June 16, 2011
California

Fundraiser attracts protesters

By News Staff Reports, Tehachapi News, www.tehachapinews.com 15 June 2011

On Saturday, June 11, guests arriving at Souza Family Vineyard for a private fundraising dinner in support of Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner were greeted by about 40 “peaceful” protesters opposed to zoning changes that could allow large-scale wind projects in rural residential areas of the Tehachapi Mountains.

Scrivner’s keynote speaker, Congressman Kevin McCarthy, and Senator Jean Fuller did not stop to accept the protesters’ hand-outs or listen to the appeals of “Save the Tehachapi Mountains,” a group of concerned citizens organized by Sand Canyon resident Bob Moran.

“The peaceful protest at the Souza Family winery achieved exactly what we wanted,” Moran said. “We had an amazing turnout and accomplished a magnificent impact far above what we had anticipated.”

Last month Scrivner expressed his opinion about the 7,106-acre Pahnamid Wind Energy Project in an editorial featured by the Tehachapi News.

“I will not support placing turbines on the ridgeline that are within clear view of the City of Tehachapi and a full view of the turbine can be seen. In addition, I have concerns for the proximity to the residents of Mountain Meadows and Old West Ranch that will need to be addressed,” Scrivner wrote.

Scrivner continued to say that the fundamental issue, “Is the backdrop of the natural, green mountains that gives the Tehachapi Valley its special feeling. The remaining portions of the project need to have a full consideration in an Environmental Impact Report, with visual simulations, before I can understand the impacts on the community and determine my vote.”

Moran is confident his group will gain more support as details of the Pahnamid and other large-scale wind projects in the area become more clear.

“We, together, are going to save those beautiful Tehachapi Mountains and allow Sand Canyon residents to continue to have an entrance free of wind machines,” Moran said, “Thus, retaining both ‘Quality of Life,’ along with residential property values for all of our communities.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/16/fundraiser-attracts-protesters/