Valley happenings

There was an inaccuracy in my column last week concerning the insurances that MedDirect Urgent Care can accept. Medicare is one of the many insurance plans accepted by the facility. Medi-Cal is the plan at this time that is not accepted. Please do call the friendly staff at the new facility at (775)-266-3003 or (888)-636-6948 for further information.

If mistakes are noticed in any future columns please do email me at mportman@direcway.com or call (530) 495-2189 so I can correct them, as I endeavor to provide reliable information.

Artists' reception

An Antelope Valley Artists and Friends of the Library artists' reception will take place today at 4 p.m. at the Coleville Library. Everyone is encouraged to attend to enjoy the new art work displayed at the library and to visit with the artists and library staff. While visiting, do peruse the library and see what is new. We have a surprisingly large group of talented people who work in different mediums in our valley. If you are interested in knowing more about the artists or library groups, do attend.

Statement from Boe Turner, candidate for sheriff

"My name is Boe Turner. I am a long-time Mono County resident and recently retired Lieutenant of the Mono County Sheriff's Department. For the past 25 years I have held just about every position available in the Sheriff's Department, beginning as a patrol deputy in the Chalfant/Benton area in 1980. I have served for nine years as the Emergency Services coordinator for Mono County, and worked closely with the Mono County Search and Rescue Team as the coordinator for many years. Following my promotion to sergeant, I served as the jail commander as well as continuing my administrative duties with Emergency Services. I retired from the department as the administrative lieutenant, where I coordinated personnel and budget issues and was the grant writer for the department.

"I hold a bachelor degree, as well as POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) supervisory and management certificates. Additionally, I am certificated to teach in California community colleges and have instructed classes for Barstow and Lassen community colleges within Mono County. Currently, I serve as the outreach coordinator for Lassen Community College and am a strong advocate for continued high quality training for law enforcement agencies as well as community classes.

"I feel that my experience and outside agency contacts through the years, gives me knowledge, understanding and the desire to lead the Mono County Sheriff's Department into the future with a clear sense of its mission for the citizens of the county."

n Because we live in the northern part of the county, we are sometimes left out of the local debates and news and have no idea who the candidates actually are. Other candidates are welcome to contact me and I will provide space for their statements.

Regional Planning Advisory Committee meeting

Approximately 40 people attended the RPAC meeting, Jan. 5, where Scott Burns, the Community Development Director from Mammoth, presented a brief statement and overview on the affordable housing issue. Larry Johnston of the Mono County Special Projects gave a visual presentation and overview of the tentative requirements of the proposed Affordable Housing Ordinance. Members of the board of supervisors, such as our representative John Cecil, who was also in attendance, can make recommendations for changes to the plans. There was active participation from the general public with many concerns voiced at this meeting.

The next RPAC meeting will be held Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at the community center. Weather permitting, Scott Burns, head of Community Development, will be describing the details of planning for development, specifically in the Antelope Valley. The board does not feel that this will be of very broad interest to the public, but that in subsequent meetings (probably April) they expect it to blossom into initiatives that will be of great interest and importance for local residents. At that time the board anticipates that they will solicit extensive public input. But remember, as a concerned resident you can always call John Cecil at (760) 932-5538 for input or to get clarification.

The 2006 new board members for our local RPAC board are: President-Arden Gerbig, Vice President-Bruce Woodworth, and Secretary-Lynne Katusich.