Last night’s meeting of the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council featured county agency reports, an enlightening presentation on the values of a dark sky and a lively debate around the proposal of a peaceful resolution. Reporter Heather Clisby was there…
The Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council’s monthly meeting had a big turnout last night. The evening kicked off with informative reports from San Bernardino County Fire, Morongo Valley Fire Department, CHP and the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department.
Tom O’Key, an amateur astronomer and representative from the International Dark Sky Association, gave a presentation that highlighted the health benefits of dark skies to humans, animals and the environment. O’Key pointed to the local value of accessing the constellations and encouraged attendees to get involved by considering their own light pollution footprint and joining the association.
Frank Haggard, representing the County Special Districts Department, updated the Council on several issues but most were interested in the success of a daily closed gate at the Desert View Conservation Area, otherwise known as Section Six. The area off Park Blvd had become an unofficial camping area resulting in trash, noise and environmental damage.
And what began as a simple gesture – a resolution to proclaim the Morongo Basin a Hate-Free Zone – turned in to a multi-faceted debate over what it could change, whether it was needed, and most of all, the language of the resolution. When the issue began to dominate the meeting, the topic was tabled until further notice.
