There is still a way to stop the 10,000-store-strong corporate Dollar General chain from building one of their generic, predatory retail stores in Joshua Tree, not far from the gateway to the National Park.

Over the last 14 months, many members of the Joshua Tree village community have submitted written testimony to the San Bernardino Planning Commission against Dynamic Development’s application to locate a 9,100-square foot Dollar General store here in Joshua Tree.

On this coming Thursday, January 17, 2013, many of our village’s wisest and most experienced stakeholders will be making presentations to the Commission in person.

It takes courage, expertise and wisdom to effectively speak truth to power.

We can demonstrate solidarity with this cause, and with those who are fighting for the soul of Joshua Tree, by simply being present at this important hearing.

Please consider joining our community carpool caravan to County offices in the city of San Bernardino this Thursday. The Commission meets at 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415 in the Covington Chambers.

We will be meeting at 6:15am and departing 6:30am sharp from Myrtle the Turtle at Turtle Island in downtown Joshua Tree.

It is a 90-mile drive. Drivers who have been to these offices before will be leading the caravan. As of right now, we have carpool drivers offering at least 25 seats to fellow community members.

The Planning Commission meeting begins at 9am. The meeting agenda can be changed at any time.

As of right now, the Dollar General (or, as it’s being called by County staff, “Joshua Tree Retail Store”) proposal hearing is second on the agenda.

The first item on the agenda is expected by County staff to take 10 minutes. The Dollar General item is expected to take two hours.

If you cannot join our caravan, please still consider attending the Commission meeting. We will be providing driving and parking directions to the County building soon on this website.

If you need more information now about the meeting and how to get there, please read the following, from the County’s Land Use Services website:

All regularly scheduled Planning Commission meetings start at 9 a.m. and are located at 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415 in the Covington Chambers. Please contact a Duty Planner or the Project Planner on the Agenda if you have any questions at (909) 387-8311 or (760) 995-8140.

For more information on the People of Joshua Tree v Dollar General, consult: http://defendjt.wordpress.com/