Joshua Tree Tortoise Telegraph, Decembuary 2016 Issue

December rains may lead to wildflowers W

inter made its presence known across the hi-desert with days of high winds, steadily drenching rains of up to 2.5 inches or more, sub-freezing temperatures, and snow in places. But while we endure sub-60 degree days with great stoicism and heroics, we also know our stoicism may be rewarded this spring with Mojave-wide wildflower blooms!

While it’s still too early to know how well we’ll be rewarded come spring, a good December soaking sets the stage for the possibility of a great display of color come March. We’re looking forward to seeing everything from sand verbena and desert primrose, to desert lily and five-spot make an appearance as the desert warms.

This spring, make sure to check our social media and website for wildflower sightings and suggestions for the best places to view our favorite colorful friends around the hi-desert and send your photos to share with our readers.

Have a hi-desert photo or story you’d like to share with our readers? Send it to us at: tortoisetelegraph@gmail. The ol’ Tortoise would love to hear from you!

In this issue:

artist snake jagger continues his true life story in the fourth installment of becoming snake jagger looking back on A Year with the tortoise: Our first year in print (that was quick!) more news, fun and january’s events to read while you’re stuck in line waiting to get into the national park Keep it real: help stop vandalism and

theft in our national parks - put the national park service tipline# in your cell phone: 888-653-0009

Stay in touch with the Tortoise! www.jttortoisetelegraph.com 1

Tales from the tortoise

one year with the tortoise

Interviews this past year included the talented musicians Jesika von Rabbit, above, Steve “Dandy” Brown, left, and the musical mayor of Joshua Tree, Ted Quinn, bottom right.

by Steve Brown

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fter publishing The Sun Runner magazine for more than two decades, I decided in late 2015 that we have so much talent and fasinating story material right here in the hi-desert that we needed a fun, colorful, upbeat monthly newspaper that would highlight our remarkable community. In December, 2015, the first issue of The Joshua Tree Tortoise Telegraph hit the stands.

The new newspaper, the only independent hi-desert paper, was immediately a hit with readers. Maybe sometmes just a bit too much so. One feature on a visit to Carey’s Castle, a remote attraction in Joshua Tree National Park, resulted in so many requests for directions (we purposefully didn’t print a map or GPS coordinates for the attraction) that the Joshua Tree National Park staff took precautionary measures and closed the site to the public. It’s still closed. Sorry!

The Tortoise Telegraph is designed to serve dual roles in the hi-desert.

First and foremost, its mission is to remind those of us who call the hi-desert home, that we live in a beautiful part of the world, surrounded by many treasures, natural, cultural, and human. I constantly encounter residents who tell me there’s nothing to do here, everything sucks here, and a host of other negative comments about our slice of the Mojave. Our communities and life here isn’t perfect, but it does pretty well for an area that’s historically been economically disadvantaged with no solid economic base—up until now, anyway. The paper helps remind us of this fact, and acts to introduce us to each other in a far friendlier way than, say, “social” media.

Our coverage of Vlad Putin’s surprise visit to pioneertown to attend sir paul mccartney’s equally surprising performance at pappy & harriet’s, to which we were unable to obtain entry, and no, we’re still not over it, proved to be one of our most popular stories of the year. no fake news here wapo!

We didn’t just cover musicians this year. We also included a guy who produces the best music festivals right in our own backyard-barnett English, below left, and lots of other great folks, including Robin Schlosser, executive director of the wonderful organization, Reach Out Morongo Basin, left; Sridhar, the fascinating founder and producer of Bhakti and Shakti fests, below; and jeffrey hafler, the founder and proprietor of Beauty bubble, a salon and museum, and what a museum! time for a haircut!

Secondly, the Tortoise Telegraph serves our 2.5 million (yes, you read that correctly) annual visitors to Joshua Tree National Park (and now our new Sand to Snow National Monument, the Mojave National Preserve, the Mojave Trails National Monument, and all our festivals and events). The paper shares the richness of our colorful cultural life here and the natural beauty and attractions available here, and introduces them to our treasures, human and otherwise.

There’s a third aspect to this paper that’s more personal, which is that it helps keep me in touch with a lot of people, events, and places around the hi-desert, which I absolutely love. If any of this enriches your lives, well, it’s enriching mine as well. I’ve gotten to spend time with some truly inspirational and interesting folks as a result of this little paper, and from what I hear, so have you.

Being a journalist for so many decades, I hope it’s obvious I do this paper for the stories, not the money. That said, if you run a business, event, or organization in the hi-desert, or beyond, and you’d like to reach our local residents and our millions of visitors, please do consider advertising. Our printer is wonderful, but they still enjoy getting paid. Go figure.

As we begin our second year (hey, our sister publication, The Sun Runner, is starting its 23rd year as you read this), please get in touch if you have a fun photo to share, a dining, shopping, or lodging tip, a calendar event coming up, a suggestion for an interview or feature, a new distribution location, a great place to hike, your favorite location for nude yoga (just threw that in to see if you’re paying attention), another sighting of Putin in Pioneertown, alien sightings (yes, we’re talking about The Palms here!), an idea for a regular feature (we have some too–please see previous paragraph about paying the printer, this isn’t the Internet, we have to pay for these pieces of paper), or anything else that pops into your mind (preferably not the reptilian portion). Even suggestions on how to shorten the previous sentence will be welcomed!

What you’re not likely to see in the paper this coming year is anything overly serious, political (local or otherwise), negative, or something that isn’t directly related to the hi-desert. If you want negativity and nastiness, well, that’s what Facebook is for, and if you want the Coachella Valley, there’s plenty of snooty lo-desert media down the hill (though those folks are welcome to read this little paper too). Thanks for a grand first year. Here’s to 2017! – Steve Brown

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In keeping with the trends of 2016, we actually did have one story that was unintentionally fake news.

Ours, however, did not concern the Russians. Can you guess which one it was? the first reader to send their correct guess to us at tortoisetelegraph@gmail.com wins lunch at the 29 palms inn with the publisher!

One Year Ago We Began with an Interview with Director Eddie Tucker. Now Eddie’s Back – with the comedy “Sylvia”

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hen we launched this paper in December, 2015, I thought it would be fun to interview Eddie Tucker, a guy running the local hobby shop, whom in his “real” life was an experienced theatre director who was directing The Sunshine Boys at the time (most everyone in the hi-desert has two names, such as “Fast Eddie,” and at least one alter-ego). In the year since that interview, Eddie has retired from the hobby shop business (a major loss to the community), but is continuing with his passion for directing theatre productions.

Theatre 29 has completed the casting for the first show of their 2017 season, Sylvia, and Eddie’s directing it. This will be his third play directed at Theatre 29, following The Sunshine Boys and The Man from Earth.

First produced in 1995, the love story in Sylvia has all the earmarks of a mid-life affair, except the love-struck straying husband is still happily married to his wife. But Sylvia really is about a man’s relationship with one of those magical animals people in stories so often meet just when they’re at a troubling crossroads in life—an animal that is a guide to finding the best in ourselves (we have Juliett, our feline office manager who fills that role here at the Tortoise Telegraph).

Sylvia is a play about Greg, played by Jeremy Volsteadt (who also played in The Sunshine Boys), and Kate, played by Ann Van Haney (a veteran actress from Washington state), who have moved to Manhattan after 22 years of childrearing in the suburbs. Greg’s career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate’s career as a public school English teacher is beginning to offer her more opportunities.

Greg brings home a dog, played by Amy Fangmeyer (a recent Twentynine Palms High School grad and Copper Mountain College student), he found— or that found him—bearing only the nam e “Sylvia” on her tag. A street-smart mixture of Labrador and poodle, Sylvia causes stress between the couple. She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age.

To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection, while Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog. The marriage is put in jeopardy, resulting in hilarious and touching complications. Along the way, the audience meets several other interesting characters, all of them played by Desert Theater League honoree, author, and singer/songwriter, Kurt Schauppner (what we want to know is who plays Kurt in real life).

Sylvia runs for nine performances Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from January 13-29. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., Sunday performances are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.theatre29.org or by calling the Theatre 29 Box Office at (760)361-4151. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and military, and $8 for students.

Because of strong language, Sylvia is not recommended for children under 13. or overly sensitive prudes (we put that in there, not Theatre 29, so don’t blame them). There is an opening night gala on January 13 (Friday the 13th!), at 6 p.m. with all sorts of great stuff going on. Tickets are $25, only available through Twentynine Palms Soroptimists (the press release didn’t say how to reach them, so you’re on your own—it’s kind of like tracking down a Pokemon).

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Tales from the tortoise

becoming snake jagger By Snake Jagger by way of introduction

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he desert produces some fascinating creative spirits, and often, they have stories as interesting and varied as themselves and their work. Whenever possible, we like to share those stories with our readers to give you a deeper look down the tortoise hole, into the minds and souls of our friends and hi-desert neighbors.

I’ve known Snake Jagger for quite a few years now, and his artwork has been featured on the cover of our sister publication, The Sun Runner. He’s featured in our Morongo Valley episode of our TV series, Southwest Stories, doing lip-ups and talking about Frank Sinatra and his Dad, lip synching competively, and being a pirate, something we share (it’s a long story).

Snake is a uniquely talented desert artist with a penchant for creating desert scenes of orderly, sometimes raked, desert landscapes, with the occasional UFO, doorway, or even a rake, included. It’s what he calls whimsical surrealism, and the name fits. He has a playful painting style that is a perfect match for his personality.

But don’t just listen to me. Read Snake’s story in his own words. I’ve done minimal editing because I like to let people tell their story their way. He’s working on a book, so the Tortoise Telegraph is serializing his story in this, and upcoming, issues. It’s a great way to get to know Snake, and it’s a hell of a ride.

You can also peruse Snake’s online gallery and shop online at www. snakejagger.com. And yes, that’s one of his works in our masthead. – Steve Brown

Chapter 5: Moving to the desert

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fter the incident with Judy, and after getting arrested for grand theft bones, I moved back home to my mom’s house. It wasn’t too long before I got into an altercation with my stepdad at the time. His name was Beto, or that’s what we called him. He was an interesting guy. Mexican, a hard worker and proud.

There was some sort of argument going on that escalated into a brouhaha.

Punches were thrown and then I retreated to my room. Beto was so pissed that he went into the kitchen and got a large knife, and came at me fiercely, trying to stab me. I fell back on the bed and grabbed a blanket to defend myself, I was terrified that he was going to kill me.

That’s when I decided it was time to go. I called my dad who lived in Cathedral City, next door to the Annenberg estate on Frank Sinatra Drive. He told me to come on down to the desert. I don’t think he knew I was going to need to stay for a while. But because I was a neat freak, and he had an extra bedroom, it worked out well between us.

Finally, after so many years without him, and after my dad told me he didn’t want any kids living with him on a previous occasion when he lived on Ridpath in Laurel Canyon. I had stayed with him for a few days sleeping on the couch in his bachelor pad. I could understand his thinking back then. Even though it broke my heart. Finally, I was going to be spending time with my dad.

This was a turning point in my life. Moving to the desert was the best thing that ever happened to me. Dad had a really cool two bedroom house, and we got along well. He told me that I needed to go back to school, or get a job. I only had three months to go to get my diploma.

I went to Palm Springs High to register there, but I felt that it was a little small town school compared to the big city school of Fairfax High. I didn’t think I would like it there, so instead I got a job as a box boy at Market Basket in Cat City.

That job lasted for about a year, and it was about that time that my dad had gone to Israel to work on a movie with David Jansen, of The Fugitive. It was called The Sabra Command. He left me to take care of the house and his MGB-GT.

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I was in teenage heaven. I spent my days working at the store, and nights reading about different religions and philosophy, as well as studying about health food and the idea of becoming a vegetarian. The seed was planted in my head back when I lived in LA, when a girl I knew introduced me to Kifer. A yogurt -like milk drink. I was trying to figure out how to clear up my complexion and what foods to avoid that would help me do that, and that led to me becoming interested in a healthier diet.

I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness, but I felt I wanted to explore other ideas and see if I would find something that made more sense. The truth is, I have always believed in the JW philosophy and still do to this day. But it was good to open my mind to other ideas too. Some of my favorite books were the Carlos Castaneda books. They really opened my mind to new ideas.

My dad knew many people, some of them were local hippies. One of them was a guy named Jerry Davis. Jerry lived in Cathedral City across the street from the Sunair Drive-in on 111. The area he lived in was called "Tortilla Flats" probably because a few Mexican families had homes there.

After about a year of living with my dad, I developed an itch to get out on my own. Jerry had offered me a place to stay at his house in Tortilla Flats. I was growing up, and moving on now. And even though I did move to Jerry’s place, we would all gather together every Thursday night, ( all the hippie chicks and guys and Jerry and I ) and go to my dad’s house to watch Kung Fu, and make brown rice and veggies and get stoned. My dad loved that—and the hippy chicks.

That house is gone now, only the giant Tamarisk trees that were in the backyard remain there. But whenever I pass that place I yearn to go back in time. For those were some of the best days of my life. Living with my dad. I am missing him now.

I love you dad.

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Boys & girls Club gets large christmas present

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n Tuesday, December 6th, the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Desert received an early Christmas present—an 8 foot by 20’ foot like-new storage container. According to the Boys & Girls Club, this much-needed container was donated by the Joshua Tree Showman’s Club. Their representative, Shawn Krause, was on hand to organize the delivery of the container by Hill’s Towing, who also donated their services which included set up of the container.

The Boys & Girls Club extends a sincere thank you to Alex Ramos, president of the Showman’s Club and owner of Ramos Bros. Circus; Shawn Krause, who spearheaded the coordination of this gift; and Bob & Ann TenBrook, owners of Hill’s Towing, Tire Pros and Yucca Auto Body.

The individuals pictured are (left to right): Donna Davies, BGCHD Board Member; Shawn Krause, JT Showmen’s Club Representative; Kristine Perrance, BGCHD Executive Director).

Local radio puts on desert storysongs

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published by the sun runner, po box 2171, joshua tree, ca 92252 (760)820-1222 publisher@sunrunnersw.com www.jttortoisetelegraph.co www.facebook.com/jttortoisetelegraph www.instagram.com/jttortoisetelegraph published monthly. distributed free of charge in the hi-desert.

Editor/Publisher/telegraph operator: Steve Brown Assistant to the editor: Juliett, the cat Photos by: Steve Brown, chris brewster Distribution: eventually by tortoise, of coursus Submit story ideas, photos for consideration, dining/shopping/lodging/favorite places and event photos to: tortoisetelegraph@gmail.com advertising inquiries: tortoisetelegraph@gmail.com or 760-820-1222 (voice or text) see the advertising page at www.jttortoisetelegraph.com for pricing and specs. remember – support your local independent media and it can support your community! distribution inquiries: tortoisetelegraph@gmail.com join the tortoise telegraph online at: www.jttortoisetelegraph.com, on facebook at: www.facebook.com/jttortoisetelegraph on instagram at: www.instagram.com/jttortoisetelegraph join the sun runner, the journal of the real desert, online at: www.sunrunnersw.com on facebook at: www.facebook.com/TheSunRunner join southwest stories with steve brown online at: www.southweststories.us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/RealDesert

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thanks for joining us!

Keep it real!

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he hi-desert-oriented local entertainment on Z107.7 FM on Sunday afternoons is welcoming another all-local specialty program. Artist, poet, songwriter and performer, Jill Carey Michaels, weaves her uniquely personal take on desert life around music of her choosing, Sundays at 2:30 p.m. in Desert Storysongs.

The recent arrival to the hi-desert has authored and illustrated her whimsical books, Debutante Without a Dress, Telling Tales, and No Customer Service. Carey Michaels’ resume includes hosting radio shows on NPR affiliates in New York, as well as entertaining audiences with her one-woman show, Nice Girl, telling funny true-life adventures in stories and song. In addition, she has taught English at New York State Universities and computer graphics online for The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She has a BFA in Illustration from Philadelphia College of Art, and an MFA in Computer Art from The School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Gary Wickham, Host of NPR’s Sunday Review said, “Comical, edgy, insightful and downright funny... Some of the many words used to describe, not only the writing of Jill Carey, but the woman herself. Her performances, storytelling and songs grab you and before you know it, the night is over and you want more.”

She performs in a musical duo, Rough and Lovely, with her musician husband, Ed Michaels. Their next live local performance is 6 p.m., January 28, at the Joshua Tree Saloon.

As an artist, Carey Michaels has a wealth of experience, with her work exhibited nationally. She is the creator behind Bungalow Bags, organic cotton canvas tote bages adorned with her illustrations, and Two Hearts Gifts, which features her illustrations on a variety of products from greeting cards to tea towels, plates, and jewelry. Her work is carried at galleries, museums, and retail locations, from The Museum of American Folk Art to Nordstrom’s.

Desert Storysongs airs at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Following her show is the Many Moods of Ben Vaughn at 3 p.m., and then the Z107.7 Local Music Showcase, with Pat Michaels at 4 p.m. You can view Carey Michaels’ art at JTAG, the Joshua Tree Art Gallery, through January 7 in the group exhibit, Convergence. JTAG is located at 61607 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree.

For more information on Jill Carey Michaels, see our website at www.jttortoisetelegraph.com.

Helping Out Our hi-desert Friends & Neighbors

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n the night of December 17, Judy Gellhaus, age 77, a longtime Pioneertown resident, lost her home and barns to a ferocious fire. During the course of the fire, Gellhaus lost not only her own home, but the homes for 30 goats, 20 chickens, 25 cats, ducks, and geese, according to Ronda Mueller, who has launched a GoFundMe page to help Gellhaus get back on her feet.

So far, the GoFundMe page has raised nearly $13,000 to help rebuild and care for Gellhaus and her animals, but the hi-desert community has come together to help in every way possible. Flashbyte Digital restored Internet service, MazAmar Art Pottery sold “Judy Fire Rescue” tumblers with all proceeds going to Gellhaus, and others have been bringing hot food and clothing, as well as offering to help with reconstruction, temporary housing for animals, and more.

If you’d like to help, please go to www.gofundme.com/judysfirerescue.

Meanwhile, our good friend Alice Williams, the better half of Alice & Albert, the talented musical duo who called the hi-desert home for many years, has been stricken by a severe “widow-maker” heart attack while working for a small company with no health benefits. She has a GoFundMe page to help her recovery, just go to www.gofundme.com and search for Alice Williams. Thanks for helping!

Hi-Desert Happenings Theatres Theatre 29 Sylvia, January 13-29.

73637 Sullivan Road, Twentynine Palms Tickets and information are available at www.theatre29. org, or call (760)361-4151.

Art 29 Palms Art Gallery Robert Miramontes, Joshua Tree After Dark, the Mini Show, and guild members, through January 8. Youth Judged Art Show – United through Art, January 12-29. Reception: January 15, noon-3 p.m. The Tree House Project, art class on converting words into visual images by Krista Wargo, January 14, 9-11 a.m. For Youth ages 5-17. Wine & Paint Night fundraiser, January 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m. With Janis Commentz instructing.

74055 Cottonwood Drive, Twentynine Palms (760)367-7819, www.29palmsartgallery.com 29 Palms Inn Desert artists on exhibit in the restaurant.

73950 Inn Avenue, Twentynine Palms (760)367-3505, www.29palmsinn.com Beatnik Lounge Pictures Worth 1000 Words, 6 p.m.-midnight, January 14.

61597 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree. (760)475-4860, www. jtcpc.org Gallery 62 Freeze Frame, January 7-29. Reception, January 14, 6-8 p.m.

61607 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, www.gallery62.org JTAG (Joshua Tree Art Gallery) Inside Out/Writing on the Wall, Barbara Drucker & Barbara Spiller. January 14-February 5. Reception, January 14, 6-8 p.m. 61607 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, (760)366-3636, www.joshuatreeartgallery.com Hi-Desert Nature Museum Seeds: Nature’s Artful Engineering, January 7-March 11.

Yucca Valley Community Center, 57116 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley (760)369-7212, www.hidesertnaturemuseum.org Taylor Junction Closing Art Potluck: Otis Link & Sharon Ryder, January 8, 4-8 p.m. 61732 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree Music 29 Palms Inn 73950 Inn Avenue, Twentynine Palms (760)367-3505, www.29palmsinn.com Live music nightly. Usually scheduled: Beverly Derby & Bill Church, Saturdays; Bob Garcia, Sundays; The Luminators, Mondays; Daniel Horn, Wednesdays; Bobby Furgo and company, Thursdays. The Wonder People usually play first Friday monthly.

Anchor, Herbert, $5, January 6.

61597 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree. (760)475-4860, www. jtcpc.org Kokopelli’s Kantina Soul Priestess, January 6.

57154 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley. (760)228-2589.

Frontier 55844 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley (760)820-1360, www.cafefrontier.com Alternate Wednesdays, hi-desert hot club music. 7 p.m.

The Palms Murmur Collective (improvised noise from Berlin, TX, and CA), Atala (29 Palms desert doom rock), The Sibleys (Wonder Valley rock), Blue Canarie Bossa Nova Band (San Diego), 3SPDS (Diego noise band), Joe Cantreel (more noise from Diego), Reverend Screaming Fingers (says it all), 6 p.m., January 14.

83131 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, (760)361-2810 Hi-Desert Living JT Lab’s Artists’ Tea Featuring Kathryn Kert Green. 9 a.m., January 8. Meet at Cap Rock, Joshua Tree National Park. Bring journal & a mug.

Sky’s the Limit Observatory & Nature Center Desert night sky watching events most Saturdays.

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather. Free to the public. 9697 Utah Trail, Twentynine Palms (just outside the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park) (760)401-3004, www.skysthelimit29.org.

Desert Institute Events Pioneering Women of the Morongo Basin, 2nd Friday Old Schoolhouse Lecture Series featring Pat Rimmington. 4 p.m., January 13, $5. Old Schoolhouse Museum, 6760 National Park Drive, 29 Palms.

Challenges to California Desert National Parks & Monuments, Black Rock Symposium. January 20, 7 p.m., Bell Center, Copper Mountain College, 6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree Retreat Center/Institute of Mentalphysics 59700 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, (760)365-8371 Intro to Tibetan Spiritual Breath. Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m., Lotus Meditation Building. Donation: $5. Improves subtle energies of the body by understanding breath and the natural relationship to healing.

Rainbow Stew 55509 29 Palms Hwy., Old Town Yucca Valley For event schedule, see: www.rainbowstew4u.com

Want to be included in our calendar listings? Send your event info to us at: publisher@sunrunnersw.com.

Pappy & Harriets Pioneertown Palace 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown (760)365-5956, www. pappyandharriets.com Upcoming:Creosote Serenaders, January 12; Rose’s Pawn Shop, January 14; Moonsville Collective, January 28.

Regularly scheduled: Open mic on Mondays with guest hosts, The Shadow Mountain Band opening for other acts most Saturdays, The Sunday Band, most Sundays. For complete calendar: www. pappyandharriets.com.

Joshua Tree Saloon 61835 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, (760)366-2250, www. thejoshuatreesaloon.com Upcoming: Urban Desert Cabaret, January 7.

Regularly scheduled: Open Jam Tuesdays with Ted Quinn, karaoke Wednesday and Friday nights with Troy, live music Saturday nights, Punk Rock Thursday, second Thursdays.

Beatnik Lounge Saccharine Trust,

PULL

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