Now that the deadline has passed for submission to the County for public comments on the Recirculated Draft EIR  to the General Plan Update, we are posting several important comment letters.  Unfortunately, several others are to large to be posted here, however we are continuing to urge the County to post all of them on the Website.  We will let you know as soon as they become available.  In the meantime you can obtain them all on disk from Dave Bryant at RMA whose email is dpbryant@co.tulare.ca.us for a small charge (about $11).  Please follow the links below to the comment letters we have been able to link to here

K. Bodner/M. Olecki Comments – May 2010:

Cal Native Plant Society Comments on the RDEIR to the GPU – May 2010

Law Offices of Robert Krase – Comments on Air Quality, May 2010

American Farmland Trust (AFT) Comments – May 2010

California State Attorney General’s Comments – May 2010

CBD, CRPE, CWC, RLAF Comments by M. Vespa – May 2010

So. Sierra Archeological Soc. Comments by M. Gorden/S. Robillard

Tulare County Citizens for Responsible Growth (TCCRG) Comments by K. Mitchell/L. Oberholtzer – May 2010

Issue #4 of the TCCRG Land Use News was sent to our members by email in early July. It is now posted here on the website. Please click on the link below to read the PDF version.

TCCRG Newsletter June 2010 

Tulare County Citizens for Responsible Growth (TCCRG) announced that Kelly Mitchell has been hired as the organization’s Executive Director, effective April 19. A resident of Three Rivers, Ms. Mitchell has completed a twenty-one year career in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander after deployments world-wide.

“We are very pleased that Kelly is joining our organization,” said Laurie Schwaller of the TCCCRG Executive Committee. “Kelly brings great experience in organizing, leadership, analysis, and communications, and she’s truly committed to Tulare County and the opportunity to address the challenges of growth and climate issues that we’re facing.”

Ms. Mitchell said, “I look forward to working with TCCRG, the public, other interested organizations, and the County to insure that future growth will protect our local economy, communities, and natural resources. That’s our mission, and I am very excited to be part of this important process, especially as the County’s General Plan is currently being updated.”

TCCRG was instrumental in bringing together a coalition of 22 conservation, health, community, and faith-based organizations that are presently reviewing and preparing to respond to the draft Tulare County General Plan Update, which will guide development and address climate change issues as mandated by the State of California for the next 20 years.

The 2200 page Draft General Plan Update has raised many early concerns and questions on its numerous elements, from the potential loss of valuable farmland and the development of entire new towns to inadequately addressing the increasing threat of climate change. TCCRG will be formally commenting on the General Plan Update and recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report and is planning a news conference in May.

Issue #3 of the TCCRG Land Use News was sent to our members by email and snailmail in late-March.  It is now posted here on the website.  Please click on the link below to read the PDF version.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2010, 9 am – 5 pm

FRESNO CITY COLLEGE  -  Social Science Building, Forum Hall & Classrooms

We’re sure that many of you will want to attend this significant forum,

presenting great speakers on many aspects of a tremendously important subject,

with a focus on our San Joaquin Valley.

Please open the links below to see the agenda and registration form.

WATER FORUM Mass Email ver2 021810 (2)

Water Forum Registration Form for 031310

Register today … the forum is limited to 200 persons.

You have three options for registration:

1. Print out the registration form, fill it out, and mail it to the address on the form, (note that the form cannot be filled out online) OR
2. Email Ann Carruthers at acarruthers@earthlink.net and include your name, address, email address, two preferred workshops and optional ($6) box lunch choice (turkey/ ham/ veggie/ roast beef/ tuna), OR
3. Phone or text message Gary Lasky at 559-790-3495 with your name, address, email, two preferred workshops and optional ($6) box lunch choice (turkey/ ham/ veggie/ roast beef/ tuna).

 For questions, email Ann Carruthers at acarruthers@earthlink.net , or phone or text Gary Lasky at 559-790-3495.

Issue #2 of the TCCRG Land Use News was sent to our members by email and snailmail in mid-December.  It is now posted here on the website.  Please click on the link below to read the PDF version.

TCCRG Dec 09_12.8.09_PH.LS EL

Throughout the day on Saturday, November 7, 2009, TCCRG hosted an informative booth at the first-ever Kaweah Land and Arts Festival at Tulare County’s splendid Kaweah Oaks Preserve.  TCCRG’s displays featured information on our proposed Healthy Growth Alternative for the County’s General Plan Update, as well as on the Boswell Company’s proposed Yokohl Ranch development and the company’s almost-built-out 10,000 home Eastlake development in San Diego County (which is necessitating the construction of a new freeway to handle its traffic) and on what we can do to protect the oak woodlands that provide us daily with so many essential (free!) benefits.  We answered questions, shared ideas, and were happy to sign up new members and watch signatures being added to our oaks petition (just in case the Supervisors ever need reminding that they made adopting an Oak Woodlands Management Plan a priority — as soon as the GPU is adopted if not before).

The Festival, a lively celebration of our region’s nature, art and culture, was presented by Sequoia Riverlands Trust, and featured artists, poets, writers, historians, musicians, farmers, ranchers, and scientists who have been deeply enriched and inspired by our County’s diverse and abundant natural and cultural resources.

Hats off to Sequoia Riverlands Trust for organizing this informative, engaging, and entertaining festival (with events on three days!) “to remind us all and encourage us to become more engaged caretakers of our natural and cultural resources.”

Two TCCRG members were among those who traveled to Lake Tahoe to attend the 16^th Annual Sierra Nevada Alliance conference, held on October 16-18, 2009.  The conference attracted people from all walks of life – volunteers, ranchers, donors, authors, scientists, educators, politicians, administrators, artists, and farmers – and from up and down California, who gathered to share information, strategies, expertise, and connections in support of a strong and healthy future for California’s communities and environment. 

Keynote speakers included Anthony Brunello, Deputy Secretary for Climate Change and Energy of the  California Natural Resources Agency, and Larry Schweiger, President of the National Wildlife Foundation.  Both speakers addressed the huge challenge of climate change and called us all to action.  In addition to the keynote speeches, workshops at the conference covered a tremendous variety of timely topics, from water conservation to renewable energy to climate science to wildlife corridors. 

TCCRG’s two representatives couldn’t even begin to get to all of them, but we picked up useful information and helpful contacts and were especially inspired by the stories and accomplishments of those receiving SNA’s annual service and achievement awards.  And, we are strengthened by the knowledge of so many strong hands and minds at work in service to the people of California.

The 2009 Three Rivers Environmental Weekend, held October 3-4 in Three Rivers, was packed with informative exhibits, events, and activities appealing to all the senses.  The many attendees enjoyed perfect weather for the outdoor native plant sale on Saturday and the green home tour on Sunday.  Joining beekeepers, authors, scientists, artists, farmers, contractors, California Native Plant Society volunteers, National Park representatives, and other hosts in the Three Rivers Arts Center on Saturday, TCCRG volunteers staffed an information table, gave out literature, talked with visitors, and signed up new members.  A highlight of the day was the lively, inspiring presentation by John Muir Laws, renowned artist, author, and scientist, who shared stories from his wonderfully illustrated Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada, and urged  us all to take ourselves and our children outdoors more often. 

Sunday’s Green Home Tour, a registered part of the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour (the largest grassroots solar energy event in America), carpooled two large groups of enthusiastic and inquisitive visitors to five fascinating earth-friendly Three Rivers homes.  At each stop, the homeowners personally greeted the tour groups and conducted them through their innovative, efficient, and beautiful dwellings, describing their vision, pointing out special features, and answering the visitors’ many questions.  Once again, TCCRG was the fortunate beneficiary of the proceeds of this tour. 

We heartily thank the hard-working, dedicated volunteers who organize and staff this wonderful weekend.  They give so generously of their ideas, time, and energy, and we deeply appreciate their significant support of TCCRG.

Position: Executive Director/Campaign Coordinator on Contract

Location: Beautiful Tulare County – gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

About Tulare County Citizens for Responsible Growth and the Sierra Nevada Alliance

Tulare County Citizens for Responsible Growth (TCCRG) is a diverse group of local residents who came together early in 2006 due to concerns about the direction of growth in Tulare County.  Reflecting the expressed values and wishes of our county’s residents, we are working to ensure that future growth protects our local economy, communities and natural resources. TCCRG has more than 800 members and is actively engaged in campaigns around the Tulare County General Plan Update, the proposed Yokohl Ranch Development, and the adoption of an Oak Woodlands Management Plan for the County. The TCCRG Coordinating Committee is the decision making body of the group and comprised of 15 volunteer members. The Committee meets monthly. For more on TCCRG visit www.tccrg.org.

The Sierra Nevada Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been protecting Sierra lands, water, wildlife and rural communities since 1993. The Alliance is the fiscal sponsor for TCCRG and as such handles fiscal administration and contracting for TCCRG. The TCCRG Executive Director will contract with the Sierra Nevada Alliance on behalf of TCCRG. For more on the Alliance visit www.sierranevadaalliance.org

Position Description:

TCCRG seeks an individual to implement the strategic goals and objectives of the organization, work closely to implement the plans developed with the TCCRG Coordinating Committee, and to provide leadership in achieving the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategy, annual goals and objectives. The position requires a highly organized and self-directed individual who shares TCCRG’s vision of responsible growth policies that provide a healthy, sustainable future for Tulare County.

Major responsibilities:

• Planning Assistance: Facilitates planning meetings of the Coordinating Committee and helps create strategic long-range plans, annual workplans and campaign plans to achieve TCCRG’s mission.
• Group Facilitation and Volunteer Support: Facilitate group meetings and also help train volunteers to facilitate meetings. Work with volunteers to match their skills and interests to achieve the group’s plans and campaign goals.  Recruit new volunteers and help retain volunteer support to achieve the organization’s mission.
• Campaign and Program Implementation: Designs, implements, and evaluates the group’s campaign work plan and activities. These activities include
  • Coalition building and support, including regular communication to coalition partners, facilitating coalition meetings, and coordinating shared actions for the campaign.
  • Media outreach, including developing strong relationships with local reporters, preparing news releases, organizing news conferences, writing opinion editorials and letters to the editor.
  • Public education, including outreach presentations to service clubs, government agencies, conservation groups, and other community forums.
  • Public mobilization, including mobilizing volunteers to write letters, sign petitions, attend hearings and meetings, put up posters or yard signs, phone banking, etc.
  • Campaign communication, including working with volunteers to produce a quarterly newsletter, update and improve the group’s website, produce campaign educational buttons, flyers and materials as needed.
• Administration: Directly and with volunteer support, maintain a supporter database, track and report income and expenses to the Sierra Nevada Alliance, oversee contracts with consultants, and provide other administration as needed.
• Fundraising: Work with volunteers to issue direct mail appeals, conduct phone banks, organize house parties, hold fundraising events, and cultivate and secure major donors. Also conduct foundation outreach and cultivate support, write foundation proposals, and manage grant reporting for grants received.
• Budget Development and Tracking: Develop with the Coordinating Committee, an annual budget and manage finances.  Report monthly on budget expenses and income to the Coordinating Committee.
• Public relations and community relations: Serve as a chief spokesperson for the organization and assure the organization’s mission and activities are properly presented.

Required Qualifications

• Experience managing/leading a campaign or program
• Experience recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize community support
• Strong event organizing skills
• Excellent meeting facilitation skills
• Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders, including local conservation leaders, statewide advocates, local government staff, and elected officials
• Personal commitment to conservation
• Strong interpersonal communication, public speaking, and telephone skills
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Professional, organized approach to work.  Ability to lay out work tasks, identify resources to complete projects, leverage human and financial resources, focus his/her own work, complete tasks on time, on budget and of a high quality.
• Independent, highly motivated, able to work under pressure and with limited supervision
• Ability to multi-task and juggle competing projects and priorities
• Positive attitude, personal integrity, and sense of humor
• Proficient computer skills, including the use of the Microsoft suite of programs (Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint) as well as with various email programs and the Internet.
• Ability to travel throughout the region via automobile up to 20% of time each month. Must have a valid State Driver’s license.
• Occasional lifting (office supplies, etc.) of 25 pounds
• Computer use and keyboard entry up to 8 hours per day

Desired Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience leading a grassroots organization, campaign or program.
• Knowledge of land use planning and/or resource planning
• Coalition leadership experience
• Experience developing media and campaign materials
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental policy, land use planning, or related fields
• Experience working with and supporting coalitions
• Familiar with lobbying or advocacy
• Demonstrated ability to raise funds through foundation and/or non-foundation fundraising tactics
• Working knowledge of Tulare County’s geography and politics
• Own reliable transportation

Compensation:

This is an independent contractor position and can be part- time (20 hours a week or more) or full-time (40 hours per week). Full-time contract will range from $35,000-45,000/year commensurate with experience. No health of insurance benefits provided.

This position reports to:

• The TCCRG Executive Committee. This committee of five TCCRG leaders meets monthly with the ED and provides support to the ED to meet the organization’s goals. The Executive Committee determines final campaign plans, makes all major organizational decisions related to policy and implementation, and evaluates the ED performance at least annually.
• The Sierra Nevada Alliance. The ED contracts with the Sierra Nevada Alliance and files financial reports to the Alliance monthly. The Alliance manages the contract under which the ED operates. The Alliance relies on the TCCRG Executive Committee to determine contract renewals, and ED performance. The Alliance provides ongoing consultation, training and support to help the ED achieve TCCRG goals.

How to Apply:

• The application process is open immediately. Interviews with qualified candidates will be arranged as soon as possible.
• Send a cover letter and resume to: TCCRG tccrg.info@gmail.com (email preferred) or P.O. Box 1058, Three Rivers, CA 93271.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact Patricia Hickson at the Sierra Nevada Alliance with any questions: 530-542-4546 X 313 or email patricia@sierranevadaalliance.org