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.…

Yucca Valley Christmas Tree lighting brings holiday cheer to the Hi Desert

Listen here: The mood was appropriately festive last night as hundreds turned out for the Yucca Valley Christmas Tree lighting at the Yucca Valley library. The towering tree was surrounded by a long line of kids waiting to get their Christmas wishes and photos with Santa Claus - with parents and kids enjoying hot cocoa and fire truck tours as the clock counted down to the big lighting. Yucca Valley mayor Jim Schooler was joined by some young helpers on stage to flip the switch and officially…

Rollin’ Dust Devils brings rollerskating to Yucca Valley tomorrow

Got a pair of rollerskates in your closet gathering dust, or maybe a skateboard or scooter that is already feeling the winter blues? Break those wheels out of the closet because the Rollin’ Dust Devils will be tearing up the old derby track at Brehm Park tomorrow from 3:30PM until your legs are tired. The Rollin’ Dust Devils is an all-ages skating meetup at the old Derby Slab at Brehm Park in Yucca Valley. There’s plenty of space to skate as fast or as slow as you want - the last meetup featured…

29 Palms Art Gallery December intake and Reception

The 29 Palms Art Gallery is accepting art for their member show that runs the entire month of December. The reception will be on Saturday, Dec 3rd from 4 to 6pm. Each member is allowed up to 36” of linear space in the members room to display their artwork - the fee is $20 for a regular membership or $14 for seniors - plus a 4-hour volunteer session in the gallery or gift shop. To save time at intake, visit their website to print your art tags and pay fees in advance. You can visit…

CHiPS for KIDS Toy Drive – Donation Drop off and info

The California Highway Patrol has kicked off their annual CHiPS for Kids toy drive - the CHP collects toys for needy children here in the Morongo Basin and you can donate a new, unwrapped toy at the Walgreen in Yucca Valley or at the Morongo Basin CHP office in Joshua Tree. You can donate toys until December 19th - if anyone is interested in collecting toys for the Chips for Kids toy drive, you can contact the Morongo Basin CHP office at 760-366-3707. The

29 Palms Holiday Light Decorating Contest and Festival sign-up

The city of Twentynine Palms is spreading the cheer this year with a Holiday Festival on December 6th that includes a light parade, tree lighting ceremony, a holiday market and a light decorating contest. Show off your house decorating skills with the Holiday light Decorating Contest - open to homes and businesses in the city of 29 Palms. The contest is free and there is a grand prize for the winner of each category - register by November 30th at 29palms.org. On December 6th - a holiday light…

‘Mara’s Christmas Wish’ continues Basin holiday giving tradition

Longtime residents know the name Mara Cantelo - she ran “Tender Loving Christmas” for 34 years, giving food and presents during the holiday season to those less fortunate and in need. When Mara passed away in 2017, friends and colleagues channeled their grief into creating “Mara’s Christmas Wish” - a continuing tradition where food, toys and holiday cheer is freely distributed to families and individuals looking for fellowship and community, along with a little holiday help this Christmas…

Weekend Field Reports – The Nancy Karl Trail in Joshua Tree

Listen here: The Nancy Karl loop sits at the top of the Friendly Hills in Joshua Tree - a quiet neighborhood that backs up the northern border of the National Park. The trailhead is tucked near the end of Sunny Vista Road. There are homes and fences right on the trailhead, but it only takes a few minutes of walking on the soft granite path to feel like you are in the national park, with lichen covered boulders appearing as you gently gain about 300ft in elevation on the 2.3 mile loop. The loop…

Yucca Valley Art Festival this weekend – gourds, jewelry, carvings and more

The 12th annual Yucca Valley Art Festival is happening this weekend - handcrafted items from local, regional and international artists will be on sale Saturday from 10 to 4 and Sunday from 10 to 2. The festival is sponsored by the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and is hosting artisans creating ceramics and glass, whimsical wood carvings, unique clothing, and hand-crafted jewelry. Gourd artisans from all over California will join international artists from Peru with sculpted, woven carved and…