Benett Kessler, one of the most recognized and trusted journalists in the Eastern Sierra for a generation, has died. She was 65.
Kessler died Jan. 2 in Northern Inyo Hospital after battling cancer for more than three years, her close friend Scott Clark, a physician at the Bishop facility, said.
Kessler, the majority owner of Sierra Broadcasters, LLC in Independence, was a daily presence in Owens Valley and Mono County homes, delivering news reports and opinion pieces on television, radio, online and in print for 38 years about the most controversial issues in the region.
“Benett was the premier journalist in the Eastern Sierra,” said Bob Todd, operations manager at Sierra Wave Media, which is owned by Sierra Broadcasters. “She approached each day at work and every story with enthusiasm that we found amazing and contagious. It was an honor and privilege to work with her.”
Lone Pine environmentalist Michael Prather remembered Kessler as “an incredibly gutsy woman – she never took a step backward. All of us should feel grateful for her efforts to provide comprehensive daily coverage of our most pressing issues.”
John Heston and Benett Kessler, 1985
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Owens Valley’s largest landlord and controller of most of its land and water, became her great subject. It was one she found inexhaustible.
“I started reporting in 1976, a year of a terrible drought and heavy groundwater pumping by the DWP,” Kessler recalled in a recent interview with Louis Sahagun, a staff writer at the Los Angeles Times. “Locals became outraged — and wanted to know more.”
“Over the years, I produced so many DWP articles it’s hard to remember them all,” she added with a laugh. “But the work I’m most proud of shined a critical light on the suffering of people and the environment at the hands of bully officials and powerful vested interests.”
Friends and relatives remember Kessler as an indefatigable journalist and explorer of ideas and trends. She had a keen interest in spiritual teachings, as well as in the latest scientific breakthroughs. Her hobbies included painting and gardening. She also had a .38 Special handgun and knew how to use it.
Bob Todd and Benett Kessler, 2000
Mary Roper, president of the Owens Valley Committee, a nonprofit dedicated to monitoring the region’s land and resources, remembered Kessler as “an investigative reporter of great courage and insight. People in positions of power had good reason to worry because she asked the right questions.”
Kessler was born on Feb. 3, 1949, the same day her father, Carl Kessler, started working as a lawyer in Dayton, Ohio. As a young girl she enjoyed attending social events with her father — a superior court judge at the time — writing poems and short stories and, as she put it, “flying down the highest hill in the neighborhood on my fun, cheap bike.”
“There were sad times, too,” she recalled. “My parents divorced and my step-father committed suicide when I was 15 years old.”
Kessler was editor of the campus newspaper at Dayton’s Wilbur Wright High School, where she graduated in 1967. She attended the University of Chicago for three years, and in 1970 got married. “We split up a year later,” she said.
In 1972, Kessler and a friend hit the highway west. Her life would never be the same.
They ended up in San Diego, where Kessler rented an apartment and started taking yoga classes led by John Heston, an Owens Valley resident and student of comparative religion and the writings of Manly Palmer Hall, founder of the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles.
In 1975 Kessler moved to the hacienda-style compound that Heston designed, built and shared with his loving companion, Kenny Scruggs, on the northern edge of the Owens Valley community of Independence off of Highway 395. The shady retreat of fountains, orchards and reflecting pools was the hub of Kessler’s life for the next 39 years.
Heston, a colorful jack-of-all-trades, also had a nose for news. In 1976 he created Eastern Sierra News Service, which he operated with Kessler out of his home. Their motto: “Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”
One night in the spring of 1976, someone tossed a pipe bomb at their newsroom. No one was injured in the blast. Kessler always assumed it was in response to their DWP reporting, which aired on Lone Pine radio station KINC.
Soon after, one of that radio station’s owners said that the DWP threatened to cancel their tower lease if Heston and Kessler were not let go. Their news show was cancelled on March 17, 1977.
Heston and Kessler responded with sharp-worded flyers they tacked to bulletin boards and telephone poles from Mammoth to Olancha. Their dispute with Los Angeles was chronicled by premier news outlets including the Los Angeles Times.
The same year they began publishing the Inyo County Newsletter: Heston did the writing, layout and photography; Kessler reported the news and ran the printing press and darkroom.
“Almost immediately, we were swamped with advertising,” Kessler recalled. “The ambience was electric.”
In 1982, with the backing of local investors, Heston and Kessler formed Sierra East Television, Inc., and leased cable channel 12 in Bishop to launch the Owens Valley’s first local television station.
In 1996, again with funds from local investors, Heston and Kessler obtained a federal license to establish KDAY-FM radio. Four years later, they founded a television station and the radio and TV operations had grown into Mammoth Lakes and Mono County. Those radio and television stations are now known as the Sierra Wave.
Heston, who had been a politically active presence in Owens Valley since the 1960s, died in 2007. Scruggs, a Bishop attorney and civic activist who became a voice in court for children trapped in their parents’ custody battles, died in 2012.
In a recent interview, Kessler said she hoped that her beloved hacienda and Sierra Wave Media, which includes KSRW-FM, KSRW-TV and sierrawave.net, would “remain in operation as they are.”
Kessler is survived by her mother, Carolyn Husco.
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Oh my! Bennett’s death is a shock to me. I had no idea she was gone. We shared information about DWP shenanigans from Rush Creek to Lone Pine. She was journalism’s brightest light in the Eastern Sierra.
I moved from Mammoth 28 years ago…to Sun Valley, Idaho…after living in Mammoth for 27 years. A few old folks may remember my battles with DWP over Rush Creek.
That’s not why I write. I am writing a second draft of a novel about those Rush Creek years.
Bennett is a strong character in the book. I shall make her stronger. If anyone wishes to share ideas, my email is rdbar4d@gmail.com.
The greatest legacies I have ever seen have been those left in the souls of friends and acquaintances.
I am so glad I found this page. I knew Anne Benett Kessler when we were students at the University of Chicago. I am saddened to hear she has died. My condolences to all of her friends and her surviving mother. I admire her and what she accomplished. She became a part of a community and seems to have accomplished a great deal and lived a good life. Wishing you all the best who knew her recently.
Linda Richter
New York City
And what a wonderful tribute all your comments are to her! Wow. She did well in her life! Hugs to you Anne.
I had huge respect for Benett Kessler, and regret I never got to meet her during the few years I got to live in Bishop (some of which I spent as a newsgatherer). Her reporting was The Record. The Eastern Sierra needed her and is no doubt better for all her contributions over the years. This is very sad news.
I often wondered what it would be like to get the final word in one our verbal judo exchanges.
The best I can come up with is, your words will live in my mind just as long as mine do.
Thank You Bennet on many levels!
BK – Be Knowing
Knowing you – knowing why,
Searching for the many secrets.
Always hidden behind the veil,
Truths are hard to find.
Rise up, O ye people,
Cherish the truth you know.
Be knowing sublime grace,
Empowered balance within.
Mystery surrounds us all
On the journey of truth.
Asking nothing in return,
The path’s light forever shines.
Rest in peace, old soul;
The journey is complete.
Truth at last prevails,
Spirit and Source live on.
The world is a better place since Benett Kessler trod its paths, and I’m a better person for knowing her. She was a good friend to me. Rest in peace, Ms. Benett, you’ve earned it.
My heart is heavy. We have lost a great friend and champion.
For decades, Benett was the best, truest, and most dependable “public servant” around.
I could write pages and still not fully express my admiration, respect, and affection for her.
To sum it all up, though, I would simply say that Benett Kessler was one darn good American.
I join those so saddened and shocked by this news. Benett was such a strong, kind, forceful supportive person! She frequented Java Jive and Juice; and I got to know her through my husbands work with her station. I had the feeling and desire to contact her this past year during my trips to Bishop; I am so sorry I did not make the connection. Yes, her spirit is “here” and lives on. Thank you Benett for always speaking your mind,and being so supportive of me in my efforts and endeavors.
R.I.P.
In reading the above, I swear I heard her “laugh” when I read “she added with a laugh”…..made me smile, and cry…love you my dear friend..until we meet again I will keep you close in my thoughts daily, with a smile and a quick laugh. <3 <3 <3
It is sad to hear that Benett has passed away. She is the definition of a hero in every sense of the word. Condolences to all her family and friends.
Benett was such a joy to work with. She always took care of business and was so nice to me whenever I called. I wish I had known her better – she seems like a kindred soul. May she be dancing in the sky and know now how much she meant to so many. I know her staff will miss her terribly. RIP my friend.
How fortunate the valley has been to have Benett Kessler speaking truth to power, the heart, the courage, the drive and determination, the trials and tribulations that had taken place to allow us to have a platform such as this website to connect and share.. I can’t find the words to express my gratitude to all the creators, sponsors and advocates that made Sierra Wave media a reality.
Benett and the emergence of Sierra Wave Media truly is a inspiring story, and a prime example of the priceless gifts we often take for granted..Thank You Benett! Thank You Sierra Wave Media Crew!
Jeremiah Joseph.
LP
Benett was enormously helpful while I was writing Water and Power. I wonder if the book could have been completed without her insights and, more important, her example. To me she has always been a model of what journalism at its best can achieve. She was both an occasional scourge and constant inspiration to her community. And she was one of the most courageous people I’ve ever known.
Bennett Kessler is a local legend, I’m still shocked and saddened by the loss. While we didn’t agree on issues all the time I always appreciated her insight and contrary views. She strived to make the Owens Valley a better place against huge obstacles; with the passing of John Heston, Kenny Scruggs, and now Bennett I feel that an age has come to an end in the Owens Valley and that there will be some big shoes to fill.
Love you and miss you already Ms. Kessler!
It was with deep sadness to hear of Benetts passing. We will miss her and until we see her again, in a better place. It was great to remember the times we visited for work or a story. Benett was always interested in what was going on in and around my families lives. Meeting Benett many years back to re lite the studio for her was a pleasure I will always remember. Melissa Margulies my daughter interned many years back and edited some work for Benett one summer. Benett was always interested in Melissa’s accomplishments in Womens Football LFL and would show highlights from here games in one of the fastest growing women’s sports at the time. Its sad to know Benett has moved on miss you Benett RIP Marc and the Margulies family
Benett was a woman of principle who never turned away from controversy. She was smart as a whip and she used her wit to remind many a bureaucrat of whom they served. Her voice and delivery brought the deeds of LADWP to light and I’m sure they were not pleased about that!
She was one of a kind and her death is a huge loss for the people of the Eastern Sierra. RIP Benett.
Most of you knew Benett much better than I did, So I will forego with the tributes. It should only be appropriate that this be the most commented on story in the history of Sierra Wave Media. Keep it going people.
I count myself lucky that two years ago I was able to tell Benett what she meant to me. She was one of a kind and will hold a warm spot in my heart for the remainder of my life. My condolences to her family, friends and all those at Sierra Wave Media.
29 years ago Bennett interviewed me when I started working at the new MLPD. I still have a copy of the factual, humorous and informative article she wrote. Over the years I was in constant contact with her regarding PD news releases and she always got them right and spot on. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. A professional all the way. RIP Bennett.
I am not of your community, but do not understand how any dislike could be checked on a personal tribute that was so positive towards Anne Benett Kessler. To each their own though. Anne must know what this was about and is smiling.
Sad news for our community. Benett was one of the first people I met when I came to the Eastern Sierra in 1980 as a young attorney. She welcomed me, and we maintained an excellent professional relationship through all these years. She was most gracious and professional in contacting me about news items, and very respectful when I could not provide information on client matters. I remained a fan of her broadcasting from the early Mammoth Cable TV days up through her current ventures. Her integrity and truthfulness were never in question with me.
A big thank you to Bob Todd for this morning’s moving musical tribute to this amazing lady already horribly missed by the community.
So sad. In the 35+ years I knew Benett, I had a deep respect for her intelligence and journalistic ability, and I always considered her a very good friend. We talked often and had many interesting and stimulating conversations, all of which I treasured greatly. Her service to the Eastern Sierra knew no bounds and her legacy and impact will remain forever. She will be missed by all. Rest in peace, Benett.
Chris Plakos
I am also truly saddened to hear about Benett’s passing. When ever we hear Bob say………, this is Bob Todd sitting in for Benett Kessler, I will smile and think maybe Bennet is too, from somewhere. RIP Bennet. You beautiful person. Rosie D.
I truly admired Benet’s tenacity, honesty and straight forward approach to reporting. I could always trust her. I will always miss her.
I JUST returned home from spending New years at Topaz and couldn’t believe it, and am so truly saddened. Without Benett’s tireless reporting, A LOT of issues in the Eastern Sierra would have never been brought to light. The good residents of Mono and Inyo counties owe her a great debt for telling it like it is (was) . Her shoes can never be filled, but I hope that somebody can carry on with her legacy.
Benett led the charge to speak the truth and ask the hard questions. It’s our responsibility now to honor her by stepping up and carrying on her fearless!, and open discussions.
The powers that be are all more aware because of her; the powers that aren’t are grateful.
Thank you Bennet, you blessed this beautiful Owens Valley like no one else could. We will miss you dearly. Please keep a watchful eye on us and give us a nudge when we need it.
It was always a pleasure to speak with Bennett. I was fortunate to chat with her in person. She always seemed to try to get it right. She looked out for community. You will be missed and your legacy will live on.
RIP friend.
Sad news. My condolences to Bennett’s loved ones, both family & friends. She will be greatly missed.
I hope she’s reading this and sees how many lives she’s touched.
As a frequent visitor to the Eastern Sierra I often read the Sierra Wave news and appreciated Benett’s independent style of journalism. She will truly be missed. Prayers for her friends and family. May she rest in peace. Hopefully her journalistic spirit and activism will be continued by others.
RIP…. Thanks for giving me a chance to work with your News Team in the past. Seeing my videos and reports on your stations kept me going all these years. Thanks again and we will continue to be a voice of truth here in Mammoth and the Eastern Sierra!
Bennet, You were my hero!
RIP Benett Kessler.