Thirteen Unasked Questions, Part Three: The Final Three Questions
Twentynine Palms City Council Candidates in District 1 and 2 discuss funding for the animal shelter, cannabis in 29, policing sex offenders
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 last group of questions covers the animal shelter, sex offenders, and cannabis.
Part 1 addressed ongoing issues in Twentynine Palms that come up again and again, seemingly without resolution, such as homelessness, housing, helping our youth, and government transparency and can be found here.
Part 2 focused on trash, light pollution, and several other issues that intersect with road maintenance and code enforcement.
Responses are as given — except for minor copyediting, Desert Trumpet has not edited or fact checked the replies.
How are you going to get the money to get a new animal shelter built? And when do you want to do this? (Joel Klink)
Jim Krushat, District 2: The first question is how much will a new animal shelter cost? To that end, the City Staff is having an architectural firm, which specializes in animal shelters, develop initial concepts and costs for a new “holistic” animal shelter for Twentynine Palms. After establishing the cost, we can determine how to prioritize and fund this new construction given all the projects that require the City’s attention (Resource Center for the homeless, funding for Patriot Park, and affordable housing projects). Various funding sources can include a combination of state and federal grants, city funds, private funding (private contributions—community-wide fund drive) and, if the project has community-wide support, a general obligation bond (requires voter approval).
It is interesting that Councilmember Klink is asking this question, as he has been on the City Council for 20 years. What are his thoughts on how we can raise funding for this project?
April Ramirez, District 2: I think something a lot of people don't know about me is how extensive my network is. Through the years, I have been able to make and maintain friendships with people in the entertainment business, career philanthropists, and professional athletes. I would like to put on a benefit gala for the animal shelter. In the past, I have had great success with gala/ event planning and getting everyone to come together for a great cause. I would also work together with the other council members/animal shelter leadership team to evaluate if there are any grants we would like to pursue.
Paul Razo, District 2: We can get this going as soon as possible. A number of local businesses and nonprofits are already holding events and offering fundraisers. I think we can continue to leverage that, coupled with potential grant opportunities and City funds to get this ball rolling. We can also look into merchandising—selling shelter branded T-shirts, leashes, collars, dog bowls, and more to drive additional revenue. It’s just a matter of setting a goal and a strategy.
Carrie Williams, District 1: To get a new shelter built — do some fundraising and private organizations for donations. There’s a grant for a no-kill shelter, can get one built that way. When all the funds are available, then we can get building with the new shelter.
Steven Bilderain, District 1: As a finance committee member, collaborating with our finance director, we have earmarked funds for a new shelter this past year, it’s a small step towards the financial goal. We are also exploring State and County Grants, innovative funding sources, and strategic partnerships. This critical long-standing priority has been repeatedly addressed, and I will continue to drive efforts to bring a new shelter to reality. It is our duty to serve not only our four-legged friends, but also our staff and the local community.
We appear to be generous with alcohol permits, yet cannabis sales are prohibited in the City. With the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians opening a cannabis dispensary on our border—the only one in the Basin—is it time for the City to also benefit from the income generated from cannabis sales?(Cindy Bernard, District 1)
April Ramirez, District 2: One of the first questions I had when we moved here was why don’t we have have a (cannabis) dispensary? I am a strong proponent of never having "all of your eggs in one basket.” I went back and read the meeting minutes from previous City Council meetings where this was discussed and it appeared to be a "budget" issue. I would like to revisit the idea, gauge community interest and move forward with something like this to have multiple streams of income for the City.
Paul Razo, District 2: Cannabis is also being delivered in from dispensaries in Desert Hot Springs and has been for awhile. At this point we’re leaving revenue and employment opportunities on the table in hopes of preventing something that’s already here. I’m not saying I want our City crawling with dispensaries; we will have to be strategic when it comes to location and number of retailers, but we need to open that door.
Carrie Williams, District 1: The City can take polls and surveys on a cannabis dispensary. If the City has a cannabis dispensary open within the City limits, the City can earmark a portion of the money for projects like seniors housing and building of a dog shelter.
Steven Bilderain, District 1: Our City has additional essential needs for revenue-generating services. Considering our community’s partnership with the Maine Corps base, where service members and civilian employees must adhere to zero-tolerance drug policies and acknowledging cannabis’s ongoing illegality. I believe a dispensary is not presently suitable for our community. We will observe the Band of Mission Indians dispensary and potentially revisit this topic for discussion in the future.
Jim Krushat, District 2: Previous City administrations have prohibited any cannabis business within the City limits of Twentynine Palms. After Proposition 64 (legalized recreational cannabis) was passed in 2016, the issue of allowing cannabis businesses within City limits was proposed for future discussion on the City Council agendas but was eventually removed. I would advocate that the issue of allowing a cannabis business within City limits should be addressed by the City Council and citizens of Twentynine Palms. This issue may require a local measure to be voted on by the citizens, but it needs to be addressed.
With our commitment to the safety of our residents, especially our children, can you tell us your plan to get a grip on the overwhelming amount number of sex offenders in our City? (Johnnie Ward)
Paul Razo, District 2: I think this is a very important issue and it’s honestly sickening to see the number of offenders in our area. As a City our hands are tied when it comes to mandating proximity laws at a local level, which is very frustrating. But there are still steps we can take to protect our youth. At a law enforcement level, we need to advocate for more sweeps such as “Operation Broken Heart” in 2019 to keep registered offenders in check. At an educational level we need to make sure children know how to protect themselves—make sure they don’t talk to strangers, learn to identify suspicious vehicles, and try to remember license plate numbers. At a community level it’s important that you and your children know your neighbors, so that we can look after one another and protect each other. We also don’t want our youth to live in constant fear. They need to know that they have a strong and friendly neighborhood looking after them.
Carrie Williams, District 1: Probation and sheriff’s department could work to make sure that the sex offenders are registered and all their information is up-to-date and they all doing what is needed by their probation terms.
Steven Bilderain, District 1: Historically, our City has opposed the relocation of released sex offenders from other counties, which led to an understanding of offenders’ rights and municipal limitations. Non-compliance could result in litigation. Our strategy now focuses on educating the community about available resources and websites such as www.meganslaw.ca.gov to stay informed about their environment. As a parent and youth coach ensuring the safety of our children remains my utmost priority.
Jim Krushat, District 2: Registering sex offenders is intended to reduce recidivism by creating a system of accountability, public awareness, and monitoring. For resettled offenders in our community, who have served their prison term, we can continue to monitor and ensure that mandatory counseling, rehabilitation programs, and regular check-ins with probation or parole officers are being done. We can also work with County and State government representatives to ensure that our community is not used to resettle offenders from other cities, towns, and communities.
April Ramirez, District 2: I would propose the use of ALPRs [automatic license plate readers] near all schools, bus stops, and parks—anywhere children practice for sports and other extracurricular activities. The cost is about $400 to $1000 each. While people may have the concerns about "privacy," it should be known that ALPR footage is only accessible by law enforcement officers when there is an active investigation. Furthermore, I'm working with Mrs. Lena Allen, former law enforcement officer, and CEO of Dark Cybersecurity who generously is VOLUNTEERING her expertise to develop a software program that would be able to send a message to law enforcement officers in real time whenever a registered sex offender is using technology against probation conditions. We will also offer monthly community training programs for children and parents.
Check Voterizer.org to ensure that you are registered to vote. You have until October 21 to register for the November 5 election.
Watch for upcoming Desert Trumpet elections coverage including Q&As with candidates for Copper Mountain College Area 3, Morongo Unified School District Area 1, and State Senate District 19.
Disclosure: Paul Razo is the graphic designer for the Desert Trumpet.
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At issue:
In his total commitment to nonviolence, Gandhi always included the animals, stating, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Most of candidates spoke directly to the issue of a new animal shelter, and the its funding. A couple of answers fell short expressing a deep concern.
I invite Everyone to pay a visit to the city/county local Palms-N-Paws Animal shelter. The leadership and staff are doing an outstanding job and showing much love for those Incarcerated animals. The shelter is overflowing with these precious animals. And as the city rapidly grows, so to will the Increasing. need for a new shelter. Volunteer has an animal walker.
Given Gandhi's criteria for a great nation -- The city of Twentynine Palms would not fare very well. Some candidates had an accumulation of some very good ideas for raising money, and let's not forget the county as part of this solution.
Visitis the animal shelter, tour all of this it's facilities. I think you will reach the same conclusion that I have: A new animal sheller is a must. It ought to be a salient priority!
Once again, frankly speaking, not all of the candidates seemed to actually give a big toot about a new animal shelter. They sounded more like politicians giving lip-service to a difficult situation.
Time for a little humble pie... I regret the numerous errors In terms of proof reading.