FOSTER AND SYME "SOCIALS", HOT WEATHER, AND FLIP-FLOPS

Sorry, they're not ice cream socials, and John Q Public (that means you and me) aren't invited. Stephanie Olivieri and John Eaton of MAPF (Mountain Area Preservation Foundation, and how'd they get that name?) have been hosting quiet, cosy little soirees between Royal Gorge LLC and representatives of various groups such as SLPOA, Sierra Watch, Sierra Club, and SYRCL, among others. What's interesting is that the classic "divide and conquer" technique has been employed; i.e. don't have all the groups in one room at one time, so you can discuss different topics with each group, and perhaps assess who's the weakest link. 

Not to be a party pooper (or the uninvited 13th godmother), but that technique is so yesterday. Even if Royal Gorge LLC identifies "friendlies", there is such a strong feeling of distaste for their huge project that has been promoted without regards to saving Serene Lakes as recreational lakes, and keeping the South Yuba somewhat of a river and not a treated effluent conduit (aka sewer), no matter who jumps on their development bandwagon, there will be a hardy core of people ready to work together to preserve the Summit. 

As to hot weather, we're all feeling it, and the fire danger is skyrocketing (please don't bring fireworks of any type up to the Sierra). There's a bill in the Assembly that would put the burden of fire fighting on counties who approve development in high fire areas with less than two exits. If passed, it would very likely apply to Serene Lakes, and you can be sure Royal Gorge LLC's high price Platinum Lobbyists (Darius Anderson and company) are working to scuttle it-- isn't that what lobbyists do?

With hot weather comes bathing suits, beach towels, and flip-flops. Royal Gorge LLC isn't bothering with the first two (kept you reading, didn't I?), but flip-flops are their specialty du jour. A few months ago Serene Lakes Donner Summit Conservation Association (aka SLDSCA) got together with other Summit groups to apply for a state grant to study the hydrology of the Summit area-- the Summit area's watershed, our lake's limnology, and how groundwater (wells) affect water supplies, among other things. Many groups signed on, and Sierra Lakes County Water District (SLCWD), and Donner Summit Public Utilities District (DSPUD) signed on in a supporting role. 

You'd think Royal Gorge LLC, who so needs water in order to move forward with their development would jump at the chance to participate in a scientific study about water up here, especially one that would be conducted by respected, expert hydrologists. Not only did they not welcome the opportunity, after both local water districts had signed on in a supportive fashion, Mike Livak, director of development for Royal Gorge LLC, went to each board at their monthly meeting, and unsuccessfully protested the water boards' endorsement. 

Flip-flop time for Royal Gorge-- now they're worried the grant will be awarded, and they'll be left behind, so they're earnestly trying to get placed on "scoping committees" to do what--  to help out, or to try to control data in a way that protects their secret well data? 

If Royal Gorge LLC really wants to work together with the Summit on water, then they'd grant access to their lands, and they'd release all the data they have on wells they claim they can draw water from (their exploratory wells)-- and by the way, those wells may be drawing the very same water that flows to Serene Lakes and Palisades Lake.

Oh, and back to "divide and conquer." After the strong response to Donner Summit Area Association's survey, it's indisputable that a large majority of Summit homeowners are going to stand shoulder to shoulder to protect a priceless piece of California heritage from over-development. Should any community or environmental group not choose to stand with them, they'll be tossed aside like a flip-flop that's lost its whatever you call the doohickey that goes between your toes.

Stay cool.

KTG