Dear MBCA Members and Supporters,

As a MBCA supporter, you know we have been working diligently with San Bernardino County to steer renewable energy policy. After numerous delays, the County Board of Supervisors appear to have finally set the date to cast their votes on Renewable Energy and Conservation Element (RECE) section 4.10 to ban utility-scale renewable projects in areas zoned RL and in areas covered by existing community plans. Once again, it is critical that the Supervisors hear from residents in protection of our rural life style and the environment. The message is simple and clear: Follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation that Policy 4.10 be made part of the county’s Renewable Energy and Conservation Element.  

NOTE: A video of the County's May 24 Planning Commission meeting focused on RECE 4.10 is available courtesy of theNewberry Springs Community Alliance. The video on their RECE 4.10 page is augmented by a detailed chronology of actions, speakers, and commentary. The video itself may not be playable on all platforms, but the speakers list and commentary about the proceedings make it quite informative.

A note of caution, the BOS has yet to list the RECE 4.10 on the Agenda for their January 29^th meeting. We do however want you to “save the date.” However, before heading out to San Bernardino or the closest video-conference center please wait to hear from MBCA for final confirmation that the vote will indeed take place, as well as the availability of the remote video-conference facilities.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 29th, 2019, 10:00 AM
WHERE: County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino
REMOTE VIDEO: Burke Government Center, Joshua Tree

I echo Stephan A. Mills, Mills/Zemanek who advises:

Personally appearing and commenting there in favor of Policy 4.10 will have a big impact.  This was our experience at the May 24, 2018 Planning Commission hearing on Policy 4.10.  After hearing many well-informed community members speak in favor of Policy 4.10, the Planning Commission voted unanimously in its favor.  It’s certainly a trek for rural residents – and videoconferencing sites should be available – but being present at the County Government Center in person on January 29 is the best way to maximize our individual and collective impacts.  Rest assured, utility-scale developers will be out in force there to oppose Policy 4.10.

THIS WEDNESDAY! PARADISE VALLEY PROJECT PRESENTATION
WHEN: Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00 PM
WHERE: Hi-Desert Nature Museum
WHAT: NPCA Presentation on Paradise Valley Housing Project

Joshua Tree National Park is at risk of finding a new city on its southern boundary. The Paradise Valley project threatens to turn a 5,000-acre stretch of thriving Colorado Desert dry wash into a planned community with 20,000-25,000 residents. Chris Clarke, the National Park Association’s California Desert Program Manager will make a presentation on what could be lost and how to oppose this development from moving forward.

REMINDER NOT TO MISS: MBCA Annual Meeting and Energy Summit

WHEN: Saturday, January 26, 2019, 10AM-2PM
WHERE: Yucca Valley Community Center, 57090 Twentynine Palms Highway

The Energy Summit will launch a year of activism and events as MBCA celebrates its 50^th year! This will be a stellar program with keynote addresses from two nationally-recognized experts in renewable energy and public policy, followed by a panel discussion with local environmental leaders: “Vision for the next 50 years.”  Detailed information on MBCA’s 50th Anniversary Energy Summit, including speaker bios, can be found at the Event page on our website.

RENEW MBCA MEMBERSHIP!

We need you and it’s easy to do online on our Membership page.

Membership and donations to our 501(c)3 organization are fully tax-deductible.

Finally, we suggest you browse through the many events listed on our Community Calendar page, including the important events mentioned in this Eblast and also enjoyable educational opportunities ranging from the January 20 Total Lunar Eclipse program in Joshua Tree to a lecture in Palm Desert on March 6 titled “Everything You Wanted to Know About Rattlesnakes.”

Sincerely,

Sarah Kennington, Outgoing President (2014-2018)
Morongo Basin Conservation Association

Your 2019 MBCA Board

Steve Bardwell, President                          Pat Flanagan, Director       
David Fick, Vice President                         Meg Foley, Director
Laraine Turk, Recording Secretary            Mike Lipsitz, Director           ,          
Marina West, Treasurer                              Ruth Rieman, Director
Sarah Kennington, Past President             Seth Shteir, Director