By PETER DAY
Senior Reporter
LUCERNE VALLEY • In a wide ranging address, Third District Supervisor James Ramos shared the county's recent accomplishments and areas for improvement during last Thursday's regular meeting of the Lucerne Valley-Johnson Valley Municipal Advisory Council.
Ramos, who recently was named chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, touched on several key regional topics including the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, Senator Dianne Feinstein's Desert Protection Act, help for the homeless, and protecting residents from sexual predators.
He also discussed in detail — with ample input from attendees — issues that hit even closer to home such as the status of the community park on Visalia, the possibility of reconfiguring county service area boundaries, water hauling and the fallout from Prop. 47.
"We believe we need more discussion on that," Ramos said about Prop. 47, which potentially reduces a number of felony convictions to misdemeanors.
According to Ramos, currently about 2,000 felony county jail inmates could be released because their cases meet Prop. 47 criteria.
"That's a lot of inmates we'd see on the streets," Ramos said.
MAC Chairman Richard Selby thanked Ramos for a letter written by him and board vice-chairman Robert Lovingood regarding the DRECP.
"It was a wonderful reply to the DRECP," Selby said. "We feel that maybe we are being heard."
Several MAC board members and attendees expressed concern about an application for a third solar farm in the area of Camp Rock Road.
"I'm just tired of these things popping up," said resident Robin McCartney.
MAC member Betty Munson also asked questions about a solar field proposal in Landers.
Millie Rader spoke about the town's apparent increase in illegal dumping and her frustration with the county fining the victims but not going after the perpetrators.
Linda Gommel suggested the need for a dump transfer location in the center of town to encourage residents legally discard their trash.
MAC vice-chair Roger Peterson expressed his concern about desert initiatives possibly taking away areas that historically have been used and enjoyed by the off-roading community.
Bill Lembright gave an update — and suggestions — on industrial renewable energy projects and transmission corridors.
Lorrie Steely spoke about the San Bernardino County Partnership for Renewable Energy and Conservation meetings. "We're really supportive of local control," she said.
Ramos applauded the MAC board for members' hard work.
"Thanks for doing a good job for the citizens of Lucerne Valley and Johnson Valley," Ramos said.
He also expressed hope that residents can see that county officials are sensitive to the needs of its constituents.
"Hopefully the people see that the Board of Supervisors are listening," Ramos said. "I'll continue to come out and listen."