Twentynine Palms City Council approves student-built mosaic mural at Freedom Plaza

Heather Clisby February 25, 2026Last Updated: February 25, 2026

City Manager Stone James makes a point to the city council

Last night, the Twentynine Palms City Council got a deep download on three budgets for a mid-fiscal-year update. Regarding the General Fund, Finance Director/Treasurer Abigail Hernandez-Conde stated that the city’s operating budget is performing well, cash and reserves are strong, and the revenue and expenses are within expectations.

Finance Director/Treasurer Abigail Hernandez-Conde presented mid-fiscal-year reports on three city budgets.

Meanwhile, Capital Projects Fund and Special Revenue Funds are on track for projects such as Split Rock construction, Sullivan bike path, new animal control truck, and senior center improvements, among others. An inter-fund transfer request was approved for $183,300 from the General Fund.

As for the Project Phoenix Funds and Enterprise Sewer Funds, some slight amendments were made and council approved an inter-fund transfer request for $80,000 from the General Fund into the Sewer Fund for utility connections needed to operate the Project Phoenix Package Treatment Plant.

Groundwork Arts Director Rhonda Coleman presented a youth-driven mosaic mural project to the council.

Groundwork Arts Director Rhonda Coleman then pitched council on a youth-driven tile mural project in Freedom Plaza. Noting that $15,000 had already been earmarked for public art in this space, council gave the green light. In addition to the city funds, the project will also be funded by two grants made possible by Groundwork Arts in addition to a donation by the organization for a total of nearly $105,000.

Paul Razo, chair of the Public Arts Advisory Committee, stated his support for the proposed mosaic mural project in Freedom Plaza.

Paul Razo, chair of the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC), also spoke up to support the proposal.

“Just from the PAAC point of view, I just want to say how much that we support this and how refreshing it is. I’m sure all of you know that when you approach someone with a project and say ‘This is how much money we have for it’ a lot of times, the answer is just ‘No, sorry, that’s not enough money.’” said Razzo. “And for them to go and put in so much footwork and say ‘We don’t have the money right now but this is how we are going to get enough money and we’re gonna make this happen,’ is just so amazing.”

The precise location of the mural is yet to be determined. Community engagement will commence in March and installation is slated for October.

Public Works Superintendent Craig Stacey gives a departmental update to the council.

Council also heard a departmental update from Public Works Superintendent Craig Stacey. With 12 personnel, the department maintains six parks, all roadway medians, Freedom Plaza, and assists with city events. They also handle storm recovery and 150 miles of paved roads, laying down 5,000-6,000 tons of asphalt each year. The department also manufactures all city street signs.

During Public Comments, several residents expressed strong feelings against the FLOCK camera surveillance system and again asked council to place the issue on the agenda for an official community discussion. One speaker, Elliot Balsley, reminded council that there is a petition urging the city to cut ties with FLOCK. If you missed the meeting but still want to check it out, go here.