Latest news with #HighDesert
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How Real-Life Tragedy Inspired Jewish Thriller ‘Guns & Moses'
Mark Feuerstein as Rabbi Mo Zaltzman in 'Guns & Moses' Your average orthodox rabbi on the street is more likely to be holding a pair of teffilin than he is a gun. That same rabbi is more likely to eat a pound of bacon than he is to solve a murder. Okay, maybe the bacon thing is a bit hyperbolic, but the rest of the argument still stands: Jewish clergymen don't fit into the traditional badass action hero archetype. Filmmaker Salvador Litvak hopes to change all that with his neo-Western thriller, Guns & Moses (in theaters everywhere this Friday; click here for tickets). 'Hollywood has been all too quick to either show dead Jews in the Holocaust or shticky, nebbishy Jews, which I enjoy,' says Litvak, whom you may know better as Accidental Talmudist. 'I love Seinfeld and Larry David … and Adam Sandler. I love those comedies. But that's not the limit of Jewish experience, God knows." Despite its cheeky title, the project — which Litvak wrote alongside his wife and Pictures From The Fringe producing partner, Nina — 'was always meant to be a proper thriller with a lot of action in it,' explains the director. 'We really did a deep dive on the genre. We watched a thriller a day for two years, six days a week (we didn't watch one on Shabbos)." Set in the fictional California town of High Desert, the movie centers around Moses 'Mo' Zaltzman (Mark Feuerstein; Royal Pains), a local Chabad rabbi who gradually decides to solve the murder of philanthropist and solar energy magnate Alan Rosner (Dermot Mulroney; My Best Friends's Wedding) after the man is publicly gunned down at a community event. Everyone, including the town's sympathetic mayor, Donavon Kirk (Neal McDonough; Captain America: The First Avenger), is more than ready to chalk the murder up to anti-Semitism and lay the blame at the feet of a young neo-Nazi named Clay Gibbons (Jackson Dunne; Brightburn), but Rabbi Mo isn't so sure. Refusing to let the possibly innocent young man take the fall, he begins his own investigation and finds himself becoming equal parts private detective and lone ranger. In his search for justice on the frontier, however, Rabbi Mo unknowingly wades into the center of a lethal conspiracy tied to a shady land deal. And as the bodies start to pile up, the good rabbi and his spouse, Hindy (Alona Tal; Burn Notice), must learn to protect themselves for the sake of their family and congregants, one of whom is a Holocaust survivor (Christopher Lloyd; Back to the Future). 'I feel like this movie is a bit Chinatown meets The Chosen,' says Feuerstein. '[Getting] to play Rabbi Mo, who morphs and evolves into someone who's not afraid to protect himself, was an honor. I'm thrilled to be a part of changing that image.' Before accepting the role, Feuerstein sat down to discuss the character over a classic Hollywood power lunch, albeit with an authentically Jewish twist: the business meeting took place in the Litvaks' backyard, inside their a sukkah. Once the actor was officially on board, he began to grow a beard and shadow real-world Chabad rabbis. 'They're so loving and full of ruach, spirit and generosity,' he notes, admitting that while the facial hair was 'itchy AF, there's nothing I wouldn't do for this movie and this character." The idea for the script was partially inspired by the 2019 shooting at a Chabad-run synagogue in the San Diego suburb of Poway that left one dead and three injured (the perpetrator received two consecutive life sentences). Litvak ended up interviewing the synagogue's rabbi, Yisroel Goldstein, who lost a finger in the attack, but not his faith. 'I got to know him and then watched him become a national figure in the ensuing days, calling for mitzvahs,' recalls the writer-director. 'Calling for Jews and all people to do good deeds, to make something good and meaningful come in the wake of this tragedy. I was very moved by that, and that really became the core for Guns & Moses.' 'We have a character who quotes Rabbi Hillel and says, 'In a place where there is no man, be the man.' That lesson, that message, is not specific to the Jewish community,' agrees Feuerstein. 'That is [applicable] to all of us, and we need more of that in the world now … in a time where people are so wont to find the easiest answer in their silos on social media, rather than do the work, not accept misinformation, but figure out the answers for themselves. I think Rabbi Mo is a great example for intellectual curiosity, emotional curiosity, and human connection.' McDonough, a devout Catholic who founded the faith-based McDonough Company production banner alongside his wife, Ruve, says he's always on the lookout for religious-tinted projects with an uplifting message. Joining Guns & Moses was 'a no-brainer,' he affirms. 'Whether you're Christian, Jewish, Muslim, agnostic, or Buddhist — I don't care what it is. I like to be part of films where people go to the cinema and are called out to be better after they leave. A better husband, a better father, a better co-worker, a better child of God." 'Films that used to address those kinds of questions were often a little bit syrupy and cloying,' continues Litvak. 'There's a quality level that was acceptable that some would say was not up to the level of Hollywood. I would say those days are over. There's a very sophisticated machinery that's now engaged to make films that address big questions of faith at the very highest levels with the stars, with the performances, with the cinematography, with the production value that really challenge people. And we're very proud to be part of that new wave … You look at Kingdom Story Company, and what they've done with Jesus Revolution and House of David, which is like Lord of the Rings-level. It's just good, high-level filmmaking.' Salvador Litvak At the same time, the filmmaker hoped to make a contemporary Western/thriller redolent of genre touchstones such as Howard Hawks's Rio Bravo and Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest. 'I want to be inspired by the greats, I want to try and live up to them,' he says. 'We may fall short, but what we're going for is scenes and performances and story that's iconic and that operates at that level." To that end, he filmed a majority of Guns & Moses in Santa Clarita — where many Western-themed endeavors across film and television have been shot — and sought to create dynamic set pieces at memorable locations like the Mojave Solar Project facility, which serves as the backdrop for a tense sequence in which Rabbi Mo evades a masked assassin. '[It was] strongly influenced by the Mount Rushmore scene [in North by Northwest,' reveals Litvak, later going on to add: 'No one's ever seen anything like it with those 200-yard-long parabolic troughs. I mean, it really is something out of a James Bond movie and I think just gives so much production value.' While he knew 'a movie about Jews under attack who fight back would always be relevant,' Litvak could not foresee just how topical the film would become in the wake of the October 7 terror attack in Israel (the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust) and the anti-Jewish rhetoric and crimes that have become rampant ever since. 'We've been searching for our friends and we have found them in unexpected and unlikely places, and specifically in the Christian community," says Feuerstein. "So regardless of the world and politics, I just want to say how genuine it was, this connection between Neal, Sal, and I throughout this project. Neal did bring 200% of himself to this movie, but it's also a tribute to Neal that he lent his specific brand of faith to this movie, which is not of that same brand, and yet gave it with all his heart.' McDonough concludes: 'Really good families root for each other, and that's the thing missing in the landscape right now, in the whole world. We forget to root for each other. We forget we're actually brothers and sisters through God. It doesn't matter your race, creed, religion. Movies like this make you think, 'Hmm, can I be better as a child of God to a certain type of people that I don't really understand or know very well? Maybe that's my fault because I don't understand or know them very well. Maybe I am bigoted Maybe I am racist. How can I get over these things to be a better brother and sister for everyone else on the planet?'' Guns & Moses arrives in theaters nationwide this Friday, July 18. Click here for tickets!
CBS News
04-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Triple-digit heat expected for valleys, high desert and Inland Empire next week
Triple-digit temperatures expected for valleys, high desert and Inland Empire next week Triple-digit temperatures expected for valleys, high desert and Inland Empire next week Triple-digit temperatures expected for valleys, high desert and Inland Empire next week Triple-digit temperatures are coming to Southern California over three days next week. KCAL News has issued a Next Weather Alert for the upcoming Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to help you prepare for the sweltering heat expected to last into the weekend. The alert will be in effect for the Southern California valleys, high desert areas and the Inland Empire. KCAL News meteorologists expect highs in the areas to hover between 100 and 108 degrees during the afternoon hours of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The heat could elevate the risk of heat-related illness, especially for vulnerable populations. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include high body temperature, vomiting, dizziness, confusion and hot, red, dry or damp skin. Officials implore residents to call 911 if these symptoms appear. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barstow tourism summit sparks buzz: Is Inland Empire the next big travel destination?
Visitors from across the High Desert and region attended the Inland Empire Tourism: The Regional Summit 2025 at the historic Barstow Harvey House and the newly reopened California Route 66 Mother Road Museum. The event was considered by Discover Inland Empire as the only official annual tourism conference and international marketplace dedicated to San Bernardino County and Riverside County. Over 250 attendees, 30 sponsors and more than 25 speakers attended the May event, which was hosted by Discover Inland Empire. They spotlighted the region's transformation into one of California's most sought-after travel destinations. 'This year's Summit took the form of an energetic 'open house,' uniting elected officials, community leaders, Route 66 champions, travel suppliers, global buyers, and media under one roof,' Discover Inland Empire officials said. President & CEO of Discover Inland Empire Freddy Bi set the tone with the statement, 'Travelers today either go where everyone goes, or where no one has gone before.' Hidden gems and top spots: Best summer camping spots in the California High Desert Bi added that with more than 60 million people and 19 million vehicles passing through Barstow each year, the upcoming U.S Route 66 Centennial in 2026 presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position the Inland Empire and greater Southern California as a leading travel destination. 'This milestone is also a powerful catalyst to boost tourism, uplift small businesses, and fuel sustainable economic growth across the region,' Bi said. Route 66 or "The Mother Road" was commissioned on November 11, 1926, and stretched nearly 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, historians said. In its heyday, Route 66 was one of the nation's first continuous stretches of paved highway and served as a major path for those who migrated West. Victorville resident Sylvia Romo, the 2025 Classic California Route 66 Queen, who visited the summit said, 'It was inspiring to see old friends, meet new community partners, and kick off the Route 66 Centennial Celebration with such excitement and unity." Old Route 66: Spirit Shop liquor store celebrates Diamond Anniversary Barstow Mayor Tim Silva and San Bernardino County Director of Economic Development Derek Armstrong, welcomed participants to the summit. Visit California's Senior Vice President of Marketing Lynn Carpenter delivered a keynote highlighting statewide tourism trends and the Inland Empire's growing role in California's travel economy. Thanks to a robust collaboration with Visit California, travel spending in San Bernardino and Riverside counties surged to $16.7 billion in 2024, supporting more than 155,900 regional jobs, Discover Inland Empire officials stated. General Manager of Yaamava' Resort and Casino at San Manuel Kenji Hall shared the recent reclamation of the ancestral name, Yuhaaviatam of the San Manuel Nation, along with ongoing investments in innovation, recruitment and talent development. The panel discussion, 'Endless Ways to Experience Route 66 in San Bernardino County' brought together civic leaders from cities and communities spanning Needles to Upland, representing nearly 80% of California's portion of Route 66. The conversation focused on the revitalization of legendary Old Route 66, a movement being spearheaded by Bi as a member of the California Route 66 Task Force. Bi and his team are working to preserve the old highway's historic charm while unlocking its potential as a driver of economic development, cultural tourism and community pride, organizers stated. 'Endless Ways to Play in Riverside County' featured leaders from across the county's five districts, which represented sectors like retail, film, workforce development, regional parks, and economic development. The panel celebrated the power of cross-sector collaboration, showcasing how global travel buyers and media have been successfully drawn to attractions such as The Cheech, Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre, Idyllwild Regional Park, and Desert Hills Premium Outlets through strategic partnerships with Discover Inland Empire. The summit concluded with the panel, 'SoCal Is Who We Are,' featuring leading executives from Discover Los Angeles, Visit Anaheim, Ontario International Airport and San Bernardino International Airport. Panelists championed the power of unified branding to elevate Southern California on the global stage, especially in anticipation of key events and projects like the Route 66 Centennial, OCVIBE, DisneylandForward and the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games held in Los Angeles. Attendees also participated in the International Marketplace, where more than 60 global travel professionals and media outlets connected with local destinations and tourism businesses, laying the groundwork for fresh partnerships, international promotion and long-term growth for the Inland Empire. For more information, visit Note to readers: If you appreciate the work we do here at The Daily Press, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@ Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Inland Empire: How Route 66 is shaping California's top travel hub
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Which Victorville area car dealership do you recommend to others? Vroom, vroom
You've seen USA TODAY's list of top cars dealers in California. But what is your preferred dealership when you are car shopping? In the High Desert, several made the top 250 car dealerships list. Included were Valley Hi Nissan, Sunland Ford, Valley Hi Toyota and Valley Hi Kia. In San Bernardino, AllStar Kia San Bernardino made the list for new and used Kias. We're doing a purely unscientific poll that gives you the opportunity to tell us what car dealership you recommend to others. If you didn't agree with the list, this poll is especially for you. Write in the dealership you trust for your car purchases. The poll allows you to pick more than one answer, if you have more than one dealership that you like. Vote through the Fourth of July weekend. Share the poll, too, with anyone who you think should take it. The poll closes at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. We will share the results later that same week. Print subscribers, go to to take the poll, which expires at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. Remember to share the poll with anyone you know who may be interested in taking it. If you'd like to suggest a local topic the Daily Press/ should poll readers about, leave a comment on Facebook page. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Vote for the High Desert area car dealership you recommend for car buying
Vogue
20-05-2025
- Vogue
Why Joshua Tree and California's High Desert Towns Are Having a Moment
Though just an hour's drive from Palm Springs, the region around California's Joshua Tree National Park feels like a totally different reality. Of course, that has a lot to do with its otherworldly terrain—perched thousands of feet above sea level where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, the landscape is both brutal and beautiful, offering endless vistas of boulder-strewn mountains, cactus-studded valleys, and wide-open skies. Known to locals as the High Desert, the area—which includes Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Pioneertown, and the unincorporated community of Joshua Tree—has been home to indigenous peoples for millennia. It's also been drawing visitors for centuries; legend has it that Mormon settlers gave the region's endemic yucca trees the biblical name of 'Joshua' in the early 19th century. And who could forget that the iconic band U2 named their seminal 1987 album after the desert region? Recently, a new wave of visitors has discovered the charm of the High Desert—and many have decided to stay. Lured by the promise of wide-open spaces and more affordable homes, people from Los Angeles and beyond flocked to the area during the pandemic—an in turn, further fueled an already-thriving creative scene and set up a host of new businesses along the way. 'Artists and seekers have long been drawn here, and it's exciting to watch the area evolve further and to be a part of such a lovely and welcoming community,' says Jessica Pell, founder of the design firm Manola Studio and owner of the recently opened Hotel Wren in Twentynine Palms. 'There's something incredibly humbling about the High Desert and how it holds silence, space, and time differently. There's an ache and a beauty in the contrast: the softness of light against sharp rock, the resiliency of wildflowers blooming in impossible soil, the brilliance of its creatures designed to endure such extreme conditions.' With all that spellbinding natural beauty and a host of newly opened shops, restaurants, and lodging options—rumor has it that a Joshua Tree outpost of Miami's Faena is also soon to arrive—it's no wonder the High Desert holds everlasting appeal. Below, a look at some of the best places to stay, eat, and play should you decide to make the trip yourself. Just a word of caution to the heat-adverse: In the summer, temperatures can reach triple digits, so you may want to plan your trip for the cooler months between October and April—or, at the very least, make sure you have access to a very cold pool. Where to Stay Courtesy: Autocamp Courtesy: Autocamp For those who crave a quintessential camping experience without any of the discomfort, AutoCamp's Joshua Tree location offers 47 custom Airstreams and eight sleek, tiny-home cabins. Nestled within 25 acres adjacent to the National Park and its West Entrance—and a stone's throw away from the village of Joshua Tree's main strip—it makes for an ideal launch pad from which to explore the area's many delights. (So much so that it also served as the base for Vogue's June 2025 cover shoot featuring Hailey Bieber, photographed by Mikael Jansson.) And no wonder: Aesthetes and nature lovers alike appreciate both the high design and the attention to detail, which includes original art from local artists, dark sky-compliant lighting, native landscaping, organic-modern architecture by HKS, and handcrafted interiors by Narrative Design. In the mid-century modern-inspired Clubhouse, for example, you'll find floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-slat walls, a free-standing fireplace, and plenty of clean-lined furniture in natural materials that echo the landscape outside.
