MBCA's appeal (with 7 co-appellants) of the Planning Commission's approval of the Sienna II Solar Project in Lucerne Valley was denied by the Supervisors on Tuesday, January 28. 

(Timestamps are from the County meeting video - scroll down the Supervisors meetings page to find the meeting date of 2026-01-27 and its video link.) Supervisor Rowe introduced the topic and the process at 26:40. The review started with the County Land Use Services staff presentation (28:16), followed by MBCA's presentation (44:37). MBCA President Steve Bardwell presented a 15-minute fact-filled and passionate defense of the position that the project approval was flawed. (Here also are the PowerPoint slides in PDF format, Part 1 and Part 2.) The developer, Avantus, then presented its 15-minute summary of the project (1:01:53).

Public comment was opened at 1:17:38 and timestamps are listed below for all comments in support of the appeal. Final 5-minute presentations were offered by Avantus (2:34:55) and MBCA (2:35:34).

Supervisor Dawn Rowe (in whose district the project lies) had extensive questions for County Land Use Services staff (2:42:27 - 2:52:05), followed by her comments (2:52:06 - 2:55:38). Supervisor Hagman commented from 2:55:39-3:00:38. Supervisor Rowe made two more comments starting at 3:00:38, first offering to show those seeking to develop in the desert how the expansive landscapes must be specially considered, and then chastising the "snarky" tone of one of the Avantus speakers (Ann Mudge, "counsel for the project," 2:31:21), while complimenting Steve's professional approach. The vote against the appeal was unanimous (3:02:00).

MBCA's appeal was in great part based on how different the Sienna II Project was from its earlier approved versions. However, a 2019 amendment to the Renewable Energy Conservation Element of the Countywide Plan (4.10, Section 3.) allowed revised but similar previously approved projects to be considered on "policies and regulations in effect at the time the application was accepted as complete." In this case the current project was deemed by the Supervisors to be "equal" to those prior approved projects, despite extensive changes and uncertainties outlined in the appeal. This formed the basis for the Supervisors' decision, as they found no legal justification to overturn the previous approvals so denied the appeal.  

Many supporters of the appeal including MBCA Board members and numerous Lucerne Valley area residents made comments that ranged from dust concerns to economic issues and anger that the formal State Scenic Highway designation was not considered by the Planning Commission. The entire session begins at 26:40 in the County video.  Below are time stamps for comments made on camera by MBCA and other appeal supporters:

1:17:38 David Fick
1:20:08 Janet Johnston
1:23:06 Laraine Turk
1:25:34 Sarah Kennington

1:28:58 Eric Menendez
1:34:55 David Smith
1:38:09 Karen Smith

1:40:35 Bob Howells
1:43:44 Steve Mills
1:46:39 Catherine Howells
1:57:05 Michelle Gibson
2:01:09 Ondine Hollander
2:04:37 Brian Hammer
2:08:30 Neville Slade
2:11:45 Arch McCulloch
2:14:59 Erin Gatlin
2:16:17 Sarah Kennington
2:19:30 Suzy Boyd

2:22:43 Bill Lembright
2:25:15 Linda Gommel
2:28:12 Lorrie Steely

MBCA has issued a statement following the denial by San Bernardino County Supervisors of the appeal by MBCA (and others) of the Sienna II Solar Project in Lucerne Valley. After the County posts the video of the meeting, we will post a more detailed story including timestamps of the video for key moments and comments:

MBCA was very disappointed the County denied our appeal and approved the Sienna Solar Project over the voices of Lucerne Valley and Morongo Basin residents.

The County has chosen to place the development of this massive solar project over the wishes and concerns of its rural residents. 

When RECE 4.10 was adopted in 2019 by the Supervisors, the broadly written “loophole” of Section 3 was inserted and became the green light for this project.

RECE 4.10 was intended to prohibit industrial solar in rural neighborhoods, but the “loophole” allowed Sienna to be relocated and enlarged beyond the original plan accepted before the adoption of the RECE.

MBCA continues to call for the adoption of reliable and resilient roof-top solar in the built environment and appropriately sited utility scale solar to address our growing climate crisis.   

Highway 247 is officially a Caltrans Scenic Highway after years of effort! 

It is deeply ironic that the appeal of the Sienna project became the public venue for revealing this status. This 1800-acre solar farm and its miles of transmission lines will diminish the very qualities that earned 247 its designation and dilute the economic and cultural benefits of this rare designation. 

MBCA is calling for long-range planning and actions by the County to protect Scenic 247 and the High Desert’s unique environment.

 

After the County Planning Commission approved the third iteration of the Sienna Solar Project in Lucerne Valley, MBCA joined local Lucerne area groups in an appeal to the Supervisors, which is to be heard on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The case for appeal will be presented with a PowerPoint by President Steve Bardwell, with maps, illustrations, and data gathered by a committee of MBCA Board members. A key point to be contested is that the latest plan differs so greatly from the earlier proposed projects that it cannot be approved based on prior submitted plans. The final appeal letter outlines these issues in more detail. Also see our January 19 Eblast for additional information on the Sienna Solar project.

 

By signing this online form, MBCA joined numerous organizations requesting that California Senators oppose the nomination of Steve Pearce as Director of BLM. The online form outlines many examples of Pearce's actions demonstrating "hostility to our cherished public lands."

MBCA joined a strong plea to California officials initiated by the Endangered Habitats League to take action concerning expansion of the Border Wall along California’s southern border with Mexico that will further damage wildlife in both countries. The letter importantly references the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding between federal and California agencies and several Mexican non-profits regarding the habitat conservation of the area around Tecate Peak which is among several locations scheduled for a new wall. In support of the request is a list of specific construction recommendations by the Wildlands Network that would provide cross-border access to small and mid-sized species including mule deer, mountain lions, and (especially) Peninsular bighorn sheep. (See page 2 of the Network's letter for a map of affected areas.) 

MBCA has published its latest YouTube video on desert-wise landscaping. "Getting to the Root of Fall Planting/Working with Nature" offers tips and suggestions on design by MBCA's gardening expert Miriam Seger, as well as steps to prepare in fall for a healthy and vibrant spring bloom. For a preview, watch this short video on design, and another on why fall is the best time to plant in the desert. 

In partnership with several other organizations and individuals, MBCA filed an appeal of the County Planning Commission's October 23 approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the 1,854-acre Sienna Solar and Storage Project, including gen-tie lines to the future Southern California Edison Calcite substation in Lucerne Valley. Should these projects be constructed it would fundamentally change the character of the already-disadvantaged Lucerne Valley Community, creating the potential for severe dust and air pollution and opening the door to additional utility-scale solar projects on undisturbed desert land.

An additional concern is that Land Use Services failed to inform the Planning Commission of the September 4 official CalTrans designation of Highway 247 as the High Desert State Scenic Highway, as reported on local radio station Z107.7. The project is within the designated scenic view shed.

The appeal has been accepted and a hearing date will be set.

Alianza Coachella Valley’s Campaign for Thriving Salton Sea Communities is advocating for a Trail Network that will bring much-needed environmental, economic, and recreational benefits to desert communities near the Salton Sea. MBCA’s support letter notes that California’s Prop 4 Climate Fund would be a great source of funding for the project. You can learn more and personally add your support at this link.