Author Archives: Jay Babcock

About Jay Babcock

I am an independent writer and editor based in Tucson, Arizona. In 2023: I publish an email newsletter called LANDLINE = https://jaybabcock.substack.com Previously: I co-founded and edited Arthur Magazine (2002-2008, 2012-13) and curated the three Arthur music festival events (Arthurfest, ArthurBall, and Arthur Nights) (2005-6). Prior to that I was a district office staffer for Congressman Henry A. Waxman, a DJ at Silver Lake pirate radio station KBLT, a copy editor at Larry Flynt Publications, an editor at Mean magazine, and a freelance journalist contributing work to LAWeekly, Mojo, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Vibe, Rap Pages, Grand Royal and many other print and online outlets. An extended piece I wrote on Fela Kuti was selected for the Da Capo Best Music Writing 2000 anthology. In 2006, I was somehow listed in the Music section of Los Angeles Magazine's annual "Power" issue. In 2007-8, I produced a blog called "Nature Trumps," about the L.A. River. From 2010 to 2021, I lived in rural wilderness in Joshua Tree, Ca.

Go Brendan!

Read the WSJ article here

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[DOLLAR GENERAL] LOCAL SENTIMENT

Photograph of the Dollar General construction site in Joshua Tree, posted earlier today on Facebook…  

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[DOLLAR GENERAL] BECAUSE NOTHING SAYS “GATEWAY TO A NATIONAL PARK” LIKE A CORPORATE CHAIN STORE

They won their court cases, secured their permits and now they’re building their damned Dollar General in #JoshuaTree at the corner of Sunburst and the 62. #grim This magnet is available at Joshua Tree Outfitters (61707 29 Palms Highway in … Continue reading

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GOOD NEWS on Altamira: “It is done and we have won”

Defend Joshua Tree has received the following statement from the JT105 Alliance on the final resolution of the Alta Mira project… THANK YOU – IT IS DONE !!! After ten years of fighting, the community of Joshua Tree has prevailed … Continue reading

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Good desert etiquette

Also: do not jaywalk across the 62 — it is extremely dangerous.

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HOW THE TRUMP SHUTDOWN AFFECTS JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Park Superintendent David Smith: “The campgrounds and park will stay open per directions from the Administration, but no staff will be available to check visitors in or charge fees. … All visitor centers and restrooms will be closed and all … Continue reading

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GOOD NEWS UPDATE ON ALTA MIRA DEVELOPMENT

From the JT 105 Alliance… December 14, 2017 Thank you to all that have worked so hard, and contributed towards the goal of stopping the Alta Mira development in Joshua Tree. Our California Environmental Quality Act lawsuit from October 2016, … Continue reading

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TRUMP ADMIN PROPOSES TO NEARLY TRIPLE ENTRANCE FEE TO JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Joshua Tree National Park is one of 17 national parks under consideration for massive entrance fee hikes under a current proposal by the Trump Administration. Under this proposal, if you were to visit the Park on any day during the … Continue reading

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DOLLAR GENERAL ENTITY ASKS WATER DISTRICT FOR WILL-SERVE LETTER

June 21, 2017: Joshua Basin Water District General Manager Curt Sauer reports to the District’s Board of Directors that the District has received a request from an architectural firm representing a person that will do a Dollar General business in … Continue reading

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GOOD NEWS ON ALTA MIRA HOUSING PROJECT!

Big update from local activists at the JT105 Alliance….: The JT105 Alliance filed a CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) lawsuit against the County and the developers of Altamira on October 28, 2016. Since then, 89 people have donated $8,683, to … Continue reading

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