Staff and submitted reports
LUCERNE VALLEY — The Lucerne Valley Economic Development Association held its most recent meeting on Aug. 4 and discussed a wide range of topics, including a solar power project slated for construction at the OMYA mineral plant on the southern edge of town.
Jeremy McCool of Desert Solar gave a presentation on the proposed 2.5-megawatt solar power facility to be located behind the mine, which specializes in calcium carbonate production. Officials say as much as a third of OMYA’s power will be supplied by the solar panels.
McCool said the solar panels will be “fixed tilt,” while vegetation and land contours will be minimally impacted.
LVEDA has endorsed the project because it is a “point of use” facility, as opposed to solar facilities that may require new substations and new power lines running across the desert to deliver power to the grid.
McCool also announced a joint program by Desert Solar and Lucerne Valley Market and Hardware: Anyone who purchases solar power generation system from Desert Solar in Lucerne Valley will get a $500 gift card for the market.
LUCERNE VALLEY BOOK: Millie Rader gave an update on her Lucerne Valley book project. Lorraine Cross is serving as a copy editor and is part of a committee overseeing the project along with Rader. Other committee members include Bill and Jan Lembright, Chuck Bell, Lorrie Steely, Cindy Ganado, Jim Harvey (who is contributing website design) and Debbie Schultz (who is contributing graphics).
Rader said the book is turning into much larger project than originally planned, and she needs people to sign up to write stories. She also needs pictures of rodeos, Lucerne Valley Days and other events. A friend of Bell's has offered to do publishing for free, and the goal is to have it done by July 4, 2016.
Bill Lembright encouraged people to write their own experiences; Steely is working with Victor Valley College and finding old yearbooks with information from the past; and Cindy Ganado is reporting on the Indian history of the area.
Email Rader at lucernevalleybook@gmail.com if you are interested in contributing.
SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT: Bell reported on a meeting with officials from St. Joseph Health, St. Mary Hospital and San Bernardino County to look at what the county is doing and how it might help Lucerne Valley with the proposed senior community housing project. Bell said talks could involve the Victor Valley Transit Authority and local doctor Ashok Melvani. LVEDA aims to gather information regarding what residents think the community needs.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Volunteers are needed to train with the county and help with hazardous waste collection about three times per year. Contact Chuck Bell at chuckb@sisp.net if interested.
The Ride in the Rocks education fundraiser for Educational Foundation will be held Nov. 7.
Betty Munson said the Johnson Valley Improvement Association is holding Oktoberfest on Oct. 3. Tickets are $7.
The next LVEDA meeting is Sept. 1.
