August 16, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Grant Funds Provide Community Design Workshop for Valley Springs

Valley Springs, CA. MyValleySprings.com has recently received two grant awards, which will be used for a two-part community design workshop in Valley Springs. The workshop will be conducted by the Local Government Commission and is tentatively scheduled for October 25 and October 27. Citizens of Valley Springs will be asked to prioritize community values and issues and participate in visioning exercises to lay the groundwork for the Valley Springs Area Community Plan update. The grant money was received from the C. A. Webster Foundation and the California Wildlands Grassroots Fund.

Since 1958, the C. A. Webster Foundation has distributed monies specifically to encourage and provide for the arts, education, and public purposes, including planning for responsible growth in local communities. Board member Catherine Webster said, “The C. A. Webster Foundation is grateful to MyValleySprings.com for its commitment to preserve the quality of rural and community life in the Valley Springs area, and encourages its purposeful resolution.”

The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund (CWGF) was established to support the heroic efforts of activists to preserve California’s wildlands. According to the CWGF, “California is blessed with tremendous natural beauty, biological diversity and economic opportunity. Yet, our remaining wildland heritage is in jeopardy from poorly managed growth and development. Californians have long recognized the importance of preserving our spectacular and precious wildlands.”

“MyValleySprings.com is extremely grateful to both the Webster Foundation and the Wildlands Fund,” said Joyce Techel, board president for the non-profit group devoted to public participation in community planning, smart, sustainable growth, and the preservation of rural character and traditions. “We are determined to live up to the confidence these foundations have shown in us and get the Valley Springs Area Community Plan update underway. This workshop is a good first step.”