Heather Clisby has been working in journalism and communications for over three decades, includings stints at newspapers, magazines, blogs and radio stations. A native of Long Beach, California, she can usually be found guiding tourists in Joshua Tree…

29 Palms Strategic Planning Workshops mark priorities for the future

Listen here: Led by Twentynine Palms City Manager Frank Luckino, the biennial Strategic Planning Meetings took place this week in council chambers at City Hall. Held on Tuesday and Wednesday, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m., the informal brainstorming sessions were open to the public and featured guest speakers. After 10 hours of brainstorming and in-depth discussions, eight prime categories emerged: Quality of Living Housing Facilities Policy Infrastructure Finance Public Safety Economic Development City…

29 Palms Water District Board Meets Tomorrow, Jan. 25

The Board of Directors of the Twentynine Palms Water District will gather tomorrow evening, January 25, and begin with a review of district’s finances over the last two years. The board will consider adopting an annual Statement of Investment policy, in addition to a discussion of investment strategies going forward. A stipend for the Board of Directors will also be up for review. The monthly meeting will also include reports from management and updates on maintenance, water quality, and…

Plan the Future: 29 Palms Residents Urged to Participate in Strategic Planning Sessions

Every other year, the city of Twentynine Palms hosts a sort-of ‘brainstorm on the future’ and all residents are encouraged to come with their own ideas about how the city will reach goals over the next two years. With an eye on its’ future, the city of Twentynine Palms is asking residents to take part in their bi-annual Strategic Planning Sessions scheduled for tomorrow and Wednesday. Twentynine Palm-ers with suggestions about how the city might tackle economic development, social equity, and…

29 Palms Public Arts Advisory Committee Meets Tonight, Jan. 18

Tonight, the Twentynine Palms Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC) will kick off 2023 with several agenda items. Following reports from the city and the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), Brandon Kennedy will offer comments on a proposed mural at the city’s skate park. The meeting will also discuss the relationship with Action 29, the responsibility of PAAC Assistant, a report on the Youth and the Arts Grant, upcoming grant applications, items for the February 14 city council…

County seeking comments on 106-room resort in Wonder Valley until Feb. 7, locals plea for more time

Proposed as a 106-room resort, developers of the Wonder Inn aim to take over the “old pink building” that has long sat vacant on Amboy Road. The developers applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in November 2021 and have since submitted technical studies required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and county development codes to the San Bernardino County Land Use Services (LUS) department. LUS just issued a report stating that the project would have no environmental impact…

29 Palms City Council Narrowly Votes to Reconsider VHR Permit for “Boutique Hotel” in Indian Cove

Listen here: The council chambers at Twentynine Palms City Hall were crowded last night with residents anxious to discuss potbellied pigs, two-story homes, and one hotly contested Vacation Home Rental permit. Reporter Heather Clisby was there. The Twentynine Palms City Council kicked off 2023 with a lively two-hour meeting that left the council divided. At issue was the second appeal of a Vacation Home Rental (VHR) permit application at 68467 Sullivan Road. The property features two…

29 Palms Hosts ‘State of the City’ Address at Freedom Plaza

Listen here: Last night, Twentynine Palms hosted the annual ‘State of the City’ event at the community center at Freedom Plaza where Outgoing Mayor Karmolette O’Gilvie reviewed the 2022 accomplishments before a small crowd. Outgoing Mayor Karmolette O’Gilvie, a nurse by trade, began last night’s ‘State of the City’ address by quoting Florence Nightingale, “Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses... we must be learning all our lives.” Held in the new community center at Freedom Plaza,…

29 Palms City Council Wraps Up 2022 With Awards, New Councilmember

The Twentynine Palms City Council chambers was packed last night of curious residents, supportive family members, and an unmistakable holiday atmosphere, all to wrap up 2022. Reporter Heather Clisby was there … Last night’s Twentynine Palms City Council meeting was busy and festive, with Outgoing Mayor Karmolette O’Gilvie bestowing two esteemed awards, and the swearing in of a new councilmember. O’Gilvie presented the Employee of the Year award to Eli Marshall, director of Information Services…

Twentynine Palms Water District Board of Directors Meet Wednesday Evening 12/14

The Board of Directors of the Twentynine Palms Water District will meet this evening (December 14) to tackle several agenda items. Wednesday evening, the Twentynine Palms Water District will host their monthly meeting of their Board of Directors, beginning with the election of officers. The board will then discuss sending directors to the Special District Leadership Academy Conference in late February/early March; a daily stipend is included. Next, the board will review proposals and award a bid…

29 Palms City Council meet tonight 12/13, agenda included

Tonight, the Twentynine Palms City Council will face a packed agenda for their final meeting of 2022. The meeting will kick off with community recognition awards, then a presentation by the Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC), followed by comments from outgoing Mayor Karmolette O'Gilvie and presentation of Employee of the Year and the Mayor's Recognition Award. There will be the official seating of councilmembers-elect, including Octavious Scott for District 4, followed by a brief…