Last night’s Yucca Valley Town Council meeting delved into various vital topics, emphasizing community initiatives and future development ideas. The evening began with a presentation from Suzanna Barnett, the Executive Director of Morongo Basin Unity Home, who highlighted efforts for Domestic Awareness Month. Unity Home has been providing transitional housing with the town’s support for three decades and working in local high schools to raise awareness about teenage dating violence. They’re hosting a Wild West Showdown fundraiser on October 28 at the Boys and Girls Club.
The meeting primarily centered around initiatives and ideas guided by the insights from the Community Livability survey. Key priorities for the community include:
- Maintaining and repairing infrastructure.
- Upholding law enforcement.
- Attracting commercial businesses.
- Enhancing the town’s appearance.
- Collaborating with property owners to revitalize areas and coordinating more special community events.
- Developing Homeless Assistance Alternatives and Pursuing Regional Partnerships.
Council member Jeff Drozd suggested exploring the potential of an area at Old Woman’s Spring Road and Aberdeen as a future event center. Mayor Pro Tem Robert Lombardo proposed various ideas, including implementing bus transportation to improve access to remote areas, making the mobile sound trailer available for rent, and organizing stargazing activities to capitalize on our unique desert skies.
Lombardo also expressed excitement about the upcoming aquatic center, envisioning it as a hub for films, kid-friendly events, and public gatherings. He stressed the importance of creating a town where people feel comfortable partnering with the local government.
Addressing homelessness and developing regional partnerships, alongside initiatives to address infrastructure and facilities, were also discussed.
Notable projects currently underway include:
- The Aquatics Center.
- Modernizing the Senior Center.
- Consolidation efforts at the Town Center.
- Improvements to the Elk Trail parking area.
- Amenities in North and South Parks.
Road maintenance emerged as a pressing concern, with Councilman Drozd highlighting the expected private rail line from Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas. Commuters will have a stop at Interstate 15 And Dale Evans Parkway, and the way to get there from Coachella Valley is on 247 (Old Woman’s Spring Road), which needs improvement. Councilman Merl Abel advocated for a comprehensive plan for paving or maintaining dirt roads, exploring alternative possibilities besides pavement, and developing a long-term implementation strategy.
Councilman Jim Schooler suggested exploring the addition of tennis and pickleball courts, enhancing recreational opportunities for residents. Mayor Rick Denison emphasized the importance of the MBCTA transportation authority’s awareness of road improvement needs and urged consideration of alternative funding mechanisms such as assessment districts and community outreach.
Councilman Schooler emphasized the public’s desire for more restaurants and businesses that can attract more tourism. Councilmen Abel and Drozd suggested refurbishing old businesses, utilizing disturbed land, and exploring rezoning options for better land use. Drozd also proposed introducing aviation fuel at the airport and effectively improving signage to direct people to local businesses.
Lombardo suggested attracting small homestyle businesses and larger chains like In-N-Out Burger and Trader Joe’s. He also recommended developing a business incubator to foster local entrepreneurship among students and create new businesses in the area. Mayor Denison stressed the need for adequate parking to support small businesses in Old Town.
The final portion of the discussion centered on various initiatives and ideas, including expanding area services, building a robust staff team for comprehensive succession planning, creating opportunities for volunteer forces, and ensuring long-term fiscal stability. Councilman Schooler advocated prioritizing fiscal stability and crafting a career path strategy to encourage local youth to grow and develop within the community.
In closing, Town Manager Curtis Yakimow emphasized that these discussions will drive the Town’s Strategic Plan and budget, ensuring that the community’s voices and ideas guide Yucca Valley’s future development.
