QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES

Valley Springs, California is famous for its open space, rolling golden hills and historic oak trees. To the locals, this is California gold. Valley Springs is a close community of folks who share a love for their rural serenity in the Sierra-Nevada foothills, away from the complexity of the city. Nature is close at hand, and shopping isn’t far. Valley Springs is surrounded by ranches, rivers, and lakes.  There are roads suitable for bicycle riding and miles of hiking and equestrian trails in the greater Valley Springs area.

What supports the rural quality of life we love? 
Everything in our environment!  What does that mean? 

The “Environment” is Everything Around You
Consider how all of the following issues contribute to having a healthy, safe, attractive, and productive place in which to live, work, and raise a family:

• Safety & Services (law enforcement, firefighters, emergency services, parks & recreation, education & childcare, healthcare) Click to read more
• Circulation & Transportation (roads and highways, traffic circulation, public transit, bike & pedestrian trails)
• Air Quality, Noise (clean air; peace & quiet)
• Infrastructure (transmission lines and facilities for water, sewer, electrical, cable/internet, phone)
• Housing (a range of housing choices for a diverse population) Click to read more
• Economy & Jobs (economic well-being with sustainable jobs & local businesses)
• Water Supply & Sewer (reliable supply of good quality water; safe sewage disposal) Click to read more
• Stormwater & Flooding (well-managed stormwater runoff and flood protection) Click to read more
• Oaks Trees & Woodlands (native foothill oaks and woodlands)
• Agriculture & Open Space (farms, ranches, pastures, orchards, vineyards, timberland, open space)
• Habitat & Wildlife (creeks, wetlands, rivers & lakes; wildflowers & meadows, oak woodlands & brush ... and all the wildlife that lives there)
• Aesthetics (rural landscape character, scenic vistas, viewsheds, dark skies)

How do we protect our rural environment?

By understanding its nature, and the importance of all it takes to create this “environment” and quality of life; by supporting oversight, planning, funding, and protection.  Pay attention, get involved, and speak out on  issues that need to be addressed!

“Remember what “environment” really means.  It means your roads, bridges and bike paths.  It means your fire, police and medical services.  It means your schools and libraries.  It means your grocery stores, restaurants and boutiques.  It means your ranches and vineyards.  It means your housing options.  It means your community identity.  It means your quality of life.  And, of course, it also means the beauty and diversity of Nature.” –M. Zeller, May 2007

Click here to read more from ‘What is an Environment and Why do We Need a Report on It?’