Friends of Giant Rock Help Us. Help You. To Keep Riding.

You and I have procured a favorable result from San Bernardino County Supervisors in as much as the right to assemble on our private property has been restored.

The 29 Palms planning commission meeting was basically uneventful. Both sides of the OHV issue were heard. Bottom line was a continued study of a “conceptual” OHV plan was approved. I came to realize that it’s not just inter-city access trails that they're talking about but also the local motocross tracks and OHV recreation areas of 29 Palms. The city officials seem to realize economic and social benefits of a OHV friendly community but pressure from the same anti-OHV zealots we’ve been fighting all along are having a negative effect on any progress the city makes.

Among the many applications to acquire public land for solar and wind power projects is thousands of acres near Giant Rock and all the land between spy mt. and goat mt. many off roader and camper use Giant Rock and are able to access Johnson Valley area easily. Public Comments are currently being accepted in regards to the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the NEPA act for evaluating the in depth study in Southern California.

Friends of Giant Rock poker run last weekend was a huge success. Prez- Chris Miller gave a not to short speech about FOGR objectives and poker run rules, and I use the word rules with tongue in cheek. Mark Howlett from Partnership for Johnson Valley gave a somewhat briefer update on Military Expansion-Mother Roads Monument proposal by Feinstein and CWC California Wilderness Coalition proposal of 11 additional land grabs. (More info on PFJV.org) Catching organizers by surprise, 92 gamblers took to the trails with family and friends in tow.

In a county called San Bernardino we are experiencing violations of human rights. We have had residents cited and found guilty in a court of law for riding on their own private 53 acres in the desert because more than nine family members were present on the property. (Ord. 3973-28.0404) We also have an 83 year old resident who was fined and found guilty for riding his quad on private undeveloped and non posted property. (Ord. 3973-28.0403) Just one more, a man was cited for riding an OHV on a dirt road in front of a family cabin in the desert.

I attended a interesting meeting on Wednesday set by 29 Palms city wanting to discuss the issue of establishing or designating trails or routes and staging points that would interconnect and provide legal access to these OFF ROAD areas that would not be offensive to residents.

Friends of Giant Rock have been aligning themselves with like-minded organizations throughout the state. Recently we have attended a meeting with property owners/riders in Rosamond whose rights to ride are being attacked by the COW’s. The cow is using the same tactics by which they duped our supervisors into approving an unnecessary ordinance.

We had a respectable turnout for the March 7th ride-poker run-drag race. Forty two daring adventurers and 19 vehicles of various configuration made the grueling run that stopped half way at a custom made, permanent BBQ pit to burn burgers, dogs, burrito’s and carne asada by VP Chris and Mrs. Miller rounded out the grill. Then off to Emerson dry lake for 300ft walked off drag strip. Everyone got in the act and had a great time. From my angle the Nissan v6 rail was hard to beat, Jeeps, buggies, bikes and trucks all gave it a try. The Prez. Lopez sayz thanks to all for a fun safe weekend. Ryan Digner was beat out by grandpa Bob to split half the poke pot with FOGR. Look for another such run with similar, but not the same activities sometime in May.

Feinstein needs input. Act Now!

We need to get on board with this today! Send her email of your usage of Johnson Valley and its value to you and your friends. Also send her an email each time you go out to visit JV, send photos if you have them. Continue until a decision is made.

DIANNE FEINSTEIN STAFF INDICATES JOHNSON VALLEY IS INFREQUENTLY USED BY RECREATING PUBLIC

The Partnership for Johnson Valley urges users of Johnson Valley to email Senator Feinstein's office with a personal message to keep the 189,000-acre multiple-use area as public land