RECAP: Twentynine Palms City Council, September 23, 2025
City Council highlights food insecurity, reaffirms tourism promotion, expands base access, and weighs the future of Historic Plaza.
City Council meeting attendees walked in to find City Councilmembers wearing orange clothing. One resident whispered, “It’s never too soon to start celebrating Halloween!” From food insecurity across the desert region to road funding, tourism promotion, Historic Plaza events, and expanded access to the Marine base, the meeting moved through a wide range of community concerns. Here’s a link to agenda and our agenda preview.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Once the meeting got underway, Debbie Espinosa, President and CEO of FIND Food Bank, explained the significance of the color orange, worn by attendees in recognition of Hunger Action Month, as a way to spark conversation.
Espinosa emphasized that food insecurity persists across the desert region, with Twentynine Palms receiving nearly 400,000 pounds of food annually. She noted that most food bank clients are not homeless:
They are people that are working. They are fixed income seniors that are retired. They are children that are going to school. They are moms and dads and sisters and brothers who are working, that are struggling to meet ends meet….So for us, when we can provide them free food, they have the capability of taking money that they would have to apply toward that food and put it toward their rent, their utilities, their mortgage payments, their fuel to get into their cars to go to work.
The City Council proclaimed September 2025 as Hunger Action Month and affirmed the city’s commitment to combatting hunger in partnership with FIND Food Bank, part of the Feeding America network.
Council then heard from Louis Vidaure of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA). He reviewed the role of Measure I, the countywide half-cent sales tax that funds road, transit, and infrastructure projects. Since 2010, Measure I has generated $2.5 billion for transportation, including pavement maintenance, safety improvements, and bike trail development in Twentynine Palms. Vidaure stressed that Measure I is locally controlled and shielded from state budget shortfalls.
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, who is on the SBCTA board—as are many other councilmembers from other San Bernardino County cities—said:
We would not have basin transit without funds from SBCTA. It would not be affordable. We give the college students free passes, the students at the high school get free passes [to go to school]. But without those funds, it wouldn’t be affordable for seniors to even ride the bus.
Veno Nathraj asked if the increasing emphasis on electric cars would have any impact on transportation funding. Vidaure responded that some funding does come from the State’s gas tax, and the State legislature is looking to find solutions. Suzim Dick asked if the SBCTA had any plans to improve State Road 247. “We just completed a study,” Vidaure said.
The county supervisor that represents this area is really concerned about what happens if there’s a natural disaster that closes the Cajon Pass. Alternate routes would come through 247 and 62, and improvements need to be made to those roads.
Carlos Blandon asked if Measure I funded bus rapid transit. Vidaure noted that this transit system has a dedicated roadway and that “one of the things with measure I that the voters passed was a very specific project list …we can’t just fund whatever we want. It’s very prescriptive.”
REPORTS ON MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Octavious Scott noted recent talks with constituents about flooding, as well as progress on improvements at Luckie Park. He also highlighted a Reach Out Morongo Basin shower event brought together local nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to provide direct services to 21 community members at Wingin’ It.
Councilmember McArthur Wright included Warhawk football updates and attendance at the mayor’s prayer breakfast as well as a vigil for Charlie Kirk held at Luckie Park on Sunday, September 21. April Ramirez’s reported that she attended the Hispanic Heritage celebration, the State of the County address, a meeting with San Manuel tribal leadership, and the county’s homelessness steering committee. She reported meeting with 13 constituents concerned about the condition of their rental units. She added a personal reminder that September is also Suicide Prevention Month. She urged residents to use Pacific Clinics, which offers free counseling without insurance requirements.
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz reported on the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Freedom Plaza, the Elks Lodge recognition event, and gatherings at Sky’s the Limit Observatory. Mayor Steve Bilderain attended the Warhawks pep rally and 9/11 honor walks. “And of course I attended the Mayor’s prayer breakfast,” he said.
CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Approval of the minutes of the September 9, 2025 City Council meeting
5. Adoption of an Ordinance, Amending Chapter 2.01, Titled “City Manager,” of the Municipal Code Changing Responsibility for Supervisory Authority Over the City Clerk from the City Council to the City Manager
The City Council adopted the Consent Calendar 5-0 without discussion after a public comment by Carlos Blandon. The Twentynine Palms resident said that he approved of item 5, noting that “Dr. Stone is a person of integrity….I hope we allow him to continue his efforts by properly managing the city staff and giving our public servants the attention they need.”
PUBLIC HEARING
6. Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Reauthorization for 2025-26 Fiscal Year
City Manager Stone James reminded the audience that TBID funds are distinct from the city’s 9% transient occupancy tax, which supports general services. TBID revenues, by law, go only to tourism promotion through Visit 29 Palms and its five-member advisory board. Council recently approved the new tourism marketing plan and budget.
There was no Council discussion. Carlos Blandon spoke in favor of TBID reauthorization, saying, “I hope to attract more homeowners who will invest in and live in their property rather than park their money to generate passive income from their long-term rental and let their tenants go wild without recourse.”
Veno Nathraj, who operates hotels west of downtown, opposed reauthorization. While acknowledging his properties contribute significantly to local lodging tax revenue, he argued that Visit 29 Palms’ marketing benefits only select hotels, leaving others excluded despite paying the same assessment.
Why are all the hotels are owned by people like me from India excluded from [TBID] marketing? Why is the west side being excluded from being marketed? Where’s the value you bring? You’re not adding any value to my hotel.
Council did not address Mr. Nathraj’s concern. They voted 5-0 to approve reauthorization.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
7. Historic Plaza Conditional Use Permit
Currently, city code restricts the Historic Plaza to just four special events per year unless organizers obtain a conditional use permit.
City Manager Stone James kicked off the discussion by noting that:
There have been some fantastic business owners, energetic, very creative, very bright business owners that have come in, and they’ve really created an energy and created a buzz within what is an absolutely beautiful amenity, beautiful area.
Economic Development Director Keith Gardner floated the idea of waiving conditional use permit fees—similar to the city’s arrangement with the Farmers Market at Freedom Plaza—and asked Council to consider a framework that would allow more regular programming while reducing administrative burdens.
Councilmember Scott spoke in favor of the proposal, saying “the farmers market has been a benefit to the community. So I definitely think it’s worth exploring as a city, having a similar partnership with the Friends of the historic Plaza.”
Jimmy Brower, one of the directors of Friends of the Historic Plaza nonprofit, said:
Ultimately, the restrictions of the current temporary use permit limiting a max of total of four events at the historic Plaza annually, regardless of applicant, does not allow this venue to breathe and grow as it has in the past and must for the future.
Carlos Blandon rose to speak yet again, saying he approved of the proposal but raised concerns:
What if is a religious organization or an animal self awareness activity group gets remitted in this area with it? Will they allow or the restriction of alcohol or meat on the grounds in the historic Plaza?
Councilmember Ramirez asked:
The only thing that I would ask before this comes back to us is to make sure that you’re speaking with all of the business owners. Just so that we can make sure that there’s general consensus that certain business owners can opt out if they choose not to be part of an event.
Councilmembers directed the proposal to the Planning Commission for further review. It is unclear why this item did not start with the Planning Commission to begin with.
8. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Category C Waiver Request
Currently, only those with official authorization can enter the installation. The waiver, presented by Jesse Montez of Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), would open facilities such as the MCAGCC theater, golf course, GameStop, Popeyes, and Jersey Mike’s to civilians who complete a background check. Commissary and exchange benefits would remain restricted to service members and their families.
Supporters framed the proposal as both an economic and community-building opportunity. Montez noted that stronger on-base businesses improve quality of life for military families, aid recruitment and retention, and create local jobs—nearly all filled by residents of Twentynine Palms and the Morongo Basin.
In public comment, Carlos Blandon said he approved of this request. Robin Schlosser recalled the free flow between the city and the base before security measures put in place following 9/11.
My concern would be that if we did open this up, this could possibly hurt some of our local, smaller businesses. So that’s something to think of, because, I mean, are we going to be getting any tax dollars out of this? What benefit to the community are we going to see if only a small portion of the community is able to access it?
Councilmember Ramirez responded:
My husband is an active duty Marine. I am very thankful for all of the services that MCCS provides for our military family and even some civilian employees that have access to the base.…How do you bridge the gap between the base and the city? First is the shuttle between the base and the casino. It think if you have more jobs to offer more people then MCCS gets stronger, which in turn means more events and better quality of life for our military family as well.
Council voted 5-0 to approve the Category C waiver.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Carlos Blandon took the podium once again to press the city to take a firmer hand in regulating long-term rental properties, arguing that too many owners let tenants “run loose on their properties without ever conducting proper inspections.”
I’m being harassed by my neighbors who are just tenants pretending to be homeowners or fake property managers preventing me from making my own home improvements and calling the sheriff….Do their rights to run a dog daycare business supersede my rights as a homeowner?
He urged Council to adopt a licensing process with regular fire and building checks, saying, “Units need to be regulated…every two years at a minimum.”
Another resident, identifying himself as “Sammy” and a property manager, described severe flooding on Ocotillo Road during recent storms. He estimated that “150,000 pounds worth of sand” washed away and asked the city to consider installing an asphalt bar to prevent future damage. City Manager James encouraged him to stay after the meeting to share contact information with staff.
On a happier note, Audrey Philpott of the 29 Palms Music Series Committee shared “incredible news” that the city’s proposal for 30 free concerts in Freedom Plaza placed 12th in a national voting round for a Levitt grant, beating out larger cities. Leanne Clark of Action 29 Palms updated Council on a mural project that fell through but thanked city leaders for supporting the Mayor’s community breakfast.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
In his report, City Manager Stone James praised Public Works for clearing roads after two major storms, calling their efforts “amazing work” given a crew of only five. He also highlighted the animal shelter’s record placement rates and praised volunteers and foster families. He also commended Audrey Philpott and Anna Stump for their efforts to bring the Levitt Foundation grant to Twentynine Palms.
Mayor Bilderain reminded the audience that Pioneer Days is “just around the corner” on October 16-19. He dedicated the meeting to the memory of former Finance Director Ron Peck.
The next City Council meeting will be held October 14.
Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Please note that we do not allow anonymous comments. Please be sure your first and last name is on your profile prior to commenting. Anonymous comments will be deleted.
Feel free to share this article!
Help us reach our 2025 goal of $10,000 in subscriptions! Upgrade to a paid subscription for just $5 per month or $50 per year.
Would you care to donate more than $100? Our Paypal account is up and running!