MBCA News

Eblast: August 29, 2016

by
183sc
on August 29, 2016

Altamira Gated Housing Project
Joshua Tree Solar Farm
Soda Mountain Solar Project
Dollar General Store vs. Joshua Tree
Homestead Valley & Pioneertown Community Plans
MBCA Desert Wise Living fall lecture

SAVE THE DATES:

Alta Mira Gated Housing Appeal hearing preparation – Sept. 1
Alta Mira Gated Housing Appeal hearing - Sept. 13
Homestead Valley & Pioneertown Community Plans – see below
MBCA Desert Wise Living fall lecture – Sept. 24

Recent decisions were made on a couple long standing issues of concern to MBCA and our conservation partners. Opposition wages on as several others continue to wind their way through decision makers. We can however finally celebrate one wonderful victory.

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Joshua Tree Solar Farm Appeal Denied

by
890sc
on August 29, 2016

The Board of Supervisors (BOS) voted August 16th 4-1 to deny the three appeals filed and gave their approval for development of the Joshua Tree Solar Farm – a 20 megawatt photovoltaic project to be located on 115 acres at the former Roy Williams Airport site. Many residents spoke in support of the appeals and more sent letters – clearly and strongly expressing opposition to this project in the rural residential community. Apparently our arguments, including that this is not an area that can accurately be characterized as “disturbed land” (it is relatively intact acreage) and therefore not appropriate for industrial scale solar were not convincing to the majority of Supervisors. They also discounted the fact that the site is visible from a hiking trail in Joshua Tree National Park – which according to the County’s own Renewable Energy and Conservation Element Framework is a criteria worthy of consideration. Only our 3rd District Supervisor, James Ramos voted in favor of the appeal to stop the project. Defend Joshua Tree has reported that a lawsuit or three to stop the project from moving forward seems likely. MBCA E-Blasts will keep you informed of these efforts. This battle isn’t over yet.

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A Desert Victory: Soda Mountain Solar

by
890sc
on August 24, 2016

Federal and State Level Deny Soda Mountain Solar Certification

A DESERT VICTORY!

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Eblast: August 15, 2016

by
183sc
on August 15, 2016

Joshua Tree Solar Farm – video broadcast TOMORROW in JT
Soda Mountain Solar – comment deadline 8/22/16
MBCA Desert Wise Living fall lecture 9/24/16
Joshua Tree Airport Solar Farm - Appeal Hearing decision
- Broadcast live via videoconference at the JT Burke Government Center tomorrow, Tuesday, August 16th, starting at 1:00PM.

Hear each of the three Appellants will have 3 minutes each to speak, the developer NextEra’s 5 minutes in defense of the project, and the Supervisors vote and final decision. The public will not be given opportunity for additional spoken comment.

(NOTE: This special BOS meeting will NOT be available on the internet via a link – only at the Burke Center videoconference.)

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Susan Luckie Reilly

by
890sc
on August 03, 2016

MBCA Founder Celebrates 100th birthday - June 22, 2016

Susan's 100th birthday party was held on June 22nd at the Oasis Visitor Center of Joshua Tree National Park. Most of MBCA's Directors were able to attend to honor Susan's legacy for the Park and the Morongo Basin. Ruth Rieman read a birthday message to Susan from MBCA (see below) and Park Superintendent David Smith promised Susan continued, dedicated stewardship of the Park in the future. David presented Susan with a "Susan Luckie Reilly doll," which is clothed in a Park uniform.

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Eblast: August 1, 2016

by
183sc
on August 01, 2016

NEXT TUESDAY - OPPOSE JOSHUA TREE AIRPORT SOLAR FARM

REMINDER:

NEXT TUESDAY - OPPOSE JOSHUA TREE AIRPORT SOLAR FARM

August 9^th; 10:00 AM (open session begins) – 2:00 PM

Supervisors Appeal Hearing

Attend via videoconference: Bob Burke Government Center,

6427 Whitefeather Road, Joshua Tree – just East of the Courthouse.

Attend in person: BOS Hearing Chamber, San Bernardino,

385 North Arrowhead Avenue, Covington Chambers, First Floor.

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Background for Appeal Hearing on Joshua Tree Airport Solar Farm

by
890sc
on August 01, 2016

MBCA, the Morongo Basin MAC, and others have strongly stated opposition to the Joshua Tree Airport Solar Farm proposed by NextEra. The meeting on August 9 that begins at 10 AM in San Bernardino (or at the videoconference center in Joshua Tree) will likely be the last opportunity to stop the project that would have numerous harmful impacts to the local community, as well as visiting tourists (documented in links that follow).

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors (BOS) will conduct a public hearing to consider three appeals of a Planning Commission action to approve the Conditional Use permit to establish this 20-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy generating facility on approximately 115 acres at the former Hi Desert (Roy Williams) Airport. The Appellants are: Coalition for Responsible Solar, Socal Environmental Justice Alliances, and Joshua Tree Community for Responsible Solar, as well as individuals.

Re.: The appeals of the Joshua Tree Solar Farm Project (Main Project No. P201400482, Appeals No. P201600230, P201600234, and P201600230)

Read the official notice of the appeals hearing.

Read KCDZ radio’s most recent story.

Read Joshua Tree resident Tom O’Key’s letter to the Hi Desert Star.

Read MBCA’s comment letter.

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Eblast: July 30, 2016

by
183sc
on July 30, 2016

SPARC/ RECE Workshop - August 4^th, Thursday

THERE IS AN IMPORTANT COUNTY RENEWABLE ENERGY MEETING THIS THURSDAY!

SPARC/ RECE Workshop - August 4^th, Thursday

DRAFT Renewable Energy and Conservation Element (RECE)

* San Bernardino Co. Planning Commission Study Session Workshop

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: ATTEND VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE at the County Government Burke Center - 6427 White Feather Road, JT

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Eblast: July 16, 2016

by
183sc
on July 16, 2016

Sand to Snow National Monument Collaboration Workshop
Joshua Tree Community Plan meeting with San Bernardino County representatives
Joshua Tree Airport Solar Farm BOS Appeal Hearing
Soda Mountain Solar BOS Hearing
Dollar General: JT Downtown Business Alliance loses in State Court of Appeal

Here is a quick review of important meetings for several issues that have been on our radar for the past months. Would love to see you at these meetings to ensure the public interests are well represented – especially those aligned with MBCA’s mission!

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Eblast: July 11, 2016

by
183sc
on July 11, 2016

Soda Mountain Solar Energy: SB Co. Supervisors decide on Aug. 23rd
Big Bear Lake Xeriscape Garden Tour
MBCA Founder Susan Luckie Reilly celebrated

Soda Mountain Solar Energy: SB Co. Supervisors decide on Aug. 23rd

MBCA and our conservation partners are urging San Bernardino County Supervisors to deny approval for the Soda Mountain Solar Energy Project. It is important the Supervisors hear from constituents with strong objections to approving the Soda Mountain Solar Energy Project – prior to the Supervisors next regular meeting on August 23^rd when a decision will be made.

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