Photo courtesy of 29palmshistory.com

“The Desert Speaks” lecture explores renaissance man John Hilton, this Friday at Twentynine Palms Historical Society

Jef Harmatz Jef Harmatz Send an email April 9, 2026

The final “The Desert Speaks” lecture is happening on Friday (April 10) at the Twentynine Palms Historical Society. The lecture is called “John Hilton: The Man Who Captured Sunshine.” 

John Hilton was internationally known as an artist, author, botanist, gemologist, mineralogist, songster, composer, teacher and raconteur. Historical Society Board Member Jeff Dunn, whose family was a friend of John’s when Jeff was young, will be presenting and recollecting his stories of John and his wife Barbara from 60 years ago.

A selection of John’s paintings from private collections will be on display as well as photos from the archives of the Historical Society.

The presentation is Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the Twentynine Palms Historical Society, 6760 National Park Drive. The event is free; donations are always appreciated.

Jef Harmatz Jef Harmatz Send an email April 9, 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.