Hosted by Alex Garcia & Joe Candelaria

 

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: In the words of one of our hosts…

I was having a conversation with some friends about Joshua Tree National Park and how popular it has become. I was reminded how “true” locals refer to it as “The Monument.” (It was a national monument long before it became a national park.) Being born and raised in 29 Palms, I thought back as far as I could and realized they were right. I’ve been calling JTNP “the monument” since I was a child. This conversation inspired some reflection on where I’ve been, where I want to go, and pointedly the changes happening under my nose in my hometown. So I put on “My Hometown” by Bruce Springsteen and I drove around taking in all the places that have so many life changing memories attached to them. I can show you the spot I had my first kiss, I got in my first fistfight, I played my first show, I watched my little sister get married, where my family is buried. I also noticed all the local “fixtures” that aren’t really there anymore, namely the Rocket Slide at Luckie Park. I always forget they ripped it out and sold it to someone. JTNP has become extremely popular and rightfully so; I’m glad the world is noticing this little bit of magic we have out here. I feel excited for the future of the desert. For the first time ever I’m excited for the future of my hometown. I get a little nostalgic thinking about all the things we have lost but ultimately I will always have “The Monument.” So what is your “monument”? What is the thing or place or person that tells you you’re home? So I challenge you to put “My Hometown” on by The Boss and envision what your “home” is. Let that be your guide to get creative. — Excitedly, Joseph