May 15, 2013 is a historic day for OHV users. While it may not have shook the earth like a SCORE Trophy Truck racing across the desert, it is a very important landmark in the race to save the Johnson valley OHV area. The “Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area Establishment Act,” (HR 1676) sponsored by Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA) was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee, with minor changes from its original form. The only amendment was a change in the days the United States Marine Corps would be able to use the area under a permit from 42 days per year to 60 days per year.

Rep. Bishop (R-UT) commended Rep. Paul Cook for introducing the legislation. He noted that the issue was not easy to deal with and that the bill does a good job in balancing needs. He observed that the bill is as close to ideal as possible in the face of challenging issues such as addressing the needs of OHV users. On its path to becoming a law, the bill has been sent to the House Armed Services Committee, Chaired by Rep. Buck McKeon, who is a bill co-sponsor.

We want to make the association better than ever and we need your help! A new membership survey is now available on our main Facebook page at http://facebook.com/cal4wheel

Please take a few minutes to tell us if you are a Cal4Wheel member, or if you aren't, why you have decided not to join. This information will help us make improvements and do a better job of serving the four-wheelers in California.

When you get to the Facebook page look for the icon like the one in this article. Click on the icon to get started. And be sure to fill out the comment box. Every submission will be reviewed and, if requested, responded to.

WASHINGTON – Rep. Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Marine Corps’ proposal to expand the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California:

“The training of the U.S. Marine Corps is vital to the safety of the American people, and the exercises taking place on the Twentynine Palms base enable our Marine forces to defend our nation and its allies throughout the world. However, I can’t support the expansion plan offered by the Marine Corps, which would hand them ownership of Johnson Valley. Marine Corps ownership would prevent many public-space activities, including big public off-highway events like King of the Hammers, from taking place. Offroaders and other users of Johnson Valley make huge contributions to the economic well-being of the Morongo Valley, and losing that revenue during slow economic times would be devastating.

Offer applies to new or renewing club, individual and associate members

To say thank you to all of our new and renewing members, we are offering a coupon good for $10 off all of the association events for the upcoming year -- a savings of up to $60.

When you join or renew between now and August 31 we will automatically send your coupon, so be sure to give us a valid email address to ensure fast delivery. The coupon is valid for online registrations for Molina Ghost Run, Hi Desert Round-Up, Sierra Trek, High Sierra Poker Run, Panamint Valley Days and Winter Fun Festival.