Two Bunch Palms Elementary is the second round of school cleanups

Two Bunch Palms Elementary Target of CleanupDESERT HOT SPRINGS — Another local school is hosting a cleanup day sponsored by the Desert Hot Springs Beautification Committee. Two Bunch Palms Elementary School teachers, parents, students and volunteers from the committee will start work at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4.

The public is invited to enjoy snacks and drinks while helping to rake leaves, sweep sidewalks, pick-up trash, and perform other general cleaning on and around the school. Desert Valley Disposal will supply trash bins at no cost to the school or city, and a spokesperson will give a presentation to the students on Friday prior to the cleanup on the importance of keeping their school and city clean.

This is the second round of school cleanups. The first school cleanup took place at Painted Hills Middle School and Bella Vista Elementary in November 2022.

DHS Mayor Scott Matas formed the committee in 2022 but refocused their efforts from picking up trash on empty lots to focus on local schools, businesses, and owner-occupied homes for general cleanup, landscaping, painting, fence, window and garage door repairs.

Two Bunch Palms Elementary Target of Cleanup

Two Bunch Palms Elementary Cleanup

The DHS Beautification Committee is a volunteer committee co-chaired by James Nindel and Reverend Jackie Devereaux. Their goal is to help residents (of at least three years) who are financially challenged, elderly, disabled, or veterans, law enforcement and first responders fix up their homes.

City Manager Luke Rainey secured $500,000 funding from two government entities – $250,000 each from the Housing Authority and the American Rescue Plan Act.  Homes and local businesses will be chosen to receive up to $10,000 each for renovations and repairs including paint and new signage for businesses and paint, new garage doors or windows, landscaping or general repairs for homeowners.

To be eligible, one must be an owner-occupied, single-family homeowner within the city limits. No renters, trailer parks or county residents will be considered. Local businesses must be owner-operated and have been cited by the city’s code compliance department for violations in the past.

Submit your request to Roberta Crncic with the City of Desert Hot Springs at rcrncic@cityofdhs.org or call 760.329.6411 ext. 114. Please include your home or business address, a description of your needs, along with your phone number and email address.  The application for assistance does not require any forms to be filled out. A committee chair will visit your home for an interview. The process is completely confidential. However, if you home is chosen, the city may want to publicize the project to promote community pride and the beautification in our city.

Image Sources

  • Two Bunch Palms Elementary Cleanup: Jackie Devereaux