Little Community Vs. Corporate Giant
Blackwater West
May 10, 2007- Though it was suggested that this event would be widely covered in the media, there were a few people there for that occasion... but otherwise, it was full of residents!
About half way through the 3 hour meeting, Carl Myer served 6 of the members with intent to recall paperwork, which brought applause from many present. Heart felt sadness was seen in Jerry Johnson's eyes. He stated simply that " I have served this community since 1973 when I started the Potrero Business Association (?please email me to correct), and I've done my best."
These are good people who are having to resort to mean tactics to enforce what the community thinks is correct. Each with his own opinion and consequences to that opinion, are being wrought on all sides. A division which must not occur, is quickly becoming an extremely significant impact.
One of the noted comments made was "I don't see why the county is going forward with a business that is under investigation by Congress for it's tactics and ethics!!"
Another man asked,."What do you, the council, think would be beneficial for Potrero if Blackwater comes?" Mr. Hammers, was tired and answered "I don't know." But later, relayed that it is for the good of our local economy.
If the promoters could just see that the community majority doesn't want this corporation doing anything in it's protected preserve lands, then the need to bicker about noise levels and soil conditions would not be necessary, and 3 hour planning meetings would not be happening.
At the end of the meeting, the suit regarding the Brown Act was discussed and both parties agreed it was a grey area of the law, and needed to be ruled upon by a judge. However, Mr. Hammers stated "I believe it is frivolous, and the judge will throw it out."
At closing, and regarding the next month's meeting, it was determined that one was not necessary, and that they would reconvene in July. Comment was made by resident "Don't you think that with what's going on you should have a June meeting?" But her comment was disregarded after rebuttal from 3 members.
Thank you Potrero citizens for becoming involved in this cruticial process, that will affect us all... whether you be for or against. Even If you choose not to choose... you still have made a choice.
By: Kala Rains - Potrero Resident
April 5, 2007- It gave me shivers as I walked to the street, where our little community of Potrero gave it's best legal showing against the corporate giant, BlackWater USA/West and San Diego County Planning Commission! There were at least 130 people present to protest the major use permit being sought by the legal "guns for hire" corporation! San Diego News crews were out in force, as were the over time police officers there to ensure a peaceful protest! Protesters were allowed 1 hr. to picket outside the Ruffin Road County Building, and 1 hr. to hear the scoping meeting and ask questions, once they passed the a personal security search.
From what the county and the talking legal head for Blackwater relayed, there is no way to stop the county in granting the major use permit for the corporation, and the county started the new business fast track process specifically to grant such projects! The most important question asked was "What will stop this project?", and it was promptly answered with more innuendo toward why it is so important that it go ahead in the fast track process, and any important comments should be written and turned in by April 27, 2007.
March 8, 2007- Blackwater & Potrero Planning Meeting
The Potrero Planning Commission met on March 8, and was quite surprised by the number of community members that came to the meeting. The majority of the attendees were there against the Blackwater Project that is proposed for the Potrero Area. The leader of the project was present to answer any questions, and says that he will be available via email for any questions from the community later. However, the address is via blackwater.com which many are leery of using. He answered questions but his body language spoke louder!
There is to be a noise test conducted on March 25, at 10 a.m. (should anyone like to come out and shoot off their weapons you are to meet at the gate to the chicken ranch at the end of Horizon View) to see if the project will cause any noise disturbance in the area, but only those that have signed up to be listeners will be allowed to represent what they view and hear. So make sure to sign up at the community center if you want to have a voice in this critical matter for our peaceful community!
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Al-Anon Meeting
Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Chapel of the Hills UMC
25153 Viejas Blvd
Descanso, CA
For information call Janet 619/445-0486
Registrar - Youth Specialties
888/346-4179 x138or e-mail twelvestep@usa.net
Janet Lockett-Registrar
Youth Specialties
888/346-4179 x138
The AAAS report concludes that humans have been changing our world from 1600 to date in the following ways:
* Regulated the flow of about two-thirds of all rivers on Earth, creating artificial lakes and altering the ecology of existing lakes and estuaries;
* Fished two-thirds of marine fisheries to the limit or beyond and altered ecologies of many marine species. In 100 years we have destroyed half of coastal forests and irrevocably degraded a tenth of coral reefs;
* Contributed 50 per cent more to the nitrogen cycle than all natural sources combined, leading to the impoverishment of forest soils and forest death, and at sea to the development of toxic algal blooms and expanding "dead zones" devoid of oxygen;
* Released toxic metals into the biosphere through mining and processing that would otherwise have remained safely locked in stone;
* Had an incalculable effect on biodiversity. The 484 animal and 654 plant species recorded as extinct since 1600 are only "the tip of a massive iceberg";
* Become a major force of evolution, not just for the "new" species we breed and genetically engineer, but for the thousands of species whose habitats we modify, consigning many to extinction.
"In this unprecedented situation, the need to be fully aware of what we are doing has never been greater," the report says. "We need to understand the way in which population, consumption and technology create their impact, to review that impact across the most critical fields, and to find ways of using our understanding of the links to inform policy."
{ref: ENVIRO BRIEFS }
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Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit)
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For campo accomodations for hikers
Wandering the Wilderness? Do it with the correct info from Wilderness.net
The following organizations are offering Summer Day Camps at Balboa Park. Click on the organization your child is interested in!
Backcountry Land & Trust is looking for volunteers to help at the Crestridge Preserve. You will be involved in studies to inventory plants, animals and cultural resources (archeology & historical sites). BCLT will provide training & certification. If interested and able to commit several worthwhile hours per month call: (619)590-BCLT. Training begins on May 4, at 9:30 am at the Backcountry Land Trust Building at 338 W. Lexington, Suite 204, El Cajon, CA. Hope to see you there!!
Balboa Park, San Diego CA
Charolette Ibach ~Studio 10
Exposure to Art w/ artifacts & fossils, musica a mano!, Palm Painting and all sorts of fun!
Class Sessions Begin
Every Saturday from 11-1pm!
Class Co$t
$75 for 5 Saturday Classes, YOU PICK THE SATURDAYS!. (Includes all materials) For more information, Call 619)236-8997
And now on a better note... The fires that burned our local backcountry were terrifing indeed, but now that I walk through the ash and see all the life blooming more than I have ever seen, I feel that Mother Nature may win after all. Condolences to those who lost something from the fire, and to those who will forever feel the fury of Mother Nature herself!
Dear Friends,
The Campo Community Center has changed it's name and will now be known as the Mountain Empire Community Center. The building will soon be getting a facelift and a new Website has been created as well. You are cordially invited to join our new community Website http://communities.msn.com/MountainEmpireCommunityCenter
Visit the new site often and please become a member! Here you can post messages, find out about activities, events and programs that are sponsored by the M.E. Community Center and Southern Health Services.
Your support is very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Lynn Neff, Site Manager
