Feb 21 2024
Dear Rimrock Neighbors,
Letter to neighbors in response to a Facebook post by Susan Herring on Feb 20th at 11:47 am PST.
After an inquiry email from Susan and Greg we invited them to meet with us at our HQ in Yucca Valley on Feb 7th 2024. Christe White also joined us via Zoom from her office in Oregon. We appreciate that they came fully prepared with questions. Since this project is still in the research and idea phase we did not have concrete answers to many of their questions.
We know…. You support the idea just not in your backyard.
We are a non-profit and we are committed to being transparent. Especially with our neighbors.
We share your concerns about the environment, wildlife and quality of life in the neighborhood.
This is also our backyard. We own land too, just like you.
Here are the facts as of Feb 21st 2024.
The conceptual Keep A Breast Valley (KAB Valley) IS a wellness retreat center for breast cancer survivors, those diagnosed with breast cancer, their families and loved ones. This concept was envisioned by The Keep A Breast Foundation, a global, California-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2000. The foundation’s mission is to reduce breast cancer risk and its impact globally through art, education, prevention and action.
The conceptual Keep A Breast Valley (KAB Valley) IS NOT a Convention Center, Conference Venue, Festival Venue, Wedding Venue, Hospital or Clinic, Short Term Rental, Long Term Rental, For Profit Business, Owned by an individual or group of individuals, Not looking for investors, Not a restaurant, Not a campground, Not affiliated with any religious or political organizations or groups.
2015 Keep A Breast had the idea to build a place for Breast Cancer survivors and their families.
2017 Keep A Breast was donated 10 acres of land in Rimrock by Jim Austin.
2019 KAB worked with several architects and designers globally to come up with a visual idea of what The KAB Valley could be to get KAB board of directors approval to move forward with research on this idea. Three individuals in Rimrock have seen these old drawings from 5 years ago that are just internal comps for the board of directors to help them visualize a concept. They are NOT the designs of the KAB Valley. There is no current actual design, plan or architect retained for this project as of now.
2019 We had a pre application meeting with SBC.
2020 Pandemic hit and everything was put on hold.
2023 Keep A Breast picked up this idea again and decided to move forward with research.
2024 KAB has been conducting studies on the land to see what is possible and had another pre application meeting with SBC (post pandemic) because many rules have changed and we want to make sure we are up to date with any new laws, especially the new Joshua Tree laws.
FAQ
Q: Where exactly is The KAB Valley?
A: The proposed site is on land that was donated to Keep A Breast by Jim Austin. It’s 5 parcels with a total of 10 acres. The land lies between Orange Trail and TumbleWeed Trail off Burns Canyon Road.
Q: What type of things will happen there?
A: Wellness retreats for breast cancer survivors and their families.
Q: Will you host weddings and large events?
A: No. We love, love but we are definitely not in the wedding business.
Q: Will you host festivals or camp outs?
A: No. The Valley is a quiet place for healing. There is no camping or campground.
Q: Do you have designs or plans done?
A: No
Q: Do you have an architect ?
A: No. We are currently interviewing architects.
Q: Do you have any permits in place yet?
A: No.
Q: Have you submitted for a Conditional Use Permit?
A: No
Q: Why would SBC categorize the KAB Valley as a Convention/ Conference facility with lodging?
A: SBC currently does not have a category for a wellness retreat so by default we are being placed in a category that is not representative of the activities we plan on having.
Q: What studies have been done so far?
A: Formal Lot Survey - Complete
Topographical Study- Complete
Formal Biological Study ( Joshua Tree’s) 95% Complete
Geotechnical Report- 95% Complete
Percolation Report- Complete
Waterboard Study- Complete
Traffic Study- 10% Complete
Air Quality Study- 10% Complete
Cultural Resources Study- 10% Complete
Drainage Study- 0% Complete
Q: Will you charge or bill visitors for services?
A: It’s way too early in our plan to know. We would love to be able to provide as many grants as possible to visitors and if possible be able to get referrals to bill insurance for any wellness treatments that we might be able to provide people dealing with breast cancer..
Q: How many visitors will you have there at one time?
A: We do not yet know what is possible to build there or have a design done yet. We would love to be able to host 2-4 families at one time. (Approx 8-24 people)
Q: Will Shaney Jo be living on or near the property?
A: It’s way too early in our plan to know. Depending on what is built we would plan to have someone living there full time. As for Shaney’s personal residence, she would love to live in the area but is currently happy in Yucca Valley.
Q: Is there a timeline for this project?
A: We hope to complete our research studies by the end of 2024. From there depending on the results of the studies we will be able to determine what is the next step and what the timeline for that step would be.
Q: Will The KAB Valley be open to locals?
A: Yes. Locals are welcome to participate in any of the potential education workshops The Valley has to offer.
Q: Why is KAB building this place?
A: Keep A Breast is building this place to create a place for people with breast cancer and their families to come and heal, get educated and be inspired.
Q: Do you have support from Dawn Rowe?
A: No. It is way too early in our research phase to ask for her support or anyone else’s on the SBC board of Supervisors on a project that is still just an idea.
Q: Who can I contact if I have questions?
A: Please contact our founder directly. Shaneyjo@keep-a-breast.org
Q: Where is the KAB HQ?
A: The KAB HQ is located in downtown Yucca Valley at 7168 Mohawk Trail, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Once we have more information to share, we plan to host an open house at our HQ.
In the meantime…
Our door is always open and anyone in the community is invited to come to our HQ in person anytime.
I look forward to meeting those of you that I don't already know.
We are neighbors after all.
Sincerely,
Shaney jo Darden
Keep A Breast Foundation