Wind turbine entrepeneur invites Obama to local event

Build it, and President Barack Obama will come.

At least that’s what Hesperia wind turbine entrepreneur George Stanford hopes will happen.

Stanford, a longtime real estate developer before recently getting into the wind-generated energy business, is inviting the President, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other leaders to a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. on Oct. 21. The ceremony will celebrate the recent installation of a wind energy system at Hesperia Civic Park.

“It’s a big step for the United States and the planet to encourage renewable energy,” Stanford said. “The more we get used to it, the better it will be.”

Stanford already has heard from State Attorney General Jerry Brown, who Stanford met years ago. “Jerry Brown called me yesterday, and he’s not able to make it.” And he’s extended invitations to former Vice President Al Gore, billionaire T. Boone Pickens and actor Ed Begley, Jr., all well-known environmentals.

The park’s wind turbine was donated by Stanford’s Green Power company and a group of Hesperia businesmen — optometrist Dr. Jintau Two, Dale Bowen of Mesa Electric and Jon Hove of Hi-Grade Materials.

According to Stanford, the breezy Victor Valley is a natural location for wind-generated power. And government incentives are making it increasingly more affordable for the average homeowner. Subsidies can reduce the initial $18,000 investment to about $5,800, enabling a wind turbine will pay for itself fairly quickly.

“It can pay itself back in three years.”

Hesperia’s first wind turbine was installed at Mesa Electric. Another one went up at the park, which is adjacent to Hesperia City Hall. Stanford is hopeful that Apple Valley will OK wind turbines for residential lots down to 18,000 square feet.

“We’re getting closer to it. We’ve been working real hard on on this.”

No matter who attends his upcoming event, Stanford believes the message will be heard loud and clear.

“It’s about keeping the planet green,” Stanford said.