up the boardwalk for normal use.” Wong says the boardwalk repairs are the first phase of a two-part improvement project to the Preserve, followed by a full repaving of the parking lot and driveway handled by the San Bernardino Department of Public Works. While he says the Preserve’s parking lot and driveway will be closed for the 4–5-day job, visitors are still welcomed to walk over after parking at Covington Park.  The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to sunset. You can learn more about their unique ecosystem at their website: bigmorongo.org The post Repairs begin on Big Morongo Canyon Preserve’s boardwalk, estimated completion in mid-February appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

Theatre 29 is delighted to announce open auditions for “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”, a fresh adaptation of a timeless tale. This contemporary take features Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” alongside an up-to-date, hilarious and romantic libretto by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane. Cinderella will not only discover the power within herself to shape her destiny, she’ll also play a pivotal role in helping the prince find the confidence needed to lead his kingdom towards a more just world. The show will be helmed by a powerhouse team, with veteran DTL award-winning Director Gary Daigneault, Musical Director Bill Barrett and Choreographer Karen Gladis. Barrett is the Music Department head for Yucca Valley High School and Gladis, who recently relocated out of Los Angeles, is the founder of the famed Twinkletoes Dance Company. Tera Bottorff, a multi-DTL awards nominee, will be the Costume Designer.  Auditions will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, starting at 6:00pm, at Theatre 29, 73637 Sullivan Road, Twentynine Palms. The first week of rehearsal, January 26-30, will be in the Yucca Valley High School Music Room. The second week, February 2-6, will be at the Twinkletoes dance studio in Twentynine Palms. Rehearsals from February 9th to March 26th will be at Theatre 29. The show will run weekends from March 27 to April 12, 2026. The production will cast up to 25 cast members with a principal cast of 10 parts including: Cinderella (Ella) – The kind and courageous heroine Prince Topher – The charming yet uncertain ruler searching for purpose Marie (Fairy Godmother) – A beggar woman who reveals her true magical identity Madame (Stepmother) – Cinderella’s cruel and controlling stepmother Gabrielle – Cinderella’s kinder, more thoughtful stepsister Charlotte – Cinderella’s other stepsister, more comic and self-absorbed Jean-Michel – A passionate revolutionary seeking justice for the people Sebastian – The Prince’s corrupt advisor Lord Pinkleton – The royal herald, announcing events in the kingdom. In addition to the principal cast, an ensemble of 10-15 will be townspeople, knights, peasants, royal servants, town children and little ruffians, and ballroom guests and featured ballroom dancers for the ballroom and transformation sequences. While some children will be cast, none will be under the age of 14 (exceptions may be made by the director). Those wishing to audition should prepare a song from a Broadway or Disney musical (other than Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella) that best showcases your vocal range and fits the style of character you are interested in auditioning for. Limit your selection to 1 minute — about 32 bars. Using a smartphone recording of your accompaniment is required, a Bluetooth speaker will be provided. No A Cappella singing will be considered. Please dress comfortably and be ready to learn and perform a short dance. If unable to attend, a video audition is acceptable. For more information about auditions, email director Gary Daigneault at z1077fm@gmail.com. “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”, is being produced in partnership with Visit 29. Theatre 29 is an all-volunteer, non-profit, Community Theatre organization founded in 1999. Tickets are available at theatre29.org or by calling the box office at 760-361-4151 and leaving a message. The show will run weekends from March 27 to April 12, 2026. The opening night gala will be sponsored by the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club. After opening night, tickets will be $20.00 for regular admission, $17.50 for seniors and military, and $15.00 for students with ID and children under 12. “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” is appropriate for all ages. The post Theatre 29 holding auditions for “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

Listen to a longer version of the story that was aired on Z107.7FM: For residents of the Morongo Basin, Highway 62 is our hometown freeway – the main thoroughfare that connects multiple communities, along with Highway 247, and some other well-worn side streets. I wondered about the men and women of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) who monitor these roads … What antics and behaviors are they seeing? More importantly, how can I avoid getting a ticket? Like most big questions, the answers require an early start. So, at 7:00 a.m. one weekday morning I met up with Officer Jake Griffith, who graciously made room for me in his patrol car. Officers pair up at night but are solo during the day. I took the passenger seat, snuggled in between a secured AR-15 (Colt M4) firearm and a heavy car door labeled ‘BALLISTIC PANEL.’  I tagged along as the officer worked his ‘beat’ – the eastern edge of Twentynine Palms up to the border of Yucca Valley. Back and forth we went, especially along that troublesome corridor between downtown Joshua Tree up to the Yucca Valley border at La Contenta/Yucca Mesa Trail – lots of speeding tickets happen in this stretch.  In CHP lingo, highways are called ‘Lines of Communication’ and the agency handles not just traffic enforcement, but any major crimes that occur along these lines. CHP’s jurisdiction is “all roads and all codes” in the Golden State.   Clearly, obeying all traffic laws is the best strategy for avoiding a traffic ticket. But, if you do make a mistake, here’s a tip: Don’t argue. Applying regular training, years of experience, their own eyeballs, and a digital speed radar, it’s their entire job to pay close attention and spot these transgressions. Beyond initial training, CHP officers do a re-training every year for radar certification where they must also estimate speeds visually. “Behavior often influences whether you go one way or another. I’ve made stops where I’m like ‘I’m not gonna write this guy (a citation), they did something stupid right in front of me – they are just having a bad day, wrong/place, wrong/time, and I walk up and they are such a jerk that I forget that I wasn’t gonna write ‘em a ticket. I’ve had numerous people make me write them a ticket,” said Officer Griffith.  Officer Griffith and his colleagues are not robots, but actual human beings, and like most, they have pet peeves. Unlike most, Officer Griffith gets to address those peeves directly and with some authority. For starters, drivers towing trailers in the passing lane (often exceeding the 55-mph speed limit for towed trailers), heavily tinted windshields beyond factory settings, and ‘left-lane drivers’ – those who hang out in the passing lane regardless of speed. California Vehicle Code 21654 (CVC) makes it illegal for drivers to hang out in the left lane if they are going slower than the “normal speed of traffic,” even if they are driving at the posted speed limit. While exceptions exist for bad weather or road conditions, violating this law can result in a ticket, fines, and one point on your DMV record. If others want to drive faster, that’s their business – something for Officer Griffith to deal with, not you. This traffic-clogging behavior is frustrating for other drivers and can lead to aggressive actions such as tailgating, flashing lights, and other road rage conduct, also illegal and very dangerous.   “I’m not going to stop someone from going five under the speed limit but if it’s 55 and you’re going 45 and you have a line of traffic behind you, you’re impeding and that’s illegal,” said Officer Griffith. “That’s just as bad as a guy going 65 because now you are going to have Illegal unsafe passing. People getting irate.” These high emotions, Officer Griffith explained, can set the stage for a road rage incident..  Officer Griffith has been with the CHP for 17 years. Prior to that, he was in the Marines and stationed at the Twentynine Palms MAGCC base in 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (2/7) as a lieutenant, ultimately transferring to Barstow as a Captain. He has remained in the Reserves. On the day I joined Officer Griffith, he had just finished up several months of a desk assignment and was happy to be back on the road again. Is it fun, I wondered, getting to legally drive fast for a living? With a grin, he confessed that it was, and that he was also grateful for the driver training refresher they receive every other year. Officer Griffith likened the perk to being the referee at a roller rink. “The guy with the whistle? He could skate forward, backward, sideways, fast, slow, whatever. It’s like that,” said Griffith. “This is a really tricky job. We have to engage in inherently unsafe behavior – U-turns where they’re not allowed, aggressive breaking …but the training they provide is helpful.“  Officer Griffith said that while he may see several cars speeding at once, it often comes down to which car he can safely pull over and cull from the herd, so to speak. He indicated that most speeding citations are given early in the morning and at the end of day. On this particular day, he was mindful of having a reporter in the car, so he went easy on the braking and acceleration, much to my disappointment. When signaling drivers to pull over, Griffith is alarmed how often he must use the loudspeaker to guide them to pull off on a side street, parking lot, or other safe spot. He once had a driver stop at the crest of the Morongo grade when he put on the flashing lights – a real hazard.  Inevitably, Officer Griffith spots a violation, and makes a tight U-turn – a work truck pulling a trailer in the left lane and going over the speed limit. He guided the driver using the loudspeaker: “Pull off the road. Don’t stop here. It’s not safe. Don’t stop here. It’s not safe. Pull off the road. Make the next right. Make the next right.”  He notes no license plate on the trailer and expired truck tags. The driver states it is a work vehicle so the fix-it ticket goes to the employer, but the driver is still on the hook for driving in the wrong lane and exceeding the speed limit. At one traffic stop, I noted a county sheriff had also parked nearby, and asked Griffth about it. “Just to make sure I didn’t need anything. We do that for each other. Not a lot of areas do that. Because we don’t have police. It’s a rural area. A very big area. Not too many of us out. Today, just me and Jason (his colleague) for CHP. He’s my back-up and I’m his. Same for them. If I’m out in the boonies, my closest back-up might be a deputy, and I might be theirs. We’ve got to take care of each other. I’ve heard there might be animosity or competition (in other regions). Out here, we’ve always had a good relationship. My best friend is a sheriff detective,” said Officer Griffith.  I ask about drunk drivers but before he can answer, he spots a car coming in hot at 90-mph heading into a 45-mph zone. We accelerate, flip the lights, and he pulls up swiftly behind the car and verbally guides the driver to a safe spot on a side street. The car was bearing a Semper Fi sticker so Griffith knew he’d be ticketing a fellow Marine, something that clearly pains him, often. After issuing the citation, Officer Griffith returned to the vehicle, shaking his head. “This is gonna be about $500 and he doesn’t make much money but he’s going twice the speed limit! Even I don’t drive that fast!” said Officer Griffith. He noted that Marines are quick to look out for one another but also quick to keep each other in check. He’s hoping the stiff penalty will make the young Marine be more careful in the future. (Tip #2: Cruise Control is your friend, it can curb those speedy habits.) Other persistent issues Officer Griffith notes are phones/distracted driving, not wearing seatbelts, and tourists on recreational drugs. “Drugged driving, it’s a big issue. Everywhere. In our area, marijuana, for sure. People don’t know necessarily how to responsibly use marijuana. I feel like it’s often tourists that often come out here who get stoned on shrooms or LSD. We had a young officer here get attacked – earlier this summer. People think, ‘What’s the harm in taking a psychedelic drug?’ Well, that’s the harm – if you have a bad trip. You could end up with felony charges. Or you could end up hurting someone or worse. And you don’t know what you’re doing, you don’t know what you’re taking. You don’t know how your body is going to react,” said Griffith. Officer Griffith states that the CHP has also made numerous arrests for “huffing’  – inhaling aerosols like Dust-Off. He says that a driver who has been huffing can be in a semi-conscious state and can do a lot of damage in an automobile. However, by the time an officer arrives the effects may have worn off and a Field Sobriety Test doesn’t reveal anything abnormal.   We spot a U-Haul pull ahead against a red arrow in a left turn lane at Hallee Road and wonder what that driver is thinking. Lights flash, both cars pull over and Griffith talks to the driver. He is an older musician who has just arrived from Arkansas with piano in tow, and his GPS was leading him astray. Griffith did not issue a citation and sent him away with a warning to pay closer attention. I only spent about four hours in the patrol car with Officer Griffith but the experience permanently changed how I see road behaviors; I now spot violations all over the place. We usually know when we’ve made a mistake, and with that awareness comes the fervent wish that nobody else saw it.  Still, I was grateful for the opportunity to gain insight and witness some humanity behind the badge. As Officer Griffith noted, not everyone he pulls over is behaving badly, some are just having a rough day. Some drivers need expensive lessons, while others just need a break. The post Reporter ride-along: What does the California Highway Patrol see?  appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

The Joshua Tree National Park Association presents a new exhibition by artist Diane Best titled Other Worlds 2. For many years, Best has painted remote, often overlooked corners of the desert, drawn to singular moments when light and landscape converge. Her work has long reflected a commitment to witnessing the wilderness as it exists and to encouraging its preservation.  Other Worlds 2 marks a subtle shift. Created from memory, past travels, and brief excursions into Joshua Tree National Park, these paintings move beyond strict representation. Instead, they suggest places that feel familiar yet are not entirely real, imagined landscapes shaped as much by reflection as by observation. Best rarely speaks publicly about her work. For this exhibition, her longtime partner Christopher Lawrence offers a perspective on her process and the evolution of this body of work. “It’s a lot more abstract, and yet there’s realism to it. It kind of combines all of her skills.”  Once a background painter for animation, Best has described these works as background paintings for one’s life. Rather than telling a fixed story, the images create space. Viewers are invited to step into the landscapes, bringing their own memories, emotions, and interpretations with them. In that quiet exchange between image and observer, the paintings become less about a specific place and more about how the desert is remembered, imagined, and felt. The exhibition runs from January 17 through March 31 at the JTNPA West Art Gallery, 55922 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 17, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The post Diane Best opens Other Worlds 2 at JTNPA in Yucca Valley appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

The Morongo Valley Community Services District (MVCSD) Board of Directors held a special session meeting on Wednesday night (January 12) to discuss ongoing allegations of battery against Director Johnny Tolbert. Local business owner Christopher Cross says Toblert attacked him at a Thanksgiving food giveaway, which was an official CSD event. Also discussed at the meeting was the resignation of Director Eva Rowles, which she claimed was due to harassment from Cross, who owns the Morongo Cookie Company and was formerly her landlord. Yesterday, Park Commissioner Eva Rowles resigned from the CSD board, citing “persistent pattern of concerning conduct by Christopher Cross… that has created an unsafe, intimidating, and uncomfortable environment.” Rowles has also since resigned from the Morongo Valley Firefighters Auxiliary where she served on the Board with Cross.  Starting with public comment, Christopher Cross said he was aware of Eva Rowles’ resignation calling her statements against him “inflammatory and retaliatory.” Cross is currently demanding Finance Director Johnny Tolbert resign from the Board due to an alleged battery last November during a heated argument and is threatening legal action against the CSD if they don’t make the video of the incident public.  “What else is it gonna take? Because I’m not gonna stop. The truth is there. I’m not gonna stop, and I don’t care. I don’t care how long it takes me, I don’t care if they sell another cookie. I will not stop until I have attained those items and cleared my name and made it public,” said Cross. Tolbert stated the reason why they haven’t released the video is due to “seventy-six issues” legally preventing them, per terms of the SDMRA (Special District Risk Management Authority) who is handling the claim, making it no longer in the CSD’s hands. President Christina Gorke added Tolbert stepping down is not an option since he’s an elected official and the lengthy recall process would not fall within Cross’s urgency. Cross persisted, using the opportunity to announce he would run for Rowle’s newly vacant seat. “And in fact, I’m going to run for the CSD board because I think accountability and transparency is entirely important,” said Cross.   The MVCSD and Cross agreed to wait for SDMRA to continue their investigation to see if its grounds for proceeding to court. During Director Reports, Tolbert relayed the incident and subsequent fallout from his point of view: “As everyone knows there was an argument on November 22nd where an individual did initiate a possible assault on my face. That was what they had done. Since that time, that certain individual has made a purpose to basically attack board members, attack district staff, then come to a meeting and say that he was going to make money off the district? He said this at the last meeting. Yet, this individual claims to care about the district and care about Morongo Valley, and all I’ve seen are the attacks and assaults on district staff and district members. That has nothing to do with showing they care about Morongo Valley. If they do care about Morongo Valley, they will stop harassing district staff and allow them to do their job and we will move forward from there.” The post MVCSD meeting recap: resignations, battery allegations and harassment claims mark first meeting of 2026 appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

Jordan Harrison’s “MARJORIE PRIME” opens at Theatre 29 on January 16 for a 3-week run. The Broadway premiere production of the groundbreaking play just opened on December 8. The work, about a woman who uses a computer holographic system to bring back AI versions of her dearly departed spouse, Wendy Cohen plays Marjorie, an elderly widow. Kevin Hayles is her AI husband as he was when he was a handsome 40-year-old. Kurt Schauppner is Marjorie’s compassionate son-in-law and Sharianne Greer holds forth in the extraordinarily powerful role as Marjorie’s daughter. In the Theatre 29 production of MARJORIE PRIME, opening January 16, AI creation “Jon” (Kevin Hayles) listens to his “widow” Marjorie (Wendy Cohen). From left, in the groundbreaking play MARJORIE PRIME Marjorie’s daughter (Sharriane Greer) and son-in-law (Kurt Schauppner) talk to Marjorie (Wendy Cohen). The Pulitzer nominated show runs January 16 – February 1, 2026. MARJORIE PRIME opens Friday, January 16 and runs weekends through February 1 with an opening night gala hosted by the Twentynine Palms Kiwanis club. Tickets for the gala are $30.00 and are available from any member of Kiwanis and online at theatre29.org. Tickets for the remainder of the 3 week run are also available now at the website. Produced in partnership with Visit 29 The post Theatre 29’s first performances of the new year “Marjorie Prime” opens this Friday appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

The town of Yucca Valley’s development code was challenged at last night’s Planning Commission. The main issue at hand last night was a hearing on a fence and how high that fence can be. In the Town of Yucca Valley Development Code, a street-facing fence can have a maximum height of four feet if they are solid or 6 feet if you can see through them.  There are also requirements regarding fence height and setback for properties situated on an intersection to allow cars the ability to safely see both directions on a perpendicular street. That development code applies to almost all single family residential lots in the town, and any proposed change to that code requires a variance from the Planning Commission.  Shorter fence meant more break-ins That’s what Kate Shaw was seeking last night. She’s the property owner for the home that sits on the corner of the 58000 block of Alta Mesa Drive and Hanford Avenue. She bought the previously derelict property and fixed it up from an abandoned party house to a short-term rental. She says that before she put up the fence years ago, break ins and vagrancy was common. After putting up a 6 foot metal corrugated fence, the thefts stopped. But after lowering the fence to a more “hoppable” five feet, the house has been broken into twice. She says she’s had over $1000 in lumber stolen as well as one situation where a vagrant was sleeping on the property. Kate Shaw: “It’s a notable home in the area because it is renovated. And as we all know, there’s this like ‘go back to L.A.’ mentality around any homes that are renovated. So it kind of makes it a target as it’s two-story and it’s renovated.” Property owner Kate Shaw addressed the Planning Commission on her fence variance request. Photo taken from livestream. A view of the property and fence in question, from the Town of Yucca Valley’s presentation. Kate isn’t from L.A., not that it matters. She’s lived here since 1989 and says she remembers the house was known as a party house when she was growing up here. She says that along with security concerns, the direct line of sight into her property makes it feel exposed. She’s requesting that the planning commission allow her to keep her fence as it is, even bring it back up to 6 feet. Kate brought letters from neighbors in support of the fence variance, and she also notes that in the two years the home was a short-term rental it received zero noise complaints and brought the town over $25k of tax revenue. She also cited concerns that a nearby school bus stop could potentially allow children to witness legal but potentially unsavory activities on the property such as smoking pot, changing for the swimming pool or just general backyard recreation. Defining a “variance” to the Town Code Senior Planner Jared Jerome presented the Town Staff’s due diligence on the matter with photos and measurements of the fence and property lines. Concerns about public safety, line of site and setting a precedent were ultimately used to deny the property owner’s request for a variance to the town’s development code, meaning her fence will have to stick to the four and six-foot limits. Planning Commission Chair Clint Stoker praised Shaw’s work on her application for the variance, saying “You did a lot of legwork. You did a lot of provide a lot of information in regards to providing us photos, providing us other locations to consider why we should help with a variance and your concerns and your neighbor’s concerns. So thank you.” You could almost feel the planning commission’s reticence to enforce the code so strictly in light of the impassioned argument for a higher fence. Chair Alejandro Vasconcelos mentioned he could only remember one variance granted in the last two years and that was based on the topography of the property. Deputy Town Manager Shane Steuckle provided comment saying that these type of variances set a precedent in the town’s code which requires the type of careful consideration the commission was giving this request. A variance is more than a single exception to the code. It creates a pattern that all similarly-zoned property owners can then follow if they choose to, which is why the decision on a single variance is so heavily weighed. Do you think that the Town's development code for fences is reasonable? No - 6 ft. and 4 ft. don't provide enough privacy and safety Yes - 6 ft. and 4 ft. are reasonable heights for most single family residents Results Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser. Steuckle further explained “that decision has to be based upon number one: facts on the record. And the facts have to pertain to the physical characteristics of the property. The topography, the geography, the shape of the lot, those types of things. So what staff has presented to you this evening are facts that in staff’s opinion, there’s no physical differences of this property compared to other properties in the immediate vicinity in the (single family residential) RS2 zone that would support a variance.” Planning Commission members did provide suggestions to the property owner on some fencing solutions that would fall within code but still allow some privacy and security, such as possibly setting back the corner fence to avoid even stricter height requirements, and finishing out the four-foot solid fence with a two-foot see-through portion. El Pollo Loco, Nice Dream Ices and other town developments coming along A brief discussion on two designs submitted by El Pollo Loco landed on a compromise between the more colorful first submission and the clearer signage from the second. And Nice Dream Ices was granted some parking lot and landscaping requests, moving the project even closer to an opening date. You can view the entirety of the Planning Commission meeting as a video on The Town of Yucca Valley’s website. The post Yucca Valley Planning Commission considers variance to town development code for taller fences appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

The Twentynine Palms City Council met last night to discuss plans for the new year, starting with an update from Parks and Recreation Division Manager Hayward Adams. Notable in the department – a new dance instructor, a Dungeons & Dragons club that begins on Friday, and a new grant-funded senior exercise program called “Walk with Ease.” Recreation Division Manager Hayward Adams delivered an update on the Parks and Recreation Department. An agenda item from the Consent Calendar was pulled for discussion and voted on separately. Regarding an updated city policy around fee waivers, residents voiced concerns that fiscally-sponsored non-profits would be exempt from two free facility rentals now allowed each year. Others worried about groups that are in litigation with the city, would they be affected? Mayor Daniel Mintz noted that any group can appeal the issue free of charge and the resolution passed unanimously. Mayor Daniel Mintz at the helm.  With Mintz abstaining, a public hearing focused on a possible ordinance pertaining to “ancillary activities” such as live entertainment, and commercial activities. Community Development Director Keith Gardner announced a more streamlined process that removed the need for a separate permit that instead will be tacked on to an existing business license. The fee for the entertainment license is proposed to be the same as the initial business license, and the same for annual renewal in the future. Council made necessary appointments to six different regional organizations, in addition to eight council sub-committees and delegates for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Annual Regional Conference and General Assembly. Proposed by Councilmember April Ramirez, council agreed to rename the Housing and Homeless Committee to simply Housing Committee, as all councilmembers are continually focused on homelessness in various ways. Resident Anna Stump addressed the council on an agenda item.  Council then approved opening bids to contain two partial trash enclosures within the Freedom Plaza and to construct a fully enclosed trash structure within the city-owned parking lot on the west side of Tamarisk Avenue. In addition to wildlife digging through accessible trash, there were concerns around vagrants doing the same while also engaging in drug activity. Cora Palomino, co-owner of The Virginian bar, answered questions from council regarding drug activity near her trash dumpsters.  City Manager Stone James shared several updates, including the pending completion of the downtown package treatment plant, new kennel gates at the city’s Palms-n-Paws Animal Shelter, and – after 16 years of discussion and delay – construction on the Split Rock Bridge will finally commence on January 20th and will take one year to complete. The post Twentynine Palms City Council envisions a tidier 2026, with more live entertainment and a new bridge appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

Did you know that there is a group in the desert that regularly shows classic films? On Friday, January 16, the Desert Classic Film Society will host a screening of Psycho, the 1960 film directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh, the classic horror flick tells the story of a woman on the run who finds herself seeking refuge at the isolated Bates Motel. The screening will feature guest speaker Marli Renfro, who worked as Leigh’s body double during the filming of the iconic movie by the “Master of Suspense.” Yucca Valley local Christopher Perry founded the Desert Classic Film Society in 2010. Perry is a lifelong film historian who has presented classic films throughout California and beyond. He also operates the Bijou Cinema, a theater he built into his garage with 35 seats from a 1936 picture house. Perry explains that the ambiance and production quality are intended to create an authentic movie-going experience of eras past. “Our goal is education in film history, and also to be able to present a classic film the way it was meant to be seen. Even when you go to a theater, oftentimes they show it in the wrong aspect ratio, or on television, they might show it with cuts to the film. We show the films uncut…We have a 7.1 surround sound system; many films in the 50s were made with stereophonic sound. If the film was made in 3-D, we show it in 3-D, the way it was meant to be seen.” The Desert Classic Film Society currently has over 1,700 members throughout the Inland Empire and Los Angeles. Events feature not only screenings, but also professional presentations of the classic films. “It’s usually vintage classic films, mostly from the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, but we’ve done some films from the 60s. Usually, we want films that are classics or sometimes films that are historical artifacts. They may not be the finest example of a certain genre of film, but historically, they’re fascinating to look at today. We always have a mini-lecture before the film, and a question-and-answer session after the film for people to learn about classic films. When you go back to the 20s through the 50s, the culture was so different that a lot of things need to be interpreted and framed properly to understand what’s going on.” Friday’s screening of Psycho will be followed with an interview between Perry and Renfro, whose role as a body double was key in the film’s infamous “shower scene.” “She worked for seven days shooting Psycho. Almost all of that was for the shower sequence. So she’s actually in more shots of the shower sequence than Janet Leigh.” Even as the art progresses, Perry explains that classic films are important elements of history. “The 20th century is the first century that was ever covered entirely by film, and it’s also the last, because the 21st century is mostly digital now, and will not be covered by film.” Psycho will screen on Friday, January 16, at Bijou Cinema in Yucca Valley. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the screening to follow at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door, and reservations are required ahead of time. The post Film Society showing Hitchcock’s Psycho on Friday (1/16), featuring speaker from film’s famous shower scene appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

Theatre 29 is delighted to announce open auditions for “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”, a fresh adaptation of a timeless tale. This contemporary take features Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” alongside an up-to-date, hilarious and romantic libretto by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane. Cinderella will not only discover the power within herself to shape her destiny, she’ll also play a pivotal role in helping the prince find the confidence needed to lead his kingdom towards a more just world. The show will be helmed by a powerhouse team, with veteran DTL award-winning Director Gary Daigneault, Musical Director Bill Barrett and Choreographer Karen Gladis. Barrett is the Music Department head for Yucca Valley High School and Gladis, who recently relocated out of Los Angeles, is the founder of the famed Twinkletoes Dance Company. Tera Bottorff, a multi-DTL awards nominee, will be the Costume Designer.  Auditions will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, starting at 6:00pm, at Theatre 29, 73637 Sullivan Road, Twentynine Palms. The first week of rehearsal, January 26-30, will be in the Yucca Valley High School Music Room. The second week, February 2-6, will be at the Twinkletoes dance studio in Twentynine Palms. Rehearsals from February 9th to March 26th will be at Theatre 29. The show will run weekends from March 27 to April 12, 2026. The production will cast up to 25 cast members with a principal cast of 10 parts including: Cinderella (Ella) – The kind and courageous heroine Prince Topher – The charming yet uncertain ruler searching for purpose Marie (Fairy Godmother) – A beggar woman who reveals her true magical identity Madame (Stepmother) – Cinderella’s cruel and controlling stepmother Gabrielle – Cinderella’s kinder, more thoughtful stepsister Charlotte – Cinderella’s other stepsister, more comic and self-absorbed Jean-Michel – A passionate revolutionary seeking justice for the people Sebastian – The Prince’s corrupt advisor Lord Pinkleton – The royal herald, announcing events in the kingdom. In addition to the principal cast, an ensemble of 10-15 will be townspeople, knights, peasants, royal servants, town children and little ruffians, and ballroom guests and featured ballroom dancers for the ballroom and transformation sequences. While some children will be cast, none will be under the age of 14 (exceptions may be made by the director). Those wishing to audition should prepare a song from a Broadway or Disney musical (other than Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella) that best showcases your vocal range and fits the style of character you are interested in auditioning for. Limit your selection to 1 minute — about 32 bars. Using a smartphone recording of your accompaniment is required, a Bluetooth speaker will be provided. No A Cappella singing will be considered. Please dress comfortably and be ready to learn and perform a short dance. If unable to attend, a video audition is acceptable. For more information about auditions, email director Gary Daigneault at z1077fm@gmail.com. “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”, is being produced in partnership with Visit 29, for more information about events and lodging in Twentynine Palms. Go to visit29.org. Theatre 29 is an all-volunteer, non-profit, Community Theatre organization founded in 1999. Tickets are available at theatre29.org or by calling the box office at 760-361-4151 and leaving a message. The show will run weekends from March 27 to April 12, 2026. The opening night gala will be sponsored by the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club. After opening night, tickets will be $20.00 for regular admission, $17.50 for seniors and military, and $15.00 for students with ID and children under 12. “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” is appropriate for all ages. The post Theatre 29 to hold open auditions for “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

Coyote Little celebrates their one-year anniversary by presenting UNHINGED: an open-call, no-rules group exhibition aiming to break down barriers in our local art scene, showcasing over sixty artists from Morongo to Wonder Valley. Featuring more than 90 artworks from both newcomers and seasoned professionals, this show eliminates gatekeeping, making art accessible to everyone in our community. With live music by Palo Xanto and Bombshelter Alley, while Galaxy Pies serves up delicious treats alongside hot toddies. Opening reception from 5:00-9:00 p.m. located in the Art Queen Complex. Hey There Projects presents SECRET SAUCE: a group show featuring Lili Todd, Keiji Ishida, and Bijou Karmen. The show also features paper cutting art by Jad Fair, the American singer, guitarist, and visual artist best known as the co-founder of the influential lo-fi experimental rock band Half Japanese (who you are hearing now). Known for his raw, joyous, and untutored musical style, he has released over 180 albums, including extensive collaborations with artists like Daniel Johnston and Yo La Tengo. Opening reception from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The Beatnik Lounge presents The Bird Show, curated by artists Patti Dietrich and Jamie Ferguson. Opening reception from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The post Joshua Tree Art Walk tonight, featuring work by American music legend Jad Fair appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

Horizons Unbound fills both the East and West galleries and showcases works by members of Women Painters West, a 134-year-old juried painting society founded in Laguna Beach. The organization has no geographic limits and this marks their first exhibition in the high desert. Paintings range from seascapes and abstract works to portraits of people and animals, many depicting quiet moments of reflection. Even the titles add another layer of meaning to the work. Jenny Bate, president of Women Painters West, described the collection of paintings chosen for this show. We have portraits, we have abstracts, we have landscapes, we have skyscapes, so just a huge amount of beautiful work for the viewers to enjoy. The exhibition was juried for inclusion through an online process with final prize judging conducted in person once the artwork arrived at the gallery, a distinction Bate says is important. We all realize that what you see in person is really sometimes not well represented when you see it on the screen. This exhibition runs from January 2nd through February 1st. The gallery is open Friday through Sunday from 11:L00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. The historic 29 Palms Art Gallery is located at 74055 Cottonwood Drive. M ore information is available at 29palmsartgallery.com. The post “Horizons Unbound” at the 29 Palms Art Gallery appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

Effective January 1, three notable California state laws involve the state’s school districts. Reporter Gabriel Hart spoke to MUSD’s public information officer Jene Estrada for official statements to take a closer look at these new laws: Assembly Bill 49, known as the California Safe Haven School Act, will prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to school campuses The new Senate Bill prohibits ICE from entering school campuses, classrooms, or private spaces without a judicial warrant. It also prevents schools from disclosing student or family information to immigration authorities without proper warrants or consent, ensuring the protection of student privacy. MUSD Public Information Officer Jene Estrada told Z1077, “Morongo Unified is providing staff training to ensure full awareness of and compliance with these laws. The District also has resources available for families seeking support or guidance.” Gender-Neutral Restrooms By July 1, all California schools are required to provide at least one gender-neutral restroom.  “MUSD sites already meet this requirement and the District will be updating signage to ensure these restrooms are clearly marked and easily accessible to students,” said Estrada. Senate Bill 640 – Automatic California State University Admission Senate Bill 640 introduces automatic admission to designated California State University campuses for eligible California high school graduates. “MUSD created two new College and Career Advisor positions last Fall—one at each comprehensive high school. Advisors and counselors are working closely with students to ensure they meet A–G requirements and take full advantage of the new program, which uses CaliforniaColleges.edu to identify eligible students and issue direct admission offers,” said Estrada. The post New California state laws for school districts include prohibiting ICE access to campuses and automatic CSU admission appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.

As part of the new state laws effective January 1, California’s minimum wage has gone up forty cents, from $16.50 to its current $16.90 to help reflect the Golden State’s ever-increasing cost-of-living adjustments. While this forty-cent increase applies to all California employers, certain industries have maintained a higher minimum wage since 2024, including fast food employees at $20/hour, and health care workers with varying minimum wage rates from $18-$24/hour due to the nature of the employer. January 1st saw many California cities take the new minimum wage further; cities like Oakland at $17.34, San Diego at $17.75, and West Hollywood the highest at $20.25. All cities and towns within our own San Bernardino County will maintain the rate of $16.90.  Do you think that $16.90 is a "livable wage" in California? No Yes Results Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser. How does this shake out for an average person making minimum wage at our increased cost of living?  Using my own monthly expenses, including utilities, fuel, car and health insurance, cellphone, groceries, and median rent for one-bedroom at $1500 a month, I calculated how much this increase might improve or maintain the minimum wage employee’s current quality of life, and if there is any money left over to save for emergencies or savings.  A 40-hour week at $16.90 / hour = $2704 monthly (gross earnings before taxes) Total monthly expenses:  Rent: $1500 Car payment: $350 Car insurance: $160 Gas: $180 Electric: $80 Gas: $30 Water: $30 Internet: $60 Phone: $68 Groceries: $180 Health insurance: $118 Total Cost= $2756 Total Income = $2704 Deficit: $52 The post California’s 40-cent minimum wage increase to $16.90 will still leave many at poverty line appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.