Valerie Cassity
Special to the Sun

Kern River Valley Revitalization (KRVR) held its monthly Community Meeting last Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Kernville Chamber of Commerce Community Building to discuss local current events and topics.

Large tract planned at mouth of Canyon At last month’s meeting, a KRVR board member reported that the Bakersfield City Planning Department had released an Environmental Impact Report on Sept. 29, regarding the impact of tearing out 1,863 acres of Rio Bravo-owned orange groves at the mouth of the canyon in order to build 4,688 tract homes and other uses.

Rio Bravo owner James Nickel learned of KRVR’s interest and offered to give a presentation about the project, which he did with his son Jamie Nickel and Roger McIntosh of McIntosh & Associates. The Nickels explained that they have owned Rio Bravo since 1965, when James’ father purchased the land as a building site for CSU Bakersfield; however, the plan was thwarted by the city of Bakersfield. During the 43 years the family has owned the property, they have grazed cattle, planted orange groves, and developed a small portion of the land with a golf course and other improvements. “We have always planned to develop it,” said Nickel. “We’re choosing to do it now when the market is down so that we can take our time with the project.”

Water use, destruction of agricultural land, air quality, and traffic issues - a result of the number of new residences being built at the entry point of the Kern Valley - were some of the concerns raised at the KRVR meeting. The Nickels and McIntosh assured the attendees that all of those issues are covered in the EIR, and that theirs will be the first development in California to design their community under the new AB32 regulations, which mandate mitigation measures for environmental impacts, such as plugs in the garage for hybrid cars and some solar voltaic energy. One person read a statement on behalf of David Laughing Horse Robinson, Chairman of the Kawaiisu Tribe, which read, “Your Draft EIR for the Rio Bravo Ranch Project GPA/ZC 06-1722 SCH No. 2007 10160 fails the California State and Federal Guidelines for preparation and publication of Cultural Resources. Two of the laws violated are NAGPRA and the Native American Religious Freedom Act. This project is within the Kawaiisu Tribe’s territory.”

For a copy of the EIR and additional information on this issue, visit KRVR.org and search for Rio Bravo EIR.

Whiskey Flat Mayor Candidates Sought

Cheryl Borthick, President of the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, announced that the Chamber is seeking community-minded individuals to throw their cowboy hat in the ring as a candidate for 2009 Whiskey Flat Mayor. Borthick said that doing so constitutes five weeks of hard work and endless events, but is well worth it for whatever non-profit organizations the candidates are raising money for. She reminded the group that in 2008, the Kern Valley Little League candidate raised $13,000 for her cause, and the runner up gathered $8,000 for KV Rotary. To apply to be a candidate for 2009 Whiskey Flat Mayor, stop by the Kernville Chamber building or call them at 376-2629.

Living Green Festival Coming in 2009

Richard Rowe reported that on Nov. 1 he held his first volunteer planning meeting for his Living Green in the Kern River Valley festival. He said the group is seeking sponsors, vendor/demonstrators, and organizations to take part in the event. Living Green fest will be held March 27-30, and will include tours of green homes and businesses, exhibitors, awards, and more. According to Rowe, the festival’s purpose is to explore the concept of “greening” our lives and raising awareness. The next planning meeting will be held Nov. 15, and Rowe said he is always looking for more eager participants to help in this new endeavor. Tax deductible donations can be made through the event’s fiscal agent, non-profit KRV Educational and Cultural Foundation. To learn more, contact Richard Rowe at eworinkrv@mchsi.com.

Fall Fashion Show to Benefit SAL

Nancy Puckett announced that her sorority, Preceptor Xi Eta, has chosen the Sheriff’s Activity League (SAL) as their charitable cause for this year and will be holding a fall fashion show and luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 11:30 a.m. at the Elks Lodge in Wofford Heights to benefit the program. The clothes for the fashion show will be provided by local merchants and modeled by young women who are participants of the SAL program. The $20 donation entry fee includes a delicious lunch, a fun peek at new fashions, and a chance to win great door prizes. Proceeds will be donated to the SAL program, which is dedicated to developing local youth into responsible, productive, and ethical citizens and reducing juvenile victimization, crime, and delinquency. For tickets call Nancy Puckett at 379-2556 or Marlene Sciacqua at 378-4285.

Kern Valley Healthcare District Update

Jeanette Rogers announced that the election numbers were in and the three board members selected by the community were newcomers Dr. Robert Gross and Victoria Alwin, and incumbent Bob Jamison. She also reported that the District has hired a team to gather testimony from Kern Valley residents about the need for a hospital in this area, and encouraged anyone with stories of how the hospital has helped them or a family member to please step forward to share their experiences.

Youth Center Needs Assistance

KRV Youth Center President Ron Montague spoke of the center’s current financial challenges, as well as the successes of its nine-year history.

The Youth Center, located in Lake Isabella, could not operate without the generosity of community members and local businesses, Montague said. The Center serves valley youth ranging in age from 12 to 17 years, Montague said. Offering bi-weekly chaperoned dances, field trips, and classes, the center is open Monday-Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. as a “safe hangout spot.” The skate park in the center’s large backyard is also popular with young skateboarders. Montague asked for donations to help pay operating expenses, mortgage payments, and back payments for electricity due to Southern California Edison. The center needs volunteers to serve as chaperones and instructors, and donors can sponsor a youth for $200 per year, he added. According to Montague, the Center currently has 163 members and is always happy to welcome new kids. “We’re the best kept secret in the valley,” he said. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information call 379-4360 or 549-3561.

Yard and Garden Assistance Available

Bob Robinson introduced Carla Aubrey as the new Desert Mountain RC&D contractor who will implement a new program to the Kern Valley made possible through a grant from the Sierra Nevada Alliance: the Yard and Garden Sustainable Homeowner Landscape Program. Through this program, homeowners will have the opportunity to sign up to receive further information or to enroll as a voluntary participant. There is nothing mandatory, binding, or regulatory about the program, whose purpose is to help homeowners establish safe, low cost, low maintenance, environmentally friendly landscape plans. Their goal is to provide the best available information and practices, helping homeowners achieve their landscaping and lifestyle needs. For more information, contact Carla Aubrey at 417-1503 or email thenumber1carla@yahoo.com.

KRVR is a collaboration of local agencies, business owners, and concerned citizens working to facilitate the social, natural, and financial health of the KRV for this and future generations. Everyone in the Kern Valley is invited to come share their ideas at the Community meetings, as everyone who lives here is a stakeholder in our community’s future.

KRVR meets the first Wednesday of every month, and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 9 a.m. at the Kernville Chamber Building. For more information, visit www.krvr.org.