[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6663014,"mediaKeyId","2391571-1e04800718980f08fd6bb6de35408cd6","parentId",2391571,"title","Habitat for Humanity affiliate pitches partnership with Twentynine Palms on homebuilding and repairs","audioSeconds",685,"startMs",1295000,"endMs",1980000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391571-1e04800718980f08fd6bb6de35408cd6&start=1295&end=1980","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391571-1e04800718980f08fd6bb6de35408cd6/thumbnail_1295000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6663014/Twentynine-Palms-City/San-Bernardino-County/California/Habitat-for-Humanity-affiliate-pitches-partnership-with-Twentynine-Palms-on-homebuilding-and-repairs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663014-ccb7f147d7c367ab203cc1303a70f26a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202262&Signature=BzhZwdK97vjFvWucs7-Ko1dCq8dgbaPCufcVRuWRmd0H9insAvimw2b5aD1hFjrt2vX0He2dwSyhkQd-H0Rn5ucjenwcXW2mg1ihHACVUej21VwV1nKNyC~ef5om-Z-FO2w3QThqmc~Hx6YtcujynIsw8L0q5SvSJ9jzS0-TbbV2vZPEvu4VOLhCkSIde8XB-Mu5A5nvDKTMVpfxAtAFSovwVi2wIo~y7DJ-y4jQZw8XxlP1nCK661Ggp7WnrUt~rbXc3di7IvCFJ8~wvaHpkPvGh0WIoo1lSxJ3Wp6nayWBmUagem1gdrTwJ0PuEMHfglQ-xVgpjcJlGX0hu2IO-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Twentynine Palms, CA","date","2025-02-26T04:18:59.623Z","article","Representatives from the Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin presented to the Twentynine Palms City Council on March 4 to explain the organization's local activities and explore possible partnerships.

Tracy Tremblay, regional president, and Dave Thornton, the affiliate's executive director, told the council the small affiliate builds about one to two houses a year and runs a 'ReStore' thrift/resale operation that covers operating costs. The affiliate also performs home-repair and restoration services for low-income homeowners and seniors, using a mix of volunteers, donated materials and paid contractors when specialized trades are required.

Thornton described several repair examples: replacing awnings, roofs and fences, clearing debris and rehabbing mobile-home stairs; the organization said it mobilizes corporate volunteer days and partners with local groups including the 29 Palms Marine base, Rotarians and local real estate firms. The affiliate reported it aims in 2025 to build two houses and expand repair services regionally.

On financing and sales, presenters said a typical new build costs about $375,000; when Habitat sells a house it records the appraised value as the sales price but structures financing so the buyer's monthly payment is affordable. Habitat uses \"silent second\" deeds and long-term covenants when partner funding requires maintaining affordability. Presenters also said they require homebuyers to qualify for a traditional mortgage, provide a modest down payment (presenters cited a $1,000 example) and contribute sweat equity (the affiliate requires volunteer hours, presented as around 200 hours). The affiliate also works with county offices on property-tax assessments to help keep carrying costs affordable for buyers.

Council members responded positively; several said the program could help local seniors and households on fixed incomes remain in or access housing. Council asked about the applicant selection and site acquisition process; presenters said builds typically involve donated or partner-provided infill lots and that they screen applicants for mortgage qualification and need before listing.

Why it matters: Twentynine Palms has a population with notable numbers of seniors and households on fixed incomes. Habitat's mix of small-scale building and repair services could help preserve housing stock for vulnerable residents and provide a partner for limited new affordable-home production.

What's next: Habitat representatives said they will continue discussions with the city manager and staff to assess site options, potential partnerships and funding. Councilmembers expressed interest in pursuing pilots or targeted repair programs.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council - Regular Meeting - 25 Feb 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Habitat for Humanity's regional affiliate presented to the council about its homebuilding and home-repair work, saying it builds one to two houses a year in the region, performs repairs for low-income homeowners and seeks partnerships with the city on housing and repair services.","taxTitle","Twentynine Palms City, San Bernardino County, California","taxId",70852,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6663019,"Council authorizes lease amendment to let park'support group assume Freedom Plaza lease during federal shutdowns",885,4835000,5720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391571-1e04800718980f08fd6bb6de35408cd6&start=4835&end=5720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391571-1e04800718980f08fd6bb6de35408cd6/thumbnail_4835000.jpg","/articles/6663019/Twentynine-Palms-City/San-Bernardino-County/California/Council-authorizes-lease-amendment-to-let-parksupport-group-assume-Freedom-Plaza-lease-during-federal-shutdowns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663019-e2effcc58d52f330d3a2302bf066105d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202262&Signature=V2MmgyjEF472ZMax2CjLr-gNKTxrE~lvMchKqHi-fnMoK~C76pzL~BeNiJWA4MYC9PmtoFPmHSJVb~wUypNq6cRHA-Dm-hWZwQJo0Q546kwJuojWN3BUNlAyZpd0e950IP~gRlrj7vWR8-4FFFMeVVPmPPw6cENwsr4RNdXCwKBx0njhl9kfpcGJ4vmeQohM4nbDoyS75S121GXpaC5BDvgu0HI~mQfBgrCcdwf83Ga6gANA8iRH8ksJV~t27IAgpu3GpMyMeYegtk2~UdrfRKUme3xS3JTh5t2GbSBGGLbZxC8jpBDgJjMzGdyF3Uo-BcAUXzWjgbK51xZ3rtHyIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Twentynine Palms City Council on March 4 authorized the city manager and city attorney to amend the February 8, 2022, lease governing the Joshua Tree National Park visitor center at Freedom Plaza so the Joshua Tree National Park Association could assume the lease and operate the site in the event the National Park Service suspends visitor-center operations.

Council members were told the visitor center is operated through a partnership: park rangers provide information when available and the Joshua Tree National Park Association runs the substantial gift-store operations whose proceeds fund park projects. City staff and speakers told council concerns about federal budget cuts raised the possibility that rangers might not be available to staff the center; giving the association authority to assume the lease in those circumstances would keep the public-facing visitor services and retail operation open.

The motion directing the city manager and city attorney to revise the lease was moved and seconded on the floor; the roll-call vote recorded Council Member Scott, Council Member Ramirez and Council Member Wright as voting in favor, Mayor Pro Tem Mintz as abstaining, and Mayor Bill Bilderich as voting in favor, producing a 4'00 with one abstention outcome.

Presenters said the association already runs the visitor center in Joshua Tree and operates a retail program that generates revenue for park projects. Several public commenters and council members stressed the visitor center's economic and safety value: it is a key point of contact for visitors to get maps and safety advice before entering a harsh desert environment.

Council discussion touched on operational questions, including whether the association would need to increase staff or rely on volunteers if rangers are not present; staff said they would follow up with more operational details. The city manager told council he had spoken with park officials and that the National Park Service is supportive of the proposed arrangement.

Why it matters: The visitor center serves as a safety and information hub for Joshua Tree National Park visitors and is also connected to local tourism and retail revenue that supports park projects. Ensuring continued operation when federal staff are unavailable is intended to maintain visitor safety and local economic activity.

What's next: City staff (city manager and city attorney) will prepare lease language to allow the Joshua Tree National Park Association to assume lease obligations in the defined circumstances and return it for administrative finalization; staff also said they would obtain additional operational details about staffing and costs if the association assumes responsibility.

","To keep the Joshua Tree National Park visitor center at Freedom Plaza open if park staff are unavailable, the Twentynine Palms council authorized staff to amend the 2022 lease so the Joshua Tree National Park Association can assume lease obligations during a federal shutdown. The motion passed 4'00 with one abstention.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6663024,"Twentynine Palms council approves midyear budget adjustments, OKs transfers for senior center and equipment",800,3047000,3847000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391571-1e04800718980f08fd6bb6de35408cd6&start=3047&end=3847","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391571-1e04800718980f08fd6bb6de35408cd6/thumbnail_3047000.jpg","/articles/6663024/Twentynine-Palms-City/San-Bernardino-County/California/Twentynine-Palms-council-approves-midyear-budget-adjustments-OKs-transfers-for-senior-center-and-equipment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663024-e8e01a701c8605c3e8d29819b405f3eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202262&Signature=A1n2aRJ96cQy--wReQdMZD17JM7vMdF~~aDdDOkonOhVBH2S-s84hgb3HQRrpj-1Mrd5PzVb~AZ5HJ83MhH1HNMuNXZpP36myPY4c2AcU9Svs~ed8xGwvdnaTSrOmZvwbXbtFe0N30R5Z3M~ldoY1L9Gep86tYW2rXwOMzHQ14bvcCE89oIl6m1PnR~EMleOG~uFBdrDGlq~H3~qQ~Np9LT1u17PzilmvScQBhAgHtX2KQGA~0bQBW6-uExFA4WNgg64yl~14GdNPnmfpQamuVISu3Fofoz7cCnFAPlDr5Y5QlfBzEADd4t4WTXSwrbcHabz~UquT67t2BYXpI01uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Twentynine Palms City Council on March 4 approved midyear adjustments to the city's fiscal 2024'25 general fund and capital/special-funds budgets after a presentation from Finance Director Abigail Hernandez showing the city remains in a positive cash position.

Hernandez told the council the city had about $18.5 million in cash and investments at midyear and outlined proposed adjustments that together still forecast a $92,000 surplus for the fiscal year. She recommended transfers to cover higher-than-anticipated vehicle costs, set aside money for a street-sweeper reserve and fund improvements at the senior center. The council voted unanimously to adopt the adjustments.

Hernandez said the city's cash is invested across several vehicles and remains readily available for operating needs. She identified the largest revenue changes as a proposed $406,000 increase in property-tax receipts and roughly $100,000 more in property-tax in-lieu (vehicle license fee) revenue, offset in part by a decline in building- and permit-related receipts. She also noted a modest $60,000 increase in grant revenue from flexible CDBG/CIRA-type funds.

The council-approved transfers and adjustments discussed in the presentation included:
- A requested transfer to support improvements at the senior center (council heard a $200,000 transfer proposal).
- Additional funding for city vehicles; the animal-control vehicle budget was increased by $26,000 above the original estimate.
- A $35,000 request related to the street-sweeper reserve and continuing contract payments.
- A $6,000 transfer from the general fund to the CDBG fund to cover unreimbursed Homekey project expenditures.

Hernandez also reviewed the city's reserve policy, noting the council in recent years set a target range of 50%'55% of operating expenditures for general reserves; she reported current reserves are within and above that range.

Councilmembers asked staff for clarification on several line items: the cost of software subscriptions to operate donated charging stations at Freedom Plaza (Hernandez said the city must pay a three-year subscription for the chargers after the initial subscription expires), the timing of the strategic-planning session, and details related to Homekey funding. On Homekey, Hernandez said the $613,000 grant received in 2022 is likely insufficient given rising costs; staff have requested an extension to March 2026 and will pursue additional funding, but federal or state grants are not guaranteed.

Votes at a glance:
- Consent calendar: approved 5'00.
- SCAG delegate designation (item 6): approved 5'00 (delegate names/details as recorded in the meeting record were not specified).
- General Fund midyear budget adjustments (item 7): approved 5'00.
- Capital projects and special funds midyear update (item 8): approved 5'00.

Why it matters: The midyear changes preserve the city's balanced budget position while moving one-time and capital funds toward needed purchases and facility improvements. The Homekey project funding shortfall and the recurring software/subscription costs for donated chargers were identified as items that will require future attention from council and staff.

What's next: Staff will implement the approved transfers and return with further detail at budget hearings and the strategic planning session; they will also continue to seek additional grants or reimbursements for the Homekey project and provide updated cost estimates for items already underway.

","The Twentynine Palms City Council on March 4 approved midyear amendments to the fiscal 2024–25 general fund and capital/special funds budgets, authorizing transfers for senior center improvements, vehicle purchases and other capital needs while finance staff warned a Homekey housing project will need additional funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Habitat for Humanity affiliate pitches partnership with Twentynine Palms on homebuilding and repairs

Council authorizes lease amendment to let park'support group assume Freedom Plaza lease during federal shutdowns

Twentynine Palms council approves midyear budget adjustments, OKs transfers for senior center and equipment