Happy Holidays, MBCA members and supporters!

Support Rooftop Solar!
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will consider the latest proposal to amend the Net Energy Metering (NEM) structure that sets rates and conditions for rooftop-generated electricity sent into the grid. At their December 15 meeting, the CPUC will consider the proposal for NEM 3.0 regulations, that if adopted, would enact a 75% reduction for the reimbursement of new rooftop solar energy sent into the grid. This drastic reduction would make rooftop solar significantly more expensive and would drastically curtail the growth of this essential renewable energy resource. Use these resources from Save California Solar to contact Governor Newsom and the CPUC to express opposition to the adoption of this proposal that is widely opposed by solar advocates throughout California. The employment of rooftop solar in a Distributed Electrical Generation (DG) system that provides resilience and equity while conserving intact ecosystems must be pursued in our efforts to create a fossil-fuel-free electrical system. While appropriately sited utility-scale renewables are part of the solution to address our climate goals, rooftop solar resources can be brought on-line much more quickly (within weeks!) than utility-scale solar developments, which can take years. Call the Governor and tell him to support the continued growth of rooftop solar!

Benefit for Homeless / Un-Housed Children
MBCA is partnering with FurstWurld in the production of a day-long benefit in support of homeless and un-housed children within the Morongo Basin. This event will feature live music, dancing and comedy on the FurstWurld stage. Opportunity Drawings for gifts and services donated towards the cause will be available. Proceeds will go to the Community Outreach Services of the Morongo Unified School District. The event will be held in person at FurstWurld and virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, December 14, from Noon to 10:00 pm. More information is available on our website www.mbconservation.org.

MBCA Annual Meeting – ‘Seeking Housing Solutions’
Mark your calendars and plan to attend our annual meeting! We will have representatives from the three jurisdictions of the Morongo Basin in attendance and will discuss the issue of housing availability in the Basin. The meeting will be catered with a light breakfast and lunch served.

When:
Saturday, January 21, 2023, 10:00 - 2:00

Where:
In person at the Town of Yucca Valley Community Center
     57090 Twentynine Palms Highway
     Yucca Valley, CA 92284

How Dark is Your Night Sky?
The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has announced a Light Monitor Grant Program to provide devices to enable the monitoring of visible artificial light at night. While the grant is prioritized to applicants located in areas listed in the United Nations list of least developed countries, these devices can be purchased for use by dark sky advocates everywhere to evaluate how dark is their night sky. MBCA has committed to purchasing several of these meters that we intend to use within the Morongo Basin. With the passage of the San Bernardino County Light Trespass Ordinance community members and code enforcement can utilize this tool to evaluate the presence of light trespass. The ordinance went into effect in January 2022 and provides time windows from that date when lighting must comply with the ordinance (residential 24 months and commercial 18 months). In the interim, the Glare and Outdoor Lighting code section that was replaced with the Light Trespass ordinance remains in effect.

Give the Gift of an MBCA Membership
For this gift-giving season, consider the gift of an MBCA membership to further your support of our mission to Advocate for the Healthy Desert Environment. At the same time consider joining or renewing your own membership. Your membership helps to support our work to inform and educate about the many issues affecting this special place!