Thirteen Unasked City Council Candidate Questions, Part One: Biggies
District 1 and 2 candidates respond to questions on homelessness, security for renters, encouraging youth to stay, and transparency
At the conclusion of our District 1 and 2 City Council Candidate Forum held on September 14, several residents inquired why their questions weren’t asked. There were so many questions that we couldn’t possibly address them in 90 minutes — a great sign of citizen engagement with the upcoming election.
We’ve divided the thirteen unasked questions into three articles. This first group of questions addresses ongoing issues in Twentynine Palms that come up again and again, seemingly without resolution, such as homelessness, housing, helping our youth, and government transparency. Part 2 focuses on trash, light pollution, and several other issues that intersect with road maintenance and code enforcement and part 3 covers the animal shelter, sex offenders, and cannabis. Responses are as given — except for minor copyediting, Desert Trumpet has not edited or fact checked the replies.
For context on this set of questions, please refer to a selection of recent articles on City discussions about the unhoused, housing, creating an inclusive community and the Brown Act and Fair Political Practices.
How are we going to fix homelessness in Twentynine Palms? Look in the back of Autozone—they have a BBQ grill. (Shaka Gray, District 5 with a similar question submitted by Jack Hart)
Jim Krushat, District 2: I believe as a society we must care for the most vulnerable members of our community. With respect to homelessness in the community, this requires approaching the issue on multiple levels.
First, identity the homeless that have mental health issues which preclude them from taking care of themselves and get them the help they need. The City has earmarked funding for a Resource Center to help direct individuals find programs and organizations that can provide needed assistance. We need to get that Resource Center established.
Second, there is the homeless population that, for economic reasons, cannot afford housing. We need to coordinate the resources available within government, the community, religious and private organizations to help with finding acceptable housing solutions, another function of the community Resource Center. We need to create incentives for developers to construct more affordable housing solutions. Just as important, we need to promote economic activity that can provide the employment opportunities necessary for people to have the means to support themselves.
April Ramirez, District 2: PRIOR to becoming a "candidate" I was able to identify a resource to help the community; this issue is something that weighs heavily on me because I know what it is to be in that situation through no fault of my own. I know what its like to wait in line in the rain for a loaf of bread and some canned goods. Hell, I even know what it is to dumpster dive for basic necessities. That being said, I helped initiate the conversation between the City and the non-profit organization called Molding Hearts and got the conversation going with the City. What sets this organization apart from other local organizations is that they hold contracts with the San Bernardino County and State of CA for Behavioral Health, Probation, Mental Health and Drug Court, Adult Protective Services and Child Family Services, as well as provide resources for job stabilization and long term housing solutions. In order to effectively "fix" homelessness, as a community, we need to understand that "homelessness" is a symptom of a much bigger problem. We need to address the root cause with empathy, compassion, and boundaries all while holding individuals accountable for their own healing and success.
One more thing I would like to make very clear. I am NOT directly involved with Molding Hearts (not an employee, not a board member). Molding Hearts is simply a resource I identified during my homeless solutions "research phase" that has a proven success rate having rehabed over 3,000 people and has approximately 12 homes in the Morongo Basin to provide services to our unhoused population.
“The City has earmarked funding for a Resource Center to help direct individuals to programs and organizations that can provide needed assistance. We need to get that Resource Center established.” - Jim Krushat
“In order to effectively "fix" homelessness, as a community, we need to understand that "homelessness" is a symptom of a much bigger problem. We need to address the root cause with empathy, compassion, and boundaries all while holding individuals accountable for their own healing and success.” - April Ramirez
”These are members of our community just like everyone else. Before we tear things down we need to work with these individuals to find the proper care, assistance and/or other means of living.” - Paul Razo
”The issue includes increasing affordable housing options, providing access to medical and mental health services, offering job training and placement programs and implementing a comprehensive strategy to address substance abuse and mental health issues.” - Carrie Williams
”My approach prioritizes providing resources to empower individuals toward stability, rather than merely relocating the situation. While supporting those in need, we must avoid harmful dependencies.” - Steven Bilderain
Paul Razo, District 2: We need to start cleaning things up. The encampments need to be cleaned out. However, we also have to act with compassion and understand what that means for these individuals. Simply having roofs over our heads isn’t what makes us neighbors. These are members of our community just like everyone else. Before we tear things down we need to work with these individuals to find the proper care, assistance and/or other means of living. We also need to bear in mind storage of their belongings, which is currently mandated at 90 days. These encampments aren’t just thrown in the trash. They are the City’s responsibility for 3 months and we need to keep the costs of that storage in mind.
Carrie Williams, District 1: How can we fix homelessness in Twentynine Palms? Make sure that we have enough housing available and it’s affordable. Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution some steps that could be taken to address. The issues include increasing affordable housing options, providing access to medical and mental health services, offering job training and placement programs and implementing a comprehensive strategy to address substance abuse and mental health issues. By addressing these underlying issues and providing support to those in need Twentynine Palms can work toward reducing and ultimately fixing homelessness in the area.
Steven Bilderain, District 1: Homelessness is a pressing national issue with local implications. In light of state inaction, we are engaging with organizations and agencies to craft meaningful solutions. My approach prioritizes providing resources to empower individuals toward stability, rather than merely relocating the situation. While supporting those in need, we must avoid harmful dependencies. Effective homelessness mitigation requires dedicated resources. A collective effort is underway to devise a strategic response to the complex needs of our homeless population.
Sixty percent of Twentynine Palms residents are renters. What will you do to protect vulnerable renters from being priced out of their homes? (Xihomara Alvarez) (I've edited this question for fairness-cb)
April Ramirez, District 2: I've actually spoken to Miss Xihomara about starting a "fair housing committee" where we could address the issues renters are facing and see what is in the purview of the council for further action. Maybe we can find a way to incentivize owners/landlords to make renting easier for all.
Paul Razo, District 2: Luckily at a state level California already has extensive protections for renters. I think the question we need to ask ourselves is, ”How do we turn our renters into homeowners?” The Coachella Valley Housing Coalition initiative presented by Councilmember Scott has the potential to be a great first step in housing equality. We need to seek more opportunities for developing affordable housing like this
Carrie Williams, District 1: To protect vulnerable residence, renters and homeowners from direct displacement through things like rental and relocation, assistance programs, vouchers, enhance legal protection, property tax, relief, and fair lending education enforcement. Rent control.
Steven Bilderain, District 1: The results of Prop 33 would determine the City’s subsequent course of action.
Voting for prop 33:
Effects on Renters and Landlords. If Proposition 33 passes, local rent control laws probably would expand in some communities. This could have many effects on renters, landlords, and rental properties. The most likely effects are:
•Some renters who live in properties covered by rent control would spend less on rent. Some renters who live in properties not covered by rent control would spend more on rent.
•Some renters would move less often.
•Fewer homes would be available to rent. One reason for this is that some landlords would sell their properties to new owners who would live there instead of renting it out.
•The value of rental housing would decline because potential landlords would not want to pay as much for these properties.
Jim Krushat, District 2: California has some of the highest rents in the United States. Rent is high in California because the state does not have enough housing for everyone that lives here. We need to make the building of affordable and attainable housing in Twentynine Palms attractive for developers. Pursuing the City’s proposed multi-family affordable housing project (which already has $1M committed) will provide the greatest value (largest number of affordable units for the money spent). That project still requires additional funding sources and a developer/management company to take the lead. Also, as a community we should be looking at alternative and innovative ways of “getting a roof over your family” and not that every home needs to have three bedrooms and a garage. The City of Twentynine Palms does not have any local rent control ordinances and balancing the rights of property owners with the need for more affordable housing can be problematic, but the rent control issue should be discussed.
What is the plan for trying to keep our youth in our community? What are we going to do to utilize our elderly's knowledge to trickle down to our town? (Dawn Pritchett)
Paul Razo, District 2: We need more local employment opportunities, internship opportunities, and apprenticeship programs. I’d love to see a more collaborative effort with our local business owners and entrepreneurs who know firsthand the struggles and rewards of making a living in our desert. We need a focus on the trades as a viable career path and a needed asset locally. But we also have to find ways to bring big city opportunities to Twentynine Palms, with an emphasis on job training for remote work. Our newly formed Youth Council has been incredibly vocal about their love for our City and their mission to drive positive change. It’s really inspiring. As a community we need to continue to foster this proactive spirit and let their ideas be heard. That support is what keeps our youth here.
One huge blessing we’ve had since opening our shop in he Historic Plaza is the influx of older members in our community who stop in and tell us stories about the plaza and what our town was like when they were growing up. It is truly one of my favorite things. We need to put our elders in a position to be heard and for their stories to be told, especially to our youth. I would love to work with the Historical Society on a new series of interviews with City elders to keep in their archive for posterity.
“We need a focus on the trades as a viable career path and a needed asset locally. But we also have to find ways to bring big city opportunities to Twentynine Palms, with an emphasis on job training for remote work.” - Paul Razo
“To keep the youth in the City we need to have them trained in various jobs by our store owners. We could ask the elderly to mentor some of them.” - Carrie Williams
“We have collaborated with or supported the school district and Copper Mountain College (CMC) in establishing trade school programs within the high school and CMC, addressing the community’s specific needs. Our shared vision aimed to equip residents with essential skill sets, fostering a talented workforce that remains in the community.” - Steven Bilderain
“Our desert community has three major employment areas, tourism/hospitality, support to the Marine Base, and service/construction trades. For our young people that want to live and work in our desert community, we can form necessary partnerships between local businesses and our educational institutions so they can develop the required skill sets for employment.” - Jim Krushat
“I am actively working with local barbershops, schools, and other small businesses to start ‘trade’ school programs. We have already started on this process, and we are in the ‘funding/licensing’ phase so we can get the programs up and running.” - April Ramirez
Carrie Williams, District 1: To keep the youth in the City we need to have them trained in various jobs by our store owners. We could ask the elderly to mentor some of them. Volunteering or participating in civic activities, offering educational and career oriented programs, sports and recreational activities and arts and culture. Events can keep the youth engaged and help them stay in the area. Take these workshops to the school.
Steven Bilderain, District 1: We have collaborated with or supported the school district and CMC in establishing trade school programs within the high school and CMC, addressing the community’s specific needs. Our shared vision is aimed to equip residents with essential skill sets, fostering a talented workforce that remains in the community. Notable initiatives include the culinary arts program and kitchens at Freedom Plaza.
Jim Krushat, District 2: This will always be an issue with small towns, because opportunities are limited to meet all the interests of young people. Young people that have the aptitudes, abilities, and desire to work in engineering, IT, the physical sciences, etc. will go to where those employment opportunities exist. Our desert community has three major employment areas, tourism/hospitality, support to the Marine Base, and service/construction trades. For our young people that want to live and work in our desert community, we can form necessary partnerships between local businesses and our educational institutions so they can develop the required skill sets for employment. Not everyone needs to go to college to have a salable skill and make a living.
If our elderly residents want to pass their knowledge to our young and the community, they need to get involved with the community. I’m 67 and I’m involved with the Historical Society, the Artists Guild of 29 Palms, and Kiwanis International. Through Kiwanis, I have supported reading programs, Troop 229, bike rodeos, and other educational events for the youth of our community. No one is going to walk up to the elderly and say, “pass your knowledge to me”. You need to get off your keister and get involved with the community.
April Ramirez, District 2: I am actively working with local barbershops, schools, and other small businesses to start "trade" school programs. We have already started on this process and we are in the "funding/ licensing" phase so we can get the programs up and running. I am excited to be able to present these ideas to the community in the near future. If elected, I would be able to offer the City more resources such as this to keep our youth here and not only survive but thrive. The only thing I ever ask from people is that they pay it forward when they are able.
Transparency and conflict of interest is very important—how do you plan to handle this? (Charmaine Nathraj) (I've edited this question for fairness-cb)
Carrie Williams, District 1: it is important for people and entities to disclose any potential conflicts to the appropriate parties and to take steps to manage or eliminate the conflict. We must discuss what will be an conflict.
Steven Bilderain, District 1: As a steadfast advocate for transparency and conflict-free decision-making, I recognize their crucial role in fostering trust. Over the past eight years, I have consistently upheld unparalleled transparency in my personal and professional life, avoiding conflicts of interest. With no business affiliations or property ownership beyond my primary residence, my focus remains unwaveringly on making prudent, sensible decisions that exclusively benefit the City and citizens. I commit to sustaining an approachable, available, and accountable stance.
Jim Krushat, District 2: If there is a direct conflict of interest between the legislation/regulation/ordinance being decided and the elected (or appointed) official’s personal interest, then those officials should and will recuse themselves. However, if you take more than a cursory read of the Brown Act, you will find there are exceptions for participation in discussions on “matters of general interest.” If the ordinance being discussed pertains to a business or commercial activity for the community and not specifically related to the official's business or commercial activity, it could be argued that the official's participation falls within the scope of a “matter of general interest.” In many cases, if there is an “appearance” of a conflict of interest, or impression of undue bias, the officials would recuse themselves. Depending on the specifics of the situation, that is a good policy.
April Ramirez, District 2: Transparency is important, but I also understand that educating the public is also just as important; that way, when people are being transparent the public understands the "why." I would like to see a monthly educational newsletter go out to the public from the City. Before people are appointed to committees or boards by the council I would like the community to also be afforded an opportunity to give their input about the nominees AFTER being able to review their qualifications (and potential conflicts of interest) so that the council can make better informed decisions based on what the community wants to see. I have had several conversations with multiple people that want to get involved but maybe are not "tech savvy" or due to physical/mental limitations need a physical copy of the information being presented.
I would also like to revisit "reading letters from the public" into open comment at City Council meetings. I would also like to tighten up the process for "community grants" by making the application process a little it more meticulous and fact checking everyone. For example, if you say you are a nonprofit, I need proof that you are in good standing with the IRS, and I would like to ensure that there are no other conflicts of interest as well—for example: if you are putting on an event making sure there is a fair process that for anyone that wants to be a part of it as a vendor, can easily apply. I would also like to give direction on HOW the success/metrics of City funded events is to be measured and reported back to the council for fiduciary responsibility.
Paul Razo, District 2: At a governmental level we need to enforce term limits for City board and committee members to mitigate conflicts. At a community level I would like to hold monthly “Coffee with a Council Member” meetings at local businesses to discuss any and all topics with our residents. A lot of the time this perceived lack of transparency is really just poor communication. I truly hope that my tenure as a Councilmember serves as an ongoing dialogue with our residents. We need to know what you want, and you should know what we’re doing at all times.
Disclosure: Paul Razo is the graphic designer for the Desert Trumpet.
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hello, is there still a Q&A tomorrow?
Governor Newsom's speeches and statements highlighted the importance of collaboration between the state and local governments to address the underlying causes of homelessness. But rather than "collaborate" the financial component with the cities, Newsom prioritizes scarce taxpayer funds to such frivolous projects as the High Speed Rail (to nowhere), Highway Beautification Projects, California's Cap-and-Trade Program (which imposes unnecessary costs on businesses and consumers). Furthermore, he directed the cities to resolve the crisis on their own with little assistance from the State. Addressing homelessness and unaffordable housing must first start with sacrificing State projects and reappropriating those funds to the cities and municipalities.