More than 40 people got up before the Yucca Valley Town Council last night to give their opinions on what the town should do concerning a citizens’ petition to permit commercial cannabis operations in town limits. Managing editor Tami Roleff was there during the marathon meeting and says residents will have the chance to vote on it themselves…
After listening to two hours of public comment on commercial cannabis operations last night, the Yucca Valley Town Council unanimously voted to order an impact report and to hold an election next year to let the residents decide whether the businesses should be permitted in town limits. Speakers for the grow operations spoke about the jobs and revenue the grow operations bring. Raymond Navis who has written about 100 articles on cannabis cultivation, quoted the CEO of the Canndescent marijuana cultivation and manufacturing operation in Desert Hot Springs: “We have about 35 jobs in our Desert Hot Springs facility, that number will grow to 75 by March. All have health benefits and stock options. Our current payroll is $100,000 per month and we anticipate it will double in the next three to four months.”
Other supporters said property values in areas with grow operations have skyrocketed, crime has decreased, and the investors use local residents and businesses to build and staff the operations.
Opponents countered that marijuana is still illegal under federal law, the operations would use too much water, and that Yucca Valley residents should decide if the businesses should be permitted in town limits.
Council member Merl Abel summed up the feelings of the council. “As a council member, I have a real problem representing the community when I don’t know what our marching orders are.”
The impact report will be presented to the council at the December 5 meeting, at which time the council will order a special election. It’s hoped the election can be combined with the state election in June, 2018.
In other business, the council approved a contract with a company that will ensure that owners of short-term vacation rentals in the town are in compliance with town regulations. The council also set the permit fees for vacation rentals at $434 for the first year, with a slight discount for subsequent years if there are no complaints.
