Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: December 8, 2015

A Message from Congressman Cook:

“My thoughts and prayers remain with the people of San Bernardino during the aftermath of Wednesday’s terrorist attack. Thank you to our law enforcement for being on scene that day and their continued efforts to find out what happened. No words can express the extent of this tragedy; fourteen innocent lives taken away, over twenty-one injured, and countless families left without their loved ones, their lives changed forever.

"The best way, in fact the only way, to honor the victims of this attack is to be vigilant and confront these un-American cowards to prevent future terrorism and ultimately to eliminate this threat to our homeland.”

Congressman Paul Cook Votes to Modernize US Energy Policy

Congressman Cook voted for HR 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. This bipartisan bill updates and modernizes outdated energy policies. This bill helps America continue on the path to energy independence and creates new jobs.

The North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act updates and modernizes outdated policies that were created during a time of energy scarcity. The United States continues to undergo an energy renaissance driven by newly discovered resources, technological innovation, and a skilled workforce. The bill focuses on the transmission, distribution, and storage of energy to ensure America has the necessary infrastructure to meet today’s energy challenges.

In an effort to protect our electrical grid, this legislation enhances emergency preparedness and utilization of advanced technologies to address threats to the grid, including physical and cyber-attacks, electromagnetic pulses, geomagnetic disturbances, severe weather, and seismic events.
The bill also takes important steps by strengthening partnerships with American allies and reforming the approval process for energy exports. It promotes simple and affordable methods to address energy demand and lower electric bills, while also reducing government waste, and prioritizing budget dollars in existing programs.

Congressman Cook said, “America is the world’s leading energy producer, but our infrastructure just hasn’t kept pace. This bill will help modernize and update that infrastructure, while also building a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce, and strengthening America's energy security. Let’s make these upgrades, create good paying jobs, and secure our energy independence.”

San Bernardino United Relief Fund

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and the Arrowhead United Way jointly established the San Bernardino United Relief Fund for the victims of Wednesday’s tragedy.
Donations will be used to address the needs of people affected by the Dec. 2 terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center building in San Bernardino.

Donors may text ‘SBUNITED’ to 71777 and will be provided a link on their mobile phones to donate.

Checks made out to SBUNITED are also accepted by mail at Arrowhead United Way, 646 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401.

BLM Schedules Additional Open House Meetings for West Mojave Route Network Project

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled two additional open house meetings on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the West Mojave Route Network Project, released earlier in 2015. The meetings provide an additional opportunity for the public to receive information and provide feedback on the plan.

Meetings will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 12603 Mariposa Road, Victorville and Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the Kerr-McGee Center, 100 W. California Avenue, Ridgecrest. Both meetings will be held from 6:00PM to 8:00PM, and include a presentation and an open house format to review maps, ask questions and provide written comments to the BLM. The BLM will review input received through the public comment period, which closes January 25, 2016, when making a decision on the final plan.

The draft plan delivers a proposed solution for adaptive and responsible travel management planning and off-highway vehicle use within the West Mojave planning area while protecting important resources and maximizing public accessibility in the desert. The plan also outlines conservation provisions for sensitive areas including providing for threatened and endangered species such as the desert tortoise and plays an active role in recovery of their habitat.

For more information about the Draft SEIS, including interactive mapping, please visit the BLM Websitehttp://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/cdd/west_mojave__wemo.html.

To submit a comment, or for additional questions, please contact Edy Seehafer, West Mojave Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, cawemopa@blm.gov, (760) 252-6021.

Christmas Arrives Early For Local Elementary Students

The nonprofit organization Benefit Everyone, Assist Recreation & Sports, also known as B.E.A.R.S., gave away over 150 bicycles and helmets, to children who showed a need and achieved high performance in school. The event, known as the Doris Davies Memorial Bicycle Giveaway, took place in Victorville on December 2nd, at the High Desert Event Center, formerly the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds.

Each public elementary school serving Victorville students participated in nominating the lucky students.

It was an exciting day for many children who received a bike, visited with Santa, and enjoyed cookies sponsored by the Victorville Police and the Citizens on Patrol. Special thanks go out to the Victorville Police and Fire Explorers, the High Desert Event Center staff, and many volunteers who helped with the event.

For more information on B.E.A.R.S., please contact the City of Victorville Recreation Division at (760) 245-5551.

9th Annual Veterans Holiday Tribute

On December 12, 2015 from 10AM to 2PM, the Victorville Chamber of Commerce will host their 9th annual veterans’ holiday tribute lunch. A free lunch and patriotic tribute for all veterans and their guests will be shown. There will be restored WWII vehicles, an old classic car show and quilts will be given to the vets by the Quilts of Valor.

The location for this event will be the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville. For more information, please call 760-951-8003.

Veterans’ Workshop

On Wednesday, December 9, 2015, the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System will host a Veterans’ Workshop. The workshop will run from 2:30PM to 4:30PM at the VA Loma Linda Medical Center Auditorium.

For more information, please call 1-800-827-1000.