During Tuesday night’s Yucca Valley Town Council meeting, local leaders reviewed a range of state, federal, and municipal updates, including state budget projections, infrastructure improvements, and public safety operations.
A report on California’s May budget revision outlined the state’s growing 14 billion deficit, driven by higher medical costs and declining tax revenues. Although no immediate funding cuts are expected for the town, staff warned that future state deficits could put financial pressure on education, Medi-Cal services, and wildfire programs.
Last month, the town submitted a request to Congressman Obernolte’s office for federal funding to support pedestrian and stormwater improvements along Palm Avenue. If selected, the project will be posted on his website by June 13 as part of the FY 2026 federal budget process.
Caltrans presented updates on the 21 million Highway 247 rehabilitation project, now underway from Highway 62 to just beyond Gin Road. The project includes new eight-foot shoulders, drainage improvements, and Class II Bike lanes with signage. Night work will continue through the fall.
Council honored Public Works staff for National Public Works Week and approved a 1.5 million town-wide slurry and cape seal contract with American Asphalt to begin in June.
The council also approved renewing its 6.5 million contract with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Captain Robert Warrick highlighted strong crime resolution rates, including an 81% felony case closure, updates on new resources like the K9 unit dog, Naji, and a growing explorer program that allows youth to learn about law enforcement and public safety careers. Warrick credited the Measure Y-funded detective and sheriff service specialist positions with enhancing efficiency and response. Graffiti eradication, proactive youth engagement, and community trust-building were all cited as essential efforts for public safety. Council members praised the department’s visibility, responsiveness, and collaboration with local organizations.
As the meeting ended, over a dozen members of the public expressed concerns and suggestions regarding the town’s animal shelter. Many cited high euthanasia rates from 2024 and called for the removal of the current shelter leadership. Several individuals noted that since public pressure began in February, cat and dog euthanasia rates have dropped significantly. However, they pointed out that no structural or staffing changes had been implemented, suggesting that the improvements were not sustainable.
Suggestions included:
- Fast-tracking a dedicated volunteer program
- Extending shelter hours, including Sundays
- Joining no-kill efforts like those in Riverside County
- Increasing public transparency and timely posting of intake/adoption data
- Forming a community advisory committee
Other speakers supported fostering and networking. An out-of-town rescue organization also expressed a willingness to partner with the shelter but noted that their outreach emails had gone unanswered.
Council members acknowledged the criticism and expressed appreciation for the public’s persistence. They confirmed that staff would present a report on animal shelter operations and revised volunteer program policies at the June 3 meeting.
Mayor Jeff Drozd said, “We have made changes: Petfinder, sedation protocols, more partners, but we know more needs to be done.” He encouraged ongoing dialogue and promised continued attention to the issue.
The Future agenda items include the return of the Old Town Naming Project, a farmers’ market, and the Youth Commission’s end-of-year report. Planning Commissioners will meet on June 10 to discuss senior housing preservation and state fire hazard updates.
Meanwhile, Memorial Day weekend festivities, Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, May 25, kick off with Grubstakes Days, hosted by the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce. The town’s 34th annual Grubstakes Fun Run begins Saturday morning, and the final Friday night movie, The Bee Movie, will be screened this week.
Visit the Town of Yucca Valley and Yucca Valley Chamber websites for complete schedules.
