On last Friday’s Up-Close Show, our own Gary Daigneault spoke with Twentynine Palms High School principal Michael Ruggiero. Among many other positives for Twentynine Palms High, Ruggiero discussed their many school clubs that celebrate diversity, as well as their International Festival. Ruggiero describes Twentynine Palms High School as “a very inclusive community.” This inclusivity, which includes taking care of often marginalized students of military families, is The Wildcat Way, says…

On last Friday’s Up Close Show, our own Gary Daigneault spoke with Yucca Valley High School Principal Justin Monical across a variety of positive developments, including Yucca Valley High’s high education scores and graduation rates. On the subject of academics, Daigneault remarked “I don’t think a lot of people realize what a remarkable record our local schools have with graduation rates, quality of education… exceeding even state standards.” Prompting Monical to “blow that up a bit,”…

The author of novels like Here Kitty Kitty and White Fur, Libaire is an award-winning writer previously based in Texas, now in Joshua Tree. Her new novel “You’re an Animal” is “a tender portrait of four misfits, on the run across Texas, that speaks to those who are left out, those who opt out—and to the wild animal in us all.” Libaire’s book launch is from 6-8pm with food, drinks, and music. Libaire will be signing copies of “You’re an Animal” available for purchase. All are welcome tonight at…