Jef Harmatz
Verified- News Director, KCDZ-FM (Twentynine Palms, CA)
- Co-Host, Z107.7 Morning Show with Cody and Jef
Los Angeles
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Articles by Jef Harmatz
Veterans Day Tribute expresses gratitude to service members here in the Morongo Basin
The Veteran’s Day celebration was started by the Marine Corps Color Guard 0:00 / 0:00 The Town of Yucca Valley hosted the Morongo Basin Veterans Tribute on Wednesday (November 11) on the north side of the Yucca Valley Community Center. Held in partnership with the City of Twentynine Palms, the event brought out hundreds of veterans and supporters from across the community.
Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter on Up Close Show this Friday (11/6)
On Friday’s episode of the Z107.7 Up Close Show, we’ll be talking about the Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter and their fundraising art show this weekend. Guests Dr. Mirona D. Petrus, Shelter Board President and Supervising/Consulting Veterinarian, Aly Johnson vet tech / lead of animal care, and Z107.7’s own Lee Joseph board member, Paws for Art show organizer/curator will talk about the shelter’s history, the shelter’s future and the show that brings heavy hitting visual artists to the Morongo Basin.
Updating: Midterm Election Results for State, County and local measures
Updated as of 7:07 a.m.: In races counted by California state, 99.8% of precincts are partially reporting as of 5 a.m. November 4. Xavier Becerra is predicted to be the next Governor of California, with Fiona Ma as Lieutenant Governor. In other California State leadership roles, early ballot counting shows Shirley Weber as Secretary of State, Malia M.
Lovemore Ranch returns to San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday (11/3)
Meeting Information San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Date & Time Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM Location Covington Chambers 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meets in regular session on Tuesday (11/3). The Board will hold a public hearing on the Lovemore development in Joshua Tree.
Yucca Valley hosting Morongo Basin Veterans Tribute on November 11
The Morongo Basin is home to thousands of active and former members of the military, and two upcoming programs will honor those who have served. The Town of Yucca Valley announced last week that they will host the Morongo Basin Veterans Tribute on November 11. Held in partnership with the City of Twentynine Palms, the annual event alternates between the two communities each year and honors the men and women who have served our country.
San Bernardino County approves controversial update to mining and land reclamation ordinances
0:00 / 0:00 At their meeting on Tuesday (October 20), the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing and approved an amendment to the San Bernardino County Development Code related to local surface mining.
County Board of Supervisors expected to approve mining ordinance changes that cedes approvals to Federal authorities
Meeting Information San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Date & Time Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM Location Covington Chambers 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meets in regular session on Tuesday (October 20). The Board will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to mining project approvals. The issue first came before the Board of Supervisors on August 18, and the language of the update has changed since it was first presented.
Come shoot at the Hi Desert Rod & Gun Club’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Hi-Desert Rod & Gun Club co-founder Mel Flint That’s the sound of me hitting a target with the help of Mel Flint and his Ruger .22 rifle at the Hi Desert Rod & Gun Club in Morongo Valley. The gun range celebrates its 50th anniversary of providing a safe place to shoot for training and recreation. I visited the range and spoke with Mel Flint, one of the Hi Desert Rod & Gun Club’s original members.
California Fish and Game Commission begin four-day meeting on Tuesday (10/13)
Meeting Information California Fish and Game Commission Date & Time Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM The California Fish and Game Commission meets this week, over the course of four days beginning on (Tuesday) October 13. During Tuesday’s session, the Commission is expected to discuss changes regarding new regulations for the commercial use and display of native rattlesnakes.
County BOS Agenda: Special road districts in unincorporated areas could be dissolved
Meeting Information San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Date & Time Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM Location Covington Chambers 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meets in regular session on Tuesday (October 6). On the agenda is the expected approval of co-funding for a Yucca Valley road project. The County may contribute $48,000 towards a pavement rehabilitation project on Aberdeen Drive.
Rattlesnakes receive new state regulations around wrangling and commercial uses
The California Fish and Game Commission is updating their regulations for commercial rattlesnake wrangling and exhibition. Rattlesnakes, though venomous, are very frequently used for commercial purposes. That means they featured in film or television or used in safe-handling and dog-aversion courses. The State of California proposed new and amended regulations to protect commercially used rattlesnakes. That includes care, housing, handling and safety standards.
Zumba, meditation and live music this Sunday at the Holistic Health Fair in Twentynine Palms
0:00 / 0:00 Now in it’s a second year, the Friends of the Historic Plaza are bringing back their “Holistic Health Fair” on Sunday (September 27) Designed as a welcoming space for curiosity and connection, the Fair brings together holistic practitioners, healers, and wellness educators offering opportunities for movement, rest, learning, and reflection.
San Bernardino County Board agenda: Yucca Valley Fire Station easement expected to be approved
Meeting Information San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Date & Time Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM Location Covington Chambers 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meets in regular session Tuesday morning (September 22). The County is expected to grant an easement to the Southern California Gas Company on the property set for a new fire station in Yucca Valley.
Visit 29 has $200,000 in Twentynine Palms event grants and wants to show you how to claim it
Visit 29 Palms, the City of Twentynine Palms’ Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) provides grants for event organizers with the intent of creating bigger and better events that will draw additional tourists to the City’s hotels.
Proposed 33-room expansion of Landers hotel seeks zoning change for 10 acre lot
Meeting Information San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Date & Time Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM Editor’s note: Both the County’s Land Use Services and Board of Supervisor’s agenda list the Landers property as the “Lonely Dove,” while subsequent searches for the currently operating hotel only has results for the “Lonesome Dove.” We’ve reached out to all parties involved for clarification ahead of the Tuesday meeting.
Town of Yucca Valley seeking public comments on proposed public art
0:00 / 0:00 The Town of Yucca Valley is seeking comment on a large-scale artwork proposed for the space in front of the library. The space was created to host rotating sculptures from local artists in a prominent location at the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Old Woman Springs Road. In previous years it has hosted pieces from Gubby Beck and Chad La Fever. A new piece is being considered for a more extensive stay, this time from Yucca Valley Artist Philip Miller.
MUSD meeting Tuesday (8/25) to review report from Enrollment Committee
The Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees is holding a study session to review a report from their enrollment committee. The Morongo Unified School District’s (MUSD) Enrollment Committee was made up of parents, district employees, teacher and business representatives, and other community members who were charged with the task of assessing declining enrollment numbers across the district.
Sunspot JT seeking artists and makers for “Season 1” starting on Sept. 12
The Sunspot is kicking off a new season of arts and creativity in downtown Joshua Tree, and they want you to get involved. Sunspot is an artist store and a community resource hub located in Joshua Tree. Built by local artists, Sunspot is an artist collective that sells and displays work from local artists, all of whom help mind the physical space as well.
Western Joshua Tree take permits increase 92% in first fiscal report from CDFW
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued a report on their Western Joshua Tree conservation efforts for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. This is the second year that the CDFW has tracked data related to incidental take permits and conservation efforts. The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act requires that reports be issued presenting data from each fiscal year, and this year’s report is the first to be issued.
County approves $3.5 million for improvements to Sunburst Park in Joshua Tree
Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County Special Districts A contract for improvement work at Sunburst Park was approved at Tuesday’s (August 18) meeting of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. As part of their consent agenda, the Board of Supervisors approved a construction bid for approximately $3.5 million for improvements to Sunburst Park in Joshua Tree. The contract was awarded to Three Peaks Corp., a construction company based in Calimesa.
Simi Dabah Sculpture Foundation on Up Close Show this Friday (8/21)
Beloved local metal artist Simi Dabah passed away earlier this year at the age of 99. He leaves behind hundreds of large sculptures at various locations across the Morongo Basin, including many at his sculpture garden in Joshua Tree. On Friday’s episode of the Z107.7 Up Close Show, guest host Jef Harmatz will speak with William Savage and Larry Bowden, board members of the Simi Dabah Sculpture Foundation. Tune in to the Up Close Show Friday morning at 10 a.m. for all things Simi Dabah.
Twentynine Palms tourism board meets Thursday to review 2026-27 events and programming
The Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board meets in regular session on Thursday afternoon (August 20). The Advisory Board will review and potentially approve their 2026-2027 “Visit 29 Palms” Events programing. If approved, the Board will codify new approaches to funding programs and events in Twentynine Palms in support of the TBID’s goal of increasing tourism.
San Bernardino County looks to cede mining approvals to Federal authorities
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meets in regular session on Tuesday (August 18) at 10:00 a.m. The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on their continued revisions to mining approvals within the County. The County’s report describes the changes to mining approvals as an update to legislation that has been in place since 2007. In July, the County Planning Commission held a public hearing on the changes.
San Bernardino County CARE Court offers alternative pathways to mental health services
Local Third District Representative and Chair of the County Board of Supervisors Dawn Rowe was a guest on a recent episode of the Z017.7 Up Close Show. Host Gary Daigneault asked Rowe about the County’s involvement in the CARE Act. The County describes the program as a new pathway to deliver mental health services to the people who are severely impacted by mental health issues, including people who are unhoused or incarcerated. Rowe said, “CARE is an acronym.
County Board of Supervisors agenda: Landers Special Roads District, “nuisance” Joshua Tree campsite
Supervisor Hagman is expected to be present at this week’s meeting of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. The Board returns from a month off with a regular meeting Tuesday morning (August 4.) They will hold a public hearing regarding a campsite in Joshua Tree that neighbors have described as a nuisance. The County’s Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit for a 7.5 acre campsite at 62076 Mercury Drive in Joshua Tree.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman under federal investigation
San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman is under federal investigation and search warrants were served at his home in Chino. ABC reports that the Federal Bureau of Investigation served search warrants at multiple locations on Tuesday (July 27), including at Supervisor Hagman’s Chino home and the Ontario Airport. Hagman represents San Bernardino County’s Fourth District, which includes Chino Hills, Montclair, Ontario, and Upland.
Adopt a new best friend during the “Dog Days of Summer”
La Luna is available for adoption! Pictured: La Luna is available for adoption at Palms-N-Paws Palms-N-Paws animal shelter in Twentynine Palms began it’s “Dog Days of Summer” Low-Cost Adoption Event, giving local families the opportunity to welcome a new four-legged companion into their homes. During this special event, adoption fees will be reduced to just $29.00.
Lawsuit filed over Cadiz pipeline poised to pump water out of Mojave Desert aquifers
Two environmental organizations filed a lawsuit against the federal government and the Trump administration related to approvals granted for a water pipeline project. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday (July 28) by the Center for Biological Diversity and Sierra Club, represented by Earthjustice and Center attorneys.
Gear swap and new musician shop The Noise Floor this Sunday in Joshua Tree
The Noise Floor is a new music shop and teaching facility opening soon in Joshua Tree – and you can go check it out yourself at an event coming up on Sunday. Jef Harmatz spoke with the musicians behind the project. Kevin Zieber and Justin Worstell are the hi-desert musicians behind the Noise Floor. It’s been under construction since April, but that hasn’t stopped to duo from starting to teach in the massive space.
If the ground is too hot for humans, it’s too hot for dogs
Molly came in 2nd and was elected Morongo Valley Dog Fire Chief Human beings aren’t the only ones bearing the brunt of the dog days of summer. Canines have to contend with a permanent fur coat and a cooling system that has to work extra hard in the hi-desert heat. If temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s probably not safe to take your dog on a long walk on pavement or asphalt. Dog paws can burn quickly, and your dog may not even realize what’s happening until it’s too late.
Can’t escape the extreme heat at home? Head to cooling centers around the hi-desert
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Thursday (July 23) that will remain in place until Monday night (July 27). They say that dangerously hot conditions are expected and temperatures could peak at 116 degrees in Twentynine Palms.
Landers Special Road District to be dissolved
The proposed property tax increase for the Landers Special road maintenance District (R-15) did not receive a majority vote, and the district will be dissolved The increase was voted on by residents as part of a ballot measure. San Bernardino County determined that the current fees were insufficient to sustain ongoing road maintenance services.
Fundraiser at Más o Menos brings in $3,760 for Morongo Basin Unity Home
A day of fundraising at Más o Menos brought in some cash for Morongo Basin Unity Home. The fundraiser held on July 13 saw the cafe donate all sales of food and drinks to the non-profit Unity Home, which provides assistance and shelter to victims of domestic violence. Sales from Más o Menos, pizza pop-up I Fall to Pizzas, and a dunk tank featuring Cody Joseph and Jef Harmatz, with dunk tank funds matched by the Joshua Tree Trading Post.
Reports of “dog poisonings” in Yucca Valley are under investigation by Sheriff’s Department
Reports of dogs being poisoned in Yucca Valley are being investigated by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Social media users have said that chicken bones laced with anti-freeze have been found in and around Yucca Valley’s Community Center park and the neighborhood surrounding the park. Some posts have said that dogs have become sick from anti-freeze and even died. On Tuesday morning (July 14) one resident placed a warning sign at the community center telling dog owners to be aware.
Cadiz pipeline poised to pump groundwater out of the Mojave Desert
A controversial pipeline in the Mojave Desert is one step closer to moving forward after a federal approval last week. On Friday (July 10), Cadiz, Inc. announced via press release that they received a new approval from the federal government on a pipeline project that could impact aquifers surrounding Joshua Tree National Park. An approval from the United States Bureau of Land Management allows Cadiz, Inc. to begin converting the Cadiz Northern Pipeline from natural gas to water conveyance.
Joshua Tree Art Crawl tonight (7/11)
This weekend’s Joshua Tree Art Crawl is bursting at the seams with fun for locals made by locals. Hey There Gallery hosts an outdoor patio summer pop up featuring food from Nice Loaves Bread, jewelry from Rock & Rapture, and authors Valerio Ventura and Gay Lawrence. There will also be a politically-themed Knock-em down game called Politiko Punk from artist Joe Alvarez. Inside, you can catch the last few weeks of Hey There’s show called “Fancy Free,” featuring the ceramic word art of Jayme Thaler.
Road maintenance will become property owner’s responsibility in some areas after road districts dissolve
Recent ballot votes regarding special service areas in the Morongo Basin were certified by the County last week, and some special service areas will soon be dissolved. Special Districts, as created by San Bernardino County, allowed property owners in certain areas to fund road maintenance and improvements via an additional property fee on their taxes. Earlier in 2026, the County gave residents of these Special Districts a choice via a special vote.
Captain Scovel discusses County’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement (HOPE) Team
On last Friday’s (June 26) episode of the Z107.7 Up Close Show, host Gary Daigneault spoke with Captain Steve Scovel of the Sheriff’s Morongo Basin Station. Daigneault asked Captain Scovel about the Morongo Basin’s unhoused community. The conversation started with a look at the Sheriff’s Community Service & Reentry Division’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team, known as the H.O.P.E. team.
Domestic violence levels spike in summer, according to Morongo Basin Unity Home
Did you know that reports of domestic violence increase when school is out of session? That’s according to Unity Home Executive Director Susanna Barnett. She oversees the Morongo Basin Unity Home which provides services and shelter to the victims of domestic violence. Barnett and Unity Home Education Coordinator Marcos Escalera were guests on a recent episode of the Z107.7 Up Close Show.
YVPC recap: acreage reversion “routine” and new mural approved
The Yucca Valley Planning Commission approved the reversion of a subdivision back to a single 9 acre property and provided updates on new businesses in town at their Tuesday night (June 23) meeting. The owners of a nine acre, 18 lot subdivision on Yucca Trail and Emerson Avenue requested that the property revert back to a single property. The property was divided into 18 separate lots in 2005, on the premise that the lots would be individually developed or sold off.
SCE: Outages in Yucca Mesa and Pioneertown a “combination of factors,” says to be prepared for more
Power outages have become a regular occurrence in the Yucca Mesa and Pioneertown areas. Southern California Edison (SCE) customers have reported several blackouts in June, with many occurring in the morning hours around noon. One Pioneertown resident told Z107.7 News that power outages have happened once a week over the last three months, and recently the frequency has increased to twice a week.
County Board agenda for 6/23: Rural road district changes
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meets in regular session on Tuesday (June 23). The Board of Supervisors is expected to approve contract extensions for law enforcement services between the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and 14 cites and towns for a total revenue amount of $249,456,769. This includes contracts with the City of Twentynine Palms for $6,220,995 and the Town of Yucca Valley for $7,435,821.
Three Pride events light up the Morongo Basin starting this afternoon (6/20)
Three Pride events are happening today here (6/20) in the Morongo Basin, The Pride Celebration kicks off at 2:00 p.m. with the 14th Annual Patio Pride Party at the Station in downtown Joshua Tree. Expect DJs Jesika, Kate, and Glen playing the most danceable tunes, hot dogs being grilled, and mocktails being served. There will be a dunk tank, surprises and more. The Station warns you to wear clothes that can withstand a drenching.
Landroid holding a free show tonight during JT Art Walk to celebrate “Constellation” release
Local band Landroid is playing a free outdoor show Saturday night (June 13) to celebrate the debut of their new record “Constellation.” Landroid joined Cody and Jef on the Z107.7 Morning Show to preview the event. Here’s Landroid’s Cooper Gillespie: “We are releasing our second record and it’s called Constellation. It comes out on Friday, June 12th, but we’re having a big release shindig at Art Queen on Saturday, June 13th. Art Queen, downtown Joshua Tree. The party’s from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m..
San Bernardino County Supervisors meet Tuesday (6/9) to discuss possible property, water and sanitation tax increases
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meets in regular session on Tuesday (June 9). On their agenda are possible tax increases for Morongo Basin communities, as well as the likely approval of funding for services in our area. The Board is expected to adopt resolutions continuing special taxes for 2026 for areas in Yucca Mesa for $25 per property per year and Wonder Valley for $5 per parcel per year. This continuance will not see any increases for taxpayers in 2026.
Art in Twentynine Palms: Last Glass Outhouse show of the season and young artists from the Creative Fields program
A new show featuring work from the hi-desert’s next generation of artists debuts tonight. Called “Don’t Get Tetanus: An Artist’s Path to Avoiding Tetanus,” the show features work student who participated in the Creative Fields program. Young artists aged 14-19 had the opportunity to work along side local professional artists over the last several months. Artists showing work tonight include Sean Billig, Keen V. Walsh, Onyx H, Sonora, Sebastian Pena, and Zaylie Lawrence.
Saturday is California Adopt-A-Pet Day with free and discounted adoptions at shelters in the hi-desert
Saturday (June 6) is California Adopt-A-Pet Day. Nothing has changed my life more or for the better than adopting our beautiful little dog Sunday from a local rescue. To celebrate California Adopt-A-Pet Day, all of the Morongo Basin’s animal shelters are celebrating with free or discounted adoptions throughout Saturday. California Adopt-A -Pet Day is hosted by a number of organizations including CalAnimals and the ASPCA.
California Direct Primary Election Voting is this Tuesday (6/2)
California voters have an opportunity to weigh in on local elections and primaries on Tuesday (June 2), as our state holds our Direct Primary Elections. This election sees some shifts in district lines. In the November 2025 election, Californians voted in favor of State Proposition 50, which authorizes State officials to redraw the district map in 2026. The initiative was designed to counteract at a federal level similar redistricting efforts in other states.
Historic Plaza holding Backyard BBQ Party this Sunday (5/31) in Twentynine Palms
The Historic Plaza in Twentynine Palms has hosted large-scale community events, and a recent City approval means there will be whole lot more. The Historic Plaza in Twentynine Palms is situated on the northwest corner of Adobe Road and Two Mile. Two rows of shops line a parking lot plaza filled with shady trees and ample room for events. The non-profit group Friends of the Historic Plaza has been hosting family-friendly, public events over the last several years.
The 75th Annual Grubstake Days continues in Yucca Valley
The community celebration will include a number of family friendly events and activities, including a carnival, live music, food, drink, and the Grubstake Days specialties that only happen in Yucca Valley. I asked Z107.7’s own Gary Daigneault to explain what exactly is a grubstake? “Well, back in the day, when a miner was going to go out to try to find gold, he would get a grub stake. Someone would stake him for the equipment, for his food, for everything he needed to take with him.
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