Hugh A. Bialecki, DMD; Sandy Steers; Randy Buecheler; Kevin Kellems; Karla Kellems; and Anna Buecheler at the SOFA holiday gathering.

Celebrating the holidays and accomplishments

Members and supporters of the Save Our Forest Association (SOFA) gathered at the Twin Peaks Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 10, to recognize and celebrate several major accomplishments this past year.
The San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust board of directors was presented with a special award for their acquisition and preservation of the 170-acre Arrowhead Ridge property after it was traded away as part of our national forest over 30 years ago and threatened with development.
SOFA President Hugh A. Bialecki gave an update on the status of the State of California Water Board action against Nestle/Blue Triton Brands for their continuing illegal water diversion from Strawberry Canyon below Rimforest on our national forest.
Also recognized was the successful lawsuit stopping the Church of the Woods proposed project on Highway 18/Daley Canyon Road. A San Bernardino Superior Court decision in January 2022 required the county board of supervisors to rescind the project approval and decertify the Environmental Impact Report. The court decision was not appealed.
A delicious potluck dinner was shared by all present and live holiday music was performed by the group Grits and Grady from Green Valley Lake. Silent and live auctions were enthusiastically enjoyed thanks to gracious donations by community businesses and individuals. – Submitted by Hugh A. Bialecki, DMD