The Yucca Valley Town Council meeting kicked off by recognizing two outgoing members of the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission. Council Member Dennison honored Commissioner Andrea Staehle, and Mayor Pro Tem Drozd honored Commissioner Gerry Melby, noting the work done by both during their time with the PRCC. The Council Members nominated Audrey Wilcox and Charlotte Burns to replace their outgoing nominees.
Town Manager Curtis Yakimow presented the 2024 election results for certification. Measure Y and Z passed by 83 and 82%, respectively; the highest rates of any tax measure statewide in their designated categories.
The Town Council then nominated Mayor Pro Tem Drozd to serve as Mayor for 2025, with Council Member Abel serving as the next Mayor Pro Tem. Following a brief recess and reordering, the Council held a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant. The Town of Yucca Valley works with the County to award this funding to project and program proposals, prioritizing those that benefit low to moderate-income residents. Town Staff recommended that the Council allocate the entire $124,701 in grant funding to the Senior Center Improvement project for the next fiscal year and direct the other three applicants to Measure Y Partnership Funding, applications of which will open early next year. The Town Council voted in favor of the funding proposal.
Director Matt Beurois presented a recap of the 6th Annual Yucca Valley Film Festival, which garnered over 1000 attendees, and 400 film submissions from 29 countries. The Council then considered a Military Banner Recognition Program, which would create an initiative to display banners honoring active and veteran service members. The banners would be featured on light poles at the Community Center, with the option to extend elsewhere in town. The Council voted to launch the program in 2025, with prioritization to be given to active military personnel.
The meeting concluded with a public comment period, during which several residents spoke in support of the thrift store at the Senior Center. The Center is currently undergoing Phase 2 of its Modernization Project, which includes renovating the staff offices, the reception area, and restrooms to be ADA-compliant. While the thrift store’s future is uncertain in the new layout, it remains an important resource for the community, as noted by Tish Przybocki.
“We provide coffee for the seniors, and condiments. We buy gift cards from Stater’s for those who need food. We provide microwaves for the homebound that have no source to heat their food. We help clothe the homeless, or if seniors come in and they don’t have something on their back, we give them coats. I have a petition signed by the seniors that would like to see it open, because it’s very valuable to them.”
