Hello, Wonder Valley!
I went to my second MAC (Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory
Council) meeting last night and picked up my business cards - thanks,
Gayl! What follows is my take on the
meeting – UNOFFICIAL in every way, and I invite correction for anything I got
wrong.
Review the meeting for yourself, on YouTube on Bob Stepheson's channel.
IN ATTENDANCE WERE: Pat FLANAGAN (Desert Heights), Mary
Helen TUTTLE (Copper Mountain Mesa), Mark LUNDQUIST (Joshua Tree), Lib KOENIG
(Flamingo Heights), Gayl SWARAT (Morongo Valley) and Teresa SITZ (Wonder Valley).
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND
VICE-CHAIR
Mark Lundquist was elected Chair and Pat Flanagan was elected Vice Chair.
Mark Lundquist was elected Chair and Pat Flanagan was elected Vice Chair.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tom O'KEY
traveled to Santa Rosa, CA this month to advocate for the bobcats - AB 1213.
There will be a discussion meeting on June 9 and a decision meeting in Fortuna
in August. A group of 4th graders attended to testify for the bobcats.
Watch:
David FICKS of Joshua Tree reported on the Dollar General campaign which he said was officially in limbo. He offered applause to the Sheriff’s department on their recent notoriety.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
County Fire. The new battalion chief Rick Dennison introduced himself. He serves the south desert which includes Joshua Tree. Chief Chamberlain was unable to attend.
California Highway Patrol (CHP). Officer Joan Griffin reported on Distracted Driver Month including following too closely and texting.
Sheriff’s Department. Captain Mondary reported on “social engineering” where a con man psychologically engages someone, by computer or phone, to takes their identity. He told everyone to never give private information like your birthday or social security number over the phone.
PRESENTATIONS
Officer Joan Griffin presented on START SMART free teen driving class for parents and teens (14-19) once every month at the CHP Office on Highway 29 in Joshua Tree. The next class is Wednesday, April 29 at 6:00 p.m. RSVP to 760-366-3707. The teen does not need to be licensed yet. They will show the movie Red Asphalt, version 5. There is also a class for elder drivers called Age Well.
Steve Martinez from the California
Department of Public Works spoke on the ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM, a statewide opportunity to obtain
infrastructure funds to encourage biking and walking. His proposal was to
extend a class 1 bike path to the new elementary school on Sunburst. They are
asking for $1.2 million. The DPW is doing a traffic count and then a survey in
the community.
Gary, in the audience, spoke on the dangers for pedestrians and bicyclists on Sunburst, Alta Loma and Park Boulevard.
Pat Flanagan, MAC, Desert Heights spoke on the WEMO (West Mojave) Route Network Project and the BLMs preferred strategy to double the number of roads available to off-roaders. There will be a meeting tomorrow night with the BLM in Yucca Valley.
Wednesday, April 15, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Yucca Valley Community Center Complex – Yucca Room
57090 29Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley
Yucca Valley Community Center Complex – Yucca Room
57090 29Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley
Everyone is invited to attend and to comment.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
