Potrero, California lies 46 miles East of San Diego, off of Hwy 94 E.
It is a small town with around 1000 residents.
The land is high desert with treasure troves of Engleman oak and scrub oak, manzanita, chamise, and many endangered plant species.
The wildlife is varied, especially since the fires taking the Laguna's. Bobcat, mule deer, turkey, eagles, coyote, turkey vultures, and over 467 species of vertebrates.
This region is recognized as one of the world's hotspots of biological diversity and is home to a total of 476 vertebrate animal species, approximately 38 percent of all the vertebrate species found in California.
It is also distinguished by the tremendous population growth and urbanization that have transformed the landscape in the 1940's. This intersection of biological resources and urbanization has made the South Coast the most threatened biologically diverse area in the continental U.S. (USGS 2003).
More than 150 species of vertebrate animals and 200 species of plants are either listed as protected or considered sensitive by wildlife agencies and conservation groups (Hunter 1999). (Cal. Wildlife Conservation website)
About the Potrero Planning Board Meetings...
March 2008- Well, the recall has happened and the new members sit on the board, with most of the ex-members attending the meetings, making sure that the newbies follow the laws that they themselves were being held to.
Due to the large attendance, the meetings are now being held at the Potrero Elementary, in the four plex toward the back of the school.
This last meeting was quite exciting as public participation included name calling, and several attendees stormed out with hypocracy following. A county planner, Devon Muto, presented the new county zoning alternatives, with maps to show the proposed changes, along with projected time line. If you have questions for him, email devon.muto@sdcounty.ca.gov or call 858-694-3016.
The Sun Rise Powerlink was closed to public comment with a large showing at the public hearings, all of whom opposed the proposal in all areas and respects. We shall see what becomes of this costly project in the near future.
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July 12, 2007 Tonights meeting was full of residents, and Brian Bonifiglio, along with their choice of companies for the EIR, and Mr. Mcfetridge of Save Our Forest & Ranchlands, all made presentation for the audience. The most shocking occurance of the night was when Mrs. Lelever, a 60 year resident, relayed that she had spoken with her grandson who was overwhelmingly positive when asked about Blackwater, and therefore she welcomes them. With an opening on how good her cinnamon rolls are, she also asked for a job.
Mr. Bonifiglio stated he would have coffee on Fridays for anyone wishing to attend at the Picnic Lake Restaurant, at 9 am. However, he will not be buying the coffee as he does not wish to buy anyone's support.
Kala Rains brought up the new Sunrise Power Link proposal that will be running through the Hauser and Laguna Wilerness areas, due to the Proposed site in Anza-Borrego being defeated. She askes that locals comment on the project as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, I had to leave early, but it sounds like they are all on the same page, and right on schedule... that is the Big Boys, not the residents. When asked if there would be an independant EIR report or if the county was to go by the one hired by Blackwater, the answer was staunchly, "NO". Only the public, after the county suggestions, can scrutinize the report findings. Also noted were Micheal Connelly, who is the Native Monitor Blackwater has hired for Native American interests & cultural effects.
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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
