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Twentynine Palms, California

Coordinates: 34°08′08″N 116°03′15″W / 34.13556°N 116.05417°W / 34.13556; -116.05417
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"Twentynine Palms" redirects here. For other uses, see Twentynine Palms (disambiguation).

Twentynine Palms, California
City
Twentynine Palms looking east on Highway 62
Twentynine Palms looking east on Highway 62
Flag of Twentynine Palms, California
Flag
Official seal of Twentynine Palms, California
Seal
Motto: 
"A Beautiful Desert Oasis"
Location in San Bernardino County and California
Location in San Bernardino County and California
Twentynine Palms, California is located in the United States
Twentynine Palms, California
Twentynine Palms, California
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 34°08′08″N 116°03′15″W / 34.13556°N 116.05417°W / 34.13556; -116.05417[1]
Country United States
State California
County San Bernardino
IncorporatedNovember 23, 1987[2]
Government
 • TypeCouncil–manager[3]
Area
[4]
 • Total
58.76 sq mi (152.18 km2)
 • Land58.76 sq mi (152.18 km2)
 • Water0 sq mi (0 km2)  0%
Elevation
[1]
1,988 ft (606 m)
Population
 (2020)[5]
 • Total
28,065
 • Density480/sq mi (180/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
92277-92278
Area codes442/760
FIPS code06-80994
GNIS feature IDs1652804, 2412119
Websitewww.ci.twentynine-palms.ca.us

Twentynine Palms (also known as 29 Palms) is a city in San Bernardino County, California. It serves as one of the entry points to Joshua Tree National Park.

History

[edit]

Native American tribes such as the Serrano, Chemehuevi, and Cahuilla lived in the area. Colonel Henry Washington made the first recorded exploration of Twentynine Palms. He found Native Americans from the Chemehuevi tribe who lived in the surrounding hills and near the spring they called "Mar-rah" or "Oasis of Mara".[6]

The community was named for the 29 Washingtonia filifera palm trees the Serrano planted surrounding the Oasis of Mara.[6][7] A post office was established in 1927.[8]

A road named Utah Trail honors the late 1800s pioneers on a trail originating in Utah (reportedly Saint George) that went to Twentynine Palms. Nearby is a small Indian reservation belonging to the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.

Joshua Tree National Park, which lies just to the south of Twentynine Palms, was designated a national monument in 1936, and became a national park in 1994. The nearby Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms was founded in 1952.

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19705,667—
19807,46531.7%
199011,82158.4%
200014,76424.9%
201025,04869.7%
2019 (est.)26,073[9]4.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
Twentynine Palms sign

Its population as of the 2020 census was 28,065.[11]

2010 census

[edit]

At the 2010 census,[12] there were 25,048 people in 8,095 households, including 5,847 families, in the city. The population density was 423.5 inhabitants per square mile (163.5/km2). There were 9,431 housing units at an average density of 159.5 per square mile, of the occupied units 2,742 (33.9%) were owner-occupied and 5,353 (66.1%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 9.2%. 6,876 people (27.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 14,825 people (59.2%) lived in rental housing units. The racial makeup of the city was 71.6% White (60.8% non-Hispanic),[13] 8.2% African American, 1.3% Native American, 3.9% Asian, 1.4% Pacific Islander, 6.7% from other races, and 6.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 20.8% of the population.

The census reported that 21,701 people (86.6% of the population) lived in households, and 3,347 (13.4%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters.

Of the 8,095 households 43.3% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 54.5% were opposite-sex married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present. There were 5% unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 1.6% same-sex married couples or partnerships. 21.1% of households were one person and 5.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.1.

The age distribution was 25.6% under the age of 18, 30% aged 18 to 24, 25.5% aged 25 to 44, 13.1% aged 45 to 64, and 5.8% who were 65 or older. The median age was 23.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 129 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 139.9 males.

The median household income was $42,572. About 14.4% of the population were living below the poverty line.[13]

2000 census

[edit]

At the 2000 census there were 14,764 people in 5,653 households, including 3,855 families, in the city. The population density was 269.3 inhabitants per square mile (104.0 inhabitants/km2). There were 6,952 housing units at an average density of 126.8 units per square mile (49.0 units/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 71% White, 9.4% African American, 1.5% Native American, 3.8% Asian, 10.2% Pacific Islander, 6.2% from other races, and 6.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 14.9%.[14]

Of the 5,653 households 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 25.1% of households were one person and 7.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.6 and the average family size was 3.1.

The age distribution was 31.2% under the age of 18, 15.2% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 16.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% 65 or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.7 males.

The median household income was $31,178 and the median family income was $32,251. Males had a median income of $25,081 versus $25,141 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,613. About 13.6% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.3% of those under age 18 and 10% of those age 65 or over.

Geography

[edit]

The city is located in the Mojave Desert in Southern California. It lies on the northern side of the Joshua Tree National Park and includes one of the entrances to the park, at the Oasis of Mara.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 59.1 square miles (153 km2), all land.[15] The city is at an elevation of 1,988 feet (606 m).[1] The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms is located there.

Climate

[edit]

Due in large part to its elevation of more than 1,900 ft (580 m) above sea level, Twentynine Palms has a slightly cooler climate, especially during winter, than Palm Springs, but with essentially the same subtropical desert characteristics. On average, temperatures reach 100 °F (38 °C) on 89 days, 90 °F (32 °C) on 154 days, and the freezing mark on 17 nights annually. Extremes range from 10 °F (−12 °C) on December 23, 1990, to 118 °F (48 °C) on July 11, 1961. Winters are moderately cool, with highs in the 60s °F and lows in the 40s °F. Summers are hot, with high temperatures above 100 °F (38 °C). The wettest month is August, with 0.65 in (17 mm) inches of rain, mostly from monsoon thunderstorms.

Climate data for Twentynine Palms, California, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1935–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 85
(29) 		90
(32) 		95
(35) 		102
(39) 		112
(44) 		117
(47) 		118
(48) 		116
(47) 		114
(46) 		106
(41) 		93
(34) 		86
(30) 		118
(48)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 74.3
(23.5) 		78.1
(25.6) 		86.9
(30.5) 		95.0
(35.0) 		101.8
(38.8) 		109.6
(43.1) 		112.4
(44.7) 		110.5
(43.6) 		105.4
(40.8) 		96.6
(35.9) 		83.9
(28.8) 		73.9
(23.3) 		113.3
(45.2)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 63.3
(17.4) 		67.2
(19.6) 		74.1
(23.4) 		81.1
(27.3) 		89.9
(32.2) 		99.4
(37.4) 		104.0
(40.0) 		102.7
(39.3) 		96.5
(35.8) 		84.7
(29.3) 		71.6
(22.0) 		62.0
(16.7) 		83.0
(28.3)
Daily mean °F (°C) 52.6
(11.4) 		55.7
(13.2) 		61.7
(16.5) 		67.8
(19.9) 		76.4
(24.7) 		85.1
(29.5) 		90.7
(32.6) 		89.6
(32.0) 		82.9
(28.3) 		71.2
(21.8) 		59.3
(15.2) 		50.9
(10.5) 		70.3
(21.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 41.8
(5.4) 		44.1
(6.7) 		49.3
(9.6) 		54.5
(12.5) 		62.9
(17.2) 		70.7
(21.5) 		77.4
(25.2) 		76.4
(24.7) 		69.3
(20.7) 		57.8
(14.3) 		47.0
(8.3) 		39.9
(4.4) 		57.6
(14.2)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 28.6
(−1.9) 		30.6
(−0.8) 		35.8
(2.1) 		41.0
(5.0) 		48.8
(9.3) 		56.7
(13.7) 		66.8
(19.3) 		64.4
(18.0) 		55.7
(13.2) 		42.9
(6.1) 		31.8
(−0.1) 		27.0
(−2.8) 		25.0
(−3.9)
Record low °F (°C) 11
(−12) 		18
(−8) 		23
(−5) 		24
(−4) 		33
(1) 		43
(6) 		53
(12) 		52
(11) 		38
(3) 		24
(−4) 		14
(−10) 		10
(−12) 		10
(−12)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.50
(13) 		0.56
(14) 		0.35
(8.9) 		0.12
(3.0) 		0.05
(1.3) 		0.00
(0.00) 		0.40
(10) 		0.65
(17) 		0.34
(8.6) 		0.15
(3.8) 		0.19
(4.8) 		0.56
(14) 		3.87
(98)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 3.9 3.2 2.3 1.0 0.6 0.1 1.7 2.3 1.7 1.1 1.0 2.2 21.1
Source: NOAA[16][17]

Attractions

[edit]

The city has a series of 26 outdoor murals painted on local buildings featuring various aspects of desert life and history.[18][19]

The 29 Palms Historical Society, housed in the original schoolhouse of the city, maintains a museum devoted to local history.[20] The Historical Society also hosts an annual "Weed Show" each November devoted to art work composed of weeds.[21][22] The Twentynine Palms Artists' Guild maintains exhibits devoted to local artists.[23]

Economy

[edit]

The Oasis of Mara,[24] the original source of water and the historic source of all economic activity in the area, is divided into two parts. To the east, a long strip of palm trees terminates at the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor's Center, which is visited by approximately 140,000 people every year, and is maintained by the United States National Park Service. To the west, the remainder of the oasis is owned by the 29 Palms Inn, a historic hotel, and ends in a large shaded pond.[25]

The current economy depends largely on the nearby Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, as well as tourism associated with Joshua Tree National Park. In February 2015, the city set in place rules governing vacation rentals, and has granted approximately one hundred permits,[26] compared to over one thousand in the nearby community of Joshua Tree.

Government

[edit]

The city uses a council-manager form of government. An elected city council establishes policy and appoints a city manager who executes these policies.[3]

State and federal representation

[edit]

In the California State Legislature, Twentynine Palms is in the 19th Senate District, represented by Republican Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, and in the 34th Assembly District, represented by Republican Tom Lackey.[27]

In the United States House of Representatives, Twentynine Palms is in California's 23rd congressional district, represented by Republican Jay Obernolte.[28]

Education

[edit]

Media

[edit]
Aerial view of Twentynine Palms from the south, with Mojave Desert behind

The Desert Trail newspaper in Yucca Valley is published weekly.[32] The Sun Runner Magazine of California Desert Life and Culture is published bi-monthly.[33]

There are two TV stations: K15FC-D (KESQ-TV (ABC), KPSP (CBS), KDFX (Fox), KCWQ-LD (CW) and KUNA-LD (Telemundo) subchannels) and KPSE-LD (My Network) 29 (also KMIR-TV (NBC), ION, MeTV and Movies! subchannels) from the Riverside County, California TV market, but the area is actually part of the Palm Springs TV market.

KEXV and KPLM are low power TV stations for the town and Yucca Valley.

KVMD is licensed in Twentynine Palms and serves all of Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

There is one AM station: KNWH a transmitter of KNWQ-1140 "KNews" Radio – Twentynine Palms (Inland Empire, California and Coachella Valley radio markets) CA US news/talk. There are seven commercial and two public FM stations:

Low power FM translators:

Local stations:

Transportation

[edit]

Notable people

[edit]
[edit]

Music

[edit]

Film

[edit]

Radio

[edit]

On April 22, 1945, The Jack Benny Program was broadcast from Twentynine Palms Auxiliary Naval Air Station. There were jokes about the base's dry, hot weather, along with a comedic sketch of the town's history.[48]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Twentynine Palms". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
  2. ^ "California Cities by Incorporation Date". California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Archived from the original (Word) on November 3, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Council/Manager Form of Government". City of Twentynine Palms. Archived from the original on December 29, 2014. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  4. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  5. ^ "US Census Bureau". www.census.gov. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  6. ^ a b "About Us". City of Twentynine Palms. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  7. ^ Palms, Mailing Address: 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine; Us, CA 92277-3597 Phone: 760 367-5500 Contact. "Oasis of Mara - Joshua Tree National Park (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Durham, David L. (2001). Place-Names of California's Desert Cities. Clovis, CA: Quill Driver Books. p. 178. ISBN 978-1-884995-31-6.
  9. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  10. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  11. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  12. ^ "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA – Twentynine Palms city". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  13. ^ a b "Twentynine Palms (city) QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  15. ^ "2010 Census U.S. Gazetteer Files – Places – California". United States Census Bureau.
  16. ^ "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  17. ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  18. ^ "Action 29 Palms: The Mural People". Action Council for 29 Palms, Inc.
  19. ^ "Oasis of Murals". 29 Palms California.
  20. ^ "29 Palms Historical Society".
  21. ^ "29 Palms Annual Weed Show". Twentynine Palms Historical Society.
  22. ^ Friedman, Jan (2005). Eccentric California (I ed.). Guilford, CN: The Globe Pequot Press. p. 147. ISBN 978-1841621265.
  23. ^ "Our Story: The History of Twentynine Palms Artists' Guild". 29 Palms Art Gallery.
  24. ^ "Oasis of Mara". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  25. ^ 29 Palms Inn (March 2, 2020). Nature Walks with Pat Flanagan. Retrieved August 18, 2024 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ "Council will re-examine vacation home rental rules". hidesertstar.com. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  27. ^ "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  28. ^ "California's 8th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
  29. ^ "CMC Copper Mountain College". Cmccd.edu.
  30. ^ "Morongo Unified School District". Morongo.k12.ca.us.
  31. ^ "Mayfield College – Palm Springs–Palm Desert–Cathedral City–Desert Hot Springs–Indio California Colleges". Mayfieldcollege.edu.
  32. ^ "The Desert Trail". Hi-Desert Star.
  33. ^ "About Us". Thesunrunner.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2012. Retrieved September 5, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  34. ^ "Palm Springs/Indio/Twentynine Palms CA". radiostationworld.com. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  35. ^ "MBTA: Morongo Basis Transit Authority".
  36. ^ Bruce Fessier (October 11, 2018). "Kyuss helped spawn desert rock scene in Europe. Brant Bjork is still coming to terms with that legacy". The Desert Sun. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  37. ^ Niemann, Greg (2006). "6: Pursuit of a Renegade Indian". Palm Springs Legends: creation of a desert oasis. San Diego, CA: Sunbelt Publications. ISBN 978-0-932653-74-1.
  38. ^ "'Jeffersons' Actor Mike Evans Dies". CBS News. December 22, 2006. Retrieved April 16, 2015.
  39. ^ "Carrie Ann Lucas, Champion for Disabled Parents, Dies at 47". The New York Times. February 27, 2019.
  40. ^ Cockpit. 1986. p. 33.
  41. ^ "Twenty-Nine Palms". Crystal Clarity Publishers. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  42. ^ "April 26, 1992 Lyrics – Sublime". Lyricsfreak.com.
  43. ^ "Brad Mehldau – Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic.
  44. ^ "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963)". IMDb.com.
  45. ^ "Kiss Me, Stupid (1964)". IMDb.com.
  46. ^ "Twentynine Palms (2003)". IMDb.com. September 17, 2003. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  47. ^ "Jared Leto's Desert-Inspired Beauty Debut is More Than a Mirage". Vogue. October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
  48. ^ "Sound file" (MP3). Otrrlibrary.org. Retrieved February 6, 2019.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Waite, Vickie; Gartner, Al; Smith, Paul F. (2007). Twentynine Palms (CA). Charleston, SC: Arcadia Press (Images of America). ISBN 978-0738531496.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Twentynine Palms, California.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Twentynine Palms.
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