«‘Look at me, I’m in print’. There’s still beauty in being on printed paper: digital is great but seeing yourself in print takes it to another level», Liz Lapp on Hi Desert Times
Hi Desert Times: a magazine shop in the desert
Hi Desert Times is a magazine store situated in the heart of the High Desert, Twentynine Palms, California. Established in July 2023, the store is already making plans for a new location in Yucca Valley, scheduled to open in 2024, spearheaded by Liz Lapp and Stephen Lapp.
In recent years, the High Desert has experienced a cultural renaissance: marked by an influx of pop-up stores and cultural activities, the region has become a hub for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs seeking a space to showcase their work and engage with the community. «The desert fosters a sense of adventure» Liz Lapp explains, «the community here is open to trying new things, with pop-ups and collaborative ventures. The desert environment encourages a ‘go for it’ mentality».
«We co-founded the store after living in major cities: we met in San Francisco, then moved to New York and settled in Los Angeles. Eventually, we bought a home in the desert. Both Stephen and I are interested in contemporary culture and enjoy having a space where people can find magazines».
«When we moved to the desert we were still in lockdown and we did everything we could, but I did miss going to a magazine store. I missed the community. Once we were able to move around freely, I discovered that the closest magazine store was in Palm Desert: I would drive down to buy bundles of magazines, and one day my husband said, ‘Why don’t we just open a shop in the desert?’. We started seriously considering it: the desert had become our home, and we were putting down roots. That’s when we found our path forward».
Liz Lapp, Hi Desert Times founder, from New York to Twentynine Palms
As per Lapp’s vision, Hi Desert Times has already become a point of reference for all visual culture lovers in Twentynine Palms: «the opening of our store elicited a positive reaction from the community. It was a Thursday in the summertime, when it’s usually not as crowded. I was surprised by the magazines that sold out because I initially expected more glossy magazines or easily accessible ones to be popular. Instead, it was mostly the local and literary magazines. That’s how our journey brought us to where we are now».
«When I lived in New York, I resided in the West Village, on West 12th and 8th Ave., right across the street from Casa Magazines. Every day, I would walk there, get my coffee, and go to Casa Magazines. It was like a candy shop. They know the neighborhood, the community, and the people who visit. They talk to everybody. Every magazine wants to be in Casa Magazines. It’s a hub».
Embracing the zine culture and literary influences of Gen X during the 1980s: what led to Hi Desert Times
The 1980s marked a transformative era in the US, fueled by a fervent do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos and underground publications. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles became hubs for alternative and countercultural movements. Zines were distributed at punk shows, record stores, bookshops, and community spaces, allowing for a grassroots and organic circulation.
«Growing up in the eighties was very much about punk zines and DIY. You could go to the copy store where, before Kinko’s, you would just put quarters in a machine and make your zines. They were free, and people would just hand them out», Lapp shares.
«We were cutting out clippings from magazines, doing the lettering by hand, and then photocopying. The Zine culture, in general, inspired my love for magazines, as we needed them to make the zines, and it was such a good form of expression. I love reading works by authors like Joan Didion, Eve Babitz, and those types of writers who’ve written for newspapers or magazines because they offer in-depth reporting while maintaining a personal touch».
The complementary relationship between print and digital media
Today, the world of zines continues to thrive, albeit with some changes brought about by the digital age. While traditional print zines are still appreciated by enthusiasts and collectors, the internet has opened new opportunities for creators and readers alike. «I’ve noticed, during my travels, that people are reconnecting ».
«We’re providing something that the community still values, as seen in the resurgence of people buying vinyl records. While the digital age has brought access to information worldwide, it has also led us to be more cautious about what we read and where it comes from. With a printed magazine, there’s a sense of confidence that the information is likely to be factual and entertaining. If you enjoy the writing, you can always return to it, unlike quickly scrolling through digital content. It’s not about print versus digital, but rather, how they complement each other and make each other stronger».
«You can see it on Substack, a digital format that has taken on blogging, but it has also become a space for journalism. Dirt is a daily newsletter about entertainment with more than 23,000 subscribers. But when you see deal with print, it’s different. I’ve seen a lot of writers who do their thing digitally, but when they are in print, they’ll take a photo of the magazine and be like, ‘look at me, I’m in print’. There’s still beauty in being on printed paper: digital is great but seeing yourself in print takes it to another level».
The zine culture is red-hot in the desert region of California
«Niche publications are thriving, with magazines like Broccoli Magazine, Cake Zine, and The Drift gaining popularity. Independent publishers are also actively seeking writers and artwork, creating movement in the industry. Flagrant Magazine, a women-owned publication focused on basketball, stands out among niche offerings. The zine culture is red-hot, with places like Printed Matter in New York hosting exhibitions and art book shows».
«Zines foster inclusion and provide a platform for marginalized communities to express themselves and reach a wider audience. These scenes are undergoing a revitalization. In California, particularly in the desert region, the zine culture is immense, with a recent exhibit showcasing zine creators. Collaborations and ideas for Zine fairs are actively discussed, making the independent publishing scene strong both in Southern California and across the state. Similar thriving cultures are present in San Francisco, as well as in places like Portland, Oregon, home to independent publishers».
A store in the middle of the desert: Hi Desert Times in Yucca Valley
After the opening in Twentynine Palms, Hi Desert Times is set to launch their own premise in 2024. Having worked with StudioDFD (Distillery For Design) architects locally to the new building location in Yucca Valley, the owners have been committed to maintaining a connection with the surroundings.
«While we initially intended to build our shop in Yucca Valley, construction delays kept pushing the dates back. When this opportunity came up in Twentynine Palms, we were drawn to the building’s owners and the vibrant community of small businesses and events in the area. The Yucca Valley vision is still ongoing, but for now, this shop serves as a test. The future location will be bigger, allowing us to host author events, writing workshops, and exhibits».
That’s why the architecture of Hi Desert Times will incorporate a triangular glass cutout, holding a tree, symbolizing magazines as a source of growth and knowledge. In the rear, six magazine shelving panels flank the main entry through a courtyard right behind the triangular cut out, celebrating the tree at the end of one’s entry procession. «In addition to a spacious retail area for publications, we’ll have plenty of seating for customers to relax and read magazines. An outdoor area will also connect with the desert landscape».
Bringing communities together at Hi Desert Times
In the high tourist area surrounding Joshua Tree National Park, the locals experience a different perspective from the tourists. Living in the community, they seek places to dine and socialize beyond tourist spots. Small businesses in the area strive to strike a balance between catering to tourists’ interests and providing experiences for both visitors and residents.
«It’s all about collaborating with the community. For instance, a local woman coffee roaster will have a pop-up store in my shop, and a local DJ will play music on Sunday. I’m creating events to bring creatives together. Supporting other local businesses forms a kinship, despite competition. We all want each other to succeed».
Liz Lapp believes in engaging with the community, actively participating in local town politics, and creating events that bring people together, emphasizing the value of real-life interactions. «Community building and tourist appeal should be balanced. Small businesses should be involved in local politics and engage with the community to create a positive impact».
Hi Desert Times
Hi Desert Times is a magazine shop located at 73552 Twentynine Palms Hwy, in the Corner62 shops, near the Freedom Plaza and the Joshua Tree National Park North entrance in Twentynine Palms. With a selection of magazines and publications, the store caters to a range of interests including literary, fashion, lifestyle, travel. Customers can browse and buy the latest issues of popular magazines as well as discover niche publications.
Francesca Fontanesi
