On September 9,
2010, Radio Station Z107.7's Headlines included a story, "HOMESTEAD
VALLEY COMMUNITY COUNCIL OPPOSES HUGE NEARBY SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT."
The
story states that HVCC represents Yucca Mesa along with three
other Homestead Valley communities and HVCC has filed a formal
resolution objecting to a proposed solar energy field in Lucerne
Valley in their names. See Z107.7's story HERE.
See HVCC's resolution HERE.
The Stop Yucca Mesa Annexation Coalition Watchdogs object to
HVCC's misleading claim to represent Homestead Valley
residents. At best, they represent the Boards of four
community associations.
HVCC's By-Laws
state:
"SCOPE
OF COUNCIL INTERESTS
1.
The Council and its Delegates will function in a manner that is
subservient to and respectful of the autonomy of its member
Organizations.
[Watchdogs
Observation: HVCC's Board appears to be operating
unilaterally. This statement indicates HVCC's role is to
serve each of the four improvement associations (Flamingo
Heights Community Association (FHCA), Landers Association (LA),
Johnson Valley Improvement Association (JVIA), and Yucca Mesa
Improvement Association (YMIA). The By-Laws make no
mention to Lucerne Valley being included in the Council.
It
is also interesting to note that the four improvement
associations expend much time, energy, and dollars raising money
for HVCC. Yet HVCC does not own a building, does not pay
utilities, taxes, upkeep, and has no liabilities. Each of
the improvement associations are just "getting by"
with regard to their own expenses. The Associations need
repairs to their buildings and need to pay for insurance, taxes,
etc. If HVCC is to be subservient to the Associations, why
is it the Associations raise money for HVCC when their own
"house" needs refurbishing?
2.
Any Council-initiated project affecting the interests of its
member organizations must meet with the approval of the
organizations."
[Watchdogs
Observation: None of the HVCC minutes for the past four
months address the approval by the Delegates for support to
Lucerne Valley.]
HVCC's
Resolution states:
"WHEREAS it is still our duty and mission
as a Council to speak out for residents of the unincorporated
area known as the Homestead Valley to local, county, state and
federal officials;"
[Watchdogs
Observation: HVCC was originally organized to resolve
difficulties regarding water rights and delivery. Each of
the community improvement associations banded together to form
HVCC. Since then, each of the improvement associations
have contributed to their own respective community issues.
HVCC
represents the four community associations NOT all the residents
of the four communities.
HVCC
DOES NOT SPEAK FOR ALL THE RESIDENTS OF THE HOMESTEAD VALLEY.
Only five percent (5%) of the community populations are members
of the improvement associations. The remaining 95% of the
population were obviously never surveyed in regards to Lucerne Valley
Solar Energy Project. HVCC cannot make the
statement that they speak out for residents of the
unincorporated area.
Lucerne
is over 40 miles away from Yucca Mesa, Flamingo Heights. and
Landers. Johnson Valley is 20 miles away. It is doubtful
the residents of these communities want to interfere in Lucerne
Valley's affairs.
So
... why is HVCC's President pushing involvement with Lucerne
Valley? Does Jim Harvey's candidacy for the Lucerne Valley
School Board influence him and the Council? Are there
financial interests involved?
HVCC
IS NOT A MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (MAC) AND DOES NOT HAVE THE
AUTHORITY TO BE A LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT THROUGH
A RESOLUTION FROM THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
Accordingly, it cannot make the claim that it speaks for the
residents of the unincorporated Homestead Valley.]
The
Stop Yucca Mesa Annexation Coalition Watchdogs can correct
HVCC's claim that it represents the unincorporated population by
sending your comments to:
Ms.
Brenda Williams
1620 L Street NW, Suite 1075
Washington, DC 20036
Gary
Daingnault - E-Mail: z1077fm@gmail.com