The MSRC's 2010 retreat was a rousing success, with guest speakers, presentations by Committee advisors, and input by the members on ways for the MSRC to actively engage in what's happening in the clean transportation sector. The retreat took place on July 15 at the McCoy Equestrian and Recreation Center in Chino Hills. Among the topics on the agenda were new opportunities for the development of sustainable communities projects in California, the upcoming deployment of electric vehicles in California, and ways the MSRC can continue to collaborate with state, regional and local agencies.
Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the formation of the MSRC and its first-ever work program. Some of the groundbreakers who were there at the beginning have fond memories of coming together to create this one-of-a-kind organization.
The MSRC was created by California Assembly Bill 2766, authored by legendary former Assemblyman and Senator Byron Sher. The law was enacted to provide Clean Transportation Funding to projects that reduce air pollution from mobile sources, funded through a small surcharge on vehicle license fees.
Michelle Kirkhoff didn't begin her career focusing on transportation and air quality, but in an effort to better her education, fate stepped in and led her to travel a different highway. Now the MSRC, SANBAG and the region are all better off, thanks to her tireless work in the transportation sector for the last 22 years.