YVPC recap: acreage reversion “routine” and new mural approved

Jef Harmatz Jef Harmatz Send an email June 24, 2026

The Yucca Valley Planning Commission approved the reversion of a subdivision back to a single 9 acre property and provided updates on new businesses in town at their Tuesday night (June 23) meeting.

The owners of a nine acre, 18 lot subdivision on Yucca Trail and Emerson Avenue requested that the property revert back to a single property. The property was divided into 18 separate lots in 2005, on the premise that the lots would be individually developed or sold off. At that time, the subdivision was approved with the condition associated bonds were instituted to ensure that the new lots were appropriately developed. 

In 2026 the bonds have expired and rather than extend the bonds, the property owner asked that the subdivision revert back to a single property. The reversion was described by the Planning Commission as a routine approval, but Commissioners used the request to discuss larger issues facing the Town.

Commissioner Clint Stoker expressed regret that the development would not move forward.

“This is a bummer. It costs more and more to build anything. It costs a lot more for us to do any sort of grading with our current Joshua Tree issue we’re in, and I think all those things are a factor when you’re looking as to whether you want to re-up a bond for a number more years. Do I hope that someday these get built out to be homes? I think that would be good, and it would actually probably only enhance the neighborhood,” he said.

Commissioner Alejandro Vasconcelos urged members of the public to learn more about agenda items.

“I just want to kind of make a public comment about a lot of misinformation that gets spread around social media these days, especially recently. I really wish the public would research the topics that they’re bringing up rather than just acting on hearsay and what other people say. It’s damaging to the community because it causes an uproar. It rabbelrouses people into misinformation. I can’t tell you how many calls I got over this reversion to acreage. So I really would urge the public to look into fact-checking information before they start making comments on it.”

“Where Time Rests in Stone”

A mural proposed for the exterior wall on the east facing side of Hi-Desert Artists Gallery was approved by the Planning Commission. The proposed mural entitled “Where Time Rests in Stone,” will depict bighorn sheep, desert rocks, a Western Joshua Tree and historical elements. The mural will be painted by local artist Victoria Rothlisberg.

Hi-Desert Artists gallery is located at  55635 Twentynine Palms Highway.

The Planning Commission received an update on current developments throughout the Town of Yucca Valley. A new development, described by Town staff as a Maverick fueling station, is in early, pre-permitting phases. Town Staff said that Starbucks West is moving along, though development is slow. A drive-thru proposed for the Jersey Mikes and Dominoes has been converted back into parking spaces. Dutch Brothers is currently working with the State Fish and Wildlife Commission’s review.

Jef Harmatz Jef Harmatz Send an email June 24, 2026
Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz is the co-host of Z107.7’s “Morning Show with Cody and Jef” and Z107.7’s News Director. He has worked as a journalist, cartoonist, chef, and delivery driver. He is known nationally for his writing and comics in publications like TimeOut, Popula, Roadtrippers, Solrad and Spiralbound, and for his album covers for Third Eye Blind and Sir Sly. He is known locally for his pop-up barbecue restaurant Hot Dog Panic. He remains unknown in the field of beekeeping, because he is too afraid of being stung to try it. When not on the radio, he draws comics and self-publishes little books. He lives with his partner and his dog Sunday in Yucca Valley, where he cooks them both elaborate meals.