Z107.7 FM Up Close Show hosted by Gary Daigneault

Excessive heat warning in the Morongo Basin. Encouraging hydration, avoiding the outdoors, and checking on elderly neighbors to make sure their homes are cool and comfortable. Distance learning this school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges of working from home and children schooling at home at the same time. San Bernardino County criteria in order to reopen businesses and schools safely. Proposed expansion of Pioneertown motel to serve the tourist community. Plans to include retail and restaurant space, as well as cabins and a spa near Pioneertown motel.

In Studio Guest County Fire Chief Dan Munsey. Discussed: The FP-5 fire fee. The functions of the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Wildfires burning out of control in California. Over 7,000 fires over 10 acres in California. Level of drought playing a part in wildfires. Invasive species of natural grasses contribute to fire hazard. Creating defensible space around your home for fire safety. Encouraging neighbors to help each other maintain defensible space. Natural fires created by lightning can no longer be allowed to burn due to the hotter burn of invasive grass species. Evaluating fires that need to be put out versus fires that are acceptable to allow to burn.

Open Phone Topics: Reopening of local schools in the Morongo Unified School District. The district plans to open the school year with distance learning amid COVID-19 safety concerns. The challenges of providing all students with the technology needed to participate in distance learning. Shortage of devices due to backorders across the country as computer manufacturers scramble to meet the demand. Online learning and independent study options. Level of protection for species of Joshua Trees and desert tortoises. Firefighters battling a large fire in the Mojave National Preserve.

In Studio Guests: Morongo Unified School District Superintendent Tom Baumgarten, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre, and Dr. Erin Gustafson, San Bernardino County Acting Health Officer. Discussed: Local and county school approaches and how they are dealing with COVID-19 concerns. Ted Alejandre talks about the collaboration between all of the school districts within San Bernardino County. Every school district in the county has a unique set of circumstances. Dr. Erin Gustafson talks about the fluid situation and constant health guideline changes with the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenge of educational opportunities versus health and safety concerns. Case rates within each individual district would determine if the district could get a waiver for in person learning.

In Studio Guest: Copper Mountain College Superintendent and President Dr. Daren Otten. Discussed: Dr. Otten's first year at Copper Mountain College. True ownership of the college by community members. Copper Mountain College is the smallest college in the California Community College system. Copper Mountain College has both Career Technical Education Programs such as EMT, and Nursing, and also Degree and Transfer programs. Copper Mountain College hopes to invest in new technology and new programs. Dual enrollment available for High School students. Fulfilling college requirements while in high school. The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on Copper Mountain College enrollment and operations.

Reopening the school year during the Coronavirus pandemic. Health and safety versus right to education. Socialization and in-school classes versus distance learning and online classes. Obstacles for working parents, single parents, special education and disabled students. Politics versus public health. Trying to operate businesses outside during high summer temperatures in the desert. Resignation of local water board member after she posted racist content online. Elected officials do not have privacy when it comes to social media.

In Studio Guests Superintendent Tom Baumgarten and Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Amy Woods. Discussed: Our local schools during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Distance learning plans. The re-opening of school for the 2020-21 school year. Morongo Unified School District plans and safety protocols for continued learning, school meals, and children with disabilities and special education needs. Concerns from parents and school district employees trying to move forward with State health guidelines changing rapidly.

Call-In Guest Ken Layne, author of Desert Oracle magazine and host of Desert Oracle Radio. Ken discusses the weird American desert and his tales of lost mines, mysterious lights, missing tourists, venomous creatures, weird history and weirder people. Ken's encounters with intriguing mystics, oddballs, scientists and artists. Ken and Gary discuss the 100th episode of Desert Oracle Radio. Desert Oracle Magazine has been published for the last five years. Inspired by Ken’s collection of unique trail guides published by small publishers. Magazine began during a time when the rest of the world was falling in love with the village of Joshua Tree.

Wearing masks in public for public health. Whether or not individuals wear masks has become political. Frequent hand washing and mask wearing will help keep the virus from spreading. Questioning government is a part of the attitude of Americans. Medical professionals wear masks 12 hours a day and have proven oxygen levels do not decrease when wearing masks. Listeners comment that masks actually help with asthma and allergies due to protection from environmental allergens.

In Studio Guests: Lorrie Renne and Ed Keesling from 29 Palms Art Gallery. Discussed: Some of the challenges facing the 29 Palms Art Gallery. With the closure of the gallery due to Covid-19, rodents have taken over the building. The estimate to get rid of the rats and mice, clean everything out, and repair the damage is a minimum of $10,000. The art gallery and its new fundraising campaign.

Call-In Guests: Institute of Inquiry founder, director and lead teacher Kimberly Sikora. Instructor Kevin Bone. Students Kay Lussier and Anu Shekhlar. Discussed: The Institute of Inquiry STEM programs and arts education for the youth of the Morongo Basin. Its project-based classes integrate visual and performing arts with core subject content. In August, the Institute will offer free online classes in computer coding and video game design. The Institute’s student-written and produced 10-minute radio play “Ants” debuted for the first time on air on Z107.7 FM.

In Studio Guest: Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith. Discussed his 30 years with the National Park Service. Served as a law enforcement ranger, a park interpreter, biological technician, legislative staffer, and naturalist. Smith grew up climbing and camping in one of America’s hidden jewels, Joshua Tree National Park. Smith gave an update on the park’s status and answered questions about the park and its future.

Wearing masks during the COVID-19 crisis. Details regarding the idea of defunding the police amid the tragic death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement. San Bernardino County zero bail policy is being dropped. The prison system during the Coronavirus pandemic. Virus outbreaks among prison populations. Perpetrators of violent crimes are exempt from zero bail policy. The argument that the bail system allows someone who has money to get out of jail while a low income person cannot pay for bail.

Call-In Guests: Former San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Captain Dale Mondary and Z107.7 FM Reporter Cassidy Zimarik. Topics Discussed: Cassidy Zimarik covers a Black Lives Matter peaceful protest in Twentynine Palms. Protestors are discussing the need for important conversations to bring about change in society. Former Sheriff’s Captain Dale Mondary discussing the death of George Floyd at the hand of Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin. Mondary contrasts appropriate police training versus the method of restraint that resulted in Floyd’s death. Discussion of systemic injustice in the United States toward people of color.

In Studio Guests Yucca Valley Town Manager Curtis Yakimow and Mayor Jeff Drozd. Topics Discussed: What is going on in the Town of Yucca Valley. Programs to help residents and businesses. The struggle of not hearing from the public on Town decisions prior to decisions being made. Lack of public involvement until legislature is already in place. Sewer system project in Yucca Valley. Sales tax increase to provide additional resources for public safety and infrastructure. Upcoming budget for the Town will be affected by the pandemic.