Joshua Tree residents express outrage over Lovemore Ranch project notification failures

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including community concerns regarding the Lovemore Ranch project in Joshua Tree. The meeting highlighted significant public dissatisfaction with the notification process for major project events.

A resident expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the Lovemore Ranch project, stating that over 70% of affected neighbors were not informed about critical events, including a Planning Commission hearing held on January 23, 2025. The resident criticized the county for what they described as "sneaky and deceitful" practices, emphasizing that the community lacks the resources to support such a large-scale development. They raised concerns about potential wastewater treatment failures and called for greater transparency in the planning process.

The resident detailed their attempts to engage with project planners, noting multiple emails sent to Ron Cruz regarding the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review process. They expressed outrage on behalf of the Greater Joshua Tree community, urging the Board to reconsider the project and return it to the Planning Commission for further review.

Following the public comments, the project applicant presented their case for the Lovemore Ranch project, describing it as a holistic community designed to benefit the area. They referenced over 20 studies conducted by licensed professionals to support their claims and urged the Board to uphold the Planning Commission's earlier unanimous decision to approve the project.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between community members and developers, as well as the need for improved communication and transparency in local government processes. The Board's next steps regarding the Lovemore Ranch project remain to be seen as they consider the public's concerns alongside the applicant's presentation.