The Joshua Tree Tortoise Telegraph, Just June, 2016

the tortoise above the fold

The tortoise looks at desert living with containers—and style

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reetings from Joshua Tree! The “June” issue has finally crawled from its burrow into the searing heat of the summer, only to wish it could have stayed down in the cool sand and dirt until October.

We love having a big masthead (that’s the thing at the top of the page with our name on it), but we did cut it down a bit so more story could fit. We’re realizing that there’s way more news and fun stuff and interesting people to talk about in the hi-desert than we ever have room for (since the mean ol’ printer doesn’t do this for free—go figure), so we’re squeezing stuff in every nook n’ cranny.

We had a sizeable contingent of Joshua Tree folks at the Bernie Sanders for President rally down in Cathedral City. You can see plenty about that on our companion publication, The Sun Runner’s, website (www.sunrunnersw.com). Randy Green was there with his “F**K Trump” sign, Victoria Williams was there with her smile, Karalee Hargrove was up on stage with a rousing introduction for Bernie, Sunny Sundowner was waving his sign, while Deb Tobin infiltrated and Ron Jensen demonstrated solidarity. It was a grand day!

She sure knows how to rile up a crowd!

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

In this issue:

Death Valley Jim guides you to three towns named “dale”

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he longer we live, the more incredible octogenarians we meet. One of our favorites is Art Kunkin, above left, seen enjoying two lifetime recognition awards displayed by Sunny Sundowner, who introduced Art at a recent Veterans for Peace Memorial Day awards ceremony.

At age 88, Art remains extremely active from his home in Joshua Tree. The founder of the LA Free Press, and the Association for Longer Life, Art has been a leader in journalism and the field of alchemy and life extension, which is about as cool as you can get.

Art was presented with a Certificate of Recognition in Honor of Lifetime Achievement from the California State Assembly, in addition to a lifetime achievement award from the Veterans for Peace which stated, “We honor your leadership and lifetime of devoted service to our country, also your tireless efforts to advance equality, peace, and social justice.”

Art spoke about how the Free Press emerged at a KPFK’s Renaissance Pleasure Faire and May Market, from the aftermath of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, with the thought of whether assassination was replacing voting.

“One of the biggest stories I came across was about Nixon possibly canceling the 1972 elections,” Art said. “This is still on the horizon as far as I’m concerned. This is still a country which has been ruled by assassinations and in which the democratic process is very fragile.”

He told the story of being drafted and his service in the Army, and discussed what he noted is “the biggest story of the time.”

“The next generation is not going to age,” he said. “Aging, which we’re all experiencing, that is coming to an end. The science of aging is being discovered.”

Art is considering launching an e-mail newsletter—The New Free Press. Don’t worry. When he does, we’ll make sure to let you know. Congratulations Art! Have a hi-desert photo or story you’d like to share with our readers? Send it to us at: tortoisetelegraph@gmail. The Tortoise would love to hear from you!

the tortoise becomes a fan of “fans”

hi-desert events & more! real estate agents - want a free ad in the tortoise telegraph? contact shaun kruse today at: 800-680-0952. help stop vandalism and theft in our national parks - put the national park service tipline number in your cell phone: 888-653-0009 keep it real.

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Hi-Desert Living

Cargo Ready

by Steve Brown

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remember wandering into the Downtown Container Park in Las Vegas a few years ago and thinking it was an incredibly creative use for cargo containers, the kind you see stacked on ships, and then on trains and trucks. There were multiple levels of shops, restaurants, and even a stage for live entertainment. It seemed a great way to create a colorful and distinct destination for visitors and locals alike, while providing small shop and gallery spaces, and food booth spaces, that would be affordable for local artists, retail operators, and restauranteurs.

There was everything you could want in this colorful “park.” There was plenty to keep kids happy, and a common area for diners and shoppers, a selection of dining from casual to higher end, even craft cocktails.

Recently, I found myself in a booth at the Joshua Tree Saloon having a conversation with a newcomer to the hi-desert who was interested in creating something similar in JT. Having worked extensively in economic development and tourism as part of my meandering journalism career, I was enthusiastic about the prospect. It’s an affordable project for developers, fairly quick to construct (depending on the permitting by the county), and offers small business owners, entrepreneurs, artists and artisans the opportunity to have their own space from where to work and promote their works. If done well, it would be a boon to the local economy, bring in much-needed tax revenues, and be a creative centerpiece for the community.

While it appears Joshua Tree may get a Dollar General store shoved down its throat, like it or not, building appropriate and creative projects is one way to counter corporate cookie-cutter intrusions into the community. And Joshua Tree definitely has the creative power to make a container park a success. The talent is here.

Being a fan of alternative construction techniques for desert living (which we’re going to be covering in the Tortoise Telegraph, so please get in touch if you’ve got a project that would be interesting for our readers), I began looking around and found the home shown in the photos above and to the top right, designed by architect Walter Scott Perry and Ecotech Design.

“I have been coming out to Joshua Tree from L.A. for over 25 years and designed/ built there with a keen awareness and respect for the beauty, as well as the hostile climate conditions encountered living in the high desert,” Perry said. “A few years ago, I designed and built the desert hybrid house, the so-called Palen Studio at Shadow Mountain in Joshua Tree; the design integrated shipping containers, with other prefab, as well as conventional wood frame construction systems, i.e. a systematic integration of hybrid design and construction methodologies.”

The building, as Perry noted, combines five 20-foot shipping containers that were finished in L.A., shipped to the desert, and stacked two high in 15 minutes each. It combines the energy and production efficiencies of pre-engineered building and energy systems that work together as a “smooth-running hybrid green machine for living.”

In addition to the containers, the project includes a Butler pre-engineered steel building with cargo container storage, using 22-inch “solar tubes” for natural lighting, and features a perforated metal shade canopy wrapping the container’s roof, along with south-facing steel walls and a dramatic 20-foot high outside living space, a solar breezeway that moderates and directs air flow through the container spaces for passive cooling.

There’s a “living” roof with desert plants watered with gray water. Rainwater is harvested from the rooftop for plant watering as well. Using an innovative steel framework, the project’s insulation system exceeds California energy code requirements by an impressive 50 percent. Even better, finished construction costs, according to Ecotech, came in at $150 per square foot—quite reasonable for new construction.

With their 20 and 40-foot standard sizes, and reasonable costs (we recently purchased a 20 foot container for storage of 22 years of Sun Runner back issues and business records for less than $3,000 delivered), containers offer plenty of options, from office space, to an artist studio and/or gallery, extra residential space, or even a cabana poolside. Their rugged construction, required to be stacked 10 high on trans-Pacific voyages, means they’ll hold up better than wood construction in a desert environment, and should last indefinitely as long as they’re cared for properly.

Tips on using containers from those who have built with them, includes purchasing what is known as one-trip containers, those that were used for only one voyage across the Pacific, were unloaded, and then sold instead of being shipped back across the ocean. They’re more expensive than well used containers, but are less prone to rust, dents, and damage. Knowing building codes for container construction is crucial, and working with a contractor who is familiar with modular construction is also important.

How to properly frame, insulate, and provide structural support is critical as well. But done properly, cargo containers can be reasonably priced commercial or residential space that is both rugged and attractive.

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Get all the information at www.sunrunnersw.com

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Three Towns/Named Dale

The Tasty Tortoise favorite plates from around the hi -desert

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he Tortoise recently stumbled across a new fun food find out here in the hi-desert. And this time it came in the form of a sports bar— Fans Sports Bar & Grill, on Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms.

Normally, we don’t associate truly tasty, house-made grub with sports bars, but Fans pulls it off. Kyle and Vickie, the owners, ensure that while the menu is limited, it satisfies, whether you arrive for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

We tried the wings, and the bourbon barbeque and tequila mango flavors were quite tasty. Fans of Fans rave about their burgers, and their pizza looked enticing as well.

Add to that a frosty cold brew or cocktail, a couple of pool tables, and a back patio area, and you’ve got a great summer hangout. We’ll be back.

Fans Sports Bar & Grill 4966 Adobe Road Twentynine Palms (760) 361-0663 Closed Sundays.

by Death Valley Jim

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nce upon a time in a land of heat, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and gold, there were three towns named Dale.

In 1884, the first of the Dales sprung up 15 miles east of Twentynine Palms along the Dale Dry Lake. When word of the gold strike at the Virginia Dale Mine in the Pinto Mountains reached the town of Twentynine Palms, every miner in the region flooded the Pintos in search of their own strike. The town of Dale was direct result of this, and being a known good watering hole it briefly became the center of commerce for what was about to be become a very busy mining district.

Today it is hard to image a time when a fledgling little town once stood near the corner of Gold Crown Road and Highway 62. It is easy to fly by the original Dale town site without noticing the concrete foundation ruins of the pump house or the original Twentynine Palms five-stamp mill that was relocated to here in 1896. A short distance from the highway are the ruins of an arrastra, a primitive mill that was likely built before the installation of the five-stamp mill. The arrastra has seen better days, the concrete is cracking, it is filled with a thick layer of sand, and the wood frame above it has fallen and deteriorated. Those that look closely may still find some of the scattered lumber peeking up out of the sand.

Gone is the whorehouse, the saloon, general store, blacksmith shop, assayer’s office, and the small desert cabins that once made up the town. All in all, it is safe to say that the original Dale is for the most part a memory in the fiercely blowing winds of Wonder Valley.

What killed the original Dale were several strikes further south in the range.

The largest mine in the Dale Mining District became the Supply Mine, located seven miles southeast over difficult terrain. Additional sizeable mines in the area included the Brooklyn, OK, and Gold Crown. It only made sense to move the town closer to where the people were, and that is exactly what they did.

Water was piped in from the original Dale well, and many of the original structures were moved across the desert to the new town plot. New Dale was placed in an area with incredibly hostile terrain. Despite the setting, New Dale was a hit. Several businesses opened in the town, including a post office, and a saloon that doubled as a hotel. Stages came and went from New Dale to Amboy and Banning.

All of the area mines except for the Brooklyn Mine had closed by 1909, and New Dale was close to abandoned. A total of 41 people remained in town, and all that remained open for business was the The Shamrock and Dale Saloons, the post office, and a lonely little one room whorehouse on the hill. In 1910, Dale was declared dead.

Finding the location of New Dale can be a bit tricky. The structures that once stood at New Dale were scrapped in the 1920’s and 1930’s by area miners for use at their mining claims. The ruins that do remain are so scarce that they blend in well with their surroundings. The lone grave of the saloon keeper’s child, Carl P. McCabe, several root cellars, and a scattered array of rusty cans are all that are left.

In 1915, Dale was given its third chance to shine when the United Greenwater Corporation leased the Supply and OK Mines. The company moved the Dale post office four miles up the hill to the Supply Mine, but the third Dale was again short-lived, surviving for less than a year, as the mines closed as quickly as they had opened.

Of the three town sites, the third Dale contains the most significant structural ruins, the crumbling walls of the saloon and Post Office.

Contact in the Desert Editor/Publisher/telegraph operator: Steve Brown Assistant to the editor: Juliet, the cat Adventures Editor: Death Valley Jim Photos by: Steve Brown, Death Valley Jim, walter scott perry hi-desert living page Real Estate page coordinator: shaun kruse - 800-680-0952 Submit story ideas, photos for consideration, dining/shopping/lodging/favorite places and event photos to: tortoisetelegraph@gmail.com advertising inquiries: sunrunnerads@gmail.com or 760-820-1222 see the advertising page at www.jttortoisetelegraph.com for pricing and specs. 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 thanks for joining us!

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espite heat equal to the surface of Mercury—the part of the planet facing the sun —Contact in the Desert, held this June at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, was a cosmic success.

The roster of speakers reads like a Who’s Who in all that is alien and otherworldly: George Noory, Erich Von Daniken, Giorgio Tsoukalos, Graham Hancock, Linda Moulton Howe, David Childress, Stanton Friedman, and many more. Even local author Robin Maxwell and historian Barbara Harris were in on the action.

Our favorite was Graham Hancock who discussed lost civilizations and whether they had anything to do with ancient astronauts. Hancock is pushing the envelope of how history should be studied, incorporating geology, astronomy, and going back chronologically more than is often accepted.

If you missed it, don’t worry, we’re sure there will be another Contact in 2017: www.contactinthedesert.com.

Meet Shaun Kruse, the contact for quality one-trip shipping/storage containers in the hi-desert. Shaun says he has a dozen or more people stopping at his office every day, shopping for a container, who are also seeking land or homes to buy. He invites hi-desert real estate agents and contractors to introduce themselves and leave their cards at his Joshua Tree location. Call for an appointment: (760) 808-2090.

The 3rd Edition of The Joshua Tree Gateway Communities Visitor Guide is coming soon! Don’t miss out! You can get a free basic listing for your restaurant, lodging facility, or events venue. Deadline is July 30.

For advertising information, e-mail: publisher@sunrunnersw.com or call (760) 820-1222.

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Hi-Desert Happenings Independence Day Pi-Town Chili Throwdown & Shodeo (Stick Horse Rodeo) Bring your own bowl and spoon and head on down to Pi-town for their annual Pi-Town Chili Throwdown & Shodeo. $10 admission gets you chili tasting, though shodeo riders and cook-off participants get in free.

Gates open at 5 p.m., the Shodeo Parade starts at 5:30, and the chili cook-off at 6, with awards for the cook-off and shodeo at 8. Shodeo categories include best in show, most original, best imitation of a bronc ride, barrel race, adult and kid fastest time, partners, themed, matching, and dressage best routine dance with your horse.

For info: carrie@thedesertlilly.com. Can’t miss the location right on Mane Street in beautiful downtown Pioneertown.

City of Twentynine Palms Annual 4th of July Celebration The hi-desert’s biggest Independence Day celebration begins at 6 p.m., July 4. Live music by Desert Sol Band, vendors, games, face painting, water slides, bounce house, pool entry discounts, watermelon eating contest, and more. Celebrate 29 years in 29 Palms with free cake and other goodies, plus tons of tasty treats to buy – Hawaiian shave ice, funnel cakes, tacos, and carne asada fries. Luckie Park, Twentynine Palms.

4th of July Fireworks Show & Celebration Presented by the Rotary Club and Town of Yucca Valley, this 33rd annual Independence Day celebration runs from 6 to 10 p.m. There’s entertainment, food, crafts, and fun, with fireworks at 9 p.m. No outside food, alcohol, or pets allowed. Brehm Youth Sports Park at Little League and Palm Avenue, Yucca Valley.

Theatres Theatre 29 73637 Sullivan Road, Twentynine Palms Summer Youth Theatre program, July 5-August 7.

Tickets and information are available at www.theatre29.org, or call (760)361-4151.

Hi-Desert Cultural Center 61231 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree July 8-10: Joshua Tree International Improv Comedy Festival. Friday’s Opening Night Gala features Identity Crush, The Very Nick & Zach Show, ScubaGuyz, and The Fireturtles. Saturday features a new improv act every 30 minutes from 3-11 p.m. Stand-up Comedy Sunday, with new act every 15 minutes from 3:15-8 p.m., followed by festival awards. No host bar and food trucks available. Some material may be R rated. Comedy workshops also available. For info and tickets: www.jtimprovfestival.org.

Summer Youth Theater: Shrek the Musical Jr., open to grades 3-12. Begins July 11, runs weekdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., culminating in performances August 1113. Participants must attend all classes, rehearsals, and performances. $100, financial aid available. www.hidesertculturalcenter.org or (760)366-3777.

St. Joseph’s Players St. Joseph of Arimathea Church, 56312 Onaga Trail, Yucca Valley The Nerd. Through July 17. Tickets are $9-$11.

For more information, call (760)362-9319.

Art 29 Palms Art Gallery 74055 Cottonwood Drive, Twentynine Palms Guild Members Summer Show, June 29-July 31. Reception: July 10, noon-3 p.m.

(760)367-7819, www.29palmsartgallery.com 29 Palms Inn 73950 Inn Avenue, Twentynine Palms (760)367-3505, www.29palmsinn.com 29 Palms Creative Center 6847 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms (760)361-1805, www.29palmsart.com Local hi-desert artists, art classes and art parties.

Kids Summer Art Camp, July 25-29, ages 7-14.

29 Palms Visitor Center & Art Gallery 73484 29 Palms Hwy., Twentynine Palms

Desert Oasis, July 1-September 30. Opening reception: July 1, 5:30-7 p.m. featuring Joshua Tree Philharmonic Orchestra.

Gallery 62 61871 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree www.hwy62arttours.org/gallery62.php July 2: Featured artist for July: Mark Spangenberg.

Beatnik Lounge July 9: Home Sweet Home. Reception: 6-11 p.m.

61597 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree. (760)475-4860 JTAG (Joshua Tree Art Gallery) 61607 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree (760)366-3636, www.joshuatreeartgallery.com Hi-Desert Nature Museum Yucca Valley Community Center, 57116 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley Framed: Step Into Art exhibit. This exhibit transports visitors to a world where paintings leap off the canvas and invite children inside the art experience where they may ride a giant chicken, set up camp in the Canadian Rockies, or prepare dinner for hungry farmers. July 21: Brown Bag Lunch Lecture – A.G. Vasquez, The Rocks Speak: Understanding Indigenous Science and Technology. $5, noon. July 30: Family Fun Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

(760)369-7212, www.hidesertnaturemuseum.org Art Colony of Morongo Valley Covington Park, 11165 Vale Drive, Morongo Valley.

(760)792-1238, www.artcolonyofmorongovalley.com Music 29 Palms Inn 73950 Inn Avenue, Twentynine Palms (760)367-3505, www.29palmsinn.com Live music nightly. Our July pick: The Shady Rest Band, July 29.

Pappy & Harriets Pioneertown Palace 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown (760)365-5956, www.pappyandharriets.com Upcoming: July 2: Robert Rex Waller, Jr. & Big Memphis Hair, July 16: Jesika Von Rabbit & Death Valley Girls, July 22: Mike Stinson, July 28: Mojave Sky. Regularly scheduled: Open mic on Mondays, The Shadow Mountain Band opening for other acts most Saturdays, The Hot Fudge 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 July 22-23: Holly Miranda. Regularly scheduled: Open Jam Tuesdays with Ted Quinn, karaoke Wednesday and Friday nights, live music Saturday nights, Punk Rock Thursday, second Thursdays.

Kokopelli’s Kantina 57154 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley July 8: The Whiskey Blues Band.

Landers Brew Company 388 Golden Slipper Lane, Landers.

(760)623-6300, www.landersbrew.com.

Willie Boy’s 50048 29 Palms Hwy., Morongo Valley (760)363-3343, www.willieboys.com Health & Healing, Desert Living 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.

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Are you a home improvement contractor, landscaper, or service provider who takes pride in your work?

If so, advertise in the Tortoise Telegraph’s Hi-Desert Living section and get results!

Contact Shaun: 800-680-0952 for rates and listing information

Looking for a Container to Buy? Have a Container to Sell?

This section reserved for: Private parties selling their container or Looking to buy a 20’ or 40’ container Contact Shaun: 800-680-0952 for rates and listing information 8