Video and PowerPoint slides from 56th Annual Meeting available!

A recording of MBCA’s 56th annual meeting is now available on our YouTube Channel. The keynote speaker was Bernadette Del Chiaro, Executive Director of the California Solar and Storage Association, who presented a compelling survey of the history and current state of rooftop solar within California. Her presentation was packed with information and data showing the steep drop-off of rooftop solar in the state following the adoption of Net Energy Metering (NEM-3) regulations. The presentation illustrated how California’s three Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs), SoCal Edison, PG&E, and SDG&E, employed sophisticated advertising strategies that have led to a severe reduction in the adoption of rooftop solar. Several interesting nuggets of information were revealed including: the long-time relationships of California’s governor with executives of PG&E, the immense amount of money IOUs spend on political donations, that the IOUs are not subject to regular audits! and that even with the reduced rates of reimbursement, rooftop solar continues to be a good investment! We encourage those who were not able to attend, and those that did, to look again at Ms. Del Chiaro’s excellent presentation! 

Steve Blackledge, Senior Director, Conservation America Campaign, spoke on nationwide conservation efforts being advanced through the organization Environment America. His presentation emphasized the need for accommodation of wildlife corridors to support the diversity and health of wildlife. Geary Hund, former Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, discussed efforts now underway to construct crossings over State Highway 62! 

A topical and related issue presented by Ms. Del Chiaro is the issuance by  Governor Newsome of Executive Order N-5-24 that effectively blames high electrical costs on rooftop solar! The Solar Rights Alliance has published a ‘Corrected Version’ of the Order to counter this false narrative. MBCA encourages our members and supporters to contact their elected representatives with this edited version. 

MBCA joins in appeal of approval of Lovemore Ranch

MBCA has joined with the Joshua Tree Village Neighbors in filing an appeal of the January 23 approval by the Planning Commission of a 64-unit subdivision on 18.49 acres of intact-desert in the heart of Joshua Tree. The appeal challenges the approval on several bases: including a deficient staff report and CEQA Initial Study, not considering the requirement for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for elements of the proposed development, inconsistencies of the development with the policies of the Countywide plan, the exclusion of comment letters in information presented to the planning commissioners, and insufficient and improper notifications of the hearings.

This development has been under consideration for many years with the developer making a well-attended community presentation in August of 2024. Though attendees provided their contact information at that meeting, it appears there were no notices of the hearings provided to the meeting attendees. We are awaiting the scheduling of the hearing of the appeal before the Board of Supervisors after which we will provide additional information on how to participate and offer comments. The lack of wide and general notice of the hearings for this development points to the need for the reinstatement of the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council. Bring back the MAC!

Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act Workshop March 10, 2025

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is holding a workshop on the locally important issue of protection for the threatened Western Joshua tree. Learn about, and offer comments on the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. Permitting requirements for working around and obtaining ‘take permits’ are in the process of being defined. This workshop will serve to provide clarity on methods and procedures for complying with the act. Register for either the morning or afternoon session:

Attend California Desert Coalition Meeting on changes to NEPA

The California Desert Coalition is holding a workshop on the new realities of environmental protection by the current administration by offering this primer on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The workshop will be led by attorneys of the environmental law firm, Advocates of the West. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. Registration is limited and advised. (MBCA’s calendar notice of the event will add the RSVP link when available.)

Desert-Wise Landscape Tour April 27, 2025

This year will mark the 13th year of our in-person spring Desert Wise-Landscape tour to held on Sunday, April 27. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this popular in-person Tour of landscapes throughout the Morongo Basin. In anticipation of the Tour, check out, and ‘like’, our YouTube Channel with many videos of Desert Wise Landscapes and tips for incorporating native plants, and water-wise, energy-efficient environments! Registration information will become available in early April.

Thank you for your continued support during these difficult and challenging times. Our collective voices are essential in advocating for the diverse and unique desert environment and the economic well-being of our community!