Yucaipa, California

Yucaipa, California B efore the Spanish conquest of the Americas and the arrival of European settlers from Mexico, the land of the Yucaipa Valley was occupied by the Serrano Indians for an estimated 1,000 years. The lush valley was irrigated by springs and creeks running out of the San Bernardino Mountains, where the Serrano made excursions to gather nuts and berries and other food during their harvest season. The Serrano name for the area was Yucaipat, meaning “green valley.” Today, the City Of Yucaipa, California has pride of place, standing at the foothills of progress in the shadow of the magnificent mountain vista. Yucaipa is an energetic city of 55,000, located 10 miles east of San Bernardino in San Bernardino County. Business View Magazine recently spoke with City Planner, Ben Matlock, and Director of Community Development, Paul Toomey, about the significant revitalization efforts the city is undertaking. The following is an edited transcript of that conversation. At the foothills of progress