Z107.7 FM Up Close Show hosted by Gary Daigneault

Jim talks with us about the challenges and promises for the town of Yucca Valley and takes live calls from constituents. 

Jim Brakebill, the acting General Manager of the Morongo Valley Community Services District and Fire Chief of the Morongo Valley Fire Department, talks with us about a rocky year in 2021 and severe staffing shortages. He also shares the current state of the department.

Ray talks with us about how he worked his way through the ranks and was named General Manager in 2015. He also shares with us the history, magnitude, and challenges for the Twentynine Palms Water District.

Karmolette talks with us about her background, her time in the Morongo Basin, and her passion to keep the City of 29Palms blossoming. 

 Jim talks with us about the challenges facing the rural areas and their collective needs (Flamingo Heights, Johnson Valley, Landers, and Yucca Mesa)

Wayne talks about homelessness in the Morongo Basin, what services are available, who is homeless and why, and what the community can do to help.

Sandy outlines the many support programs and educational opportunities supported by the non-profit foundation.

Robin talks with us about the variety of services Reach Out Morongo Basin offers, including transportation, hot meals, counseling, and socialization for seniors.

Captain Niles talks with us about violence in schools, the recent illegal marijuana growth raids, and strategies being used to keep crime down in our growing Morongo Basin communities.

Dusastre will talk with us about our efforts of the hospitality industry in 29 Palms to attract visitors. She also touches on how to provide accommodations for visitors, and feature destinations.

Dawn and Steve take questions about redistricting, short-term vacation rentals, and illegal marijuana grows in the high desert.

Gary talks with Eva Soltes of the Lou Harrison House in Joshua Tree. Soltes was a close associate of Lou Harrison, as well as a producer, director, and performer of over 40 years. She now leads the Harrison House and its programs. 

Guests Bernard Leibov and Barbara Gothard talk with us about Boxohouse events this weekend featuring Gothard’s work inspired by the stories of early Black residents of 29 Palms. 

Wanda talks with us about a strong economic future,  betterment of the business community, challenges of Covid, and upcoming events for the town of Yucca Valley.

Lisa Lynn Morgan and Ray Rodriguez talks with us about the Joshua Tree Voice, a monthly periodical that celebrates our local culture, nature, and creative talents.

We talk with Mark Ban, Joshua Basin Water District General Manager. Mark takes questions live on the air and talks about the history, challenges, and successes of the agency that provides water for Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith talks with us about adaptations to the park, trail maintenance, and animal ecology. Discussed further in depth are topics of fire, camping, and hiking safety. This educational morning-talk keeps us up to date about our national park and its near 300 miles of trails! For camp ground reservations, visit recreation.gov

Our guest, Paul Peschel, the new general manager of the Hi-Desert Water District talks with us about water policy, conservation methods, system maintenance, etc. Paul also expands the conversation with specific details on rainfall, aquifers, and septic systems in relation to the legal system.

Guest Julian Pinder, the founder of the Pioneertown International Film Festival talks with us about the development and future of the festival.  Julian also tells us about the effort in film restoration and celebrating Western film right here in the Morongo Basin!

This is Gary Daigneault. Join me this Friday (September 10) at 10 am as I talk with Sheriff’s Captain James Porter. In July of 2021, the Sheriff’s Department launched a new Division called the Community Service & Reentry Division.   The Division aims to help residents successfully reenter our communities after their release from county jail.  The this Division is a joint effort between the She...

In Studio Guest Ryan Miller, the Brand Officer for Auto Camp. Ryan gives us the information on the new, Airstream based, luxury accommodations being readied right now on the North side of the Highway in Joshua Tree. Ryan tells us about the amenities, indoor and outdoor lounges and event spaces, curated food and beverages, a fully stocked store, and multi-levels of accommodations for up to 165 peop...