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Community garden representative tells Twentynine Palms Planning Commission that Desert Trumpet report mischaracterized Joshua Tree site
Summary
A community garden representative told the Planning Commission that a recent Desert Trumpet report incorrectly said the Joshua Tree garden had stopped operating and said the group has submitted a proposal to the city to start a garden at the Twentynine Palms senior center; funding was reportedly offered by a state senator. The commission kept comment open for the agenda item.
A community garden representative told the Twentynine Palms Planning Commission that a recent Desert Trumpet story misreported the status of the Joshua Tree community garden and previewed a proposal submitted to the city to establish a garden at the Twentynine Palms senior center.
The speaker, who identified themself as a board member and an overseer of the Joshua Tree garden, said the newspaper item “basically” stated the Joshua Tree garden was no longer operating “which is not true.” The representative said the group has submitted a proposal to the city (transcript: “20 9”; year not specified) and that a state senator had offered funding to help start a community garden at the senior center.
Planning staff and the chair urged the speaker to return to speak again when the commission reaches the related agenda item. Chair Keir reminded those present that the Planning Commission is prohibited by the Brown Act from taking action on items not on the printed agenda, and staff said the commission can discuss the matter at a future meeting once the item is properly agendized. The representative said a co-director of the garden would arrive by 5:30 and requested the opportunity to speak then.
Why it matters: The city will consider whether and how to place a community garden on municipal property or to allow cooperative garden uses; potential outside funding and past media reports could affect public support and staff review. The commission did not take action at this meeting; staff will place the item on a future agenda if the commission directs.
Details and next steps: The speaker did not provide a clear calendar year for the submitted proposal (the transcript records the phrase “20 9”); the amount and terms of any state funding were not specified. The commission kept public comment procedures open for the related agenda item, and staff indicated the issue will be discussed when formally agendized.
