Robert Haydon is the Online News Editor at Z107.7 He graduated from University of Oregon's School of Journalism, with a specialty in Electronic Media. Over the years, he has worked in television news, documentary film, and advertising and marketing.…

Tortoise Rescue & Drop-Off planned for 29 Palms

Listen here: If you are relatively new to the Morongo Basin you are probably familiar with our Desert Tortoise, a native species here in the Mojave Desert. What you may not know is that there are many residents here that have and care for tortoises at their homes. These tortoises are usually rescues or perhaps wanderers that ventured into a homestead built near their habitat. There are hundreds of these houses around the Hi Desert - many located near the northern border of the National Park. The…

Basic Auto Care Workshop preps you for safer desert driving in Joshua Tree – Saturday Jan. 28

Listen to this story here: At Sarah Lyon’s auto care class - her focus is on the basics. That’s because she likes teaching to beginners... "Personally that's my favorite thing to teach - the most basic stuff because its empowering to learn and it's just so fulfilling when people look like a light bulb goes off - and its like 'oh it's not rocket science!'" Basic Auto Care 101 is a 3 hour hands-on workshop where you’ll get plenty of opportunities for those…

Covid Vaccination and information event tomorrow (Jan. 27) in 29 Palms

A free public talk on the subject of Covid 19, along with a vaccination event, will be held tomorrow (January 27) at the Twentynine Palms Senior Center. The event, offered by the Morongo Basin Healthcare District, will feature Michelle Zaccaria, RN, who will debunk myths about the virus, explain the importance of getting vaccinated, and administer the latest in Covid 19 vaccines. The event beings at 10 a.m. and will run until 12:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Those wanting a booster should…

More camping and new trail entrance to JTNP coming to 29 Palms

Listen here: David Smith joined Gary Daigneault on the "Up Close Show" last week to talk to outgoing Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith. One of the many things they discussed was the recent collaboration signed between the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and the National Park Service. "The NHPA (National Historic Preservation Act) dictates that I need to collaborate and talk to all 15 of the tribal groups that that have a legacy to Joshua Tree, and…

Adult Ballet Classes return to Yucca Valley, every Tuesday and Thursday

Listen here: After a long absence due to the pandemic, Adult ballet classes have returned to the Morongo Basin. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 to 6:30PM, you can join other dancers of all skill levels at the Yucca Valley Visual & Performing Arts Center for an hour and a half of ballet dancing, instruction and good company.  The class is open to everyone, including absolute beginners. You are encouraged to bring ballet slippers if you own them, but socks will work, too. Just don’t…

Roller skating and skateboard meetup tonight (Jan. 24) in 29 Palms

Listen here: Lace up those skates and grab your best boards because the Rollin Dust Devils are skating into Twentynine Palms tonight at the Luckie Park Skatepark! The monthly skating meetup that’s open to everyone is usually at the derby slab in Yucca Valley, but this month they are taking it to the skatepark to carve some bowls, learn to pump and skate faster! Pads and helmets are encouraged. The meetup starts tonight at 5PM and goes until 9 - Everyone is welcome and all skill levels are…

Attempted Murder Suspect arraigned in Joshua Tree, court date set

The suspect in the Twentynine Palms attempted murder back in November of 2022 was arraigned in court on Friday, Jan. 20th. Pejman Elahi appeared before the court and entered not guilty pleas on two felonies; attempted murder and assault with a firearm on a person. Pejman Elahi of Wonder Valley was arrested after allegedly chasing a man on his quad, blocking the road and aiming his gun at him. After the man lost his pursuer, Sheriff’s deputies were able to find Elahi using helicopters and ground…

Theatre 29 announces casting for Peter Pan prequel “Peter and the Starcatcher”

Listen here: Theatre 29, director Ian Ferris and his creative team consisting of Theatre 29 veterans Jericho McNeltier (Assistant Director), Liyan McNeltier (Musical Director), Lisa Goldberg (Technical Director), Nena Jimenez (Stage Manager), Catherine Inscore (Properties Designer) and Cindy Daigneault (Costume Designer) are proud to announce the casting of the upcoming production of Peter and the Starcatcher, which will run weekends starting March 17th, 2023. Lead Andrew Perkins Peter and the…

Greenleaf Scholarship offers full-ride at CMC for one Morongo Basin High School senior

One Morongo Basin senior has the opportunity to receive the Greenleaf Scholarship from Copper Mountain College. The Greenleaf Education Fund was established by the estate of F. Roy Greenleaf, Jr. - who came to the Morongo Basin in the 1970s and started a community bank. His arrival coincided with the beginning of fundraising for the building of what has become Copper Mountain College, and he became a major donor to the CMC Foundation - the college’s library is named in his honor. Mr. Greenleaf…

Bird Count in Joshua Tree National Park reveals rare species among common feathered friends

Listen here: We have a huge variety of different bird species here in the hi desert - native species that are unique to our area as well as migrating birds that are just passing through. Bird-brain Robert Haydon joins us with the results of an annual effort to count and keep track of our desert’s feathered friends. Early in January Joshua Tree National Park held their annual Christmas Bird Count - which is a community supported scientific study used by organizations like the park and the Audubon…