Yucaipa has always been known for its open hillsides, small-town feel, and clean air. But the City Council’s August 25, 2025 decision to change the Freeway Corridor Specific Plan (FCSP) could put all that at risk.

Instead of protecting open space and focusing on homes and small businesses, the new plan makes way for mega warehouses — the kind you see spreading across San Bernardino County.

What Changed in the Plan

• In 2008, the city set aside 549 acres as open space to protect hillsides and nature. (City of Yucaipa 2008 plan)
  
• Only 25 acres were meant for small business parks (things like retail with limited storage). (City of Yucaipa 2025 update council agenda packet)
  
• Now, the city has cut open space down by 146 acres and blown up the “business park” land to 223 acres — an 800% increase.
  
• That means the valley could see millions of square feet of warehouses, like the proposed Pacific Oaks Commerce Center (over 2 million square feet).

Why This Is a Problem

• Traffic & Trucks: Big warehouses bring thousands of diesel truck trips every day, clogging roads and making it harder to get around.
  
• Air Pollution: The Inland Empire already has some of the worst air in the country. Diesel trucks make it worse with soot and smog, which raise asthma and cancer risks (CalMatters; PBS SoCal).
  
• Health Impacts: Diesel pollution makes up about 70% of the cancer risk from air pollution in California (UC Davis). Kids, seniors, and people with asthma are hit the hardest.
  
• Loss of Character: Instead of preserving Yucaipa’s rural charm, the valley could become another warehouse corridor like Ontario or Fontana.

Why Residents Are Fighting Back

A group called Yucaipa Neighbors Opposing Warehouses (Yucaipa NOW) has started a referendum drive. That means instead of letting 4 councilmembers decide the city’s future, all residents would get to vote on whether this project of warehouses should reshape the valley.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about community choice. Once mega-warehouses are built, there’s no going back.

The Bottom Line

• Warehouses bring pollution, traffic, and health problems.
  
• Yucaipa’s identity as a clean, rural city is at risk.
  
• Residents should have the final say on whether this kind of development belongs here.
  

If you want more information about Yucaipa NOW, you can reach them through their website: http://www.yucaipa.now/