Local musicians, activists raise awareness of surveillance systems

Jef Harmatz Send an email April 4, 2026

A group of musicians and activists are raising awareness on surveillance systems installed in two hi-desert municipalities, and Jef Harmatz spoke to one of the musicians who has put together a show to get the word out.

The proposed installation of Flock systems throughout Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms is facing a renewed resistance from the community. 

Flock Safety describes their products as “AI powered” video cameras and license plate readers. This year, concerns have sparked anew about the technology. In the wake of growing large language learning models and Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, activists have continued to ask questions about and how and with whom Flock shares information. Anti-surveillance activists have been especially vocal about curttailing the technology at Town and City Council meetings in 2026.

One group hopes to raise awareness about the use of Flock systems in our via a concert, happening Saturday (April 4). One of the concert’s organizers, Palo Xanto, is a local activist and musician.

“The event is called Get the Flock Out. It’s to build awareness around the Flock cameras that are being installed throughout the desert and all across the country. We’re just trying to build awareness around it, make sure people are in tune with what we believe is an invasion of privacy under the guise of protection and security. We see it as excessive surveillance. And we just think people should be aware of it, our neighbors included. So it’s really just building awareness around that issue.

“The event will have a variety of select organizers and live speakers, as well as live musicians. 

We have four different artists slash bands that will be playing. We have Redhead Fred, who’s from Yucca Man Records. We have the Blank Tapes, who are legendaryartists out here in the desert. We have Slasher City, who’s actually coming from the Albuquerque area of New Mexico. But they’ve been out here a few times.  And I’ll be doing a solo set myself under Palo Xantos.”

The event is happening this Saturday, April 4th, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s at our good friend’s Coyote Run Studio. Their studio is at 3625 Porter Boulevard, Joshua Tree.

Previously Reported:

Yucca Valley Town Council: Flock camera system, Measure Y funding, Yucca Valley Animal Shelter update
Yucca Valley Town Council recap for 9/16: Sewer update, Point in Time homeless count, FLOCK
Twentynine Palms City Council approves council pay raise as it hears rising concerns around FLOCK cameras and proposed solar project 
Jef Harmatz Send an email April 4, 2026
Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz is the co-host of Z107.7’s “Morning Show with Cody and Jef” and Z107.7’s News Director. He has worked as a journalist, cartoonist, chef, and delivery driver. He is known nationally for his writing and comics in publications like TimeOut, Popula, Roadtrippers, Solrad and Spiralbound, and for his album covers for Third Eye Blind and Sir Sly. He is known locally for his pop-up barbecue restaurant Hot Dog Panic. He remains unknown in the field of beekeeping, because he is too afraid of being stung to try it. When not on the radio, he draws comics and self-publishes little books. He lives with his partner and his dog Sunday in Yucca Valley, where he cooks them both elaborate meals.