Z107.7 FM Up Close Show hosted by Gary Daigneault Gary Daigneault

In Studio Guest President of the Friends of Joshua Tree climbers group, John Lauretig. Friends of Joshua Tree is a non-profit organization that acts as the liaison between the climbing community and the National Park service, preserving the historical tradition of climbing in Joshua Tree National Park while promoting the preservation of park ecosystems, wildlife, and endangered species.

In Studio Guest Executive Director of Joshua Tree National Park Association Jacqueline Guevera. Jacqueline was named as the association's executive director in March of 2018 after working as the Director of Public Engagement at Mojave Desert Land Trust and as a Habilitation Director at DesertArc.

In Studio Guest Congressman Jay Obernolte. The U.S. Congressman that represents District 8 of California, including our Morongo Basin. Republican Jay Obernolte, 50, was elected to replace Paul Cook, who did not run for reelection in the 2020 election. Obernolte started out in local politics in Big Bear in 2005 and was elected to the State Assembly in 2014.

In Studio Guests Wonder Valley filmmaker, videographer and musician Joseph Barrett, along with Furstwurld principals Bobby Furst and Robbi Robb. Discussed: The artistic renaissance in Joshua Tree can be traced to many serendipitous events, people, and places. Joseph Barrett is making a documentary chronicling the past and direction of those events. Arguably one of the primary highlights in that history is the creation of the remarkably quirky “Furstwurld” complex, attracting arts and artists from all over. The history of the unique facility and some of the remarkable art accomplished and in process.

In Studio Guest Park Science and Resource Chief and Acting Superintendent Jane Rodgers. Discussed: Joshua Tree National Park recently completed taking Public comment for a climbing management plan. Key issues were the impact of social trails, bolt use in wilderness, the protection of cultural sites, the future of bolting in the park, and limits on commercial user groups, among others. Questions about the climbing process and the affects of “bouldering.”

In Studio Guests Twentynine Palms Mayor Dan Mintz and City Manager Frank Luckino. Discussed: Project Phoenix with a downtown sewer system, a new museum, the Park Visitor’s Center, and so much more. Major improvements on State Route 62, and new businesses. The City of Twentynine Palms is full of the signs of progress. Mintz and Luckino outline all the changes and major improvements on their way and talk about the bright future for the 29 Palms area.