january-february 2010 roadrunner newsletter, kern-kaweah sierrra club
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
A BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE KERN-KAWEAH CHAPTER OF SIERRA CLUB JAN./FEBRUARY, 2010
The Roadrunner2010 STATE PARKS INITIATIVE TO PROTECT PARKS Sierra Club members commit to 1,000 signatures for ba!ot measure to provide stable parks funding
Join wilderness enthusiasts from all over the Western states April 8-11, 2010 on the campus of U.C. Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some 800 participants will gather to focus on the role of wild lands in an era of global climate change and on how to win new allies for preserving wild places. Plenary sessions, dynamic speakers, and intensive workshops will help connect
wild places with climate change and offer training on how to advocate effectively. Films, music, fun, networking, join us! Go to www.westernwilderness.org for more information and for “early bird” online registration. Some scholarships are available. For questions, contact Vicky Hoover at 415.977.5527.
WILDERNESS CONFERENCE COMING TO U.C. BERKELEY IN APRIL
Kern-Kaweah members will be helping to gather signatures for a state initiative to provide stable long-term funding for our endangered state parks. Your help is needed now. How did California’s 278 state parks, once the best in the country, sink to being among the shabbiest? Call it death by a thousand budget cuts. Our parks are falling apart because of persistent underfunding. The state still owns the lands—the spectacular vistas, historic sites, and beaches—but roofs and sewage systems leak, restrooms aren’t washed out regularly (but trails are), and campgrounds and visitor centers are shuttered. The repair backlog in California state parks tops $1 billion, and it’s growing. As if that weren’t enough, twice in the past two years, the whole state-park system was on the verge of being shut down. Only last-minute budget reprieves kept it open. But nearly 60 state parks
are to have reduced hours or calendars because of this year’s budget cuts, and more reductions are expected next year. That’s why park supporters are placing a statewide initiative on the November 2010 ballot called the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010. It will protect state parks and conserve wildlife by establishing a trust fund in the state treasury to be spent only on state parks, wildlife and marine conservation, and state conservancies. Funding will come from an $18 surcharge on the registration fee for California vehicles, including motorcycles and recreational vehicles but not larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes, and permanent trailers. Surcharged vehicles will receive free admission to all state parks. In comparison, park visitors currently pay up to $125 for an annual pass or $10 to $15 per day at most parks. There will
still be charges for camping and other special services. The trust fund will be sufficient to adequately fund state parks, freeing them from annual budget cuts and threatened closures. Spending from the trust fund will be subject to oversight by a citizen’s board, full public disclosure, and independent annual audits. Money from the general fund currently spent on parks will be available for other vital needs, including schools, health care, social services, and public safety. We hope that you will want to help gather signatures to put this initiative on the ballot in November. Sierra Club will play a major role in gathering signatures for this initiative. Collection will start in Jan. 10 and conclude on April 30. To help, call me at 661.323.5569 or e-mail me at [email protected]
—Lorraine UngerMember, Chapter Ex-Com
THE ROADRUNNER JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2010
CELEBRATING CHAPTER’S INVOLVEMENT IN ISSUES
Chapter recognizes leadership at fall dinner event Nov. 7 The annual Kern Kaweah Chapter dinner at Bakersfield’s Rice Bowl on Nov. 7 featured not only a six-course meal, but a remarkable collection of slides and stories by Chapter Outings Chair Jim Nichols whose hiking skills and quest for adventure over the years have taken him to faraway places such as Afghanistan and closer realms in the High Mojave Desert. About 90 people attended this year’s dinner, including a couple who came from Los Angeles.
—Photos by Ann Ga"on/Margie Be"
ANNUAL FALL EVENT: Chapter Chair Georgette Theotig (center above) helps Maria Polite and Ann Wi!iams ta!y the guest list for the dinner. Evan Be! (left) is catching up on family news with Kathy and Harry Love. Beverly and Richard Garcia of the Mineral King Group (bottom left) are enjoying the dinner at the Rice Bowl. Ara Marderosian &om Kernvi!e and Isabel Stierle &om Bakersfield (bottom row, middle) serve as leaders in the Kern-Kaweah Chapter. Chapter Vice-Chair Gordon Nipp ( bottom row, right) encourages environmental activism in Kern County.
THE ROADRUNNER JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2010
Rose and Donnel Lester are waiting for the dinner to start (top left). Solveig Thompson of Tehachapi visits with Dinah Campbe$ (top right). Janine and Mark Harper (bottom left) look forward to Rice Bowl cuisine and presentations. Sierra Club Past-President Joe Fontaine shows speaker Jim Nichols his new book, The Kern Plateau and Gems of the Southern Sierra (2009).
Joe Fontaine has recently finished a book on the Kern Plateau, The Kern Plateau and Gems of the Southern Sierra. The gems of the southern Sierra feature giant sequoias and golden trout among many others. All of the areas covered by his book are located in the Kern/Kaweah Chapter. The issues covered include *Those who came before us including Native Americans and early settlers. *The geologic processes that created this spectacular landscape. *Golden Trout, mammals, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. *Giant Sequoias, conifer forests, and a remarkable number of wildflowers. *Stewardship of our public lands. Sketches of some of the natural features of our mountains by our Chapter Chair Georgette Theotig are
also a highlight of the book. Detailed maps are included for greater insight. According to Fontaine, the book is intended to stimulate interest in our local area and to motivate readers to visit the Kern Plateau and the southern Sierra Nevada. The author has spent over 50 years exploring the Kern Plateau and the southern Sierra. He joined the Sierra Club 47 years ago to work to protect the natural attributes of these mountains. His book is an attempt to share the love and knowledge of that corner of the Earth he gained in the process. The last chapter chronicles the campaigns and successes of the Sierra Club and the Kern/Kaweah Chapter. These include the defeat of a destination ski resort at Mineral King, now in Sequoia National Park, and the over 300, 000 acre Golden Trout
Wilderness. Today in those mountains there are hundreds of thousands of additional acres of wilderness de-signated by Congress and 328,000 acres in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Without the Sierra Club very little of this would have happened. The book can be viewed at www.AtlasBooks.com and purchased for $24.95 on line, or contact Joe at 661.821.2055 or [email protected]. His address is: Joe Fontaine, P.O. Box 307, Tehachapi, CA 93581.
Kern Plateau and the Southern Sierra are focus of new book by retired science teacher, Sierra Club Past-President Joe Fontaine
MUST READ FOR 2010: Fontaine’s new book (2009) is available at www.AtlasBooks.com
THE ROADRUNNER JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2010
It seems that the older I am, the faster the years are speeding by. All the more reason to make every day count – each day is a unique opportunity, to be grateful for the past and things to come, as well as make a difference in the world. On behalf of the Chapter membership, I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all out-going officers of 2009. The Chapter is grateful for your service. A special thank you is extended to Mary Ann Lockhart and Ann Williams for their valued service on the Executive Committee.
We also wish to welcome Peter Clum, our newest member of the Chapter Executive Committee, from Three Rivers. Welcome to all incoming officers of 2010. We already appreciate you, as well! Of great interest is the upcoming Western Wilderness Conference scheduled for April 8-11, 2010, at the University of California, Berkeley. The Kern-Kaweah Chapter is one of the supporting sponsors of this major event, which will both launch and highlight major western campaigns to preserve wilderness places from development. Look for more information in the
Roadrunner. The New Year promises to be full of environmental challenges – but also full of many opportunities to both enjoy and explore the wild places of our earth. Celebrate the possibilities and join us in our conservation efforts and be a part of making a difference in our world! —Georgette Theotig Chapter Chair
FROM THE CHAIR
Theotig expresses appreciation for leadership and support
A wealthy Orange County businessman wants to build a motorsports racetrack on 320 acres that is only 1.5 miles from the California State Poppy Reserve in the Antelope Valley. This racetrack would potentially host high performance race vehicles 365 days a year. The draft EIR has been submitted and the first L.A. County Regional Planning Commission hearing was held on Sept. 2. The staff report concluded with a recommendation to approve this project. There will be another hearing on Feb. 6 at the Lancaster Branch of the LA County Library, 601 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. HYPERLINK "http://www.sio2.com/savethepoppyreserve" www.sio2.com/savethepoppyreserve Here is what you can do to help: * Attend the hearing on Feb. 6. The majority of speakers at the September hearing were in favor of the racetrack, and we need all the support we can get at the next meeting. * Write to the Planning Commission and/or Supervisor Antonovich and tell them that you think wildflower preserves and motorsports parks don’t make good neighbors. If you live in L.A. County, in another Supervisor’s district, write or cc them also. Issues that could be raised are listed on the reverse. - If you would like to more actively help oppose the racetrack, contact HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected] Address letters to: Mr. Jodie Sackett, County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning, Room 1382320 West Temple Street, Los Angeles,
CA 90012Or email HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected] and/or Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, 500 West Temple Street, Room 869, Los Angeles, CA 90012Or email HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected]
Here are but three of the negative impacts that could be included in a letter: Sound will be clearly heard on Reserve hiking trails and in a wide area of Antelope Acres. Hiking through field of wildflowers and listening to the drone of high performance racing engines are clearly incompatible experiences! 81 percent of the respondents to a survey of Poppy Reserve visitors indicated that their visits to the Reserve would be significantly decreased if a racetrack were built nearby. 44 percent indicated that they would never come again! Zone change to industrial/ commercial will open the door to more damaging developments and is completely incompatible with the rural nature of the area and an existing state park dedicated to hiking and nature. Current property owners, who bought and built under existing zoning of agricultural and residential, will suffer from extreme noise and likely experience devaluation of their properties: after all, who wants to live near a racetrack?
—Katherine AllenRegional Conservation Committee
State Poppy Reserve in Antelope Valley needs protection
THE ROADRUNNER JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2010
California’s Channel Islands are Galapagos USA! If you join one of the Sierra Club groups that will tour Channel Islands National Parknext spring and fall, you will marvel at the sight of whales, seals,sea lions, rare birds and blazing wildflowers. You will also have chances to hike the wild, windswept trails, kayak the rugged coastline and snorkel in pristine waters. Another aspect of these three- and four-day programs is discovering remnants of the Chumash people who lived on these islands for thousands of years. Or you could just relax at sea. These “live aboard” fundraiser cruises benefit Sierra Club’s political program in California and depart from Santa Barbara aboard the 68’ Truth. The fee ($590 for May7-9 and Sept. 10-12; $785 for July 16-19 and Aug. 6-9) includes an assigned bunk, all meals, snacks and beverages, plus the services of a ranger/naturalist who will travel with us to lead hikes on each island and point out interesting features. To make a reservation mail a $100 check payable to Sierra Club to leaders: Joan Jones Holtz & Don Holtz, 11826 The Wye St, El Monte, CA 91732. Contact leaders for more information (626-443-0706; [email protected])
—Joan Jones HoltzAngeles Chapter Political Committee
Dates open for adventurers to plan scenic trip to Channel Islands Park
HIKING, KAYAKING AND MORE: Exploring the ru'ed coastline on a hike to Nidever Canyon, San Miquel Island is the main goal of a recent group touring Channel Islands Park. Photo/Joan Jones Holtz
May 7-9July 16-19August 6-9Sept. 10-12
In accordance with the Sierra Club bylaws, annual group elections are required each year to elect replacement Executive Committee (ExCom) members for those who terms are expiring. All members of the group are eligible to participate in the group election process. Each ballot must contain the membership number of the voter. Membership numbers are located above your name on the Roadrunner address label or on your membership card. There are two spaces for couples so that each person can vote if both are members.
Buena Vista Group Ballot
Elect no more than five persons. Mail ballot by Jan. 31, 2010 to:
BVG Election Committee
1626 19th St., Suite #3
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Membership Number: ______________________
( ) ( ) Jeff Hathorn
( ) ( ) Donnel Lester
( ) ( ) Glenn Shellcross
( ) ( ) Lorraine Unger
( ) ( ) Isabel Stierle
___________________Write-in Candidate
___________________Write-in Candidate
----------------------------------------------------- FOR PDF VERSION OF NEWSLETTER
E-mail Lorraine Unger at [email protected] and ask to be taken off the hard copy list. Log on to http://
kernkaweah.sieraclub.org/email.html and join the KERN-NEWS email list.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Buena-Vista Group Elections information
THE ROADRUNNER JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2010
KERN KAWEAH ROUNDUPPLEASE READ CAREFULLY IF YOU PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN SIERRA CLUB HIKES:Everyone is welcome, Sierra Club members and non-members, to join in any of the outdoor activities. Requirements: You must be in condition for the type of hike, equipped appropriately for the activity and prepared to sign a Sierra Club release for liability. You must be willing to follow the leader’s directions. Be sure to bring any personal medicines you might need. Customary appropriate equipment includes good hiking shoes, plenty of water, snack, sunglasses, suntan lotion, and layered clothing. The following might be helpful but definitely is not required: compass, whistle, matches or lighter, and a good first aid kit. Long paints are recommended. Unprepared for the prospective hike? It will be a no-go for you. Participation must be leader approved. Please let the leader know ahead of time that you are intending to participate. Check individual group listings for the desired means of communication.
Since unexpected change of plans may be necessary, it is recommended that YOU contact the hike leader the night before to be assured that the hike is still going to happen.
New California legislation designed to protect the consumer requires us to publish this notice: CST 2087755-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. This legislation is designed to protect the user of outdoor activities that require cash payments of more than $50 for participation.
BUENA VISTA GROUPMore info? Call Donnel Lester at 661.831.6784 or e-mail [email protected] or Isabel at 661.246.6195. Tuesday conditioning hikes of 4 or 5 miles are at 7 p.m. at the corner of Highways 178 and 184. Contact Gordon ([email protected]) or Larry (661.873.8107) for more information.
Saturday, Dec. 19—Buena Vista holiday party in Bakersfield, 7 p.m. till ??? Come one, come all to socialize and share good food! Arthur and Lorraine Unger are opening their home for a holiday party. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Please call for info & directions: 661.323.5569.
Saturday, Jan. 2— At 10 a.m., the group will view “The Wild Heart of Red Rock,” a film discussing the difficulties in establishing protection for Utah wilderness and eliminating exploitation (SC Utah Wilderness Task Force). Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Avenue at the corner of Truxtun and Westwind, just west of Oak St. Brunch is served for $7.50/person (tip not included). For more information, call 661.319.6996
3rd Saturday highway cleanup: Until further notice, Adopt-A-Highway will be on hiatus until Caltrans reviews its statewide policies and renews permits.
Tuesday, Feb. 1—Drop in at 6 p.m. for a conservation dinner.at the Garden Spot restaurant, 3320 Truxtun (at Oak St), Bakersfield. Dinner is "Dutch treat" and current conservation topics will be discussed among those who attend. For information, call Lorraine at 661.323.5569.
Saturday, Feb. 6—At 10 a.m., Ray Galvan will discuss the organically grown produce of the South Central Farmers Cooperative of Shafter and its implications for community supported agriculture. Join us at Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave. at the corner of Truxtun and Westwind, just west of Oak St. Brunch is served for $7.50/person (tip not included). For more information, call 661.319.6996.
Meeting Notices—If you would like to receive Buena Vista Group meeting and activity notices by email, please contact Donnel Lester, at [email protected], with Add me to the email list. You can opt out of the email notices at any time. We try to limit this to once-a-month emails.
THE ROADRUNNER JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2010
CONDOR GROUPMore info? Mary Ann Lockhart (661.242.0432). Hikes? Dale Chitwood (661.242.1076)
Saturday, Feb. 6—”Local Geological Glimpses” (information and photos) presented by Dave Koskenmaki. Come at 6 p.m. for the potluck, 7 p.m. for program. Meeting place: Pool Pavilion Room, Pine Mountain Clubhouse. Hikes will begin again in March.
KAWEAH GROUPMore info? Call Pam Clark (559.784.4643) or Diane Jetter (559.781.8897).
OWENS PEAK GROUPMore info? Chair Dennis Burge (760.375.7967) or e-mail [email protected]. Jim Nichols, hikes (760.375.8161) or e-mail [email protected].
Saturday, Jan. 16 —ALABAMA HILLS ARCHES (W of Lone Pine, about 5000 ft max, maybe 500 ft gain total, 3 - 4 mi total) We have the GPS positions for several of the finest granite natural arches in these famous hills at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the gateway to Mt. Whitney. As a treasure hunt, we will track down the best of the arches. Learning to shoot the arches will be a great photographic challenge. This series of short hikes should make for an easy day. If time permits, we may climb nearby "Rattlesnake Hill" and visit the "Ashram" up Tuttle Creek. Meet Saturday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 a.m. at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. Call Dennis Burge at 760.375.7967 or Jim Nichols at 760.375.8161 for more info.
Monday, Jan. 25—At 7:30 p.m. Laurel Williams, Desert Field Organizer for the California Wilderness Coalition, will present "Exploring and Preserving Wilderness Areas" (such as Surprise Canyon). Maturango Museum.
Saturday, Feb. 13 —GREAT FALLS BASIN (Argus Wilderness, 3320 ft max elevation, 1500 foot gain, 5 mi total) Hike starts at the mouth of Indian Joe Canyon, proceeds up canyon to lush, lower Indian Joe Gardens. Hiking cross country, via Allen Springs to Twin Springs, we will study the unique geology in the scenic Great Falls Basin. We continue cross country to skirt the massive falls at the base of Great Falls Basin. An optional two hundred yard hike at the Great Falls Basin road head takes us to the swimable pool in a sheer-walled grotto between the first and second falls. Moderate due to cross-country routing. Four-wheel drive needed due to sandy conditions. There will be a 4 mi car shuttle. Meet Saturday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 a.m. at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. Call Nick Panzer at 760.446.0822 for more info.
Monday, Feb 22—At 7:30 p.m., Jim Nichols, Kern-Kaweah Outings Chair, will present "Gems of the Eastern Sierra and the High Desert," a reprise of the Chapter fall dinner program given in Bakersfield. An expedition, a classic climb, and historic film footage will illuminate the roles of great outing leaders. Maturango Museum.
MINERAL KING GROUPMore info? Call 559.761.0592. Please also visit mineralking.sierraclub.org for more info.
Wednesday, Jan. 20— Please join us at 6 p.m. for a “no host” dinner at Panera Bread, 4103 S Mooney Blvd., Visalia. Contact Beverly for reservations at [email protected] or 559.624.0199.
Monday, Jan 25—ExCom meets at 6 p.m. at Colima's, 500 South Linwood St., in Visalia. Contact Beverly at [email protected] or 559.624.0199 for reservations. All members are welcome. Saturday, Jan. 23 —Come on a short, easy stroll around Bravo Lake in Woodlake. There are usually some birds on the lake and nice views of the Sierras. After the hike, we'll return to the Dudley's for some chili. Call Joanne or David for time and meeting place: 733.2078. Saturday, Feb. 13—We will hike the Wishon trail above Porterville. This is a moderate 6 mile round trip hike with a lovely waterfall for our lunch venue. Rain or dense fog cancels. Call Joanne or David for meeting time and details 733.2078
THE ROADRUNNER JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2010
Saturday, Feb. 20—We'll be hiking to Mankin's Flat (10 miles, moderate difficulty). Contact Dave Keller at 688.4813 or [email protected] for meeting place and time.
Monday, March 1—ExCom meets at 6 p.m. at Colima's, 500 South Linwood St., in Visalia. Contact Beverly at [email protected] or 559.624.0199.for reservations. All members are welcome. Election results for Mineral King Group Ex-Com:Beverly Garcia, Richard Garcia, Brian Newton, and Janet Wood were reelected to another two-year term. The Ex Com welcomes new member Dave Keller.
California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee Desert Committee OutingsFor questions about, or to sign up for a particular outing, please contact the leader listed in the write-up. For questions about Desert Committee outings in general, or to receive the outings list by e-mail, please contact Kate Allen at [email protected] or 661.944.4056..
Friday-Sunday, Jan. 22-24--Wilderness Restoration - Death Valley National Park. Come help protect Death Valley National Park from abuse by illegal off-road traffic. This wilderness restoration project along the park's scenic eastern boundary in the Amargosa Valley involves the installation of signs, raking out of vehicle tracks and moving rocks. Meet late Friday afternoon, or early Saturday morning; work Saturday and part of the day on Sunday. Camping Friday and Saturday night will be in a Park Service camping area (no water, portable toilets). Leader: Kate Allen, [email protected], 661.944.4056. CNRCC Desert Committee
Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 30-31--Fencing a Wilderness – Golden Valley Wilderness Area. During the past year, a long fence has been constructed along the northern boundary of the Golden Valley Wilderness to prevent illegal motorized vehicle entry. Where this fence is still high above the ground, we will assist Marty Dickes of the Ridgecrest BLM office in placing reinforcements. Our reward will be in learning a trade and in knowing that intrusions have become more difficult. For those who wish to stay over on Monday, there will be a hike up one of the nearby peaks. Car camping; potluck Saturday evening. Contact leader: Craig Deutsche, 310.477.6670), [email protected]. CNRCC Desert Committee
Monday-Wednesday, Feb. 15-17--Gold Butte Introductory Tour. Come explore this proposed National Conservation Area in Southeast Nevada. See many beautiful and interesting sights, including petroglyphs and Joshua trees. Climb one of the areas peaks and enjoy the splendid views. Central commissary. Leader: Vicky Hoover, 415.977.5527, [email protected]. CNRCC Wilderness & Desert Committees
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 27-28--Mecca Hills Carcamp. Join us as we explore the Mecca Hills Wilderness Area east of Indio, Calif. We will hike through the gravel washes and rocky hills to several spectacular sites. Saturday we visit Hidden Springs and the Grottos, and Sunday we will explore Painted Canyon. Carcamping will include potluck supper, and campfire Saturday night. Limit 12 participants. Ldr: Craig Deutsche, [email protected] 310.477.6670. CNRCC Desert Committee
Saturday-Sunday, March 6-7--Death Valley National Park Exploratory Tour. Beginning in Shoshone on Saturday morning, we will travel north on Hwy 178 with a stop at Badwater, and easy two-mile hikes at Natural Bridge and Golden Canyon. Camp at Texas Springs ($14/site). If time allows, drive to Zambriskie Point and Dante’s View. Sunday morning, visit the museum and visitor center in Furnace Creek, see the rare pupfish at Salt Creek, and take a two-mile hike to the highest sand dune. Possible hike into Mosaic Canyon. For those who want to stay Sunday night, camp at Stovepipe Wells ($12/site). Option of primitive camping on Friday night. For reservations, contact leader, Carol Wiley at [email protected] or call 760.245.8734. CNRCC Desert Committee
THE ROADRUNNER JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2010
Executive Committee of the Kern-Kaweah ChapterChair: Georgette Theotig (Tehachapi), 661.822.4371. Vice-chair: Gordon Nipp (Bksf), 661.872.2432. . Treasurer: Lorraine Unger (Bksf), 661.323.5569. Donnel Lester (Bksf), 661.831.6784. Richard Garcia (Min King), 559.624.0199. Ann Williams (Bksf), 661.324.1055. Arthur Unger (Bksf), 661.323.5569. Peter Clum (Min King), 559.561.4661. Ara Marderosian (Kernville), 760.378.4574.
Chapter ExCom Meetings: All Sierra Club members are always welcome to attend these meetings. Call 661.323.822.4371 to confirm all meeting dates as well as location and time.
MIDGEBUZZINGS
Tomorrow a tree company will come to cut down a redwood I planted 14 years ago. It is one of three on my front lawn which are not doing well in this soil, though I see members of their family growing beautifully in other parts of town. For the first ten years they were so beautiful that I never came home without driving by to look at them on my way to the garage at the back of my property. Then the changes began, subtle at first, but becoming more and more definite. I’ve been told that in some soils and climates redwoods do well only for the first few years, and then as their roots go deeper, they are unable to get the water they need. The experts I’ve consulted have advised me against trying to save them. They recommend taking them all out, but I can’t bring myself to allow more than one execution at a time And yet, if the predictions of the majority of scientists are to be taken seriously, such losses are only the beginning of those we will experience in the near future from the effects of climate change, which most people now acknowledge even as they disagree about the cause. The loss of landscaping around homes and golf courses and the shutting down of ski resorts will be the least of our worries if the scientists are right. What will concern us more will be a rationing of water for the farming which we all depend upon for sustenance, both in our own small gardens and throughout the state, as well as throughout the nation. While there is vivid debate over the particulars of this kind of change, one thing we all agree upon is the inevitability in all our lives of loss, our very mortality being evidence enough of that certainty. On the last morning of November this year I sat looking out my front window, brooding over the doomed tree situated at the front of the lawn and grieving over its unavoidable fate. I was looking past the two maples planted closer to the house, when suddenly I became aware of the morning light that caught their color and enhanced the swift movements of little birds flashing about after insects that were apparently plentiful for them there. What a gorgeous sight! And what a gift of good fortune to be there at that moment to witness it! Who says that autumn glory lives only in the east, or across the northern border, or anywhere but here? On that morning, at the end of November, in this flat valley with its dull miles of spent crops and blighted air, light pierced those leaves at the very finish of their lives, and carried beauty through them to temper my black mood and alter it, after a time, to a kind of anticipation. Songs, unheard in spring and summer, burst from the throats of the birds that had come, as they do every autumn, to feast upon what they harvest from the trunks and branches of the maples, life so diminutive that it can only be assumed from the exuberant all-day dartings of their chase. We often turn to the classics, or to sacred texts, for the harvesting of wisdom that acquaints us with hope. But that morning, in that time and place, I had a sense of both the mystery and the splendor of finalities, and the assurance, coming from somewhere, of continuance beyond our seasons and our tenure here.
—Ann Williams
THE ROADRUNNER JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2010
STAYING INFORMED:Join our KERN-NEWS & KERN FORUM e-mail lists at: http://kernkaweah.sierraclub.org Submit articles (your own or suggestions for reprints) to The Roadrunner at
[email protected]. Please email photos of events or people in the JPG format. To contact The Roadrunner editor Marjorie Bell by phone, call 661.322.4891.
The Roadrunner is printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper.
The Roadrunner 2815 La Cresta Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93305-1718
Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPermit No. 498Bakersfield, CA
NEWS BRIEFS
GREATER BAKERSFIELD GREEN EXPO: On April 17, groups will be joining with Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall and Greater Good for Kern County to showcase recycling and renewable energy businesses throughout Kern County while recognizing student talent in all 44 county high schools. An attendance between 5,000-10,000 is expected at Yokuts Park. Representatives from Keep America Beautiful and Keep California Beautiful will also be present along with other state, county and city officials. Students and vendors with the ability to download applications for the event should check this site: www.gbgreenexpo.org. All fees for the 85 booth spaces will go directly to student scholarships. Fees should be sent to the Arts Council of Kern, one of the event’s sponsors. Application deadline is March 1.
SAVE THIS DATE: The annual Kern-Kaweah Chapter spring banquet is March 13, a Saturday, at Benji’s French Basque restaurant. Please mark your calendars if there is a chance you will be able to attend.
WELCOME TO THE EX-COM: Peter Clum, who has lived in Three Rivers since 1992, is new to the Ex-Com. He has been a member of environmental organizations for 20 years, and from 1998 to 2008 was a summer volunteer for the National Park Service in Kings Canyon. Since late 2007, he has worked on the Tulare County General Plan Update and the Boswell Corporation's Yokohl Ranch proposal and has attended a variety of one day environmental workshops.