Residents press council on Flock surveillance, nearby mining and data-center moratorium; council schedules follow-ups

During the public-comment periods on July 14, multiple residents urged Twentynine Palms’ leaders to act on surveillance, mining and development issues.

Beth Sheffield (S12) and Catherine Powell (S18) both thanked Mayor Pro Tem Scott for hosting a community roundtable on the Flock license-plate surveillance system and described concerns about the system’s so-called “pattern of life” or heat-map features. Sheffield noted that the Los Angeles Police Department recently let its Flock contract expire after an audit identified problematic investigative practices, and she said the feature raises civil-liberty risks. Powell asked the council to hold an official council discussion on the record before any contract renewal and requested a discussion by October to allow public input.

Cindy Bernard (S15) alleged that a county-approved community solar farm near the city was approved with errors in the county staff report (distance measurements and park proximity) and contended the build should have followed city influence-zone notice requirements; she urged the city to press the county for community benefits or compensation for residents.

Audrey Philpot (S16) asked the council to place mining on a future agenda, warning the community that mining could substantially change the city’s character. Councilmember S3 later formally requested an agenda item to consider a moratorium on data centers; that request was seconded and will be scheduled for future discussion.

Lynette Ramirez (S19) asked the council to adopt a code of conduct with enforcement for CERT members and others, alleging threats and videos that targeted businesses and people experiencing homelessness.

Council members acknowledged the concerns and instructed staff to place several of the items on future agendas for more formal discussion and public review.