LATEST NEWSLETTER
Volume II – Issue 2 – 07/01/22
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Several members of the Pass Action Group have been working to develop the Group’s MISSION STATEMENT. The purpose of a mission statement is to provide clarity as to the overarching goal of the organization, and to clearly and distinctly explain why we exist and what we stand for. Here is an abbreviated version of the Pass Action Group’s Mission Statement. The full version will be published on the website, www.passactiongroup.org
Pass Action Group Mission Statement
The fundamental mission and purpose of the Pass Action Group (PAG) is to prevent the development of the Banning Point Warehouse.
BACKGROUND
The Pass Action Group was formed in late 2021 in opposition to a proposed warehouse being developed on Sun Lakes Blvd. in Banning, CA. The proposed project is directly across the street from a 55 plus community Sun Lakes Country Club, populated by approximately 6000 senior citizens.
In addition, the project is adjacent to and Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Hospice facility with approximately 150 residents. One half mile away is Four Seasons Beaumont, another 55 plus community, with over 3000 senior citizens. We have banded together to oppose the construction this warehouse that will bring an unacceptable number of daily truck traffic, noise and all related pollution. Senior citizens are sensitive receptors to this pollution and the Pass Action Group is determined to protect all citizens from the inherent pitfalls of this project.
On April 18, 2022, the PAG filed a Petition for Writ of Mandate in Riverside Superior Court. Our attorneys cited the following four causes of action:
#1 – Violation of CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) -
This relates to the Environmental Impact Report.
#2 – Violation of Rights to Due Process
This relates to Council members showing clear advocacy FOR the project before the discussion and vote.
#3 – Violation of Banning Municipal Code
This relates to Council members showing a clear bias FOR the project before the discussion and vote.
#4 – Violations of State planning and zoning laws,
Banning Municipal Code and Banning City Council resolution 2005-91. This relates to the City’s General Plan and Specific Plan. The full PDF version is available at www.passactiongroup.org/writ-of-mandate
CURRENT STATUS
It has been said that “The Wheels of Justice turn slowly”. Although we are currently in active litigation against the City of Banning and the proposed Banning Point warehouse developers, the legal process requires that we participate in Mandatory Settlement Conferences. This is a standard formality that would be applicable to any and all lawsuits of this type. These conferences were scheduled through the month of June.
The attorneys for PAG, as well as our own PAG Legal Experts, are intimately involved in these negotiations. At times this may seem tedious and time consuming, however, this is how our legal system works, with no way to shorten or avoid this part of the process.
A key element in the proceeding will be what is called "The Administrative Record", which is the compilation of all documentation relative to the lawsuit. The City of Banning has undertaken to produce this compilation, and when they finish, the PAG and our attorneys will have the opportunity to review it. This may result in a back-and-forth scenario that continues until both "sides" are satisfied that it is as complete and accurate as possible. The file then goes to the Court. We do not know exactly how long this process might take, but we will continue to post updates on the website as they occur.
The Superior Court judge previously assigned to our case has been replaced by the Honorable Craig Riemer. Our attorneys have a currently scheduled meeting with this newly assigned judge to review our case.
Our previous newsletters indicated that one of PAG’s initiatives would be to canvass Sun Lakes Country Club home owners to disseminate information and facilitate fundraising. However, this has been postponed indefinitely. If you are interested in helping with fund raising, or being involved in any capacity with the PAG as a volunteer, please contact Bruce Brown, (714) 501-2932.
Since November 2021, the PAG has been registered with the IRS as a 501 (c) (4) organization. Donors from the local community have helped fund this endeavor. To date, we have received donations from over 950 community members and businesses. All donations are going to legal fees and ancillary costs such as printing of flyers, mailings, etc. The Board of Directors of the Pass Action Group and supporting committees are volunteers. All financial support is needed and appreciated by the community. We are continuing to raise funds for legal fees and other necessary expenses. As you can imagine, this will take the whole community to stop this abhorrent decision by our city leadership and staff. See below for donation information.
Donation Information Checks, Made payable to:
Pass Action Group can be mailed or hand-delivered to our Treasurer –
Jeannie Lloyd, at:
4832 Crenshaw Circle
Banning, CA 92220
Or, you may make Online Donations at: www.givebutter.com/passactiongroupbanning
Email Pass Action Group: passactiongroup2022@gmail.com
RECENT ARTICLES OF INTEREST
The Daily Bulletin - June 15, 2022
Pomona is looking to temporarily halt the establishment of warehouses to curtail the impacts of such projects on streets, the environment and the health of its residents. The City Council this month discussed steps it could take to hit pause on warehouse approvals as the city and surrounding region have experienced increased interest in the development and redevelopment of industrially zoned land.
The Press Enterprise - June 22, 2022
Redlands is the newest city in the Inland Empire to enact a moratorium on warehouses. The City Council on Tuesday, June 21, unanimously approved a temporary halt on new approvals of logistics facilities while staff evaluate the impacts of existing structures and the need for updated rules.
The Sun - May 24, 2022
Colton will have another year to analyze how best to address the adverse impacts warehouses have on the community after city leaders this month unanimously extended a moratorium they implemented on such facilities this time last year.