ED FR
AIL
U M J LI A N
6
M
1985
Change Service Requested
O
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
. 9 203
PO Box 639 Julian, CA. 92036
CA
ESTABLISHED
Julian News
The Independent Weekly Newspaper Serving the Backcountry Communities of Julian, Cuyamaca, Santa Ysabel, Shelter Valley,Mt. Laguna, Ranchita, Sunshine Summit, Warner Springs and Wynola.
PERMIT NO. 30 JULIAN, CA
50¢
Volume 29 - Issue 24
Wednesday January 22, 2014 Julian, CA.
www.JulianNews.com
ISSN 1937-8416
Location, Location, Location
Proposed Solar Farm Rejected By Planning Group Monday, January 13 - Julian Town Hall - 7:00pm There was a full board present for the monthly meeting of the Julian Community Planning group. On a normal meeting night that would mean more people on the board than in the audience. This Monday evening that would not be the case, over fifty people filled the chairs downstairs in the town hall. Also in attendance were members of the media from the U-T and online publication East County Magazine as well as the Julian News. The focus of the evening was the application by Ecos Energy, a Minnesota-based solar company that specializes in building small commercial solar farms for an administrative permit to allow construction and operation of a one megawatt solar voltaic generating facility on 8.5 acres of land just east of Highway 78/79 off of Calico Ranch Road. With Kenny Mushet recusing himself from the issue due to a potential conflict (his family has land holdings near the proposed site) the other 10 members of the board and the 50 plus audience members listened as Brad Wilson from Ecos gave a 25 minute presentation with slides, about the company and the project. Mr. Wilson stated that the project was to generate power for approximately 650 homes, and that the power from the plant could essentially stay in the localized community. They had a contract with SDG&E to provide “renewable energy” for 20 years, helping SDG&E meet their state mandated goals for renewable power. The project should take only three to five months of construction, Mr. Wilson noted that their time-line was much faster than what an individual could expect should they wish to build a residence on the property. Making the point numerous times that the current application was not the final design, he went on to say that the project could use as little as three acres or up to seven acres of the 8.5 acre parcel. Addressing the issues of preparing the land - he stated that the initial studies indicated they would only be grading 9,000 cubic yards to prepare the property. Once completed the facility would have a security fence surrounding the property, possibly chain link, with infrared security cameras in place to observe the operation and discourage intruders. Once installed the panels would be maintained monthly or as needed by one or two
employees, who would check the system and primarily wash the panels - the water for the washing would be trucked in. Mr. Wilson stressed throughout his presentation that the plans where preliminary and open the community input, they just wanted to be good neighbors. The facility would not generate any noticeable noise, except a slight hum from the electrical panel. The tie-in to the power grid would be accomplished with an underground installation to the existing transmission line that runs through the valley, approximately 200 feet from their property line. No light pollution. They would landscape with a low/slow growth ground cover type vegetation, upgrade the road as required by the County and mitigate any biological destruction as required (currently the County requires 3 acres for every one acre used.) In closing he once again reminded the planning group(and the audience) that their plan was not “cast in stone” and only preliminary. After a brief presentation from the County Planning Department representative, explaining that scoping letter had been sent to Ecos identifying a number of issues which the company needed to address before they could move forward, and that the county time-line for a final decision was 12 months or more in the future. And that if the planning department did not grant approval the company did have an appeal process they could follow. Planning group chairman Jack Shelver then opened the meeting to the audience for 3 minute (per speaker) comments. Over 20 came forward to express their reservations, displeasure and direct opposition for the proposed solar farm. Although a number of the speakers did state that they appreciated the concept of trying to locate renewable energy in the area, they had a major problem with the idea of destroying natural oak forests in the process, locating in what was substantially a rural residential neighborhood, and their displeasure with a political climate that encourages this type of project over installation of solar power on residential roof tops. One suggestion went so far as suggest the company see if they could swap the land for some parking lots and thereby generate power, and shade cars at the same time. Other issues that the public brought forth included, the changes to the landsacpe and
by Michael Hart
the effects that would have on the wildlife of the area, the potential use of herbicides, the fact that the company had not properly identified the actual requirements of the project and specific plans had not been made to address many of the neighbors concerns. A few of the speakers questioned the companies process in selecting such a site for the project, they were rebuffed with “proprietary information” claims from Mr. Wilson After over 45 minutes of comments the Planning group began to discuss, and ask some questions. Pat Brown inquired about the various studies that would be required and if those would be shared with the JCPG. Katy Moretti wondered if the mitigation would be accomplished in the same “ecological zone” (ie somewhere in the neighborhood) . Finally chairman Shelver asked for a motion, wondering aloud if they really had enough facts to nake a final decission? Bob Redding moved to deny the application based on the project not being in line with the Julian Community Plan, loss of biological resources, an incomplete description of the projects scope, and the concerns of the constituents. It was seconded by Woody Barnes and then amended with the caveat that should more information become available the Planning Group would be willing to revisit the issue at a future date. The chair then called for a voice vote with all 10 members voting to approve the motion and deny the permit request. The Planning Groups decision is only advisory but with the out pouring of sentiment from the public it will be delivered to the Planning Commission with no question about what they should do. After a brief recess, the Planning Group got back to business as usual, approving reimbursements and reports from members. The difference being there was no one in the audience to see them finish up the evening business. Next meeting February 10, Town Hall. You might want to be there just in case.
(46¢ + tax included)
Rick Hill Retuns From Cambodia age 7 P To Celebrate 10 Years At Hillside Church
Julian Eagles Athletics Basketball - Boys
Pastor Rick Hill from Hillside Church in front of Angkor Wat, estimated by some to be the largest religious monument in the world. Pastor Rick Hill just returned from a humanitarian/mission trip to Cambodia. Hillside Church professionals joined up with other doctors, nurses, dentists, and optometrists from Germany, Australia, Mexico, and other parts of America to provide much needed care in poor villages in 6 provinces in Cambodia. Hillside Church purchased 2/3 of an acre in a small village in the Kampong Chhnang Province. A well was dug to provide fresh water to the village. A small church structure was built for the village as well. Each clinic provided doctors/nurses, dental technicians, and eyecare specialists. The property is just over 2/3 of an acre, and a well was dug to provide fresh water for the village. The pastor here is planning to put up a coup to raise chickens, providing a small income for the church. He told me over 100 villagers come each Sunday to hear the Gospel. I'm proud to serve as lead pastor at Hillside. It is a church of vision and has a heart for the world!
Tuesday, January 14 W 35 - 28 Ocean View Thursday, January 16 L 61 - 54 @ Borrego Tuesday, January 21 *6:30 - Vincent Memorial Thursday, January 23 6:30 - @Calexico Tuesday, January 28 6:30 - Warner Thursday, January 30 6:30 - Mtn Empire Tuesday, February 4 6:30 - Borrego Thursday, February 6 6:30 - @Vincent Memorial
Basketball - Girls
Tuesday, January 14 L 36 - 18 @Ocean View Thursday, January 16 5:00 - @ Borrego Tuesday, January 21 5:00 - Vincent Memorial Thursday, January 23 5:00 - @Calexico Tuesday, January 28 5:00 - Warner Thursday, January 30 5:00 - Mtn Empire Tuesday, February 4 5:00 - Borrego Thursday, February 6 5:00 - @Vincent Memorial
Soccer - Boys
The well that was dug for the village in the Kampong Chhnang Province. Upon his return the church family put on a ten year celebration since Pastor Rick and his wife Janet arrived in town. Attended by most of the parishioners it was a pot luck style affair. lost to eat, many pats on the back and hands to shake for the well traveled Pastor. Did we mention they had cake!
Tuesday, January 14 3:15 - Calapatria Thursday, January 16 3:15 - @Vincent Memorial Thursday, January 23 3:15 - Calexico Mission Tuesday, January 28 3:15 - Borrego Thursday, January 30 3:30 - @ Calapatria Friday, January 31 3:00 @ Bonita Vista Monday, February 3 3:15 - @River Valley Tuesday, February 4 3:15 - Vincent Memorial Friday, February 7 3:15 - Ocean View Tuesday, February 11 3:00 - @Calexico Mission Thursday, February 13 5:00 @ Borrego Springs
Soccer - Girls
Progress Evident On The New E-1 Building
Triangle Club Installs New Board
Monday, January 13 L9-1 Foothills Tuesday, January 14 W8-1 @Borrego Thursday, January 16 L 4 -1 Guajome Park Friday, January 17 L 6- 0 El Cajon Valley Thursday, January 23 3:15 - @Vincent Memorial Monday, January 23 tba - @River Valley Tuesday, January 28 5:00 - @Borrego Thursday, January 30 3:15 - Vincent Memorial Monday, February 3 3:15 - River Valley Tuesday, February 4 3:15 - @Calexico Mission Thursday, February 6 3:15 - Borrego Tuesday, February 11 3:15 - Calexico Mission
Wrestling New officers (l-r) Nancy Harding, parliamentarian; Stacy Hodo, Recording/ Corresponding Secretary, DeeDee Nelson, President; Barbara Schor, 1st Vice President; Garnette Welch, Treasurer; Gina Sopher, Member-at-Large. Becky Love and Nancy Kramer, who presided over the installation.
photo by Michele Harvey
• Networking Breakfast •
Most of the work on the new E-1 building to this point has been subterranean, but in the past week crews have been preparing to “raise the walls.” The framing is laid out and ready on top of the new foundation.
Wednesday, February 19 watch for announcement
Julian News photo
Thursday, January 16 4pm - @Guajome Park Saturday, January 17 Tournament Thursday, January 30 4pm - @Mountain Empire
ARE YOU READY FOR “A TASTE OF JULIAN” COMING IN APRIL?
Chamber Mixer - February 6 - Julian Wagon Wheel For Information: Julian Chamber of Commerce at (760) 765-1857