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…

New flag disposal site at the 29 Palms Cemetery District

In the 245 years that Americans have been waving our flag with pride, it’s not surprising that some have worn out. But the Stars and Stripes cannot simply be thrown into the garbage as this is considered disrespectful. According to the National Flag Federation, there are just a few ways to properly retire an American flag and thankfully, one is now available here in the Morongo Basin. To benefit our patriotic community, the Twentynine Palms Public Cemetery District has recently installed a…

Twentynine Palms announces community center program schedule

The Parks and Recreation Department in Twentynine Palms is thrilled to finally announce the Community Center Program Schedule. The new gymnasium in the Community Center was to open earlier this summer but construction delays pushed back the date to August 22.There will be Open Gym Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays, from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.On Thursdays, there is badminton from 11:00a.m. until 1:00 p.m., tennis from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. and volleyball from 5:00 p.m. until 7 p.m.…

The Yucca Valley Planning Commission talks Measure K, land development deals at meeting

At tonight’s meeting, the Yucca Valley Planning Commission received an update on Measure K, Building & Safety annual presentation report, and the Private Land Development and Capital Projects update report. Yucca Valley Town Manager Curtis Yakimow reported on Measure K. If passed on the November ballot, the Measure will adjust the current TOT to 12% and the additional revenue will go into the general fund for Police patrols, 9-1-1- emergency response, gang and crime prevention, street…

Twentynine Palms City Council Offers Loan to Morongo Basin Arch

After hearing a moving presentation on the deep-rooted problems that lead to homelessness and how far it reaches across the county, the Twentynine Palms City Council made a generous financial gesture to a local homeless resource organization, Morongo Basin Arch. Last night, the Twentynine Palms City Council meeting began with an update on Twentynine Palms High School athletic facilities where a new stadium is being constructed, grass is being laid, light poles are getting installed, and the gym…

Twentynine Palms city council meets tonight

Tonight, the Twentynine Palms City Council meeting will kick off with a presentation by the Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement (H.O.P.E) team.The council will then hear from the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) regarding a proposed assessment of 1.5 percent on all short-term stays (hotels, motels, and vacation home rentals) which is expected to bring in $285,000 annually. There will be a brief update on road pavement conditions in the city, and the council will consider…

TWENTYNINE PALMS HISTORICAL SOCIETY CELEBRATES 40 YEARS WITH COMMUNITY BBQ

After 40 years of highlighting the past, the Twentynine Palms Historical Society will celebrate itself and look to the future with an outdoor summer feast. The Twentynine Palms Historical Society is hosting a community barbecue to celebrate their 40th anniversary. The event will take place on Saturday, August 20, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Old Schoolhouse Museum, 6760 National Park Drive. Pitmaster Larry Bowden will serve up his locally world-famous tri-tip, in addition to the salads,…

REACH OUT MORONGO BASIN HOSTS BIRTHDAY PARTY FUNDRAISER

In hosting a 60th birthday party for their board president, Reach Out Morongo Basin is hoping to generate much-needed donations. Reporter Heather Clisby has a rundown of this weekend’s event …Is he an actor? A reporter? A musician? An editor? Turns out, Kurt Schauppner is all those things, as well as the board president for Reach Out Morongo Basin (ROMB), an all-volunteer caregiving program for seniors and the disabled. In honor of Schauppner’s 60thbirthday, ROMB is hosting a celebratory…

NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THREE TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL SEATS ENDING SOON

The Twentynine Palms City Council is composed of five district representatives, and this Fall, three seats will be up for election in districts 3, 4, and 5. All incumbents have pulled their papers and plan to run again, specificallyDistrict 3 - Councilmember Daniel L. Mintz, Sr.District 4 - Mayor Karmolette O'GilvieDistrict 5 - Mayor Pro Tem McArthur WrightAny resident interested in throwing their hat in the ring should note that the nomination period ends on August 11. To be eligible for…

CALL FOR ARTISTS IN PIONEER DAYS BUTTON DESIGN CONTEST

The city of Twentynine Palms is gearing up for the 86th Annual Pioneer Days October 13-16 and is now taking submissions for a related Button Design Contest. All artwork must fit on a three-inch diameter button and incorporate the theme of "Let Freedom Ring!” Deadline for submissions is Friday, August 12, at 5:00 pm. Judging will take place in September and the winner will be announced on Saturday, October 1 at the Pioneer Days Kick Off Event. For more info, call Scott Clinkscales at…

PROPOSED HOTEL CLEARS KEY HURDLES AT TWENTYNINE PALMS PLANNING COMMISSION

The Twentynine Palms Planning Commission hosted a public hearing Tuesday evening and heard concerns from the public and business owners regarding a proposed 95-room hotel downtown. Last night, the Twentynine Palms Planning Commission held a public hearing on a proposed 95-room hotel adjacent to Project Phoenix. A representative of the applicant, Robert F Tuttle Architects, on behalf of Verdant Twentynine Palms, LLC, was present at the meeting and took questions regarding the proposed…