Pappy's is under new ownership
Flamingo Heights glamping site might be a wash, Joshua Tree unveils its new climbing management plan, and live music returns to JT
Hello from California’s high desert. Fingers crossed that the wind will die down one of these days and I can actually sit outside without being blown away.
The big rumor swirling on Facebook this week was about Pappy & Harriet’s, the saloon-turned-live-music-venue-turned-tourist-hotspot up in Pioneertown. Every couple of years it seems the rumor that Robyn Celia and Linda Krantz, the owners, have sold off the place. Well, this time it, unfortunately, is true.
I reached out to Robyn and Linda in addition to the general Pappy & Harriet’s email to hopefully get some insight as to why they are selling now, who the new owners are, and what their plans might be for it. I didn’t get a response, but the hosts of the Celluloid Stardust Series Drive-in Theater (Seth, mainly), confirmed that Robyn and Linda were taking a step back after pouring their hearts and souls into the place for the last 19 years. After wishing them well, Seth went over how drastically they’ve altered the live music scene here in Joshua Tree and what phenomenal impacts they’ve had on our community. I started tearing up.
Then, yesterday, Guillermo Prieto further confirmed the news in the Coachella Valley Independent. Prieto had attended a private event aptly called “R&L’s Last Supper” which featured a live performance from Thrift Store All Stars and counted a who’s who of the desert music scene among its attendants.
Details on the new owners are still pretty sparse, so we don’t know what will become of the music venue, or whether it will remain a music venue at all. When I stopped by this weekend, all seemed as normal as could be given currently COVID-19 restrictions, but there was something in the air I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
I sincerely hope the new owners keep Robyn and Linda’s spirit alive and continue to bring incredible musicians to our community. Imagining my first post-vaccination Pappy’s concert has been getting me through the last several months, and I have a feeling I’m not the only one.
If you hear anything or have any additional information about Pappy’s new owners, please feel free to send me an email at megan.hernbroth@gmail.com
Now, onto this week’s news:
Flamingo Heights residents received notice of a proposed “glamping” site east of CA-247 in a major wash zone.
The site applied for up to 75 glamping sites on the 640-acre site, with additional facilities to “support the campers,” according to the notice. That includes a restaurant and bar, a trail system, and undefined “recreational facilities.”
According to one filing, it also plans to create a helipad for guests arrive by helicopter. It has also indicated that it would host at least one music festival per year that could accommodate up to 25,000 guests.
The notice does not mention the organization’s plan for disposal of hazardous waste or implementing Leave No Trace Principals for its guests.
Community members attended a hearing on Tuesday to voice concerns over the site, which could contribute to traffic and impact the delicate ecosystem. This is just one of several proposed glamping sites in the area.
Public comment can be sent to Contract Planner Jim Morrissey by April 26, according to the notice. Residents can contact Morrissey at (909) 387-4234 or via email at jim.morrissey@lus.sbcounty.gov. You will have to reference the parcel number (0692-181-01) and project ID (PROJ-2020-00191) in your comment.
Joshua Tree National Park is currently accepting public feedback for the proposed changes to its Climbing Management Plan.
NPS officials are creating a new plan because the climbing management practices established in the 1995 General Management Plan and the 2000 Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan are not sufficient to address current and future regulatory and resource management needs.
Some of the proposed plan’s objectives include identifying access routes for heavily used formations and ensure approaches to climbing formations avoid sensitive cultural sites and natural resources, ensuring fixed anchors in wilderness meet the provisions of Section 4(C) of the Wilderness Act, and clarifying the roles and expectations of professional guides and special use permit holders, including a determination of the necessity for their operation in Wilderness. It also incorporates Native feedback into the use of areas traditionally used by tribes.
Of note, highlining and slacklining have not been evaluated for their appropriateness at the park.
You can submit your feedback on the proposed plan changes here.
Joshua Tree Music Festival is kicking off a new series of outdoor concerts called Music is the Soul of Life this weekend.
Capacity is strictly limited to abide by current COVID guidelines and allow for the safe physical distancing of guests. Tickets are sold by the pod, and each 8x8ft pod can accommodate up to four people. Pods will be assigned as you arrive, your whole party must be there to enter the event.
Steve Poltz is performing this Friday and Saturday with special guest Tom Freund. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Check out the Joshua Tree Music Festival site for future performances and to purchase tickets.
Pupdate of the week: Alice officially started the 5-week obedience training course up at Blue Barn Ranch last weekend. Kathi, the owner, said it was one of the biggest classes she’s ever seen. I guess everyone else also thought getting a pandemic puppy was a good idea.
Trail tip of the week: It’s officially time to start looking for hikes outside Joshua Tree National Park due to congestion and the heat! Big Morongo Canyon has some shaded trails, but always make sure to pack salty snacks if you’re planning to be outside for more than an hour. Snacks with higher salt content help with dehydration!
Book of the week: I recently started Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker and can’t put it down. The true story follows the lives of the Galvin family, a post-war family of 12, as they come to terms with six children getting diagnosed with schizophrenia. It charts the family’s journey alongside that of modern psychology and looks at how this family has greatly influenced how we understand severe mental illness today.
Show of the week: I jumped the gun last week in saying the Oscars were last Sunday, so my apologies if you were disappointed when they didn’t happen! They are, in fact, this Sunday. I am planning to watch Minari on Amazon later this week because everyone that’s seen it has raved about it!
Small business of the week
After a short hiatus, Pie for the People is back in business in Yucca Valley. The extremely unique menu is still intact, and the new spot has significantly increased capacity from its former Joshua Tree location.
I am still working my way through trying every specialty pizza on the menu, so Pie for the People is a weekly staple in our house. They offer gluten-free and cauliflower crusts, plus tons of appetizers and entrees (the wings are worth trying).
Pie for the People is located at 58960 Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley.
That’s it for this week! I hope you all have a splendid Earth Day tomorrow. Celebrate by getting outside!
- Megan