Yucca Valley Senior Center reopens with new name after $3 million modernization project

Jef Harmatz Jef Harmatz Send an email April 15, 2026

The Town of Yucca Valley commemorated the opening of the remodeled senior center with a ribbon cutting on Tuesday (April 14). The facility was closed while it underwent a $3 million modernization. The new facility has been renamed the “Desert Willow Center for Seniors.” 

Community leaders and dozens of eager Yucca Valley senior citizens attended the event which included a senior lunch. Mayor Merl Abel was at the opening and greeted the crowd.

“We are so proud to be opening up this new Senior Center for all of you here in the community. It’s a very proud day here in Yucca Valley to be reopening the Senior Center, one that has served over 900 people annually. All our seniors here have really made this place special,” the Mayor said.

What do local seniors think of the renovation? 

Fred Rivera said, “Beautiful, they did a good job. I like the appearance, how it looks, and the overall setup. I’m excited to come here for as long as I can.”

Kathy Betts says she is looking forward to spending time at the remodeled center, saying “I come here very often. I hate to cook and I love the meals and it’s a really fun place. I really like the renovation, the bathrooms are beautiful now, it’s nice and airy and really pretty. I’m very happy it’s open. Just the whole ambiance is different. Welcome everybody, come on down!“

Lunch is served 11:00 a.m. to noon every weekday.

For full senior center hours and a schedule of events, visit the Town’s page for Senior Services on their website.

Jef Harmatz Jef Harmatz Send an email April 15, 2026
Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz is the co-host of Z107.7’s “Morning Show with Cody and Jef” and Z107.7’s News Director. He has worked as a journalist, cartoonist, chef, and delivery driver. He is known nationally for his writing and comics in publications like TimeOut, Popula, Roadtrippers, Solrad and Spiralbound, and for his album covers for Third Eye Blind and Sir Sly. He is known locally for his pop-up barbecue restaurant Hot Dog Panic. He remains unknown in the field of beekeeping, because he is too afraid of being stung to try it. When not on the radio, he draws comics and self-publishes little books. He lives with his partner and his dog Sunday in Yucca Valley, where he cooks them both elaborate meals.