Mesa Grande Band Turns On Solar Power and Prepares Its First New Homes in Two Decades

The Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians in San Diego County has switched on its first solar-and-battery project and is getting ready to build its first new homes since the early 2000s ^[1].

The solar system is expected to produce about 60 megawatt-hours a year, with projected savings of more than $16,780, according to Tribal Business News ^[1].

On housing, Phase 1A will add 12 homes, funded with $12.432 million through California's Tribal Homekey program. The band's long-range plan calls for up to 150 homes ^[1].

Tribal Chairman Curtis La Chusa summed up what the work means for his people in four words: "We are still here" ^[1].

For families who have waited a generation for a new house on their own land, those 12 homes are more than a construction project. They are a homecoming.