Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22, so Tehachapi Mountain Democrats focused on the environment at the Club’s April meeting.

Nicole Dickerson, representing East Kern Air Pollution Control District spoke about the work of that agency. She is very enthusiastic about the goals and achievements of the district, saying it is the best job she has ever had.

The district was established in 1968 to attain and maintain ambient air quality standards to ensure air pollutants do not pose a nuisance or significant public health threat. Dickerson said much of the pollution present in Tehachapi comes from other sources in San Joaquin Valley or the Los Angles basin. There are over 300 businesses within the district’s purview with monitors that continually measure the pollutants they produce. The job of the district is to help these businesses comply with restrictions. There are grants to help fund compliance, and much progress has been made toward improving air quality.

Carol Rush, club member, spoke about respecting the environment. She concluded her talk with a short video by Carl Sagan about the earth’s place in the solar system. It concluded with him saying, “Preserve and cherish the earth. It’s the only home we’ve ever had.”

Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club meets the first Thursday of the month at Kelcy’s Restaurant at 5 p.m. for fellowship and food, with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Registered Democrats are eligible to join the Club. See http://www.tehachapidemocrats.com for more information.