Wonder Valley rocks Hi Desert Fringe

Wonder Valley's own Kevin Bones has entered a play he wrote in the Hi Desert Fringe festival. Performing in the play are Kate Lee Short, and Grey Hill, both of Wonder Valley.

The festival takes place August 24, 25, and 26, at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center. For times, and tickets, visit:
https://www.hidesertfringe.org/

Three women are producing the festival: Dawn Davis, Miri Hunter, and Ann Van Haney. Dawn Davis occasionally works at The Palms in Wonder Valley, and Miri Hunter is a resident of Wonder Valley.

Thank you, everyone, for sharing Wonder Valley's talent with the world.

COUNTY FIRE MEETING

Folks, before I say anything else I'm going to ask you to 

SHARE this information with EVERYONE you know 

in the unincorporated areas of the Morongo Basin.

Get on the phone, text, the Googles, Facebook..., share like you've never shared before.

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend and participate in a community meeting called by

FIRE CHIEF MARK HARTWIG from 

COUNTY FIRE

(and other public officials)

Who will present on the proposed expansion of Fire Protection District 5, 

which would include a tax of $157.26 per parcel.

4:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Wonder Valley Community Center

80526-½ Amboy Road (next to the palm tree cell tower)

Wonder Valley CA 92277

For more information, call Teresa Sitz at (760) 367-9889, or

write to teresa.sitz@gmail.com.

County Fire just notified us today, Thursday, August 2, 

so there is not enough time to get the meeting notice into the local paper. 

Therefore it is important that you share this event with everyone you know.

Call someone and tell them about this meeting.

Didn't see this until now...

I was looking up the boundaries of Wonder Valley at the San Bernardino County LAFCO site and found this:

San Bernardino County Fire Protection District - Service Zone FP-4 (Wonder Valley)
Report Created: 1/22/2018

"The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District reorganized in July 2008 and created the South Desert Regional Service Zone. The South Desert Regional Service Zone is a component unit of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, in which the County Board of Supervisors is the board of directors of the district. Within the South Desert Regional Service Zone, Service Zone FP-4 Wonder Valley special tax was originally authorized by the Board of Supervisors in August 1972 (originally under CSA 70 M Zone FP-4). Service Zone FP-4 provides fire protection services to the community of Wonder Valley. These services are funded by a special tax of $30 per parcel with an annual 1.5% cost of living increase as approved by the voters in June 2005. The current special tax rate is $34.82 per parcel. Services had previously been provided through Fire Station #45. However, this fire station will be closing due to lack of funding and future services will be provided by the nearest available fire station. Data for 2012 is not available as there was a change in interpretation of reporting standards which returned in 2013. Additional information on the District can be accessed via the link below."

There was nothing official until now.

Lightning Storm

Lisa Manifold, the July Artist of the Month at the Wonder Valley Community Center, caught this amazing display in the wee hours of July 18, 2018. I believe this is lightning hitting the Bullion Mountains in Wonder Valley.

Come see Manifolds art hanging at the WVCC through the end of the month.

Wonder Valley August Artist of the Month | Joe Barrett

Joe Barrett is a local photographer and videographer who has loaned his expertise to the developing interest in Hazel I. Stiles’ Volcanic Gardens | Sermons in Stone.

Sermons in Stone is a text-based art project created by Wonder Valley homesteader Hazel I Stiles sometime in the 1980's. The text references both religion and patriotism, but is complicated by her vast personal readings and oblique references to Shakespeare and religious poets like Charles Barlow. The text was laid out meticulously -- stone by stone -- and can really only be read from above. The project covers an area of land about 300’ - 150’. Hazel’s personal story is interesting in itself and mirrors the disappointments that drive so many people out to this harsh land.

Ten photographs of the project, and 10 minutes of stunning drone footage, will be featured at the Wonder Valley Community Center, through August.

Joe Barrett will speak about his work on this project, drone photography, and videography, starting at 11 a.m., on Saturday, August 4th, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, in Wonder Valley. Ken Sitz, his project partner, will also speak on Sermons in Stone, and the process that has taken place in bringing this homestead art to the public eye.

Everyone is welcome to come, enjoy the artwork, join the discussion, and ask questions.

ARTIST’S BIO

After serving in the US Air Force, Joe Barrett worked in the film industry in Los Angeles in several positions, including Production Design, Camera Operator, and Director. Active and involved in multiple artistic projects, Joe was sidelined in 2015 by the rare and debilitating disease, transverse myelitis. Retreating to the Morongo Basin, his long-time home away from home, Joe worked on his recovery, and turned to photography and video. He eventually bought land in Wonder Valley and transformed the remains of a derelict homestead cabin into one of the area’s most popular and unique HipCamps -- the Edge of the Wilderness.

In time, and with a lot of work, Joe got back on his feet - literally, and began shooting videos for local musicians and bands. Through these he became familiar with our harsh terrains, which he embraced, and optimized to emphasize human form and talent, making expert, and stunning, use of drone photography.

Joe met Ken Sitz at the local watering hole -- The Palms, and the two became friends. When Ken became interested in exploring Hazel Stiles’ homestead art project, long neglected and mostly forgotten, Ken turned to Joe for assistance in framing the project in a way that was more accessible to the public. Joe and his team spent many days on site photographing and filming this challenging project, which is best seen from above.

Joe’s latest video for Spectra Records recording artists, Firebug may be seen at the link below. The song is “Follower”, and was filmed almost entirely in Wonder Valley.
https://youtu.be/L8H7FirQyKY

Salvation Army Food Distribution

The Salvation Army Food Distribution takes place starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, CA 92277. The Community Center is located between the Fire Station and the palm tree cell tower.

The distribution is first come first served, and ends when there is no more food. The distribution is open to Wonder Valley residents, who self-certify on site. No documentation is required, though you will need to fill out a form the first time you attend.

Starting in July the distribution will be “shopping style,” so bring a bag, and take what you like from a selection of food from Trader Joe’s. Please be mindful that people behind you need food, as well, and only take what you need. There may also be a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.

A Salvation Army worker will be present to help people apply for Energy Assistance Funds (EAF) in partnership with Southern California Edison and the United Way. This program provides up to $100 towards a SoCal Edison bill for those who qualify. This program is open to anyone in the Morongo Basin, not just Wonder Valley residents. To qualify you will need three things:

1. An appointment. There are 10 appointments available this month. Call Teresa Sitz at 760-367-9880 for an appointment. Be sure to keep your confirmation number.
2. Your most recent Southern California Edison bill.
3. Your most recent proof of income.

Appointments will be scheduled starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, CA 92277. The Community Center is located between the Fire Station and the palm tree cell tower.

Experimental Sound, July 14, The Palms

It will be an evening of experimental sound starting at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, July 14th, at The Palms, 83131 Amboy Road in Wonder Valley. Phog masheeen headlines. Omninaut hales from the Netherlands, and Usufruct! from Wonder Valley.
   
The Kate Short Experience will regale us with accordion.

The event, as well as camping, is free, though donations for gas are much appreciated.