At the August 28, 2008, The Town of Yucca Valley Council Members approved a
review and instructed staff to file applications with the Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO) for amendments to the Town's sphere of influence to include
the community of Yucca Mesa. (See map to the right.) The sphere of influence is an important benchmark
because it defines the primary area within which urban development is to be
encouraged. So, what does all this legalese mean
to the community of Yucca Mesa? It is crystal clear that the Town of
Yucca Valley foresees a population explosion and rather than limit
itself to its own boundaries, it selfishly wants to destroy Yucca Mesa
as it now exists. In essence, it is a "land grab" from their
neighbor. The Town of Yucca Valley is not a good neighbor. Good
neighbors do not steal land nor do they purposefully annoy their
neighbor.
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Good
neighbors seek input from their neighbor before they act on an item that
would impact their neighbor. Good neighbors are not bullies and do not
plot "land grabs" in secret.
The Community of Yucca Mesa's lifestyle does not fit with the Town of Yucca
Valley. Yucca Mesa residents enjoy a rural lifestyle, low density, slow growth,
open space, large land parcels, dirt roads, beautiful dark skies to observe the
Milky Way, the keeping of horses and farm animals, and most of all peace and
quiet. If the Town of Yucca Valley were to succeed with their "land
grab," all of those amenities would change.
Yucca Mesa as we know it will cease to exist. The Town of Yucca Valley may
choose and LAFCO may require the Town to pre-zone Yucca Mesa, which could include
industrialization and tract homes on small lots. Pre-zoning is advantageous to
the Town which would be effective immediately upon annexation and would be
consistent with the Town's General Plan. There would be no distinction between
Yucca Valley and Yucca Mesa. Dirt roads would be replaced with asphalt roads at
the residents' expense. Street lighting, signs, and traffic signals would be
installed. Sewers connecting to Yucca Valley's new Waste Treatment Plant could
be required with the expense imposed upon Yucca Mesa residents. The keeping of
horses and farm animals would no longer be allowed.
Taxation without representation is still alive and well.
