Search

Home > Desert Oracle Radio > Twentynine Palms City Council approves civilian access to Marine base
Podcast: Desert Oracle Radio
Episode:

Twentynine Palms City Council approves civilian access to Marine base
Category: Society & Culture
Duration: 00:00:00
Publish Date: 2025-09-24 15:36:30
Description:

Dressed all in orange to highlight Hunger Action Month, the Twentynine Palms City Council gathered last night to tackle city business. A representative from the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority presented an update on Measure I, which created a half-cent sales tax that was passed in 1989 to fund transportation projects county-wide.

Councilmember April Ramirez reminded attendees about local services available to those at risk of suicide. Photo: Heather Clisby

There was a public hearing to confirm the 1.5% assessment fee (per night) that tourists pay for local lodging which helps fund the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). The hearing was the final step of the TBID’s annual reauthorization process and the fees were approved.

Council approved a motion to waive the $5,000 application fee usually required for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) at Historic Plaza for events occurring more than four times per year, such as farmers markets. The issue will return to the Planning Commission, but the discussion cleared a crucial roadblock. City Manager Stone James noted that this will encourage the plaza to flourish with more community events. “Let them do great things,” said James.

Friends of The Historic Plaza Director Jimmy Brower addressed the council. Photo: Heather Clisby

Ever since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) closed its’ gates to civilians seeking to access on-base amenities. Council discussed a proposed Category C Waiver which would re-open the gates to non-military residents and allow access to certain businesses and special events.

Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff Jesse Montes for Marine Corps Community Services addressed council regarding civilian access to the base. Photo: Heather Clisby
Resident Carlos Blandon was an active speaker at the Tuesday meeting. Photo: Heather Clisby

The hope is to attract more name-brand businesses to the base, especially for Marines who lack transportation, approximately 3-10,000 annually. (For comparison, Camp Pendleton has 60 name-brand stores/restaurants while the MAGCC has 10-11, such as Jersey Mike’s and Popeye’s Chicken.) Of course, this would also mean an increase in sales tax revenue for the city.

Council approved sending a letter of support to the Marine Corps to move forward with the waiver.

Audrey Philpot, of the 29 Palms Music Series Committee, delivered welcome news about the Levitt grant. Photo: Heather Clisby

The meeting concluded with some welcome news. Audrey Philpot, of the 29 Palms Music Series Committee, reported that voting has closed for the Levitt Foundation grant and out of 100 cities, Twentynine Palms came in 12th, which means qualifying for the next step in the fall. The grant would fund 30 free concerts over three years at Freedom Plaza.

The post Twentynine Palms City Council approves civilian access to Marine base appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.
Total Play: 0