Morongo Basin Original Archives - Morongo Basin Original

Seeing the human race instead of seeing humans.

We talk about humans as a whole, the group of homo sapiens that are generally recognized on this planet as the highest of the intelligent species. And within that sameness we are separated into categories, all of which should be harmlessly useful. There's nothing wrong with recognizing that people can be identified with common characteristics, that they share cultural or geographical or physical similarities. But always be mindful that having common characteristics doesn't ever make people all the same. Attributing a trait to every member of a group is lazy and dangerous thinking. The…

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August 7, 2021

Morongo Basin Spirit

Morongo Basin Original Action Alert: Angela Mia Torres

It gives us so much pleasure to share examples of the care that Morongo Basin Originals extend to the world around them. ANGELA MIA TORRES, our MBO for December 2020, recently lent her heart, hands, and skills to design and direct the building of a community potting shed, a collaborative humanitarian effort between Mil-Tree Veteran Project and Joshua Tree Folk School. So much good comes from these volunteer marines, veterans, and civilians, who all make the world better by spreading their love across the community without bias. THIS is the spirit of the Morongo…

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June 29, 2021

Morongo Basin Spirit / Official Morongo Basin Originals

Jennifer Ruggiero, March 2021 Morongo Basin Original

It gives us great pleasure to name Jennifer Ruggiero the March 2021 Morongo Basin Original. There are many multi-talented artists and technicians in the Basin who follow their own lights, and Jennifer is certainly one of those. She is accomplished and acclaimed in both still photography and film and is an experienced media arts teacher. She plays jazz flute as well. Enjoy browsing her work and follow her on Instagram at jennifer_ruggiero_photography. But what specifically qualifies Jennifer as a Morongo Basin Original this month is the care she enacts for the land and community…

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April 1, 2021

Morongo Basin Spirit

Choose better for the win!

This morning we're investigating some new services software, and we're delighted to find our company of choice supports the following humanist efforts, among others: The Black Girls Codex introduces programming and technology to a new generation of coders, who will become builders of technological innovation and of their own futures. Global Witness exposes human rights abuses and environment scandals with roots in corrupted practices. Searching for Bonobo in Congo, Dr Terese Hart‘s efforts of conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With internet transparency, it's not that hard to put a tinch more effort…

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March 27, 2021

Morongo Basin Spirit / Official Morongo Basin Originals

Tommy Dodson, February 2021 Morongo Basin Original

We're so pleased to announce that our Morongo Basin Original for February 2021 is Tommy Dodson. Tommy, a Morongo Valley resident, is, at first blush, extraordinary for his music career, which showed promise when he was only four years old and has continued all his life, at one point taking him around the world as an acclaimed cruise ship and cabaret performer. His repertoire includes classical piano, rock 'n roll, and jazz. He is a popular performer in and around the Coachella Valley and up and down the California coast, from Los Angeles to…

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March 1, 2021

Morongo Basin Spirit

Some Morongo Basin Basic Good Thoughts

Thank you to Morongo Basin Original Janis Commentz for sharing this message of positivity for 2021. How can we create a better 2021? This has been one of the toughest times I remember—and what stands out is relationships. We must recognize that we process things differently. During my three decade teaching career at an alternative high school, we focused on students’ unique needs and finding ways to individualize instruction. Now, I try to recognize the rare and valuable qualities of those people who, for whatever reason, are in my path. When we disagree, I…

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February 19, 2021

Morongo Basin Spirit

Looking ahead with humanity

By definition, humanity means collectively all humans. The word is derived from the Latin humanitas which means "human nature, kindness." So the nature of all humans is by default assumed to be kindness. Let me repeat that: the nature of humanity is by default assumed to be kindness. We've seen a lot of American humans, in a 4 year mudslide of glorified self-absorption, act impulsively and selfishly, justifying their needs and demands through willful ignorance and magical thinking. We've seen a lot of Americans behaving like spoiled children, given encouragement and protection by bullies…

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January 31, 2021

Official Morongo Basin Originals

Angela Mia Torres, Morongo Basin Original for December 2020

The Artists LeFey are pleased to name Angela Mia Torres as December's Morongo Basin Original. What makes Mia stand out to us is that many extraordinary qualities come together in her: she is an innovative artisan, a fine crafter, a community organizer, an activist, a reliable support, and a good friend. She cares without discrimination for people, animals, and the environment. The Artists LeFey met Mia when she championed the revival of the dormant Joshua Tree Pride celebration, drawing together poets and actors and singers and speakers and parade-goers and cooks and servers and…

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January 1, 2021

Official Morongo Basin Originals

Janis Commentz, November 2020 Morongo Basin Original

The Artists LeFey are delighted to celebrate Janis Commentz as November 2020’s Morongo Basin Original. A resident of Joshua Tree, Janis exemplifies Morongo Basin Spirit as an artist, educator, and humanitarian. We are impressed with her generous and innovative spirit and with how wide she throws the net that includes who deserves the love, service, compassion, and justice that she offers and promotes. A woman of faith, Janis continually makes it clear that she lives according to the dictates of her own conscience and resists being dictated to even by people she loves and…

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November 29, 2020

Official Morongo Basin Originals

Rolo Castillo, October 2020 Morongo Basin Original

We're happy to celebrate Rolo Castillo as October 2020's Morongo Basin Original. A resident of Joshua Tree, Rolo brings a lifelong appreciation of diversity and the arts to the high desert Basin. As an entrepreneur and self-proclaimed Graphic Dictator, Rolo creates art, and also invests in promoting and creating opportunities for others without adverse bias. With Joshua Tree's Taylor Junction and Arttrap Gallery and a hand in area shows and festivals, Rolo is a virtual center of positivity. Exemplifying Morongo Basin Spirit with an attitude of true appreciation for others in all their variety,…

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October 11, 2020

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