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After founder’s death, the Glass Outhouse has a new operator

By
Hilary Sloane
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Screenshot

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

Yucca Valley’s long-running wood carving class meets weekly

By
Z107.7 News
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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.

29 Palms Rotary brings books, Santa to local schools

By
Z107.7 News
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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.

Control of Pappy and Harriet’s returns to Knitting Factory, former partners ordered to pay “millions” in damages

By
Robert Haydon
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Image Credit: Morgan Margolis

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.

Links to court documents:

2024-12-18 Order Granting Plaintiffs’ Request for Interim Injunctive Relief Pending Entry of Final Judgment(151689643.1)
2024-12-18 Statement of Decision(151689644.1) (1)

Previously reported:

Pioneertown petitions County Planning for preservation zoning

Tractor Supply in Yucca Valley robbed, two former employees are the suspects

By
Z107.7 News
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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.

Arthur Davies’ sentencing hearing rescheduled for December 30th

By
Z107.7 News
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Arthur Davies in Pre-Trial, January 4th 2023

The man found guilty on charges related to the death of one year-old Parker Schumacher will be sentenced later this month.

Arthur Davies, 41, was found guilty on counts of involuntary manslaughter and assault on a child causing death on November 20. It was the second trial for Davies after a 2023 trial ended in a not-guilty verdict for the charge of murder, and a mistrial on the felony assault on a child causing death. 

A sentencing hearing scheduled for Friday (December 20) was delayed over juror conduct. It has been rescheduled for December 30.

Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms municipal meetings cancelled for holiday week

By
Z107.7 News
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Regularly scheduled meetings of the Twentynine Palms City Council and Yucca Valley Planning Commission this week have been cancelled.

Regularly scheduled meetings for each legislative body are held on Tuesday evenings, but since tomorrow is Christmas Eve, these meetings have been cancelled. 

The Twentynine Palms City Council and Yucca Valley Planning Commission will return for their regularly scheduled meetings in the new year.

Twentynine Palms announces 2024 Holiday Light Tour Winners

By
Hilary Sloane
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The winners of the City of Twentynine Palms Celebration of Lights are:

  • 1st Place: The Hernandez Family / 4790 Sunmore Parkway
  • 2nd Place: The Loman-Rangel Family / 6043 Lupine Avenue
  • 3rd Place: The Barker Family / 5855 Lupine Avenue
First Place Winners “The Hernandez Family”
Second Place Winners “The Loman-Rangel Family”

Each winner received a specially curated gift basket made possible by the generosity of local businesses: Billie’s Boutique, Copy Center Plus, Courtney’s Custom Creations, Deibert’s Laser Engraving & Imaging, Desert Moon 25, Habitat, Hi-Desert Daydream, Hi-Desert Times,Joshua Tree National Park Association, Mojave Moon Apothecary, Radamill Designs, Reality Printing, Scorpion Lollipop, Stampin’ Up! w/ Joni Daniel, Sun of the Desert, Very Very, Visit 29 Palms, and White Label Vinyl.

Twentynine Palms says they are grateful to everyone who entered the tour and contest and helped celebrate this holiday season. Your creativity and effort brought joy to all who joined the self-guided tour.

CMC Men’s Basketball score win over Mt. San Jacinto College

By
Z107.7 News
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The Copper Mountain College (CMC) Men’s Basketball team earned a hard-fought victory Saturday (December 21), defeating Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) 77 – 69. With this win, the Fighting Cacti sit atop the conference standings with a 2-0 record.

The game started with challenges for CMC, as the team struggled both offensively and defensively in the first half. Despite these difficulties, timely stops and clutch shots helped the Fighting Cacti stay within reach, entering halftime trailing by just eight points.

In the second half, the Fighting Cacti ramped up their defensive pressure and improved ball movement, seizing control of the game with four minutes remaining. A pivotal dunk by Phil Bernardez and key late-game buckets by Amarion Wallace solidified the victory and energized the team.

The Fighting Cacti now head into a holiday break and will return to action on January 4, hosting San Bernardino Valley College.

Follow the Copper Mountain College Fighting Cacti by visiting their website.

24 hours of Christmas music starts tonight at midnight

By
Z107.7 News
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Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and that means Z107.7 will play all holiday music beginning at 12:00 midnight tonight and until to midnight on Christmas day. Since 1989, Z107.7 has been proud to be the holiday soundtrack for the Morongo Basin and beyond. 

Our hard-working news team will have the next two days off, but return with a local newscast on Thursday, December 26. The Z107.7 Morning Show with Cody and Jef will return on Friday. 

Tune in tomorrow for our unique collection of holiday music, dedicated to classical Christmas and wintertime favorites, which will run all day and night, until midnight Christmas Day.

“Twinkletoes” Children’s Dance Classes coming to Theatre 29

By
Charlie Thomas
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A unique partnership with a Los Angeles based dance studio is bringing classes in Jazz and Ballet for 6–12-year-old beginners (and those with 1-3 years’ experience) to the Morongo Basin. Karen Gladis, of the Twinkletoes Dance Studios, has over 25 years’ experience specializing in early childhood dance.

Karen Gladis

Enroll Now for the Winter Session from Jan 9-Feb 28, 2025. All classes will be held Thursday afternoons at Theatre 29, 73637 Sullivan Road, Twentynine Palms.

Mini Jazz classes will be held 4:00 – 4:45 pm.

In Jazz, students work on improving performance skills and retaining choreography with weekly combinations. Jazz technique layers on ballet including strength building warm-ups, flexibility, isolations, across the floor progressions and choreography. We will also focus on learning choreography and developing performance skills which really boost self confidence! Class runs 45 mins.

Ballet 1 classes will be from 5:00pm – 5:45 pm

In Ballet, focus on barre work, stretching and strengthening, center work, and across the floor progressions. Within these exercises, we aim to encourage artistry, musicality, flexibility, strength, and dedication. The curriculum draws on our classical conservatory training in an engaging way that promotes the joy of movement and creative expression.

The cost for an 8-week session is $160 with 25% off for siblings, multiple class discounts are also available. They also offer full session + drop-in classes+ free trials for newcomers and class placement.

Early Childhood classes ages 2-6 will be coming soon!

To register, or for more information, go to https://www.twinkletoesdancela.com/hidesertclasses or email [email protected]

Download Flyer (PDF link)

Stagefright and General Baby take the holiday stage tonight at the Palms in Wonder Valley

By
Jef Harmatz
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That’s “Xmas Witch” the new song from Stagefright, the hi-desert band fronted by fictional person Lolly Goodwoman. Stagefright is continuing their now annual tradition of performing a Christmas show tonight (December 21).

The show is called “Christmas Mistake,” and the band says it will feature fire, emotional santas, family drama and freaky reindeer.

Opening the show will by the Morongo Basin’s one-man masked sensation General Baby.

The show is totally free and kicks of tonight at 8:00 p.m. at the Palms in Wonder Valley.

Shop Local this weekend to make an impact on local businessowners and residents

By
Robert Haydon
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There are 4 days between us and Christmas – and if you are still looking to fill the stockings of someone special but haven’t found something yet, it’s probably too late to order something online.

Luckily there is some of the best shopping on the west coast right here in the hi-desert. Most local shops from Morongo Valley to Twentynine Palms are open and eager to help you get something unique for a loved one, and buying something from a local business keeps the money in the community instead of putting it right into the pockets of big box retail stores and online behemoths who profit off of putting locals out of business.

If one of the many dozens of retail shops haven’t provided you with the perfect present yet, try a few spots just off the highway. For instance the Old Schoolhouse Museum in Twentynine Palms has a great Christmas Display along with a gift shop with excellent and unique desert-themed gifts. I purchased a beautiful set of Henry Mockel wildflower cards in their gift shop that I’m still working my way through. They are open Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page.

There are many thrift and vintage stores open this weekend through the hi-desert, with most of them carrying curated vintage good alongside donated items. You always find something unique and unlike anything else you can find online at a second-hand store.

And on Sunday – the Landers Open Air Flea Market will be at the Moose Lodge with a great mix of vendors willing to help you get that last minute shopping done. You are also welcome to sell, too! Setup is from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the upper parking lot, and the Moose lodge will be serving a full breakfast menu from 8:30 to 10:30 inside for those interested in being a guest if your not a member.

Get out and shop local! Just a quick scroll through Z107.7’s Instagram account @z1077.joshuatree will highlight a huge list of area businesses and some of the goodies you can get at them.

“Operation Recognition” awards diploma posthumously to WW2 Veteran

By
Robert Haydon
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The 16th Annual Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project awards diplomas to military veterans with an honorable discharge whose high school education was interrupted due to military service in World War 2, the Korean or Vietnam wars. It also is eligible to those who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated in Japanese American internment camps during the second world war.

On December 16th the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS), in partnership with San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs, honored veteran Marvin N. Minter posthumously with a high school diploma as part of the efforts.

According to the County – Minter served in General Patton’s Third Army in a predominantly Black unit during a time of segregation and later supported the logistics operation Red Ball Express, providing necessary supplies to Allied forces after the primary landing on D-Day.

The ceremony continued with a surprise appearance by Dr. Gilbert Contrez, president of San Bernardino Valley College, who granted Minter an honorary associate’s degree. 

Since the project’s inception, nearly 300 high school diplomas have been presented to veterans in San Bernardino County through the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project.

Read more at the San Bernardino County’s website.

Previously reported:

Operation Recognition aims to honor veterans and internees who had High School interrupted

Morongo Valley 2nd annual Christmas Parade this Saturday at 5PM

By
Gabriel Hart
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Morongo Valley will be holding their 4th and largest holiday event of 2024 this Saturday, December 21st for their second annual Christmas parade traveling through the paved streets of the town’s west end.

For the second year in a row, the Morongo Valley Christmas Parade will be feature the fire department’s whole fleet of fire apparatuses, dune buggies and other off-road vehicles, plus trucks from local businesses like “Just a Small Town Grill,” and Santa himself will be waving to you and your Morongo Valley neighbors to help spread the holiday cheer.

Or if you want to do the greeting to the onlooking crowds from your own decorated vehicle, please reach out to organizers Buddy and Tammy at (760) 501-4826 so they can secure your place in the parade’s sequence.

Line-up staging starts at 4:15 p.m. on Senilis between Hess Boulevard and Juniper Avenue, and the parade officially begins its 6.8 mile run at 5:00 p.m. sharp.

The event is free and open to all.

Arthur Davies expected to be sentenced today

By
Z107.7 News
-
Arthur Davies looks on as his attorney Zulu Ali cross-examines a witness. Photo from first trial in August of 2023

Arthur Davies, 41, was found guilty on counts of involuntary manslaughter and assault on a child causing death on November 20. It was the second trial for Davies after a 2023 trial ended in a not-guilty verdict for the charge of murder, and a mistrial on the felony assault on a child causing death.

A sentencing hearing will be held today at San Bernardino Superior Court’s Joshua Tree Courthouse. 

Arthur Davies was the only person in the room when severe head trauma was inflicted on the one year-old child. Davies’ lawyer Zulu Ali argued that the head trauma was caused by an accidental fall from Davies’ arms onto a linoleum floor. Testimony from medical experts for the prosecution argued that the force required for such head injuries would normally be seen in a rollover vehicle accident or a fall from a multi-story window.

Z107.7 will update this once Davies is sentenced.

Previously reported:

Arthur Davies found guilty in 2018 death of one year-old Parker Schumacher

Yucca Valley chooses second sculpture for public art space at library

By
Jef Harmatz
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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 recent reinvigoration of their public art program by a funding initiative. Daigneualt asked about the art work that was installed in front of the library, and what it may be replaced by.

Rardon said:

“That was Infinite Connection by local artist Gubbi Beck. She was selected through a competitive process. She has Open Vault Studios in Old Town, Yucca Valley. She has a very active Instagram account. I recommend anybody that’s interested in her work to check her out, follow her on Instagram. She was great to work with and that was our inaugural sculpture, nearly year long installation from just after The Christmas Tree came down last year.

Submissions for the follow up piece closed in December. It’s up to our appointed and elected officials. But I look for assemblage, a sculpture, a metal sculpture. Whatever they want. We take everything, whether people have submitted things that are fiberglass, wood or steel: that it runs a gamut. It has to be desert friendly… it has to be able to survive the wind and the sun.”

The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission selected artwork by Chad La Fever titled “Where is My Mind?” 

“Where is my Mind?” by Chad La Fever

La Fever is a sculptor whose work is deeply influenced by his background as an archaeologist and his passion for storytelling. Specializing in metal sculptures, Chad’s artistic practice explores the intersection of history, culture and human experience using silicon bronze. 

His piece, “Where is My Mind?” features a tall, humanoid figure contemplating what appears to be a bronze brain.

Public Comment is scheduled for review by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission at their meeting on February 12 prior to recommendation to, and further review by, the Town Council.

Find more information on Yucca Valley’s public art program here, and you can leave public comment at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjm9ROzla0knKZuo0VLvwBispIf0Ie3338h5ZXKNqc0hLi7g/viewform

Listen to the full conversation here:

Yucca Valley High School wrapping gifts tonight (12/20) to raise funds for trip to Greece

By
Z107.7 News
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If you find yourself in a rush this holiday season, bring your unwrapped gifts to the Elks Lodge in Yucca Valley tonight from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and get them wrapped for a donation. 

A group of Yucca Valley High School students and teachers traveling to Greece in June of 2025 and are going to be doing this gift wrap service to raise money for their trip. 

They will have the gift wrap and all the essentials… so let them do the wrapping for you, and support this great cause!


Children’s Crafting & Cookie Celebration this Saturday in Landers

By
Z107.7 News
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Kids of all ages are invited to Clause’s Children’s Crafting & Cookie Celebration this Saturday (December 21) in Landers at Belfield Hall.

The Landers Homestead Valley Community Association is sponsoring this free family-friendly celebration.

Guided activities from card and ornament making, to tree and cookie decorating are guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Mom and Dad are welcome to get creative with the crafting, or drop the kids and explore Landers Trading Post & Thrift. Everyone will enjoy light refreshments; but only the kids can take home the party favors. Either way, it’s free family fun.

The event runs from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday at Belfield Hall, 58380 Reche Road in Landers. 

 RSVP to [email protected] or call 760-449-4048.

Final weekend for holiday hit “The Sound of Music” at Theatre 29

By
Adeline J. Wells
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I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of Theatre 29’s production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music.” Directed by Lisa Hodgson and Bianca Stoker, the widely beloved musical is based on the inspirational story of Maria Augusta Trapp, a carefree young postulate in 1930s Austria. When she is sent to become the governess to the seven children of a strict, retired naval Captain, Maria sets out to infuse their home with joy, love, and song: elements they must rely on in the face of an expanding Third Reich.

“The Sound of Music” is a musical full of memorable tunes, the spirit of which the cast expressed well. The show began by pulling on the heartstrings with Analisa Pilecki’s stirring rendition of the title track; several fan favorites, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and “The Lonely Goatherd” were performed with multiple reprisals. A sweet dance between Catt Christine’s Liesl and Mark Cockroft’s Rolf Gruber was reminiscent of young, if ill-fated love. Nancy Abramson was striking as Mother Abbess, hitting every high note of the moving “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” with clarity. 

A diverse range of sets were all impressively built, capturing the grandness of the von Trapp Manor. Beautifully painted cathedrals with vibrant stained glass evoke the holiness of Nonnberg Abbey, while windows look out over green hills to illustrate the rolling landscape of Salzburg. All characters were adorned in timely, European clothing fitting for an array of occasions, from school uniforms to cocktail party garb to play clothes that Maria cunningly crafts from drapes.

Throughout the performance, I found it difficult to imagine a more quintessential Maria than that which was portrayed by Pilecki. She captured the heroine’s warmth, verve, and charm, wooing the von Trapps along with the audience. Graham Cooley perfected Captain Georg Von Trapp’s evolution from cool and conducted to emotive; his final, poignant performance of “Edelweiss” struck as particularly moving. Gabriel Figuredo had comedic charisma as Max Detweiler and complimented the sophisticated Frau Elsa Schraeder, played by Cindy Ross. The production was tied together with seven young actors who were endearing as the von Trapp children, believable as a family bonded by love and song.

Performances of “The Sound of Music” run on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; the show continues its run at Theatre 29 through December 22. Tickets can be purchased online at theatre29.org or by calling the Theatre 29 Box Office at 760-361-4151.

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