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…

Point in Time Homeless Count draws 775 volunteers

The San Bernardino Point In Time Homeless Count took place yesterday (January 25). The Point In Time Count surveys people who are unhoused or living in the streets, and while the results are still being tabulated, the County shared volunteer participation numbers yesterday afternoon. 775 county residents volunteered to take part in the count, including 249 employees of the County across dozens of departments. Even Board of Supervisors Chair and local representative Dawn Rowe participated in the…

Twentynine Palms City Council talks road/pedestrian safety; discusses self-help housing program

The Twentynine Palms City Council hosted a swift meeting last night that resulted in a new appointment to the Tourism Business Improvement District, a discussion on a housing program, a road/pedestrian safety report, and the official birth of the Youth Council. At last night’s meeting, the Twentynine Palms City Council heard from Interim City Manager Larry Bowden who presented on Roads and Pedestrian Safety. (An outside engineering firm, KOA, conducted the research.) Bowden reported that…

Twentynine Palms City Council meets tonight, TBID and housing on agenda

The Twentynine Palms City Council meet week to discuss development code amendments, a new appointment to the Public Arts Advisory Committee, a self-help housing program, and Community Development Block Grant funds. At tonight's meeting, the Twentynine Palms City Council will host a public hearing on development code amendments to Article 3 which pertains to Administration, Permits and Procedures. Next, the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Subcommittee (Mayor Steve Bilderain and…

Twentynine Palms Water District Board of Directors meets Wednesday (1/24)

This week, the Twentynine Palms Water District Board of Directors will gather for their monthly meeting. On Wednesday evening, the Twentynine Palms Water District (TPWD) Board of Directors will meet to discuss water-related issues. The meeting will begin with a consideration of a resolution to officially adopt the Annual Statement of Investment Policy before moving on to approve the district’s Master Service Agreement with and Kennedy Jenks Consultants. The board will then review proposals and…

“Partners Against Violence” seek volunteers for crisis hotline training

For 25 years, local survivors of sexual assault have found a steady friend in Partners Against Violence. And now, the organization is seeking volunteers to help with its mission, assisting victims. For those who have fallen victim to a crime or sexual assault, one local organization, Partners Against Violence (PAV), can be a godsend. PAV offers free support services such as counseling, court readiness, law enforcement advocacy, and forensic exam accompaniment. PAV also provides a 24/7 hotline…

‘Crocheting for a Cause’ Club at Twentynine Palms High School warms community with free scarves

Listen here: For the fifth year in a row, busy students from the ‘Crocheting for a Cause’ Club based out of Twentynine Palms High School generously created and donated 77 scarves for anyone who might be chilly and in-need. When Lisa Soliz, a Library Technician at 29 Palms High School, realized she was going to be a grandma for the first time, she resumed a craft habit she’d shared with her mother in the 70s, and started crocheting a baby blanket. After bringing her hooks and yarn to work on down…

Twentynine Palms Planning Commission approves city’s first brewery

Last night, the Twentynine Palms Planning Commission cleared the path for a new brewery and brewpub in the city’s downtown, right next to Freedom Plaza. At the Twentynine Palms Planning Commission meeting last evening, a Conditional Use Permit was granted for a new brewery and brewpub at 73565 Twentynine Palms Highway. Mike Usher, co-owner of Grnd Sqrl (just a few storefronts away), and business partners, Eric Smith and Joel Pettersson, applied last July to establish an official location for the…

March celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today in Twentynine Palms

On Monday, January 15, there will be a march in Twentynine Palms to honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with the theme: "Living The Dream: It Starts With Me - Spreading Hope, Courage and Unity." Participants should arrive at 7:45 a.m. at Little Church of the Desert, 6079 Adobe Road. At 8:00 a.m., the march begins and heads just one mile north to Palms Baptist Church, 5285 Adobe Road. At 9:00 a.m., the MLK Prayer Bowl begins in the sanctuary. Mayor Steve Bilderain will be…

Twentynine Palms Planning Commission considers new brewpub, studies housing solutions this Tuesday

The Twentynine Palms Planning Commission will meet this Tuesday evening to discuss the permitting of a new brewpub, in addition to hosting study sessions on housing and the homeless. Reporter Heather Clisby has more … At this week’s meeting, the Twentynine Palms Planning Commission will consider granting a Conditional Use Permit for a new brewpub located at 73565 Twentynine Palms Highway. Mike Usher, co-owner of Grnd Sqrl (just a few storefronts away), and business partner, Eric Smith, applied…

Twentynine Palms City Council creates youth council, discuss FP-5 fire tax

Listen here: Last night’s meeting of the Twentynine Palms City Council featured a presentation by the fire chief, a new appointment to the Public Arts Advisory Council, and the long-awaited creation of a Youth Council. The Twentynine Palms City Council kicked off 2024 with an overall positive meeting that began with a presentation by Fire Chief Daniel Munsey on the impact of FP-5, an annual assessment fee that helps fund fire and rescue services, as well as fire stations themselves. The March 5…