Tell Yucca Valley that you won't support cruelty

Rodeo fans want to bring the event back for Grubstake Days 2027, and they've asked the Town Council to fund a rodeo with taxpayer money. We're asking the council to reject that proposal and go further: Ban rodeos in Yucca Valley for good.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP

Stay connected, be ready for next steps

Send me your email if you'd like updates on further actions!

Give public comment on July 7

The Town Council meets at 5 pm on Tuesday, July 7, in the Yucca Room at the Yucca Valley Community Center, 57090 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

When you arrive, sign up to speak during public comment, which is held at the end of the meeting for non-agenda items. You will have three minutes to address the council and audience, and your statement becomes public record. You can also bring signs or posters. We can sit together in a strong showing of solidarity. You can also give public comment over Zoom. When the link is published, a few days before the meeting, it will be here: yuccavalleyca.portal.civicclerk.com

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Mayor Abel (District 3), Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler (District 1), Council Member Rick Dennison (District 5), Council Member Jeff Drozd (District 2), Council Member Robert Lombardo (District 4) and Town Clerk Brook Dudra,

Please do not reinstate the Grubstake Days rodeo.

Many residents of Yucca Valley (and beyond) have evolved to realize that just because something has been a long-held cultural tradition doesn’t mean it is still relevant or even acceptable. Many traditions have been retired for good; ending slavery, granting women the right to vote, accepting gay marriage, for example. The same is true in the realm of animal rights.

Every animal advocacy organization rebukes rodeos on the grounds that animals used in rodeos are sentient beings who feel pain. They are individuals who have the right to live without human exploitation for sport, entertainment or financial gain.

Cows and horses are prey animals. Rodeo events subject them to intense fear and abuse. Who of you sees compassion in forcing a 3 month old calf who is still nursing to run in sheer terror for his life by chasing him on horseback at 30 miles an hour, lassoing his neck, slamming him to the ground, flipping him on his back and tying three of his legs together?

Who of you sees compassion in bouncing around on the spine of a bull, a horse, a sheep even. Kicking them with spurs no matter how dull, cinching them with straps no matter how padded. Prodding them with electric rods no matter how weak. This is a matter of riding on the power of others, and we don’t need it.

Yucca Valley can join several California municipalities that have already said no to inflicting violent trauma, injury and extreme distress on rodeo animals, and teaching children that this archaic tradition should continue.

San Bernardino has no ban or restrictions on rodeos. This is Yucca Valley’s opportunity to lead the way. We pride ourselves on – and rely on tourism dollars from – our unique placement within the natural world and our appreciation of wildlife. We’ve recently made big efforts to support domesticated animals at our shelter. The abuse of rodeo animals does not align with our values.

The Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce says they lack the funds to host the rodeo for the 2027 Grubstake Days celebration, and their rodeo committee on June 16 asked for the town’s support. I urge you to reject any proposals to fund, subsidize or host a rodeo. Forcing Yucca Valley taxpayers to contribute to an activity rooted in animal exploitation is deeply unjust.

Ultimately, please use your leadership to ban rodeos in Yucca Valley for good.

With compassion,

(your name)

(your town)

Send an email to the council

Send your comments in writing. Address to all five council members and the town clerk. There is a sample letter below that you can copy or personalize, and the email addresses are here: mabel@yucca-valley.org, jschooler@yucca-valley.org, rdenison@yucca-valley.org, jdrozd@yucca-valley.org, rlombardo@yucca-valley.org, townclerk@yucca-valley.org