TecopaCabana.com will be previewing highlights and offering special coverage of this week’s Inyo County Board of Supervisors meeting in Tecopa.
The Board is scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at the Tecopa Community Center, 400 Tecopa Hot Springs Road. The annual spring session in Southeast Inyo offers residents of the region an opportunity to speak directly with county officials and hear updates on local issues without traveling to the county seat in Independence.
Items on the agenda include departmental reports and updates from Death Valley National Park, the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District, the Amargosa Conservancy, and Friends of the Amargosa Basin. These discussions are expected to touch on regional environmental issues, public safety, and community initiatives.
Tecopa welcomes a new face to local leadership: Will Wadelton, also known as “The Handyman,” was elected to the Inyo County Board of Supervisors for District 5 in the November 5, 2024, general election. This marks Wadelton’s first official supervisor’s meeting in southeast Inyo County, signaling a fresh chapter of representation for the region.
The public can attend the meeting in person or join remotely via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/868254781, or by phone using any of the following numbers:
Webinar ID: 868 254 781
- (669) 900-6833
- (346) 248-7799
- (253) 215-8782
- (929) 205-6099
- (301) 715-8592
- (312) 626-6799
California Bill Puts Rural Communication Access in Jeopardy
In the remote corners of California’s desert, small towns like Tecopa could soon face a communications crisis under a new proposal in the state legislature.
The upcoming meeting will include an update from Inyo County on Assembly Bill 470, a state proposal that could impact landline service availability in rural areas. If passed, the bill would allow Carriers of Last Resort, such as AT&T, to withdraw from providing basic telephone services in places like the Death Valley region. The Board of Supervisors has formally opposed the measure, citing concerns over loss of reliable and affordable communication access.
Assembly Bill 470, introduced by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, seeks to modernize telecommunications infrastructure by allowing phone companies to withdraw from their obligation to provide basic landline service in areas deemed “well-served” by alternative providers.
For decades, the Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) system has guaranteed that every household, no matter how rural, had access to basic telephone service. AB 470 would allow companies to relinquish these obligations in areas served by at least three providers, including one wireline. This shift poses significant risks for communities like Tecopa, where cell service is spotty and internet connectivity is limited.
The bill outlines a customer challenge process for residents who believe they lack adequate alternatives and requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to create a transition plan by 2027 for areas not immediately eligible for service withdrawal. It also establishes a Public Safety Agency Technology Upgrade Grant Fund to support emergency communication needs.
Supporters argue the bill will spur investment and innovation in telecommunications, while critics caution that it could leave rural communities without reliable access to essential communication, especially during emergencies. Inyo County, which includes Tecopa, has officially opposed the bill, expressing concerns that it could undermine critical services for rural residents. In a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission, the county outlined several significant issues, including:
- The critical role of landline services during emergencies: In rural areas, where natural disasters and power outages are frequent, reliable access to emergency services like 9-1-1 is crucial. Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) remains the most reliable communication tool, particularly in areas with unreliable cell phone and internet service.
- Limited options for rural customers: Granting telecom providers relief from their COLR obligations would further limit the market options available to rural communities, depriving them of services that meet their unique needs.
- Vulnerable populations at risk: Many rural residents, including the elderly and economically disadvantaged, rely exclusively on landline services. The loss of these services could leave these groups vulnerable and unable to transition smoothly to alternative options.
- Uncertainty about alternatives: The county raised concerns about the reliability of alternative services such as cell phones and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in high-risk areas, pointing to potential gaps in consumer protections and service quality.
Inyo County urged the CPUC to reject the bill, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to resilient communications services, particularly in areas prone to emergencies. As California modernizes its telecommunications framework, AB 470 raises critical questions about how progress can be balanced with equity and public safety in the state’s most isolated regions.
Inyo County Considers Sale of Tax-Defaulted Land to Amargosa Conservancy for Environmental Preservation
On the agenda for the May 6 meeting is the approval of the sale of a tax-defaulted parcel from Inyo County to the Amargosa Land Trust, operating as the Amargosa Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of natural habitats in the Amargosa region.
The proposed sale concerns a vacant parcel located at 145 Bloss Road in Tecopa Hot Springs. The property has an assessed land value of $8,805, and the minimum purchase price under the proposed agreement is $6,675.00, subject to additional penalties, interest, and administrative costs that may accrue prior to finalization.
Under Section 3791.4 of the California Revenue & Taxation Code, nonprofit organizations may purchase residential or vacant land that has been tax-defaulted for five years or more, provided the land is used to benefit low-income populations or is dedicated to public use. In this case, the Amargosa Conservancy proposes to preserve the parcel as permanent open space. The property will remain in its natural state to protect the unique desert ecosystem and the species that depend on it.
The parcel lies within a critical environmental zone and provides habitat for the federally endangered Amargosa vole (Microtus californicus scirpensis) and the rare Tecopa’s bird’s beak (Chloropyron tecopense), both of which are highly sensitive to habitat disturbance. The Conservancy’s acquisition is intended to safeguard these species and advance long-term regional conservation goals.
The property was originally slated for auction in the Inyo County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s 2024 Tax Sale. However, it was withdrawn from the listing after the Conservancy submitted a formal objection along with an application to purchase the parcel through a direct Agreement Sale.
Inyo County operates under the Teeter Plan of property tax apportionment, meaning the expected tax revenue from the parcel has already been advanced to the appropriate agencies. The proposed sale would allow the County to recover the delinquent taxes owed.
If the Board does not approve the Agreement Sale at the upcoming meeting, the parcel will be added to the list of properties for the next tax auction. The Amargosa Conservancy has indicated it may again object to the auction, potentially leading to another future request for Board approval under similar circumstances.
This proposed action aligns with Inyo County’s strategic priorities, including fostering thriving communities, ensuring the highest and best use of public land, and supporting climate resilience and natural resource protection.
Tecopa Draft Plan Charts a Path for Growth While Protecting Its Charm
The Tecopa Community Plan, a draft document that has been in development since 2015, offers a roadmap for the future of this unique unincorporated community. Although still a work in progress, the plan reflects the collective vision of Tecopa residents, and it’s crucial to revisit and stay aligned with this blueprint as the community moves forward. The draft was released in 2018 and serves as a guide to balancing development with the preservation of the area’s character.
Ahead of the Board of Supervisors meeting in Tecopa is an opportune moment to revisit the draft plan’s core proposals.
This plan, a joint effort between the Tecopa community and the Inyo County Planning Department, was shaped by local residents’ ideas and goals, particularly in response to state-driven energy initiatives like the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP) and the Renewable Energy General Plan Amendment (REGPA). These efforts have raised concerns in Tecopa about large-scale renewable energy projects, such as solar farms, potentially disrupting the area’s quiet beauty and straining its water resources.
The community’s vision for Tecopa is a “forward-thinking, technologically advanced” destination that fosters relaxation and encourages discovery. This is reflected in goals across multiple sectors.
In business and economy, the plan suggests opportunities in tourism, ecotourism, and responsible recreation. Residents seek balance—moderate development without compromising the town’s charm.
The housing vision is similarly cautious, advocating for more development while maintaining Tecopa’s family-friendly, rural character. Zoning adjustments, including the integration of alternative living technologies like earth homes, are proposed. However, these efforts have faced challenges due to recent county pressures on developers experimenting with such technologies.
Environmental and recreational goals include preserving Tecopa’s dark skies, expanding signage for visitors, and exploring grants for a new community center and pool. Policies aim to maintain the area’s tranquility while offering amenities for relaxation and recreation.
On infrastructure, the plan highlights critical needs for reliable electricity, potable water, and senior services. Notably, recent power outages and infrastructure deficiencies underscore the urgency of improvements.
Some initiatives aimed at improving public transportation options and better road safety are already underway, including grants for new fire stations in Tecopa Heights and Charleston View, as well as transportation funding for improved sidewalks and bike lane connections between Tecopa Hot Springs and Tecopa Heights.
The plan also proposes the development of a multi-modal trail connecting key regional points. The draft suggests the County and community work together to investigate a Rails to Trails project, repurposing the old Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad bed into a multi-use path suitable for walking, cycling, and possibly horseback riding. This proposed trail would create a key connection between Death Valley Junction, Shoshone, Tecopa, and China Ranch, and would link to another planned multi-modal trail in Charleston View, expanding non-motorized transportation options across the region. This effort, seen as an opportunity to leverage the historic railroad right-of-way, is outlined in policy suggestion RR-1.
In land use, the draft emphasizes preserving Tecopa’s peaceful character while considering modest commercial and residential development, particularly in the Hot Springs area. Suggestions include rezoning for mixed-use developments, reviewing commercial set backs and creating a master plan for a large property in downtown Tecopa.
Challenges with water supply and wastewater management are acknowledged, particularly in Tecopa Hot Springs and Tecopa Heights. The plan proposes solutions such as improved water systems and long-term infrastructure planning.
Ultimately, the Tecopa Community Plan seeks a careful balance: fostering economic growth through targeted development, enhancing tourism without compromising the community’s character, and addressing critical infrastructure needs. While the draft is a comprehensive starting point, it remains a work in progress. As it evolves, Tecopa’s residents will play a key role in ensuring it reflects their vision for a sustainable and thriving future.
To read the full plan, visit inyocounty.us.
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