Superintendent Smith thanked the Yucca Valley Town Council for a very productive and positive partnership during his ten years as Park Superintendent. Smith spoke about the increase in park visitors to 3.1 million and the association with Yucca Valley that has been significant to the park’s prosperity. In recapping the work that has begun and will continue, the Superintendent spoke of his vital partnership with the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Park Staff has been working diligently to rid the park of invasive species of plants that are not native and are a fire hazard. Smith also encouraged the Council to continue working on a much-needed restoration in the Black Rock area.
Interim Deputy Chief of Operations Scott Tuttle, of the San Bernardino County Fire Department presented the Fire District update. Deputy Chief Tuttle covered the 2022 Incidents statistics, facility updates, apparatus updates, technology updates, and County Fire updates. Some of the incident totals for last year are nine commercial fires, 26 structure fires, five spill and hazmat incidents, and 154 public service calls. The Elk Fire on May 26 burnt 261 acres in Yucca Valley and 170 acres in the park. Tuttle said that no homes were damaged due to the hard work of the fire department. With funding from California and Yucca Valley, Fire station 41 will be replaced. In addition, the Fire Department vehicles are continuing to be upgraded, and the fleet is now up to date.
Additionally, the department is creating and teaching Youth programs for both boys and girls. The County established the First Annual Girls Empowerment Camp for young women aged 14-18, and the Morongo Basin Fire Explorers are recruiting for young adults. Applications are on the County the website, https://sbcfire.org/fireexplorers/
Technological upgrades include “First Due” Mapping software for First Responders, which will decrease response time and prepare first responders with viable information, such as maps, if dogs are on the premises, safety features or hazards, and if there are individuals with special needs. Additional upgrades include:
- Outfitting every firefighter with better handheld radios.
- Currently building a headquarters in San Bernardino.
- Hiring 80 firefighters.
Matt Beurois and Auregan presented the Yucca Valley Film Festival 2022 Event Recap. Last year, the Film Festival was back in person with music, master class, film, animation, documentaries, awards, and community participation. The Festival rated five stars on the Filmfreeway website, a resource for entering and submitting to film festivals and contests. This year’s Festival hosted 106 filmmakers who came for the Festival, and many stayed the four days of the Festival. Matt Beurois described films’ artistic impact and social relevance, and this year’s Festival included local filmmakers and creators.
Story continues past photos…
Point-in-Time registration is looking for volunteers that will aid in counting unhoused individuals throughout the County on Thursday, January 26. Results of the annual count help communities secure funding to assist vulnerable populations, including the already unhoused or those on the edge of becoming homeless.
Town Manager, Curtis Yakimow, updated the Council on the Governor’s fiscal year 2023-24 State Budget. The Governor proposed his budget at the beginning of the calendar year. Work on the budget will happen between now and May, when the Governor will issue a revised budget. The final reconciliation will occur between May and June. The State legislature is required to have an adopted budget by June. This year the state has projected a manageable deficit of about $22 billion. However, Yakimow said the budget deficit would not likely impact the Town of Yucca Valley, and Yakimow will keep the Council appraised.
Captain Robert Warrick of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department updated the Council on Operation Dust Devil. The sheriff’s Off-Highway Vehicle Team focuses on off-highway vehicle operations at various patrol stations throughout the County. The Off-Highway Vehicle Team will educate off-highway vehicle enthusiasts on the safe and proper use of their equipment, including using helmets and seat belts and operating on designated off-highway vehicle trails and open areas.
Captain Warrick also informed the Council of a spike in thefts of Catalytic converters. He cautioned everyone to be aware and notify authorities if they are concerned by unusual activity or have camera footage of a crime.
New employee Jakub Kusmieruk, Parks and Recreation supervisor, was introduced to the Council.
Lastly, the Hi-desert Nature Museum is hosting a show called “Gadgets Galore ” on display from January 19 to March 11.
An agreement between Joshua Tree National Park and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians was signed yesterday (January 17), marking a new era of collaboration. Signed at a ceremony at Tribal headquarters in Coachella, the agreement will open new avenues for the sharing of resources in law enforcement, fire, and search and rescue. The Tribal government and the National Park will work together on educational activities in the park and on tribal land, and new trails will be established to connect the two distinct areas. The agreement also addresses the Desert Tortoise Program and planned transportation initiatives.
Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith called the agreement the “next step in a journey where we continue to collaborate to protect the park’s resources and honor the history of the people who helped shape this cultural landscape.”
