Joshua Tree Municipal Advisory Council
(MAC)

From: MelindaRHedley@aol.com,
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 2005 20:09:45 EST
Subject: JoshuaTreePlan

Hello all and happy holidays.

The county's final draft of the Joshua Tree Community Plan is now available on line at: www.sbcountygeneralplan.net .

I haven't read it yet--its 79 pages long and my printer is still working on it. I just wanted to get the word out to all who showed interest.

The county has promised to make a copy available at the Joshua Tree Library and the Chamber of Commerce. (It is arriving via snail mail so give it a couple of days).

The public meeting will be on Monday Dec. 19th at 7 pm at the Joshua Tree Community Center. We would love a good turn out so please try to attend.

Melinda

  1. Introduction
  2. Vision Statement
  3. Land Use Element
  4. Circulation Element
  5. Housing Element
  6. Conservation and Open Space Element
  7. Noise Element
  8. Air Quality Element
  9. Safety Element
10. Public Facilities Element
11. Economics Element
12. Enforcement Element
13. References
14. Land Use Map

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1. INTRODUCTION

Beginning motivation for this document was the statement by the 3rd district supervisor referring to the community plan update, that: “If you don’t do it, someone else will.” In the course of development of the plan the reality of this advice soon became evident. The appeal of Joshua Tree to numerous interests and influences is obvious. There are definite indications, both immediate and on the horizon, that a number of forces are prepared to exploit the desirable features of the region with probably little concern regarding any vision for the future of Joshua Tree.

On the other hand, it soon turned out that there exist very clear and consistent opinions from community residents about these issues. The singular identity of Joshua Tree as evidenced in the large and expressive attendance at the several town meetings held in the development of the plan showed that there was much to be reckoned with from a well-defined and established community. It became evident that there is very much a core of citizen outlook and philosophy that is central to the large majority of those seeking out a place and community in Joshua Tree.

This document is presented in two sections. The first is a formal text of the Joshua Tree Community Plan update proposal as requested by the Municipal Advisory Council. A second section is provided as a documentation and reference appendix containing a full bibliography of reference material used in the development of the plan together with a listing and summary of the opinions, contributions, suggestions, and critiques of the many community members who have basically been the authors and overseers of this community plan update.

Total citizen participation in development of the plan is conservatively estimated to have been at
least 300. Six open general community town meetings, some of which included county representatives and other speakers and experts, together with dozens of smaller special and subgroup meetings were held to craft the community plan. Town meetings had attendances typically in the range of 50 to nearly 100. Because of the wide circulation of notices and advertising for meetings, there can be high confidence that the contributions to this effort were well representative of the community and are a good sampling of opinion of residents. There was consistent opportunity for detailed feedback and input both in general and in reaction to specific proposals in the plan or its various drafts. Citizen reaction was always enthusiastic and very involved and engaged. Additional special meetings were held by committee members with various individuals, agencies and organizations within Joshua Tree such as the school district and the public transportation agency.

Something especially important to be drawn from this experience is the high degree of interest demonstrated toward this opportunity for public expression and self-determination. This was so in spite of often stated skepticism about whether county government was ever really inclined to listen to its citizens. Clearly, it would be very valuable to hold these kinds of meetings regularly even after completion of the community plan.

We reiterate here our ongoing commitment that all acknowledged separate or dissenting items relative to this plan will be presented to the Municipal Advisory Council for transmittal to the supervisors along with this document. In fact, all other proposals to the county by community members are seen not as competitive but complimentary in allowing additional range and breadth to the ultimate establishment of a county plan for Joshua Tree, something that can only be seen as of benefit to the community.

Statements were sometimes heard that the community plan should not ask for too much or be too demanding, or that the plan should only be very broad and general without containing anything specific, and so forth. Reaction by community participants was emphatic in that as long as there was to be the effort of a 10 year community plan it should contain exactly what is wanted and required, and as specifically as necessary to avoid the misunderstandings known to sometimes happen out here. The considerable research carried out in the process of this endeavor has established without question that community plans can be fully as explicit and detailed as necessary for the objectives being expressed, for example, the 1989 Joshua Tree plan which specified the paving of Alta Loma. We have total confidence in the county supervisors and their staff to recognize the intent and legitimacy of what is being done here and to respond fittingly. We are certain that the government of San Bernardino County will appreciate the validity, the expectations, and the level of importance placed on what is contained in the plan. However this document might eventually be incorporated as a subsection of the county general plan, it is intended to be interpreted as the consensus-agreed community plan for 2004 Joshua Tree.

The following is an accounting of volunteer resources that were expended in the achievement of this community plan: More than 2000 total person-hours are estimated to have been involved in development and accomplishment of the plan by committee members, i.e. about 300 working days in a period of just over one year. Total financial expenditures, literally out of pocket, for miscellaneous expenses including photocopying is estimated at over $1000.

Listing of community resident volunteers most directly involved with development of this plan begins, of course, with those who initially came forward in response to the call made at the founding meeting by the chairperson of the Municipal Advisory Committee. These were Melinda Hedley, Albert Marquez, Shari Long and Jack Fuller. Others who soon after became materially associated with the process were Cheryl McHale, Deborah DeMeo, and Shant Agajanian, who offered invaluable volunteer professional assistance. Very important support has been provided by Carol Hall, and the effort was further augmented by Mary Helen Tuttle of Copper Mountain, with additional valuable input from Curt Sauer, Harry Carpenter, and the National Park offices, as well as Howard Gross of the National Parks Conservation Association and Pat Flanagan of the Morongo Basin Conservation Association. Along the way came the gratefully numerous others in Joshua Tree who provided a great deal of often critically needed support and advocacy. We appreciate the help provided by Michelle Givens with arrangements for community center facilities. Among county personnel who provided time and assistance were Terri Rahhal, Kathleen McDonald, and, of course, Bruce Davis of supervisor Dennis Hansberger’s office who was, simultaneously it seemed, both advocate and practice foil! Moreover to be acknowledged are the destined to be unsung contributions of untiring and intrepid spouses.

The attached document is in response to the opportunity to provide an updated community plan for Joshua Tree, and fulfills the Municipal Advisory Council mission of community representation. This committee therefore is presenting this proposal for the Joshua Tree Community Plan Update to the Joshua Tree Municipal Advisory Council to be accepted for submission to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

Jack Fuller
Chair of the MAC volunteer committee for the General Plan Update
June 10, 2004

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2. VISION STATEMENT

Joshua Tree is unusual among gateway communities in sharing the name of its adjoining National Park, as well as being named after that bit of nature especially identified with its singular surroundings. Many of the remarkable and unique characteristics of the National Park are also shared in large measure by the community known as Joshua Tree. Therefore, it is reasonable if not mandatory to expect that Joshua Tree community should consider itself a guardian and caretaker of this excellent national or even world resource on its border.

The town of Joshua Tree began as a sparse, largely homestead settlement along a road leading to the newly designated Joshua Tree National Monument. Since then the incorporated towns of Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms have grown up along the western and eastern boundaries of a still unincorporated area, most of which is officially designated as San Bernardino County Services Area, CSA-20, more commonly known as Joshua Tree.

The majority of residents of Joshua Tree are persons who have sought out the area for its obvious rural, peaceful, scenic and environmentally appealing qualities, such as characterize the National Park itself. Many residents first became acquainted with the location as visitors to the Park. Numerous persons have also found the area to be especially congruous and inspiring toward the arts, which are well represented here. Yet, throughout its history an explicit vision and comprehensive plan for long-term development of Joshua Tree has not been expressed. In spite of this, the region has managed to acquire an identity, character and atmosphere that might be summarized as being almost an extension of the Park.

Lately, as has happened throughout coastal California, there are forces steadily advancing into the desert seeking economic opportunities and other interests external to this region. Location, as often repeated, is the key, which in the case of Joshua Tree is an established population infrastructure together with all the other desirable features mentioned. Yet, as warned in counsel and fables going back to ancient times, that which is most desired is frequently destroyed through excess and lack of proper judgment and wisdom. Examples abound in urban and, sadly, rural areas as well, of the unfortunate consequences of unfettered advancement of interests that are insensitive or sometimes antithetical to human, cultural, environmental, and, indeed, all the ultimate qualities of life and community. This goes beyond the trite saying of "not in my backyard", and does not refer to inconvenience or annoyance but to preservation of long-established and often highly cherished values and expectations -- as well summarized in the following quotation from the United States Supreme Court in Berman vs. Parker in 1971:

The concept of public welfare is broad and inclusive. The values it represents are spiritual as well physical; aesthetic as well as monetary. It is well within the power of the legislature to determine that the community should be beautiful as well as healthy, spacious, clean, well-balanced and carefully patrolled."

It is in this spirit, therefore, that the following Community Plan for Joshua Tree is proposed so as to serve the values and expectations historically intrinsic to the community and its role as steward to its namesake National Park.
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LAND USE

Land use or zoning designations for Joshua Tree were instituted in somewhat the remote past. An official rationale for these original designations does not appear to be in place, nor is there evidence of a fully comprehensive community plan or design in the existing land-use maps. One major purpose of this plan is thus to establish a certain degree of modern cohesiveness to land use designations, and as necessary to carefully modify or alter some of these in order to conform to a properly detailed and thoughtful contemporary community plan. Specific rationale and motivation for these will be detailed as they are presented.

HOUSING

Most housing in the Joshua Tree area was initiated in the homestead era, and much of present housing can be fairly described as to an extent descended or evolved from that history. Clearly, a new outlook and set of perceptions and insights must now be brought to bear on the matter of housing. The potential spectrum is wide indeed, from the problem of homelessness or inadequate housing in the state to growth of resort and vacation dwellings, to the almost limitless size, luxury, and use of land and resources in home construction. The sociological, economic, ethical, and other problems and questions involved are extensive and critically important for any plan of a community. Much of this reduces to so-called balance and proportion. Appreciable legislation and its diverse interpretations and uncertainties must also to be factored into the very large equation of housing. In the development of the plan these issues are carefully and conscientiously weighed toward the establishment of a final product which although an arguable compromise among all the imposed constraints, represents in any case the best of this community and its spirit.

CONSERVATION

The category of conservation and associated concepts of ecology and environment are relatively late additions to the task of community planning. Yet there no longer remains any question that on a finite and fragile planet these matters are increasingly of serious concern. As such they are given utmost priority in this community plan. Some prior transgressions will have to be unavoidably forgiven, but other past mistakes will not be repeated or any longer given free rein. Vulnerability of the National Park and the several endangered components of the ecosystem are to be protected almost without compromise. This is definitely the wish of everyone associated with this region and no reason can be imagined to consider otherwise. In addition, certain previously unknown archeological facts and components have come to light. These also will be addressed in the prescriptions for conservation and preservation in the community plan.

OPEN SPACE

Open space is almost a subcategory of conservation, but with relevance chiefly toward aesthetic and spiritual values as mentioned by the Supreme Court in Berman. Open space also enters importantly into the element of housing. Again to be mentioned that with location being the principal consideration in matters of land and real-estate, it is manifestly the views and vistas of Joshua Tree which are among the primary "selling-points" for location. Of course, there is nothing more vulnerable to building and development than open space -- truly a golden-egg in jeopardy!

It would seem self-contradictory to ignore or minimize the perils to open space while expounding its virtues. This matter will be addressed from the standpoint of more-or-less fixed ratios of open versus developed space together with systematic on-site inspection of all areas of CSA-20, the ultimate goal being to arrive at an optimal combination of open to developed space subject to all the other conditions related to housing and conservation. It is expected that moderate long-term business and commercial development can be adequately handled without significantly affecting open space requirements.

AIR QUALITY

The location and climate of this region, approximately 3000 ft above the nearby Coachella/Palm Springs valley, has been fortunate in offering some immunity from the ever encroaching plume of Los Angeles basin smog. One of the initial attractions of the area was as a clean air sanctuary for persons with lung ailments. Regrettably, all this has steadily deteriorated in recent years. In spite of the inadequacy of comprehensive scientific and instrumentation data, the overwhelming conclusion of human observation over at least the past 30 years is that visible haze, particularly from the direction of the I-10 pass through the Morongo grade, has been mostly worsening and is definitely not improving. There is no longer any question regarding presence of substantial haze in sections of the National Park, a fact that has lately garnered national publicity. The possibility of this locality becoming like the bleary Inland and Coachella areas would certainly be a disastrous consequence for residents who have had every reason to expect otherwise. Vigilance and all feasible action are clearly indicated.

ECONOMICS

In keeping with the overall objectives for Joshua Tree, economic development projects should retain the community’s rural character, promote responsible ecotourism, place principal value upon sustainability, and encourage the growth and retention of artistic enterprises.

The economic development aspect presented in this plan came about as an outgrowth of the wide range of comments and suggestions expressed by citizens during the establishment of the plan. However, we recognize the concurrent efforts by the Joshua Tree Chamber of Commerce in regard to the community plan and, of course, appreciate the experience and expertise represented by the Chamber. We welcome and look forward to their subsequent contribution and enhancement of the economic elements of the community plan.

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