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Hello Lesley,
As we transition out from our cool and rainy winter season, Yucca Valley and the Morongo Basin will soon Spring to life with visitors, activities and events. We welcome those who are visiting, whether a first-time experience in the Joshua Tree National Park or a repeat visit to the Town for some needed rest and relaxation. For our residents, we encourage you to take advantage of the pleasant weather, explore our new North Park or South Park trails and participate in the many Town events and activities we have planned.
Thanks for taking the time to read the current news regarding your Town! We value all of our residents, businesses and visitors, as each plays an important role in the ongoing development of our community.
As always, visit the Town’s website at www.yucca-valley.org for additional information, or feel free to stop by Town Hall to say hello.
Curtis Yakimow
Town Manager
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With the Presidential Primary Election approaching on March 5, the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters is coming to Yucca Valley for the first-ever BallotMobile: Traveling Voter Education.
Participate at the Yucca Valley Library from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. on February 29 to learn important news about the early Primary Election, register to vote and be informed on everything you need to know about the four ways to vote.
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At the Revenue Measure Oversight Committee meeting on February 5, the Committee completed the annual review of Measures Y and Z.
Thanks to Measure Y funding in FY 22-23, the Town of Yucca Valley completed a number of projects, including:
- Annual slurry seal maintenance
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Essig Park improvements
- Community sports court resurfacing
- Critical funding for Public Safety and Police
Measure Y also provided funding to various non-profits to support projects involving local housing assistance, health and educational programs and disaster response preparedness.
Did you know that in FY 22-23, Measure Z funds were used to reduce the sewer assessment charge by over 50% for Yucca Valley property owners?
| Special Events in Residential Areas | |
In a recent Town Council Meeting, Town Council approved changes to the regulations governing special events, marking a pivotal moment for residents looking to host various gatherings within residential neighborhoods.
The revisions to the Special Events code now encompass a broader spectrum of activities, ranging from health and wellness events to culinary or musical instruction, as well as art and writing workshops, weddings and celebratory parties.
To ensure organized management, the updated regulations classify events into distinct categories:
Class I Events: These encompass smaller-scale gatherings such as health and wellness workshops, with a cap of 20 guests per event. Class I events are permitted to take place on lots spanning at least a half-acre.
Class II Events: Larger events like weddings or parties, accommodating between 21 and 50 attendees, fall under this category. To host a Class II event, a minimum lot size of one acre is required.
Class III Events: For more sizable gatherings accommodating between 51 and 100 guests, such as weddings or larger parties, a minimum lot size of five acres is mandated.
Class IV Events: Reserved for gatherings exceeding 100 guests, these events are designated to be held at non-residential structures.
Furthermore, it's essential to note that each event requires a permit from the Town. Permits are granted for a duration of up to three days.
These updated guidelines aim to strike a balance between facilitating community engagement and ensuring a peaceful coexistence within residential areas. With these regulations in place, residents can look forward to hosting a diverse array of events while adhering to the established protocols.
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Come build with us! Join our STEM workshop at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 24.
Children ages 9-14 are encouraged to collaborate, problem-solve and build their own marble run. Participation costs $10 and space is limited, so register now!
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On February 6, the Yucca Valley Town Council approved two contracts with San Bernardino County to contribute toward the Town's Aquatics and Recreation Center project, which aims to improve the health and wellness of Yucca Valley residents.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund and the Board of Supervisors discretionary funds will provide $5 million towards the $36 million project.
The Town is currently in the process of seeking bids and selecting a contractor to construct the building, with construction anticipated to begin later this year.
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In accordance with California’s Senate Bill 1383, Yucca Valley residents and businesses are required to separate food waste, yard trimmings and other organic materials from regular trash. Last month, with the help of its waste hauler Burrtec, the Town distributed new green carts to residents and businesses.
You may be wondering how to properly use your new green cart to remain compliant with the State law. Rest assured, the Town is here to help. Follow these simple steps to remain compliant:
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First, identify what organic waste is. Organic waste includes food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, non-hazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste mixed in with food waste. For a full list of what is considered organic, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section at Yucca-Valley.org/Organics.
- As you go about your day, set aside your food scraps in a separate kitchen pail or container. You can also keep your food scraps in a bag inside the freezer until collection day.
- You can line your kitchen pail or container with a plastic bag. Bags can be any color, and do not have to be compostable or biodegradable. Think about reusing bags you already have, like bread bags, vegetable bags or plastic shopping bags from the grocery store, ziplock bags, etc.
- Place your bagged food waste into your green curbside cart, on top of the loose green waste, and set it curbside on your regular collection day, along with your trash and recycling carts.
Check out this helpful video from Burrtec for more information on what is allowed to go in your green cart and for food waste collection tips: https://bit.ly/3uc0Ul2. Learn how to correctly separate your household organic waste and where it goes after hitting your green curbside cart.
To learn more about SB 1383’s changes in Yucca Valley, visit Yucca-Valley.org/Organics or scan this QR code with your mobile device to visit CalRecycle’s website.
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The Yucca Valley community is gearing up for the annual Healthy Hearts 5K Run and 2K Walk at 9 a.m. on March 23 at picturesque Essig Park.
The event, now a staple in the community, promises a morning filled with fun, fitness and community spirit.
Early birds can take advantage of a $20 pre-registration fee through March 14, while regular registration is available for $25 up to the day of the event. Pre-registered participants will receive a commemorative shirt and race souvenir, adding an extra layer of excitement to this heart-healthy event.
Get ready for a day of fitness and fun as we come together to celebrate healthy living!
| Regional Pickleball Facility Funding | |
The Town of Yucca Valley would like to extend a huge thank you to 3rd District Supervisor and Board Chair Dawn Rowe for securing $1.6 million in County ARPA funds for a regional pickleball facility here in Yucca Valley.
🏓 We are excited to make pickleball more accessible for you and others in the Morongo Basin!
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Upcoming Town Council Meetings
March 5, 6 p.m.
March 12, 6 p.m. (Planning Commission)
March 19, 6 p.m.
Meetings take place in the Yucca Room
YV Community Center, Town Hall
57090 Twentynine Palms Highway (SR 62)
Please see the Meeting Calendar for updates, minutes and agenda details.
Can’t attend in person? It’s easy to view Council Meetings via video stream, or on your own schedule.
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The Town of Yucca Valley invites you to Coffee with the Mayor with Robert Lombardo.
Join us at Mesquite Room in Yucca Valley Community Center every third Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m.
Residents are encouraged to use this informal setting to share concerns or suggestions for the community with the Mayor. Light refreshments will be served.
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Spring/Summer Activities & Events Guide
The Town of Yucca Valley’s Spring/Summer Recreation Guide is coming in March!
Keep a look out for the exciting events, courses and family-friendly activities happening in the coming months.
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Keep Yucca Valley Beautiful
Help keep Yucca Valley beautiful! The Town of Yucca Valley prohibits graffiti, which leaves a negative impact on the community.
Yucca Valley property owners are responsible for taking measures to prevent graffiti and for graffiti removal on private property.
If you come across graffiti, don't hesitate to report it using Yucca Valley’s Report a Problem tool on the Town website. If you see graffiti vandalism, please contact the Sheriff's Department directly at
(760) 956-5001.
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New Museum Hires
It's always a pleasure to welcome new rockstars to Yucca Valley's team.
👋 Say hello to Charlie Rossow and Zach Fleming-Boyles,
who will be working at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum.
Charlie will serve as the Museum Collections and Exhibits Coordinator and Zach as the Museum Education and Engagement Coordinator.
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Based on award-winning photographer Ken Lee’s book, “Abandoned Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: California Revealed,” Hi-Desert Nature Museum’s newest exhibit takes visitors on an unforgettable nocturnal journey through secret locations hidden in the deserts of California.
Visit the Hi-Desert Nature Museum through March 16 to explore the creative photography, transportation history and vivid travel stories of the exhibit.
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Easter Egg Hunt
Join us for a festive Easter Egg Hunt at the Yucca Valley Community Center Soccer Field at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 30.
Kids ages 10 and under are welcome to bring their baskets to join the egg hunt. Participation is free and the Easter Bunny will also be there to share the fun!
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