Gabriel Hart is a journalist and author from Morongo Valley, CA.

MUSD Superintendent Dr. Vargas discusses AI in MUSD Classrooms

Morongo Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas was the guest on last Friday’s Up-Close Show with Gary Daigneault, where they discussed how MUSD keeps up with technological advancements and the controversial utilization of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom. When Daigneault asked Vargas how MUSD plans instruction with the constant updates of technology and advent of AI, Vargas said “We can’t stop technology from moving forward. But we do need to understand it to maximize…

MUSD’s Dr. Vargas discusses school discipline and state-mandated PBIS program

Morongo Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas was the guest on last Friday’s Up-Close Show With Gary Daigneault, where they discussed MUSD’s approach to student discipline through PBIS, or Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program. When Daigneault asked Dr. Vargas to explain MUSD’s approach to PBIS, Vargas first mentioned the 12 MUSD schools that received PBIS recognition, including five platinum and four gold awards. “It was really exciting to see this kind of…

MUSD announces paid resident teacher program for 2023-24

The Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees held their last regular meeting of the 2022-23 school year last night at Joshua Tree Elementary. Last night’s MUSD meeting began by honoring District Executive Secretary Linda Hamilton, who retires this year, with a Certificate of Appreciation.  Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Stacy Smalling gave a presentation on the Innovative Staffing Design Process and the Residence Teacher Program to begin in the 2023-24 school year. Through…

MUSD Board of Trustees hold last regular meeting of 2023

The Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees will hold their last regular 6pm meeting of the 2022-23 school year tonight at Joshua Tree Elementary. For tonight’s agenda, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Stacy Smalling will provide a summary of the Innovative Staffing Design Process and the Residence Teacher Program to begin in the 2023-24 school year. Innovative staffing models allow for sustainable, paid residencies by rethinking school-level roles and reallocating funds…

Morongo Valley CSD looking to fill vacant board seat

After the MVCSD have lost control of one of their board’s seats due to lack of quorum for over three months, The San Bernardino County Supervisors may consider an appointment to fill a vacancy on the board left by the resignation of President Jennifer Henning last April. Interested applicants must be a registered voter, 18 years of age or older, a resident of Morongo Valley and must submit their application by the July 6th filing deadline.  Application materials are available at Clerk of the…

Free meals at MUSD schools may end due to COVID funding expiration

Morongo Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas was the guest on last Friday’s Up-Close Show with Gary Daigneault, where he discussed economic challenges facing many students, what MUSD does to help, and challenges that the MUSD faces moving forward. Despite its popularity and high volume of year-long tourism, many forget or fail to realize many Morongo Basin residents struggle in poverty, which can equal greater challenges for our children who attend MUSD schools.…

Morongo Valley CSD faces uncertainty: Ad-hoc committee meeting recap

In lieu of last night’s canceled Morongo Valley Community Services District meeting, The Morongo Valley Community Relations Ad-Hoc Committee met at 6pm at Covington Park’s multi-purpose room, where two MVCSD board members and the general manager provided information and answered questions regarding the uncertain future of the Morongo CSD. Comprised of Park Commissioner Christina Gorke, Finance Director Johnny Tolbert, and General Manager and Fire Chief James Brakebill, The Morongo Valley…

Gorke and Tolbert hold ad hoc MVCSD Community Relations meeting tonight

Tonight’s Morongo Valley CSD meeting has been canceled, but something else will take its place. The Morongo Valley Community Services District Board of Directors canceled their regularly scheduled meeting for tonight, making this the third cancellation in three months, and potentially placing the Board, and the District itself, in legal peril for failing to meet. In place of the regularly scheduled meeting, two board Directors, Chrisina Gorke and Johnnie Tolbert, will be holding an ad hoc…

Morongo Valley CSD meeting canceled for 3rd time in a row

The Morongo Valley Community Services District meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 21st has been officially canceled. The lengthy agenda, which included filling of vacant director positions, finding new legal counsel, and urgent budgeting issues, will go unaddressed for the third month in a row. Both the board’s failure to convene and unaddressed board matters spell major trouble for Morongo Valley, as the board could face legal consequences. Assignment reporter Gabriel Hart joins us…

Sci-Fi legend Michael Butterworth at Art Queen(6/17)

This Saturday, June 17th Joshua Tree’s Art Queen gallery presents British science fiction legend Michael Butterworth’s new exhibit “Circularisation” in collaboration with our local Space Cowboy Bookshop. Assignment reporter Gabriel Hart has the details on this exclusive event. Joshua Tree’s Art Queen and Space Cowboy Books present “Circularisation,” the new exhibit by U.K. science fiction legend Michael Butterworth. On display from June through July with opening night this Saturday from…