Celebrating the creative culture, nature, and spirit of the Morongo Basin

Advisory Board

Jacqueline Guevara
Executive Director, Joshua Tree National Park Association

Barnett English
Festival Director at Joshua Tree Music Festival

Dave Catching
Owner of the Rancho De La Luna Recording Studio, Musician, Producer

Mario Lalli
Musician, Fatso Jetson, Yawinging Man

Bobby Furst
Owner/ Creator of Furstworld, Artist

ABOUT THE FOUNDERS

Ray Rodriguez Jr., Owner/Principal

“When I approached Ray about the need for the greater Joshua Tree area to have a publication dedicated to giving a voice to area creatives and humanitarians, as well as educate visitors about desert culture and ecosystems, he immediately began to put things in motion.

He would tell you, “I’m just a guy who sells tacos.” In reality, he brings decades of business and charity development experience to the table, without which, this publication would not achieve its goals to benefit the community it represents.

Ray grew up accustomed to having people like Caesar Chavez and other civil rights leaders in his living room, working with his father, an educator and the publisher of a bilingual newspaper, promoting a wide range of human rights issues. When Ray talks about his mom, it’s clear that he sees her as the original superhero, balancing a career and family in an era that qualified her as a trailblazer.

As the owner of multiple successful businesses, Ray exemplifies high standards of service, while also serving on many non-profit boards. In a nutshell, Ray has a heart that beats for the greater good and has the integrity and life experience to make it happen.”

~ Lisa L. Morgan

Lisa Lynn Morgan, Owner/Publisher

Though we both grew up in the desert, it wasn’t until the early throes of the Covid pandemic that I was able to get to know Lisa better. She was working with the YMCA, hoping to use our outdoor stage to live stream multiple local bands, and provide music to a shuttered, troubled population. I’d known she was a multi-award-winning singer, talent buyer, producer, and open mic host at Pappy & Harriet’s, but I discovered that we also shared a deep appreciation for the magic of the hi-desert.

Her marketing skill set proved creative, timely, effective, and frankly, superior to any I experienced in 30 years of business, civic, and community work. After suckering her into working with one of my favorite non-profits, her own strong history of community service came to light. I also became aware of her 20 years of publication experience which included successful work with the Los Angeles Newspaper Group and Coachella Valley Weekly.

With her depth of human understanding, spiritual base, and sense of humor, Lisa is a welcome sounding board. Wonderfully imperfect, she is a dynamic force of nature, making her a perfect match for this stunning area, its community of artists, and the soulfuls drawn to it.”

~ Ray Rodriguez

Our Commitment

Thank you for spending time with us here in our first issue of Joshua Tree Voice. We are an independently owned monthly print publication, but you can find regular community information and event updates at JoshuaTreeVoice.com, as well as our social media pages. We are committed to supporting this beautiful community. We will be delivering our publication to our neighbors in San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange counties in hopes to support local business and share information about our culture, the delicate ecosystem, and our talented creatives.

We are always looking for ways to improve. We love constructive criticism. So, bring it on!  We want each issue to be better than the last.

Gratitude

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” ~ Aristotle ~

The Covid-era reminds us the future remains wildly unpredictable. Moving through the development of Joshua Tree Voice to the unforeseeable future, I’d like to express my love and appreciation to the shining lights along the way: Raymond & Mary Rodriguez, Kathi Rodriguez, The Rodriguez Family, The Duran Family, The Delgado Family, Brian & Jan Harnik, Jane Tyler, The Kelly Family, JR Thomas, Alban Wolff IV, Kevin & Julie Riley, Dr. George Altuzarra, George Velarde, Paul Schwartz, Bobby “Jones” Karuzas, Mark Elliot, Scott Avra, Michael Shepherd, Paul Magana, Susie Harvey, Victor Tocco, Rodrigo Torres, Arturo Gonzalez, Monica Vasquez, Pam Shidler, Rafael Hernandez and “The Hawk.” Raymond Rodriguez, Jr.

There was a time I thought all was lost. I had no hope or faith in myself and believed I had failed my purpose. I was wrong. To those who believed in me until I could believe in myself, the steadfast cheerleaders and sounding boards, fellow underdogs, and the ones that stuck around even after things got ugly, I owe you everything: Aunt Colleen, Kandie & Darren Worden, Tracy Dietlin, Phil Lacombe, Debi Kassul, Liza Kane, Jasmine Nicole, Frank Riley, Travis Meadows, Rich Gilgallon, Ed Heethuis, Pam & Richard Field, Tricia Witkower, Chelsea Van Es, Jeff Day, Diana Marlo, Rich Henrich, Lisa & Jaclyn Mahar, BB Ingle, Gerald Noonan, Mike Hammons, Ken Hanna, Lorie Loftis, Kate Spates, Stephanie Greene, American Red Cross Disaster Action Team, Soroptimist House of Hope, Coachella Valley Horse Rescue and Street Life Project.

To my four kids and five grandkids, you are the core of every good thing I do. You make me a better human.
Lisa L. Morgan

And to all who have shown us support.
Thank you for your love, expertise, and models of courage, as we march into the wild future.
Lisa Lynn Morgan / Ray Rodriguez Jr.

Your Voice

Amplify YOUR VOICE and be heard. Selected written submissions will be published. Please keep your submissions locally relevant, timely, and limited to 250 words. Occasionally, a well presented, lengthier submission may be considered as a featured voice with a maximum of 750 words. If your funny, you get extra font.

Please send submissions to MyVoice@JoshuaTreeVoice.com by the 15th of each month. We look forward to hearing you and helping you be heard.

CALL TO ACTION:
Do you know of a story or event you would like to see published?

Would you like to join our creative team?

Interested in growing your business by partnering with Joshua Tree Voice through advertising?

Please submit your voice to info@joshuatreevoice.com by the 15th of each month.

Distribution