For the Whole Yucaipa Mobile Home Community...
Lifestyle News for All Residents, Business, Community Leaders and Park Owners.
NEXT YMRA GENERAL MEETING
SATURDAY, June 6, 2026 - 10 AM
EL DORADO PALMS ESTATES MHP
@ BRYANT AND FIR AVENUES
YUCAIPA, CA 92399
More info: Call Mark Westwoood @ (909) 810-6102
AN OPEN LETTER TO YUCAIPA FROM THE CHAIR OF YMRA!
BUILD A NEW CITY OF YUCAIPA MOBILE HOME COMMISSION....
Greetings,
5/1/26
We need to talk....May Day, May Day, We need a MHP Commission in Yucaipa!
Recently I spoke at the last Yucaipa City Council Meeting regarding restoring or actually building a whole new Mobile Home Park City Commission. The prior commission was disolved when the city council chose to hire a rent referee or hearing officer. That hearing officer receives $50K a year, and so far in nearly two years has not given even one decision on a rent dispute in the city of Yucaipa. It's easy to figure out that's $100K into thin air for nothing. 42 mobile home parks, 4200 spaces and over 8,000 residents, and not one single solitary decision. Nice work if you can get it.
The reality is the current scheme is stiffling mobile home residents and giving them little options not only regarding rent disputes, but other challenges that come from thousands of people living in various villages around Yucaipa we call mobilehome parks. Disputes that come from towing, fire lanes, the recent and illegal spate of elimination of amenenties by park owners, to pets, fireworks and a whole manner of disputes that could be solved by giving a conduit and public voice to all involved. In general everyone from city council members, staff, stakeholders et all understanding the rules and the laws of mobile home involvement that benefits multiple park owners and provides a frontier of affordable home ownership in California. And yes for those in the know satisfies upcoming Rhena numbers required by the State! Yes, Eureka, That's correct!
The old way was to bring only rent disputes before a commission made only of volunteers we called a commission. Yucaipa's previous commission was built only of commissioners who had no stake in the process. In otherwords no park residents, and no park owners could be on the commission. Hence it was difficult to find volunteers for a difficult and complicated and often times lengthy, boring, stressful commission that took hours of time. This is a fact that Council Members Miller and a few others lost concept of and missed in their limited memories.
BTW...Thank you to Council Member Justin Beaver who advocated on our side and convinced other council members to at least consider this important concept. And also to CM Judy Woosley for bring the matter to our attention.
I spoke with a few of these prior MHP rent commissioners from the prior commission who often received telephone book sized documents to review at the last minute, and were charged with making tough legal deicsions that had to be correct and abide with the law. Hence the City Council opted to have a scarecrow type - decision is final Hearing Officer. Now the gentleman they hired is a retired, public attorney, respectable, and is nice enough, but c'mon 100K in two years for nothing? Again, nice work if you can get it.
The Yucaipa Mobile Home Population is over 14% of Yucaipa's 54,600 population. Together MHP Owners pay approxiamately $400K in monthly fees right off their rent statements in one year's time right into the general fund. Subtract the hearing officers performance fees, and some nominal staff administrative fees, and where's the other nearly $300K going? Pickle Ball and Quarterly Festivals?
But getting back on track, the reality is this decision took away our MHP Commission and the voice of both park owners and park residents away in one fell swoop. One city councilman referenced isn't that what YMRA is for??? No, Sir. It is not! YMRA is an advocacy group, not an enforcement entity, I wish more people would understand that. Although we do a pretty good job at what we do..we are all volunteers who are unpaid. We have no authority to rule where people can park or give a decicison in the Pet Owner v. the Park of the Golden Valley etc..and honestly I can say we don't want that.
Instead a committee, not a commissioon, was formed as a result. It was meant to subsitute and unmute the silence. This happened because YMRA memebers, including myself objected to City Manager and Assistant City Manager Jennifer Crawford and Chris Mann at one of our YMRA Meetings at the time. Note that both Mann and Crawford are gone from the Yucaipa scene now. But when the committee was designed by city staff, the rules of the committee stiffled our voices too. Not just residnets, but park owners too. Even though both were now included on the Committee -- comitttee members were admonished and not allowed to lobby city council members or even speak with each other. No votes. No decisions. it was a sit, review, listen, applaud and submit session. The latest coommittee hasn't met once in over two years. Why? Because city staff didn't feel the need to do so. I'm on that commission. In fact the City Council was about to turn it into an adhoc committee or completely abolish it. They saw no reason to have the commission.
My goal last Monday night, April 29th was to suggest that a new MHP Commiission be considered. With only 5 minutes, I fell a little short. Most of the City Council Meeting was to decide what City Commsssions Yucaipa would have. I along with other people like the City Parks and Trails Commission were given 5 minutes to pitch their ideas. Most of them included subtracting money from the City Budget. But my idea was based on a group that actually adds hundreds and hundred and hundreds to the City Budget annually - with no direct voice to the city. We need a Voice on things like;
The end result of my 5 minute speech (and I was extended two more minutes. Thank you). There was a lot of spinning eyes on the dias, and questions, but a halt to the elimination of our ad hoc committee was accomplished. Now it is up to us as YMRA members and park representitives to make the arguments in favor of the restoration of our voiceson a Commission. Our voices need to be taken seriously. To stand up, Voice our opinions, and that is the job of YMRA. All of us. This is a participation sport. Not a spectator sport. It's all hands on deck. To advocate. Sometimes even to correct. And yes to argue. It can't just be one or two people, it's got to be all of us.
Sometimes we argue against unfair rents, fees, fire sprinklers, overlay programs, or to promote fair housing and pet treatment etc. We ask questions. Where's all this money collected going? It's a big job, and shouldn't be quartered into arguments for or against ordinances, but also in favor of innovatation for a better qaulity of life for all..And that is everyone's job. And it can't be accomplished in 3 minute snippets by nervous citizens at a city council meeting, but in a dilberate, expanded processes at commission meetings that take place before the council meetings. Recommendations should not just come from staff, but also the citizens of Yucaipa- mobile home residents on a MHP Commission. And that's why we have commissions. It's by the people, not just for the staff, or by the staff. Why not just a committee? Well that has already been demonstrated. it doesn't work. Meetings are not called. Commission meetings must be called.
My suggestion is we start by having a 9 member Commission of an equal amount of Park Owners, Residents, And 3 at large members appointed by Council Members selected and appointed within the three highest aggregates of parks in their districts rolling, or rotating over each 4 year term.
3 Residents (by applicatation)
3 Park Owners (by application)
3 Appointed At Large Members
This may not be a perfect solution, but it certainly is better than the current scheme, and could very well create a better environment between community and the council. A Yucaipa Mobile Home Park Commission is needed to represent our Mobile Home Park Community.
Best to All
Mark Westwood
YMRA Chair 2024 - 2026
Yucaipa, Ca 92399
5/1/26
5/1/26
We need to talk....May Day, May Day, We need a MHP Commission in Yucaipa!
Recently I spoke at the last Yucaipa City Council Meeting regarding restoring or actually building a whole new Mobile Home Park City Commission. The prior commission was disolved when the city council chose to hire a rent referee or hearing officer. That hearing officer receives $50K a year, and so far in nearly two years has not given even one decision on a rent dispute in the city of Yucaipa. It's easy to figure out that's $100K into thin air for nothing. 42 mobile home parks, 4200 spaces and over 8,000 residents, and not one single solitary decision. Nice work if you can get it.
The reality is the current scheme is stiffling mobile home residents and giving them little options not only regarding rent disputes, but other challenges that come from thousands of people living in various villages around Yucaipa we call mobilehome parks. Disputes that come from towing, fire lanes, the recent and illegal spate of elimination of amenenties by park owners, to pets, fireworks and a whole manner of disputes that could be solved by giving a conduit and public voice to all involved. In general everyone from city council members, staff, stakeholders et all understanding the rules and the laws of mobile home involvement that benefits multiple park owners and provides a frontier of affordable home ownership in California. And yes for those in the know satisfies upcoming Rhena numbers required by the State! Yes, Eureka, That's correct!
The old way was to bring only rent disputes before a commission made only of volunteers we called a commission. Yucaipa's previous commission was built only of commissioners who had no stake in the process. In otherwords no park residents, and no park owners could be on the commission. Hence it was difficult to find volunteers for a difficult and complicated and often times lengthy, boring, stressful commission that took hours of time. This is a fact that Council Members Miller and a few others lost concept of and missed in their limited memories.
BTW...Thank you to Council Member Justin Beaver who advocated on our side and convinced other council members to at least consider this important concept. And also to CM Judy Woosley for bring the matter to our attention.
I spoke with a few of these prior MHP rent commissioners from the prior commission who often received telephone book sized documents to review at the last minute, and were charged with making tough legal deicsions that had to be correct and abide with the law. Hence the City Council opted to have a scarecrow type - decision is final Hearing Officer. Now the gentleman they hired is a retired, public attorney, respectable, and is nice enough, but c'mon 100K in two years for nothing? Again, nice work if you can get it.
The Yucaipa Mobile Home Population is over 14% of Yucaipa's 54,600 population. Together MHP Owners pay approxiamately $400K in monthly fees right off their rent statements in one year's time right into the general fund. Subtract the hearing officers performance fees, and some nominal staff administrative fees, and where's the other nearly $300K going? Pickle Ball and Quarterly Festivals?
But getting back on track, the reality is this decision took away our MHP Commission and the voice of both park owners and park residents away in one fell swoop. One city councilman referenced isn't that what YMRA is for??? No, Sir. It is not! YMRA is an advocacy group, not an enforcement entity, I wish more people would understand that. Although we do a pretty good job at what we do..we are all volunteers who are unpaid. We have no authority to rule where people can park or give a decicison in the Pet Owner v. the Park of the Golden Valley etc..and honestly I can say we don't want that.
Instead a committee, not a commissioon, was formed as a result. It was meant to subsitute and unmute the silence. This happened because YMRA memebers, including myself objected to City Manager and Assistant City Manager Jennifer Crawford and Chris Mann at one of our YMRA Meetings at the time. Note that both Mann and Crawford are gone from the Yucaipa scene now. But when the committee was designed by city staff, the rules of the committee stiffled our voices too. Not just residnets, but park owners too. Even though both were now included on the Committee -- comitttee members were admonished and not allowed to lobby city council members or even speak with each other. No votes. No decisions. it was a sit, review, listen, applaud and submit session. The latest coommittee hasn't met once in over two years. Why? Because city staff didn't feel the need to do so. I'm on that commission. In fact the City Council was about to turn it into an adhoc committee or completely abolish it. They saw no reason to have the commission.
My goal last Monday night, April 29th was to suggest that a new MHP Commiission be considered. With only 5 minutes, I fell a little short. Most of the City Council Meeting was to decide what City Commsssions Yucaipa would have. I along with other people like the City Parks and Trails Commission were given 5 minutes to pitch their ideas. Most of them included subtracting money from the City Budget. But my idea was based on a group that actually adds hundreds and hundred and hundreds to the City Budget annually - with no direct voice to the city. We need a Voice on things like;
- Special Rent Adjustment Requests from Park Owners.
- Maintenance of Net Operating Income (MNOI) Adjustments
- Park Representative Procurement
- Bi Annual Rent Reveiw participation
- Local Rule Disputes and Hearings
- Health and Safety Standards
- Tilting polices and Proceedures.
- Advising City Council Members and freeing their time.
- Resident Rights.
- Mobile Home Park Owners Authority and Rights.
- Communications between MHP Park Residents, Park Owners, City and staff.
- Improved Communication between a Community Development Officer, HCD, YMRA, GSMOL, State and Local Organizations that represent stake holders.
The end result of my 5 minute speech (and I was extended two more minutes. Thank you). There was a lot of spinning eyes on the dias, and questions, but a halt to the elimination of our ad hoc committee was accomplished. Now it is up to us as YMRA members and park representitives to make the arguments in favor of the restoration of our voiceson a Commission. Our voices need to be taken seriously. To stand up, Voice our opinions, and that is the job of YMRA. All of us. This is a participation sport. Not a spectator sport. It's all hands on deck. To advocate. Sometimes even to correct. And yes to argue. It can't just be one or two people, it's got to be all of us.
Sometimes we argue against unfair rents, fees, fire sprinklers, overlay programs, or to promote fair housing and pet treatment etc. We ask questions. Where's all this money collected going? It's a big job, and shouldn't be quartered into arguments for or against ordinances, but also in favor of innovatation for a better qaulity of life for all..And that is everyone's job. And it can't be accomplished in 3 minute snippets by nervous citizens at a city council meeting, but in a dilberate, expanded processes at commission meetings that take place before the council meetings. Recommendations should not just come from staff, but also the citizens of Yucaipa- mobile home residents on a MHP Commission. And that's why we have commissions. It's by the people, not just for the staff, or by the staff. Why not just a committee? Well that has already been demonstrated. it doesn't work. Meetings are not called. Commission meetings must be called.
My suggestion is we start by having a 9 member Commission of an equal amount of Park Owners, Residents, And 3 at large members appointed by Council Members selected and appointed within the three highest aggregates of parks in their districts rolling, or rotating over each 4 year term.
3 Residents (by applicatation)
3 Park Owners (by application)
3 Appointed At Large Members
This may not be a perfect solution, but it certainly is better than the current scheme, and could very well create a better environment between community and the council. A Yucaipa Mobile Home Park Commission is needed to represent our Mobile Home Park Community.
Best to All
Mark Westwood
YMRA Chair 2024 - 2026
Yucaipa, Ca 92399
5/1/26
YMRA - PROUDLY LISTED IN GREAT NONPROFITS.ORG
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GreatNonprofits is a 501 registered non-profit organization that is based in the United States where donors, volunteers, and clients review and share their experiences of charitable and non profit organizations, essentially providing crowdsourced information and ratings about the reputability of these organizations. YMRA has been honored and included for their local role in Community and Neighborhood Development.
5 Star Community Rated
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PLEASE SUPPORT YMRA -
YUCAIPA'S MHP RESIDENT'S COMMUNITY VOICE! ONE WAY TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT IS TO PAY YOUR ANNUAL DUES DUES ARE A DONATION OF $15.00 (Minimum or More) (COVERS JANUARY TO JANUARY - NOT PRORATED) YOU CAN MAIL YOUR DUES IN BY CHECK TO: PO Box 1052, Yucaipa, California, USA, 92399-1052 (Please include your Name and Address). NOTE: If paying dues is a hardship, please request a confidential hardship waiver (You can request a hardship waiver at the address above. Your request will be kept confidential.) THANK YOU. |
SAVE THE DATE
THE 1ST ANNUAL
YMRA CHILI COOK OFF COMPETITION
& COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
JUNE 20TH, 2026 - 11 AM TO 5 PM.
FUN - ENTERTAINMENT - CHILI
MORE DETAILS COMING SOON
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW FOR THE LATEST NEWSLETTER....
MARCH NEWSLETTER
YucaipaMobileHomeLife.com
About Yucaipa Mobile Home Life ….
YMHL Magazine is your guide to a great lifestyle as a resident of one of Yucaipa’s many residents of a manufactured home, or a mobile home in Yucaipa. And this publication is designed for park owners too. You’ll find great up to date information, education, news, entertainment and enjoyment in each article. You can read about renovating, designs, special features and clever living solutions. Make the most of your home’s square footage. Capitalize on outside living areas too.
We strive to make all of our features informative and enjoyable to read.
Homes and Rooms…
YMHL Magazine provides you with many interesting ideas about varioius homes from the east to the west coast. You’ll enjoy reading about some of our featured homes and their modern styles. You’ll find articles about some of the most beautiful homes in Yucaipa and surrounding areas that reflect stylish, comfortable living.
Design Source…
Once you page through all of the features about different types of homes, you will enjoy learning from the pros how to change your home as will. Included is information about building materials, renovation help and resources, furniture, décor, home accessories, appliances, lighting, ceiling fans and much, much more.
News and Information…
We will also have pertinent news and information concerning developments in future, new city rules, laws and ordinances and how they might effect on you, no matter who you are…
Culture….
There are excellent sections on Yucaipa’s culture, community, events, and lifestyles. You can read about living a green lifestyle, technology for both you and your home, and many other cultural topics. There is information about travel. There are also entertaining stories and many other cultural topics.
We have numerous sources and resources for you to reflect on. Whether you are a park owner, or resident, or just a member of the family, you can read. L
Learn how to live your best life in the Yucaipa Mobile Home Community no matter what your roles is.
Our pride is in your awareness, action and enjoyment for a great life!
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Need some mobile home decorating ideas?
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Get your message out. Everybody benefits and wins!
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LAST CHRISTMAS THE YUCAIPA CHRISTMAS PARADE!
YUCAIPA CONCERNED CITIZENS TOWN HALL MEETING
Townhall Meeting a Success!
Yucaipa - In a room with standing room only attendance at an impromptu Town Hall Meeting, facilitated by KQLH Radio, and moderated by Mark Westwood, to answer questions regarding the possible vote on Ordinance 429 to augment a previous ordinance from 2016.
City staff members including Madeline Jordan, Ben Mattlock, and Jennifer Crawford attended and made their presentations and fielded questions from those in attendance. The people in attendance all had a chance to ask questions. At times the questioning was difficult, and sometimes the answers weren't exactly clear, but all had a chance to ask questions. Mark Westwood made it clear it was a fact finding mission, and that no decision would be made at the meeting. No doubt it's a complicated issue, and although the meeting added clarity on some parts, there are still alot of questions.
Yucaipa - In a room with standing room only attendance at an impromptu Town Hall Meeting, facilitated by KQLH Radio, and moderated by Mark Westwood, to answer questions regarding the possible vote on Ordinance 429 to augment a previous ordinance from 2016.
City staff members including Madeline Jordan, Ben Mattlock, and Jennifer Crawford attended and made their presentations and fielded questions from those in attendance. The people in attendance all had a chance to ask questions. At times the questioning was difficult, and sometimes the answers weren't exactly clear, but all had a chance to ask questions. Mark Westwood made it clear it was a fact finding mission, and that no decision would be made at the meeting. No doubt it's a complicated issue, and although the meeting added clarity on some parts, there are still alot of questions.
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YOUR MOBILE HOME IS WORTH MORE THAN YOU MIGHT KNOW....
How much is your mobile home in Yucaipa worth? You might be surprised if you’ve owned your home for a number of years that the prices of mobile homes have increased greatly. California is one of the most competitive and high-priced real estate markets in America, and like it or not, you're a part of it! Maybe you were told when you purchased your home a couple of decades ago that your home’s value would depreciate because it was a mobile home - that has all changed. In today’s real estate market, your mobile home has appreciated considerably. With the prices of traditional, fixed, stick homes in Yucaipa rising to higher and higher price ranges, so has the value of your mobile home. Mobile homes have become the latest frontier of affordable housing, and that has put your mobile home in much higher demand, thus increasing the price. Remember a few years ago when there were a lot of mobile homes for sale in your park? Maybe they even sat on the market for a while. Well look around, you will probably not see too many for sale signs in your park. Mobile homes sell quickly. Hold on to your hat because according to the web site Realtor.com, the average price of most mobile homes in Yucaipa can range in the area of $100,000 or more. There are still a few for around $60,000 on the lower end, but some list for as much as $175,000 or more. So why the price differential? The foremost factor is the park you live in. The price of a good mobile home depends greatly on the park you live in. How is the crime or safety record? The park’s overall maintenance, appearance, age and upkeep are major factors. What are the space rents are going for? Rent controlled spaces of course have always sold for higher prices. |
Sam Works, Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Lous Lauer Realty, Yucaipa Call 909.800.6006 DRE #2162595 
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What you should consider when factoring what your mobile home might sell for....
Next in price factoring your home is your mobile home’s condition. What upgrades, such as windows, doors, or upgrades to your kitchen, and bathrooms are in place? Freshly painted walls and new floors are major sellers. Even simple, inexpensive fresh paint will help your sell. Always choose neutral colors. Consult with a paint expert for recommendations on paint. Simply beefing up the landscaping around your house for nice curb appeal can bring nice rewards too. Adding potted flowers near your doors can produce amazing results. Consider ripping up that old carpet in at least the living room and dining room and replacing them with vinyl planking that looks and feels like hardware floors. We recommend Trafficmaster found at most Home Deports or Lowes. It’s inexpensive and easy to install, and it will not move. Wood and Pergo type planking does not work well in mobile homes because of the natural swift and sway of all mobile homes. Bad or weak floors should be fixed, and that old particle board with the dips and divots is the kiss of death. Make sure before you bring people into your home that your insurance policy is up to date.
That 70’s paneling is worth covering with thin drywall, or at least fresh paint depending on your budget. They sell 1/8 inch thickness drywall, and it’s light and not too tough to install. Leave your old paneling in place, but shave off the plastic gap trim between the panels with a sharp spackling spatula. Leaving out dated walls, fixtures etc in place will cost you thousands in the long run. Fix them for a premium price when you sell. You will many more times your investment.
One last thing, When selling any home. Clear the clutter. How does your house smell. Pet odors are deal breakers. It’s like pre-moving because your plan on moving anyway. Box up all those knick knacks and spoons from Knott’s Berry Farm, and all those family photos from Lake Tahoe and store them away. You want your potential buyers to look at your home, not your personal life. Tour a few model homes for inspiration. They look cozy, and comfortable without the flavor of who actually lives in them. Potential buyers must be able to vision themselves living in your space.
A bit of advice:
Go on line and do your research before you sell. If you are not in a rush, make a long and short term list of goals. take on one task at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be finished. But remember you have to move some place too....
Don’t jump from then frying pan into the fire. We recommend an on line site like Mobile Home Village at mhvillage.com. You also might want to take in a few youtube videos too.
Good luck!
(Contributions to this article by Mark Westwood and Sam Works, Local Yucaipa Real Estate Agent with Lois Lauer Realty in Yucaipa. For more info call Sam Works at 909.800.6006. DRE 2162595)
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Or in your smart device app store just type in "KQLH"
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YucaipaMobileHomeLife.com
When you want the right info now!
When you want the right info now!
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