Congressman Jay Obernotle held a meeting at the Yucca Valley Community Center on Saturday morning (February 22) during which he fielded questions from a contentious crowd who expressed concerns about the federal government, with a focus on recent layoffs that impacted Joshua Tree National Park.
On February 14, the federal government laid off six rangers at Joshua Tree National Park as part of a larger initiative to relieve staff within the Department of Interior. Congressman Obernolte expressed his dissatisfaction with the layoffs, saying “I think it was a mistake to lay off people in the National Park system. We’re pushing back. This was a bi-partisan effort.”
Obernolte added that additional seasonal hires would be added to supplement the National Park staff.
The meeting saw a number of residents from across the Morongo Basin express their concerns regarding the direction of the federal government.
Despite Obernolte’s continued calls for decorum, alongside requests from town manager Curtis Yakimow, the meeting was met with shouts, hollers, and boos from Morongo Basin residents.
In the midst of outbursts from the crowd, Obernolte asked, “Are you having fun? Because I’m having fun.”
The final speaker at the meeting was newly elected Twentynine Palms City Council Member April Ramirez, who thanked Congressman Obernolte for his support of active service people.
“I was asked on behalf of 36 active duty military families to thank you for the current pay increase for active duty service members. Before, we didn’t have diapers, we didn’t have wipes. Because of the current pay increase for current active duty military members, they are now able to breathe freely. It is truly important to take care of them.”
