Storm aftermath triggers cleanup across Twentynine Palms as residents demand solutions
Luis Avila
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Cleanup efforts are underway across Twentynine Palms after a powerful storm swept through the area on Monday, unleashing a torrent of mud and debris that overwhelmed roads and flooded homes.
On Highway 62 — one of the hardest-hit areas — Caltrans crews spent Tuesday clearing away rocks and sediment that had poured onto the roadways. But as the mess is cleared, residents say they’re tired of the cycle of destruction and cleanup, and are calling for permanent infrastructure improvements.
“If the city, county and state knows where the flooding is, build a bridge. Put some pipes in… All this equipment, all the Caltrans stuff is costing hundreds of thousands of dollars of tax payer money that is not being applied properly.”
John Dillon, Twentynine Palms Resident
One of the worst-hit properties was the Starlight Inn, owned by Veno Nathraj. Situated at the bottom of a slope off Highway 62, Nathraj’s hotels are vulnerable to runoff during heavy storms.
“When you get the sediment flowing, it blocks the water from flowing freely and enters into my hotel. The Starlight Inn is flooded from the lobby to the last room. I just cleaned it up and it’s flooded all over again.”
Veno Nathraj, Hotel Owner
Nathraj also criticized city officials for ignoring feedback from residents and failing to regulate development in flood-prone areas. Despite the damage to his business, Nathraj said he is doing what he can to help those affected, offering free rooms to displaced residents.
As cleanup continues, residents say the city needs to stop reacting and start preparing.
News Channel 3 has reached out to city officials for comment but has not yet received a response.
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