Valerie Cassity-Special to the Sun

Sierra Business Council (SBC) held an important and timely conference at the Veterans Hall in Lake Isabella that focused on the current status of the Sierra Nevada businesses and communities. The meeting also addressed how the people who live in this region view the area and what community members would like to see for the future. The July 10 meeting is the second in a series of eight regional conferences planned throughout the Sierra region.

Twenty people attended this intensive four-hour event, which began with a welcome by SBC Program Manager David Polivy, who explained the role of the SBC and how they intend to assist local businesses and communities. SBC's mission is securing the social, natural, and financial health of the Sierra Nevada for this and future generations. They implement sustainability through their membership network and with on-the-ground projects. The goal of the Council is to ensure a Sierra Nevada “in balance,” a prosperous economy and a quality of life that respects our natural resources. “As long as we cling to the myth that environment and economy are separate, our communities will crumble,” said Polivy. SBC has over 700 members, and they have assisted in conserving over 50,000 acres of open space in the Sierras. Their sustainability services include community-based planning, sustainable business practices, conservation, and leadership development. But Polivy was quick to point out that even though they do have a strong interest in protecting the natural beauty and resources of the Sierras, they are primarily an organization that supports the health of the economy. “Business is our middle name,” he joked.

Polivy then introduced Steven Poncelet, SBC Vice President of Operations and Development, who gave a lengthy and informative PowerPoint presentation on SBC's recently-released “State of the Sierra,” a compilation of information on the social, financial, and natural wealth and health of Sierra Nevada communities.

According to Mary Canada, Kern Valley was not included in their data collection process because the data wasn't available when the report was complied.

Some interesting facts, such as housing prices have more than doubled between 1997-2003, were included in the report. It noted that second homes make up 24 percent of the residences in Kern County. The county's per capita average income is approximately $30,000 per year. A disturbing statistic showed that the number of school age children is decreasing in the Sierras. “One of our biggest exports out of the Sierra Nevada is our children,” kidded Poncelet. He attributed the decreasing number of young Sierrans to retirees moving to the region, as well as young adults moving to areas with higher income potential after graduating from high school.

The natural resources found in the Sierra Nevada are crucial to the survival of all Californians. As well as being the most biologically rich area in the U.S., the mountain range supplies 60 percent of our state's water, its rivers produce 15 percent of California's energy through hydroelectric power projects, and Sierra Nevada forests sequester carbon at twice the rate of other forests, making it an important aspect in reducing the effects of global warming. “There is value in maintaining healthy forests for everyone,” said Poncelet.

In order to maintain a healthy Sierran economy, Poncelet said that its residents need to buy products that are grown, manufactured, and sold in the area. SBC suggests that Sierra Nevada residents put value in their “heritage economy” by supporting local arts, cultivating local agriculture, and promoting sustainable tourism. “I believe you can change the world one dollar at a time,” Poncelet espoused.

Poncelet then introduced a collection of audio stories “Saving the Sierra - Voices of Conservation in Action,” told from the perspective of various activists in the Sierra region who have worked, or are working, to protect and preserve the special region. One of the stories featured local woman Terry Gallion, who established the annual Turkey Vulture Count that Audubon California now sponsors in the Kern Valley. Other stories included a farmer working to preserve farmland, a woman from Grass Valley involved in efforts to conserve the heritage and open space in her community, and a man who is working to turn all of the National Forests and National Parks in the Sierra Nevada into one “Range of Light” Superpark.

After those inspiring tales, Polivy facilitated a discussion of what indicators the people of the Kern Valley would like to see measured. Marji Feliz, Funding and Resource Development Coordinator of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, asked the participants what relevant projects they would like to see funded in the Kern Valley. Responses included securing broadband high-speed internet in our area, promoting green businesses and development, getting a dark skies ordinance and purchasing light fixtures for businesses and residences to help make that a reality, instituting water-saving regulations, grants to maintain and improve local healthcare, and funding for roads to get secondary emergency access on both Erskine Creek and Bodfish Canyon Roads.

At the close, Poncelet encouraged the people of the Kern Valley to stay involved in their community, and to urge others to do the same. “Think civically, buy locally,” he said.