Tumbleweed Sanctuary Project

The Tumbleweed Sanctuary Project, led by the City of Yucca Valley and High Desert Center LLC, involves the conversion of a 3,729 square foot former church into a special event center. The project includes the development of a 13,915 square foot ancillary parking lot with 41 spaces and the restriping of an existing lot to include four new EV stalls, bringing that total to 18 spaces. Environmental enhancements include the installation of 8,874 square feet of native vegetation on the northernmost parcel, while existing desert vegetation and gardens on the southern portion will be preserved. Additionally, the project proposes off-site roadway and sidewalk improvements along Pueblo Trail and Chula Vista. To proceed, the project requires a Conditional Use Permit for special event uses, Site Plan and Design Review, and a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Take Permit for the removal or relocation of Joshua trees. Comprehensive environmental reviews have been conducted, including a Mitigated Negative Declaration, biological resource assessments, noise and vibration impact studies, and cultural resource evaluations. These assessments addressed the presence of 388 on-site Joshua trees and evaluated emissions, traffic generation, and archaeological impacts. The project is scheduled for construction in 2026 with operations beginning in 2027, following a public review period and Planning Commission hearing in late 2026.