Yucca Valley council elects Jeff Droz mayor, confirms two PRCC appointees

The Yucca Valley Town Council reorganized its leadership and filled two Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission vacancies at its Dec. 17 meeting. Councilmember Jeff Droz, previously mayor pro tem, was nominated and confirmed as mayor for 2025 in a unanimous roll-call vote; Councilmember Abel was selected as mayor pro tem.

Council members then considered two PRCC candidates to replace outgoing commissioners Andrea Dahl and Jerry Melby. Charlotte Burns, who told the council she was "born and raised in the High Desert" and recently bought a house in Yucca Valley, said she hopes to bring her passion for the arts and recreation to the commission. Audrey Wilcox, who described growing up locally and participating in town recreation programs, emphasized her interest in outdoor recreation and intergenerational programming. Both nominees addressed the council and were confirmed by unanimous votes.

The council handled the reorganizational business early in the meeting, administering oaths of office to re-elected members beforehand. Mayor Jeff Droz thanked outgoing Mayor Robert Lombardo for his service as the council presented a certificate of appreciation dated Dec. 17, 2024.

Council members also agreed to a modest swap of liaison duties with the Desert Mountain Division and confirmed the mayor will represent the town at the League of California Cities, with the mayor pro tem serving as alternate. All leadership and appointment votes were recorded by roll call with councilmembers voting in favor.

The council adjourned the business portion of the evening to take later agenda items and returned to regular meeting items, including consent agenda approval and department reports.