On Thursday, December 26th at 2:15PM the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s received a 911 call from a citizen regarding a domestic dispute in the 73000 block of Serrano Drive in Twentynine Palms.
Upon arrival at the location the Sheriff’s department says they found 18 year-old Sincere Strawter armed with an AR15-style ghost gun and reportedly making threats to kill his girlfriend. Deputies attempted to detain Strawter when he resisted arrest and allegedly pushed a deputy from a second story stairwell. The deputy sustained a minor injury in the fall, and no other injuries to officers or the victim were reported.
Sincere Strawter, 18, was arrested and charged with Assault with a Semi-Automatic Firearm on a Person, Resisting an officer, possession of a short barreled Rifle or Shotgun, and attempted murder, with an additional allegation of using a firearm.
Stawter is being held at the West Valley Detention Center and is scheduled for a video arraignment today, December 31st at 8:00 a.m.
Since 1970 Golden State automobile buyers have been protected by California’s Lemon Law – legislation signed in by then Gov. Ronald Reagan that grants consumers protection against purchasing or leasing a new vehicle and finding out its defective and unrepairable. The law also covers used cars if they still have time left on the manufacturer’s warranty. Under the law as it was signed in 1970, the consumer is then entitled to a new vehicle once a reasonable number of repairs have been attempted.
That law is changing on January 1st, and non-profit news organization CalMatters says that the changes were developed in secret committee hearings without the transparency that usually exists in the creation of assembly bills.
According to the text of Assembly BIll 1755, the car owner and the auto company that supplied the lemon are required to try and settle their dispute via mediation before going to a trial. The revised bill will also allow less time for a car buyer to sue over an unrepairable vehicle.
Lawmakers say these extra steps will keep more Lemon Law car cases out of the jammed-up court systems, where over 22,000 lemon law cases were filed last year alone.
Critics say the weakened consumer protections aren’t worth the trade-off of less court cases in California’s judicial system.
The Joshua Basin Water District’s Board of Directors Meeting that is usually scheduled for Wednesdays at 5:30 is cancelled for January 1st, for New Year’s Day.
Photo by Hilary Sloane www.hilarysloanephotography.com/
As 2025 approaches, I reflect on the past year—what I’ve learned, accomplished, and hope to achieve next. While many are setting New Year’s resolutions, I’ve found that lasting change happens when it naturally integrates into daily life, not through drastic overhauls.
Instead of dieting, I focus on moving more—whether dancing while cooking, stretching after work, or taking a stroll in the desert. Cleaning out the pantry and adding healthier foods feels manageable and refreshing. I’m learning to savor meals by focusing on flavors, textures, and the joy of eating. I also make meals memorable by decorating the table, exploring new recipes, or listening to music instead of watching TV.
When working on a writing project, I keep a journal nearby to jot down ideas whenever inspiration strikes. By the time I’m ready to begin, I already have a head start.
Resolutions don’t have to be rigid commitments. They can be small, sustainable habits:
Keep a sketchbook or journal handy to capture inspiration.
Find local classes or groups to connect with like-minded people. The Morongo Basin offers many options. Ask friends or explore Facebook for ideas.
Spend quality time outdoors or with loved ones. A brief digital detox each day can help you reconnect with nature, yourself, or others.
Experts like behavioral psychologist Wendy Wood emphasize that successful resolutions are built on habits, not willpower. Start small, celebrate tiny victories, and let change evolve naturally.
Whether creating art, caring for your family, or managing a busy schedule, remember that resolutions should work for you, not against you. Even the smallest steps can lead to meaningful change.
For Z107.7, this is Reporter Hilary Sloane wishing you a Happy New Year—and meaningful steps toward a life you love.
The Joshua Tree No Kill Shelter is holding a community clean-up on Thursday, January 2nd and Friday, January 3rd. It’s all for the animals as the non-profit has broken ground on their expanded dog shelters and with a goal of saving more animals from high-risk situations. To achieve that, they need to clean up and declutter the spaces in and around the shelter.
The clean-ups are happening both days (1/2 and 1/3) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you’d like to volunteer, The shelter says to come out prepared to get a little dirty and wear appropriate work clothes, boots and gloves. Burrtec has donated a dumpster to help clear the clutter, now the shelter just needs YOU to help fill it.
New California State Laws take effect starting on January 1st, and like all legislation and laws they may not all affect or apply to you. It’s always good to be aware of when your rights as a California citizen are possibly affected.
State Bill 399 prohibits employers from requiring their workers to attend meetings related to political or religious views. This includes union meetings, both for or against.
Workers cannot be disciplined for refusing to attend these meetings under the new bill.
According to the state law’s text – “Political Matters” is defined as matters relating to elections for political office, political parties, legislation, regulation, and the decision to join or support any political party or political or labor organization.
The bill got its start in 2022 when it was signed only for the City of San Francisco, according to Calmatters.org.
The bill received wide support from union organizers and labor activists – but the California Chamber of Commerce says the bill limits worker’s free speech.
California joins other states like Oregon and Connecticut which have passed similar state laws.
Cars fill up the Hidden Valley parking lot in Joshua Tree National Park.
Hannah Schwalbe photo/JTNP
The holiday season often brings heavier traffic into Joshua Tree National Park, and temperate weather means more outdoor activities for those looking to extend fall a little longer. That also means limited parking, full campgrounds, and lines at the park entrances.
The National Park Serice says they anticipate this heavier traffic this week and through the weekend – and they’ve shared a few tips to make getting into the park a little quicker and easier.
You can buy a digital pass ahead of time by getting one on www.recreation.gov. This pass will make entry into the park faster than paying cash. Try to get into the park before 10:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m., and traffic usually spikes exiting the park around sunset. Parking lots can reach max capacity quickly, changing popular areas like Skull Rock intro traffic jams. If you have your heart set on a particular feature or hike, arrive early or be prepared to park further out than you anticipated.
Visitors are allowed to park along some roadways, but never on vegetation or by driving over a curb.Â
If you plan to watch the stunning winter sunsets from inside the park, established parking along Park Boulevard is the best option.
And if you come across a feature or hike packed with people, get out and explore a little further to find a new favorite spot to explore.
Check for closures and road conditions at the National Park’s website, or download the National Park Service app where you can download maps and read or listen to guides for the park – but get your phone stuff done before heading in as there is no cell service inside the park.
The community theatre captured 30 Desert Star Awards nominations for their 2023-24 season, with wins for Gianni Caravella as Supporting Actor Youth Theatre for Disney’s Frozen Jr, Lead Actress in a Musical was Analisa Pilecki in Man of La Mancha, Best Lead Male Performer in a Cabaret/Revue went to Charles Harvey for Mis-Cast Goes To The Movies and Best Set Design for Andrea Keller for Man of La Mancha.
Thought Theatre’s Malcolm Stanley-Wolfe brought home a Best Supporting Actor – One Acts trophy for Shakespeare in Revue.
They also received 4 Desert Star Award nominations.
Theatre is alive and well in our basin and the best is yet to come.
If you purchased gasoline between February and November of 2015, you may be able to submit a claim for payment under the state’s settlement with gas trading firms for tampering with and manipulating prices for California gasoline.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta says that market manipulation and price gouging are illegal and unacceptable, particularly during times of crisis when people are most vulnerable. California residents who purchased gas in Southern California between February 20, 2015 and November 10, 2015 can now submit a claim for a payment under the state’s settlement with gas trading firms for tampering with and manipulating prices for California gasoline.
Under the settlement, Defendants have agreed to pay the total amount of $50 million into two settlement funds to resolve these allegations. Of this total, $37,500,000 will be distributed to consumers as compensation for those violations.
So what does that mean for you? A possible payment – but you’ll need to sign up to see if you are eligible. The deadline to submit claims is January 8, 2025. Eligible Californians may submit a claim online at www.CalGasLitigation.com.
Two alleged porch pirates were busted on Christmas Day in Twentynine Palms.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said that deputies responded to a residence in the 74000 block of Aladdin Drive in Twentynine Palms for a report of stolen packages from a porch at around 9:30 a.m. Christmas morning. The victim had video of the alleged thief, and deputies conducted an area check for the suspect.
Deputies say they observed a a gray Nissan Armada near Sunrise Drive and Araby Avenue that matched the description of a suspect vehicle. After the vehicle committed a traffic violation, deputies initiated a traffic stop. The driver, identified by deputies as John Moore, a 33 year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, matched the description provided by the reporting party. Deputies say a search of the vehicle revealed stolen items, including a Gucci bracelet and a Jo Malone candle, confirmed to belong to the victim.
Further investigation led deputies to a second individual, Nancy Gonzalez, a 51 year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, who deputies say was involved in the theft. Both individuals were taken into custody at the scene.
John Moore was arrested on suspicion of petty theft with two prior convictions and is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $30,000 bail. Nancy Gonzalez was arrested on suspicion of petty theft and a probation violation and is being held at the West Valley Detention Center without bail.
Though its currently closed, sign-ups are available for the Hi-Desert Nature Museum’s new pre-school workshop series, Desert Explorers. Designed for children ages two to five years old and their caregivers, the six-week workshop series run Thursday’s beginning January 9 at the Museum. Led by credentialed educator Michelle McCaul, each week will focus on a different plant or animal of the Mojave Desert through interactive stories, songs, and hands-on crafts. The six-week series is $30 per child, and space is limited. Registration is available online at www.hidesertnaturemuseum.org
Visitors are allowed to wander around the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum in Joshua Tree.
Courtesy photo
In a year-end update, The Noah Purifoy Foundation outlined some of their accomplishments at the Outdoor Museum in Joshua Tree through 2024.
The museum was the home of artist Noah Purifoy, who created massive art pieces and assemblages on the land. The Noah Purifoy Foundation maintains the work since his passing.
This year, the foundation’s work crews were able to reapir the arches of the Quonset Hut after tehy were damaged by heavy winds in May, and they say they added new foundations and structural support to withstand future gusts.
The Foundation also announced that their new Gallery/Conservation Lab is now in use. All of the artist’s wall hangings and small sculptures were relocated from the Quonset Hut Gallery last Fall. Under the direction of Anya Dani from the UCLA/Getty Conservation of Cultural Heritage Program, UCLA conservation graduate students completed work on a number of Noah’s wall hangings that were in dire need of repair or restoration.
The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Art is located at 63030 Blair Lane in Joshua Tree, and is open to the public every day of the year from sun up until sundown and is free of charge. Please sign in at the welcome kiosk near the mailboxes when you visit, and take one of our brochures for a self-guided tour.
The suspect in a knife attack on a woman was allegedly found hiding underneath a car in Joshua Tree.
On Sunday (December 22) at around 7:30 a.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 911 call near the intersection of Moonlight Mesa Rd and Sunset Road in Joshua Tree. Deputies say that the suspect, identified as Michael McElroy, a 40 year-old resident of Yucca Valley, threw a knife at a female victim. The victim told deputies that McElroy, her ex-boyfirend, threw the knife at her face during an argument. Deputies say that she had a laceration on her lip, and that she was treated at the scene by the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Deputies say they searched for McElroy, and found him hiding under a nearby vehicle. He was taken into custody.
Michael McElroy was arrested for investigation into assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, and an outstanding pre-complaint (Ramey) arrest warrant for a prior domestic violence incident involving the same victim. He is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $175,000 bail.
For the nineteenth year in a row, The Town of Yucca Valley was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting in October, 2024. This marks the 19th consecutive year the Town has received this prestigious award.
The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2023, qualified the Town for this award.
In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, the Town must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized comprehensive annual financial report. The report is reviewed by an impartial panel of judges who affirm the high standards of the program, including the Town’s efforts to clearly communicate its financial story and encourage residents and other groups to engage with the report.
The City of Twentynine Palms and the Town of Yucca Valley announced this week that all offices will be closed until the new year.
The Town of Yucca Valley announced that they will be observing the holidays by closing the doors of the doors of all of their facilities now through January 1, with hours resuming at most facilities on January 2. That includes Yucca Valley’s senior center, animal shelter, building and safety counter, and the Hi-Desert Nature Museum. Youth basketball will be on hiatus until January 2, and the Town’s animal control services will be responding only to priority calls. For emergency animal assistance, they suggest calling the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department dispatch at (760) 365-2364.
The City of Twentynine Palms announced that all city offices are closed and will re-open on January 6 at 7 a.m.
County agencies including the library and the courthouse are reopened on December 26, as well as the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Station in Joshua Tree.Â
Located just five miles from Twentynine Palms, the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery has been a unique fixture of the high desert since Laurel Siedl changed it from a rabbit hutch to a gallery. With its distinctive outdoor installations, current (two) glass outhouses, two vibrant gallery spaces, seven stalls, and an art-hung hallway featuring an eighth artist, it is a well-known and well-respected space for artists and art lovers.
It also was a place where Laurel Seidl’s witty, welcoming vision still greets every visitor. Her partner, Frank Mezgat, built a chapel where visitors could stop and take in the silence and be in reverence. Around the property, Frank built paths to lead visitors through witty scenarios like the skeleton gym, giant M and Ms, bottle art, a witty grouping of bicycles, an old painted Volkswagon, and much more.
For years, Laurel invited artists of all levels to share their work without judgment. Quisha remembers her always saying, “Artists will rise or fall on their own merit.”
Laurie, As Quisha calls her, had a passion for art, humor, and creating a space where everyone felt welcome. She never charged the artist.
Quisha Henderson, who came to the High Desert with her then-husband, found the gallery and showed her art. She then worked closely with Laurel as a groundskeeper until a close, bonded friendship developed until Laurel’s passing. Laurel left Quisha to continue the tradition of the Glass Outhouse.
“Laurel gave me the confidence to show my work, and over the years, our bond grew into a beautiful friendship. She believed in the power of art to connect people, and that’s something I want to carry forward.”
Quisha plans to expand the gallery shows, including longer exhibition times to give artists more exposure and opportunities to host workshops and interactive sessions.
“Art isn’t just about displaying work—it’s about inspiring creativity in others. We want this gallery to be a resource for artists and the community to come together.”
Quisha is also introducing a special June 2025 exhibition called Trailblazers, honoring Laurel and others who have carved original paths in life.
“It’s about celebrating those who inspire us, whether it’s Laurel, a family member, or someone else who has been a trailblazer in their own way.”
While the gallery has seen changes, Quisha is committed to keeping its essence intact. The Glass Outhouse is a nonprofit supported wholly by donations.
Quisha added, “We welcome everyone to come and enjoy the gallery. It’s a place to connect, laugh, and feel at peace—a reflection of what Laurel envisioned.”
The Glass Outhouse is a place of creativity, connection, and surprises. Come to the openings on the first Saturday of each month and enjoy art, treats, music, and company.
The next opening reception is on Saturday, January 4, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Featured artists are:
Bobbie Fisher Brody Tugwell Erica Shrader Tim Christian Jasmine Vandela Janet Kruser Bob Evans Jescika Dunkin
The live band will be Entwined.
The Glass Outhouse is located at 77575 Twentynine Palms Highway, Wonder Valley
If you didn’t get what you asked for from Santa this year, maybe you can make it yourself.
On a recent Z107.7 Up Close Show, host Gary Daigneault was joined by Clayton Rardon and Jakub Kusmieruk from the Yucca Valley Parks and Recreation Department. Rardon discussed the Town’s long running wood carving class, held weekly at the Community Center.
Rardon said, “Wood carving is one of those that’s a strong candidate to stay at the community center.
In addition to the wellness classes, I’m going to go back to the wood carving class. For years, Yucca Valley has had people who have a particular skill or a niche come to them. And then they put the classes on the community center and wood carvings.
Yeah, wood carving is Tuesdays from 9 to noon. It’s $2 for a three hour class. And it’s been going on for ages.
It predates my tenure with the department.
You can hear their full conversation by listening to the Up Close Show as a podcast at our website, Z1077fm.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms continued their longtime tradition of encouraging kids to read by accompanying Santa and Mrs. Claus (and an Elf) as they delivered new, wrapped books to kids at three local Elementary schools in the week before Christmas
Some 550 specially selected books were wrapped by the Twentynine Palms High School Interact Club, then delivered to Oasis, Twentynine Palms, and Palm Vista Elementary schools (A similar program conducted by the Marines serves Condor Elementary). Local Rotarians go into classrooms with Santa, read a book to the kids, then distribute the books to each student. The program is overseen by Rotary volunteer Randy Councell who coordinates with the club and the schools.
Councell said the project is to enhance a love of reading at an early age as well as giving the youngsters the pride of ownership of a book. It is hoped it will spur more reading at home.
The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms has 24 members and is currently looking for area citizens interested in community service to join them. They meet on Wednesdays at noon at the Little Church of the Desert meeting hall. More information is available at Rotary29.org.
In April of 2021, Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO Morgan Margolis partnered with J.B. Moresco and Lisa Elin to purchase the long-running bar and music venue in Pioneertown.
Moresco and Elin formed a group with Margolis, who provided the financial backing for the sale. According to Margolis, within weeks of purchasing the venue Lisa Elin and J.B. Moresco shut the Knitting Factory CEO out.
Margolis responded by filing suit against Moresco and Elin on June 23, 2021. According to a press release from Margolis’ legal representation, after three years of delays and legal wrangling a Los Angeles jury has ruled in favor of Margolis, wresting control of the venue away from the former partners. Moresco and Elin are also ordered to pay “millions” in damages for breach of contract and intellectual property theft.
The Los Angeles Superior Court also ruled in favor of the Margolis Group on all remaining claims, finding that the defendants engaged in “breaches of fiduciary duty,” “wrongful conduct” and “breached the Partnership Agreement in multiple ways.”
On Friday, December 20th the defendants were ordered to immediately hand over booking, operational and financial control of the music venue and bar to the Margolis Group.
In that same press release, Morgan Margolis is quoted as saying that the group is “excited to move forward with what we set out to do three years ago when we bought this iconic venue that is so special to so many people. We look forward to engaging with the community at large as we fully embed ourselves within the high desert community to honor Pappy + Harriet’s rich history starting with Pappy and Harriett and continuing at full speed through Robyn and Linda. We hope to carry their legacy forward.”
Robyn Celia and Linda Krantz had previously purchased the iconic spot in 2003 from Harriet Allen and her husband Claude “Pappy” Allen, who founded Pappy & Harriets in 1982. The famous venue sits at the beginning of Pioneertown where it began its life as a cantina in western movies that were filmed there and in the hills and ranches of Pioneertown in the 40’s.
The Knitting Factory is a New York concert venue that was first opened in 1987 and has since expanded with venues and concert houses across the United States.
Two former employees of a Yucca Valley hardware store are the suspects in a robbery by force.
On Wednesday (December 18) at around 8:30 p.m., the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department says that two masked suspects entered the Tractor Supply in Yucca Valley prior to closing. Deputies say the suspects approached the counter to purchase a small item and when the cash register was opened, they forcefully stole the cash register from the clerk and fled the location.
Deputies say that they determined that the suspects were formerly employed at the store, identifying them as Indica Carey, 26, and Clara Power, 34, both residents of Yucca Valley. Deputies followed shoe impressions for two miles and located cash, clothing, and the damaged cash register. The suspects were found by deputies in the 5000 block of Yucca Mesa, and the suspects barricaded themselves inside of a home. Deputies acquired a search warrant and were able to take both suspects into custody.
Indica Carey was arrested on suspicion of robbery and violating her parole, and is being held at the West Valley Detention Center without bail. Clara Power was arrested on suspicion of robbery and several warrants in Los Angeles County and is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $200,000 bail.
