Supervisor Dawn Rowe was on hand last night to swear in all members of the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council as they gathered online for their first meeting of 2021. Reporter Heather Clisby was there …
It was another new beginning for the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council at last night’s zoom meeting. After Supervisor Dawn Rowe swore in all members, there was a brief changing of officers. The new chairperson is Wonder Valley Representative Steve Reyes. Morongo Valley Representative Gayl Swarat is the new vice chairperson, and Joshua Tree Representative Glen Harris is the new secretary.
Captain Luke Niles of the Morongo Basin Sheriff station gave a report covering the most persistent challenges in local law enforcement, namely: illegal marijuana grows, illegal OHV riders, and the growth of “pop-up raves” that create loud music and trash. Captain Niles stressed that residents can email him directly ([email protected]) or call the department’s non-emergency number to report related concerns: 760-956-5001. (The officer tasked with handling illegal OHV activity is Sergeant Erik Smoot: [email protected].) Captain Niles did stress that much of the funding for tackling these problems has been significantly reduced by the state.
Pioneertown Representative Steve Bardwell stated that expansion of the Pioneertown Motel is being held up as the county is insisting that all roads leading in and around the motel must be paved.
Tom Ziegert representing Yucca Mesa mentioned that the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease is increasing, as is the illegal dumping of trash. Nearly all members expressed concern for the local housing shortage, disregard for the Night Sky Ordinance, short-term rentals, and an influx of property buyers from outside the area.
The next meeting of the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council is scheduled for May 10.
