may 2007 san diego sierra

8/12/2019 May 2007 San Diego Sierra

1/32 May/June 2007 Hi Sierran San Diego 1

Vol 66 No. 3 on the web at: sandiego.sierraclub.org May/June 2007

EXPLORE, ENJOY AND PROTECT THE PLANET

In this issue:CONTENTCanyons Campaign15

Conservation Committee8

ExCom Noms Needed28

Inner City Outings10

Powerline Hype6

Remembering Royce Riggan12Sierra Club Caliofornia27

SRPL Forest Risk5

View from the Chair2

EVENTSChapter Outings20

Desert Committee Outings26

Meetings & Activities18

Monthly Programs16

2007 Bus Trip Schedule25

Forests Campaign Makes ProgressTowards Stopping Massive Energy ProjectIn The Cleveland National Forest

By Juana Torres and John Monsen

Sunrise Powerlink isnt the

only risky energy project threaten-ing the health and beauty of theCleveland National Forest. TheNevada Hydro company is seek-ing a license to build a 24-storyhigh dam and 30 miles of newtransmission lines in the forestnear the northern boundary ofthe San Diego Chapter. Workingwith chapter volunteers, the SierraClubs Southern California ForestsCampaign has made progress in

stopping the dam from drowningoak-filled Morrell Canyon at thegateway to the San Mateo Wilder-ness.

Most notably, in January, the

Federal Energy Regulatory Commis-sion (FERC) released its analysis ofthe project. The analysis clearlyreflected the impact of project op-ponents since FERC decided not torecommend the 24-story high damin Morrell Canyon! Instead, theproject was recommended in itssister canyon, Decker. This new lo-cation presents a much more costlyand difficult challenge for damconstruction, making the project

less likely to ever be built.This important step in stop-

Juana Torres sends over 300 comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Past comments

have encouraged the agency to add many restrictions to the dam and transmission line project pro-

posed for the Cleveland National Forest. Photo Courtesy of Southern California Forests Campaign

A Sierra Club

SummerNight Onthe Town

Friday, July 20thJoin old friends and ma kenew ones while enjoying anevening downtown for din-ner at the Luxor Caf andDirty Rotten Scoundrels atthe Civic Center. This eveningis sponsored by the Conser-vation Committees CoastalSanctuary Campaign. Seepage 9 for more information.

Continued on page 4


2/32 2 May/June 2007 Hi Sierran San Diego

Sierra Club San Diego Chapter3820 Ray StreetSan Diego, CA 92104 - 3623website:http://sandiego.sierraclub.org

EDITORJustin Lewis (619)[email protected]

ART DIRECTOR

Michael Coffey (619)[email protected]

EDITOR/ADVERTISING

[email protected]

COMMITTEE CHAIROUTINGS EDITOR

Pauline Jimenez (619)[email protected]

CONSERVATION EDITOR

[email protected]

MEETINGS EDITORCheryl Reiff (619)[email protected]

ACTIVITIES [email protected]

One Club ListservTo subscribe go to

WWW.SIERRACLUB.ORG/MEMBERLISTS?LISTNAME=SANDIEGO-ONECLUB-FORUM

May/June 2007USPS896140The Hi Sierran(USPS 896140) is published bi-monthly by the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra

Club, 3820 Ray St., San Diego, CA 92104-3623,

for members in San Diego and Imperial counties.

One dollar of the annual membership fee is for a

subscription to the Hi Sierran. Periodicals PostagePaid at San Diego, CA. Postmaster: Send address

changes to Hi Sierran, Sierra Club Members Ser-

vices, PO Box 52968, Boulder CO 80322-2968.

Address Correction?Send your current mailing labeland your correct address to:Sierra ClubPO Box 52968Boulder, Colorado 80322-2968Or e-mail membership number and your correctaddress to:

[email protected] allow 4 - 6 weeks for processing.

View from the chair

It has been over 30 years sinceJoni Mitchell first warned, Dontit always seem to go, That youdont know what youve got till itsgone?

Deep down, we all know that isthe truth, whether it is a relation-ship or a tree. But its not enoughto just agree with Joni.

One pre-cious thing

that we arein danger oflosing rightnow is ourability to con-trol, withinreason, whathappens toour commu-nities, ourbackcountryand our en-ergy future.

Yes, I amtalking aboutS D G & E sSunrise Powerlink transmissionline.

SDG&E and its parent com-pany, Sempra Utilities, have a planto meet the regions energy needswhile maximizing their profits.That would be fine, except that

their plan is a really dumb ideafor the California ratepayers whowould buy the line for SDG&E, forthe communities along the route,and for all of us who would loseprecious backcountry lands. TheSunrise Powerlink plan is out-moded. It is not the best plan forus, and it probably is not even thebest plan for SDG&E.

So, the Sierra Club is going to

lead the region into an energy fu-ture that makes sense. This will bean effort like you have not seen be-fore. The Club is not aloneotherconservation and community organizations will be part of this greaeffort.

Join us in accomplishing whatwill be a wonderful and lasting

achievement.

From time-totime, we will beasking members toshow up at hearingsor events or sendin postcards to support smart energyand protection ofour backcountry andcommunities. Youwont want to missout on the next opportunity to helpmake a difference

Just ask anyone whowas at the State Park

and Recreation Hearing in BorregoSprings a couple of months agoThe level of energy in the hearingroom could have lit up a few thou-sand households! If you are in ahurry, call Martha Bertles (leave amessage if she is not there) to let us

know how we can contact you.Tax-deductible donations can be

made out to The Sierra Club Foun-dation, and be sure to put in thememo section of the check that itis for the Sierra Clubs San DiegoSmart Energy Solutions Campaign.(It is important that the check bemade out this way because of IRSregulations.)

Get energized!

By Joe Zechman

The SunrisePowerlink planis outmoded. Itis not the bestplan for us, andit probably is noteven the bestplan for SDG&E.



By Cindy Buxton

Pine Creek Wilderness: Rebirth and Renewal

Does this Pine Creek photolook familiarsort of? If you canplace Corte Madera at the top, asSan Diegos miniature version ofHalf Dome glistening in the sun,you are right. But if you just cantquite figure out which part of theEspinosa Trail this is, have heart,its not. This is part of a new trailaccess to Pine Creeksort of. Thisis actually an old trail that was

nearly extinct, overgrown, and for-gotten in the last decade or so. Inthe aftermath of the Horse Fire andrebirth of the Pine Creek Wilder-ness, wilderness trails ranger, DaveVolgarino, the Desanso Districtsanswer to Indiana Jones and Jere-miah Johnson all in one, has beenworking diligently to give rebirthto this marvelous southern routeto Pine Creek.

Probably one of San Diegosmost visited and beloved wilder-ness hideaways, shown on thecover of Jerry Shads first two ver-sions of Afoot and Afield in San

Diego County, the Pine CreekWilderness is getting a naturalfacelift. Before the fire, the sheerrocky cliffs, green meadows, hugeold oaks, side canyons tricklingand polished granite were cov-ered and could not be enjoyed.

Dave, a hotshot firefighter turnedhotshot trail-builder, is adding hisown expert touch to manicure theold southern trail that winds downinto the gorge and runs along along section of Pine Creek. He hasalso included significant rockwork,contouring and critical erosioncontrol.

On Saturday, May 12th, Davewill take a break from his wilder-

ness hide-a-way to give the publica tour. He will describe the HorseFire rehab underway and other is-sues of managing wilderness, trailsand visitors in this spectaculartreasure! On June 2nd, to celebrateNational Trails Day and all thattrails give us, Dave will provide a

hands-on opportunity to participate in maintaining the trails andlearn about how they are con-structed near the Foster Lodge. Seeoutings section for details!

New section of trail in Pine Creek Wilderness makes a delightful loop along Pine Creek.



ping the Lake Elsinore AdvancedPump Storage (LEAPS) was the re-sult of the hard work coordinatedby the Forests Campaign, the Santa

Ana Mountains Task Force and keyallies like local Elsinore Valley ho-meowners and Lake Elsinore hanggliders. Dave Voss of the ChaptersForest & Wilderness Committee,and many others, have been im-portant elements in the fight.

Additionally, FERC staff rec-ommended undergrounding fivemiles of transmission lines. Un-dergrounding of the power lines

is costly and technically complex,which also makes the project moreexpensive and less practical tobuild. The FERC staff recommenda-tions still leave almost 30 miles ofmassive transmission lines whichcould interfere with fire fighting,scar scenic vistas, and even be asource of wildfire ignition, so thereis still more work to be done.

In early March, over 300 For-ests campaign members sent a let-

Forest Campaign continued from page 1

TAKE ACTIONJoin the Southern CaliforniaForests Campaign to Help StopThis Dam Project

You can add your voice to thegrowing chorus of opponentsto the risky energy project that

would add 30 miles of powerlines and a massive dam to theTrabuco District of the Cleve-land National Forest. Visit:www.sierraclub.org/ca/so-calforests to sign up and wewill keep you up-to-date onsimple actions you can take tostop this terrible project.

ter to FERC asking that the com-mission not issue a license for theproject anywhere in the ClevelandNational Forest. The five membersof the commission will be taking a

final vote later in the year on theproject and we want to keep upthe pressure. The LEAPS projectalso faces a State of California en-vironmental review process duringwhich we will all have an addi-tional chance to weigh in againstit.

In 2005, the Taum Saukpumped storage dam in Mis-souri failed catastrophically, re-leasing a billion gallons of water

in just 12 minutes. The proposedLEAPS project is twice as large asTaum Sauk, and the City of San

Juan Capistrano is wary of the po-tential risk of floodingand lossof lifeif LEAPS were to be builtin the Cleveland National For-est. Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taum_Sauk_pumped_stor-age_plant for more information onthis troubling precedent.

To learn more about this proj-ect or to join the campaign, pleasevisit our website at www.sierra-club.org/ca/socalforests. By supporting the Southern California

Forests Campaign, you can helpprotect an irreplaceable naturalegacy for generation to come.

Caption: As population increases around the Cleveland National Forest, it becomes ever more important to protect the beauty and health of the forest

itself. (c)2005 Andrew M. Harvey/Lighthawk.



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The panoramic views of deep gorges, mountain-tops, waterfalls and 150-ft. tall steel power poles.The sound of water cascading down the creek, windrustling through the trees, birds of prey circling over-head and the buzzing of 500,000 volt power lines.Did you know that if SDG&E fails to get its preferredroute for the Sunrise Powerlink through the Anza-Bor-rego Desert State Park, the CPUC (California PublicUtilities Commission) might allow SDG&E to run thelines through pristine areas in the Cleveland NationalForest?

Most people know of SDG&Es preferred routethrough ABDSP. Not as many are aware that threeroute alternatives would send the line directly throughthe CNF, in some cases in pristine areas that are pro-

National Forests at Risk fromSunrise PowerlinkBy Dave Voss, Forest and WildernessCommittee Co-Chair

posed to set aside as official Wilderness Areas.The lines would run right over the Mildred Falls. A

spectacular 100-ft. drop, it is one of the most beautifuand easiest to reach waterfalls in San Diego CountyThese routes would cross some of the most beautifuand remote areas in the Cleveland National Forest, in-cluding the following:

-San Diego River Gorge: a proposed Research Nat-ural Area and proposed Wild and Scenic River

-Cedar Creek: a proposed Wild and Scenic River-Cotton Wood Creek: a proposed Wild and Scenic

River-Guatay Mountain: a proposed Research Natura

Continued on page 14



The electricity industry wants to build massivenew transmission infrastructure, and it is telling usthat this will bring renewable energy to Californiabut the truth is much less encouraging.

Utilities are promoting new transmission projectsas necessary for renewable energy, but taken as awhole their current proposals would convey very littlerenewable energy.

The state generally relies on investor-owned utili-ties to propose transmission projects. The utilities con-tinue to focus on transmission for gas- and coal-fired

generating plants, not renewables. The let the marketdecide approach is not working.

For example, the Frontier Transmission Line wouldrun 1,000 miles from Wyoming to California. Promot-ers speak of moving 6,000 MW of coal power and6,000 MW of wind power, but their primary purposeis to expand production of coal power in Wyoming.The line could also move wind power, but only ifsomeone happens to develop some as an adjunct tothe wave of coal power. Fortunately, in late 2006 Cali-fornia passed legislation prohibiting California utili-ties from contracting for large amounts of power fromlow-efficiency power plants, with the specific intent ofexcluding conventional coal-fired plants. The future ofthe Frontier Line is now uncertain.

Sunrise Powerlink would run from the Mexicanborder near El Centro via San Diego County to tie into the Southern California Edison (SCE) grid in the LosAngeles area. The line is being hyped by San DiegoGas and Electric (SDG&E) as critical to maximizing re-newable-energy development in Imperial County, butSDG&E is proposing a flawed solar technology. In real-ity, the primary purpose of the Sunrise Powerlink is

to allow SDG&Es unregulated parent Sempra to sellto SCE electricity generated in Mexico using importedgas from Sempras Baja California LNG terminal.

Sunrise would pass through the heart of the Anza-Borrego State Park, damaging the park and setting anominous precedent for other state parks.

A major transmission line known as the GreenPath North, scheduled for completion by 2010 bythe Los Angeles Department of Water and Power(LADWP) and the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) tomove Imperial Valley renewable energy to the coast,

Hyping new power lines: industry dressescoal and gas in renewables clothingBy Bill PowersCalifornia Energy and Climate Change Committee

avoids Anza-Borrego and will cost much less thanSunrise. Since neither LADWP or IID is regulated bythe California Public Utilities Commission, howeverthe CPUC is institutionally blind to the project. YetGreen Path North will render Sunrise redundant forrenewablesbut available for fossil power.

Nevada Hydro Companys Lake Elsinore AdvancedPump Storage (LEAPS) transmission project wouldadd another interconnection between the SCE andSDG&E transmission grids. The scheme is to pumppolluted Lake Elsinore water 1,600 feet uphill every

night, store it behind a 180-foot dam located in whatis now a pristine canyon in the Cleveland NationaForest, and release it during the day to generate hydroelectric power to sell at daytime peak rates. NevadaHydro implies that the project will use wind and solarenergy to lift water, but for the foreseeable future themajority of the pumping power would come from fos-sil-fuel plants.

One bright spot among California renewable-energy transmission projects is the Tehachapi wind-col-lector transmission system, designed to access up to4,000 MW of additional wind power. SCE will developthis project. The system will serve only the Tehachapwind fields, which are in effect a transmission cul-de-sac, eliminating the industry temptation to game theline and use it to access power from pet fossil proj-ects.

The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 gives the De-partment of Energy two years to designate critical en-ergy corridors, essentially energy superhighways. Theintent was to shut out critical review at the state andlocal levels. California regulators have fought this federal power grab in what has historically been a state

concern, but the states own laissez-faire approach totransmission is doing little to accelerate renewable-energy development at remote sites.

To genuinely maximize renewables developmentthe state needs transmission-access regulations thatprioritize access for remote high-value solar, windand geothermal resources and assure that the lines arenot co-opted in favor of conventional power plantsThe purpose of the linesrenewable energy transmissionmust be clear, simple, and nonnegotiable.


7/32



By Ellen Shively and Randy Berkman

Conservation Committee

Advocating for Mission Valley

To our knowledge, environmen-tal organizations have waged fourbattles since 2002 for the environ-mental integrity of Mission Valley.The first involved an extension ofa parking lot for the Mission ValleyYMCA on Friars Road followed bythe expansion of the Ys offices fur-ther south into the floodplain. Thisarea is particularly sensitive, as itmakes an incursion into the San

Diego Rivers northern bank. Inan appeal, Randy Berkman of theRiver Valley Preservation Project(RVPP), Eric Bowlby, Sierra Club(SC) and Jim Peugh from the SanDiego Audubon (SDA) argued thatthe runoff from the asphalt wouldcontaminate the river waters, thatfloodplain expansion is contraryto Council Policy 600-14, that itis an unwise move for the City toapprove this project on free-rentpublic land, and that recreationallosses for office and parking wereunwise designated uses.

We won the first appeal June 4,2002, by a 5-4 vote. The YMCA re-vised the original plans for a park-ing lot in the floodway to an adja-cent place on Friars Road, whichwas opposed by then Mayor Mur-phy. This plan kept the office ex-pansion in the floodplain and was

approved in November 2003. Thearea that was to be the floodwayparking lot was to be turfed forkids; and a riparian buffer on thebanks of the San Diego River wasto be planted. There was also aconcern for noise impacts to localbirds, such as the Bells Vireo.There were no direct CoastalSage Scrub or wetland impacts,although Councilmember Donna

Frye did express disappointmentover the loss of recreational fa-cilities such as tennis and rollerhockey.

The victory was not exactly aswe had envisioned, but better thanthe original plan.

Another case was won on May28, 2002, when Sierra Club, Audu-bon, RVPP, Mission Valley Com-munity Council (MVCC), and Bay

Council won a surprise 8-0 Appealof the Mission City Parkway Bridgelocated southwest of the Qual-comm stadium and through someof the most pristine wetlands inthe valley. The endangered BellsVireos had been sighted here. Pre-vailing wisdom was that the bridgewould be approved, especiallysince it was an integral factor inthe transportation pattern for the2004 Super Bowl.

In 2003, RVPP, we appealeda Mitigated Negatie Declaration(MND) by the owners of the AAAoffice building in the San DiegoRiver floodplain. AAA had done il-legal demolition to a known BellsVireo habitat during the nestingseason. The site is adjacent to theWest Mission Valley Light RailTransits wetlands mitigation sitenear the Taylor St. exit off I-8. This

was the first time in San Diegothat a new state law was usedwhich applied an appeal of theCalifornia Environmental QualityAct (CEQA) document to electedofficials. The vote was a 4-4 tie,and had previous California caselaw been followed the MNDwould not have been approved.Casey Gwinn, the acting City At-torney, ruled that the tie vote was

a victory for AAA. It is now Municipal law that any such decisionsmust win by a five-vote majorityfor the CEQA document to be approved. City Council representative Donna Frye championed theoutcome on all of the above issuesas Mission Valley is in her districtLast year, a medical office buildingthat exceeded the steep slope ordi-nance and Mission Valley Commu-

nity Plans 150-ft. elevation limitby 50 vertical feet, was the focusof another battle. The project pro-posed a ten thousand square footoffice above leased retail stores. A1600-ft. retaining wall was to but-tress the steep slopes behind thebuildingpossibly the longestprivate use of retaining walls inSan Diego. Coupled with brush fireclearance requirements and theunsightly back walls, the projectwent on appeal by members of theMVCC and the Normal HeightsCitizens Group, Randy, EricEllen, Lynne Mulholland and JimPeugh. This time we prevailed inan 8-0 decision, as the MitigatedNegative Declaration (MND) wasdeemed inadequate compared tothe impacts and multiple exceptions to environmental codes.

We relate these stories to en

courage those among you to speakout if a development proposal inyour neighborhood seems inappropriate. Joining with an establishedpro-environmental organizationhas the advantage of many voicesshared with those more experiencedin working the process through thesystem. You win some and you losesome - but youll never win if youdont speak up!


9/32

Sierra Club presents

Summer Night On the TownFriday, July 20th

Dinner at the Luxor Caf 6 p.m.Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Civic Center 8 p.m.

Join old friends and make new ones while enjoying an evening downtown for dinner at the

newly-remodeled Luxor Caf, specializing in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine (5th

Ave. and B). Then well stroll to the Civic Theater (3rd Ave. and B) for the delicious mu-

sical comedy, Dirty Rotten Scroundrels.The play follows two con artists as they take on the

lifestyles of the rich and shameless on the glamorous Riviera, but end up with a lot more than

they bargain for.

This evening is sponsored by the Conservation Committees Coastal Sanctuary Campaign.Please clip and mail the coupon below to reserve your space!

A Summer Night On the TownMENU

Salad

Entre:vegan or vegetarian plate, mixed grill or gourmet pizza

(PLEASECIRCLEONE)All choices include long grain basmati rice.

Desert: baklava or bassamBeverage:tea, coffee or soda (no host bar available)

________ Dinner only - $28 per person

________ Theater only - $28 per person

________ Dinner and Theater - $56 per person

________ Total

NAME(S) _________________________________________________________

EMAIL ___________________________________________________________

PHONE ___________________________________________________________

Please make out your check to Sierra Club ConsCom, and include Coastal Sanctuary Campaign in the memo

section. For credit cards, please provide type of card, expiration date, your name as it appears on the card and the total

amount to be charged. Contact Ellen at ellenshively@sbcglobal for any questions about the campaign.

Mail to: San Diego Chapter, Sierra Club, 3820 Ray Street, San Diego, CA 92104-3623



Inner City Outings (ICO) is acommunity outreach program ofthe Sierra Club dedicated to pro-viding positive experiences inthe wilderness to underservedyouth. Our goal is to open theminds of youth, helping them toappreciate the wilderness, and

develop a desire to protect it.Please visit our website at http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ico/.

New Volunteer Orientations:May 17, 2007 or June 21, 2007We hold New Volunteer Orienta-tion Meetings to help interestedparties learn more about San DiegoICO. Everyone is welcome! Ournext ICO New Volunteer Orienta-tions will be held at 6:30 pm at the

San Diego Chapters Sierra Cluboffice (3820 Ray Street in NorthPark). Or, contac t us to learnmore about spending time withICO: Jim Davis, ICO VolunteerCoordinator [email protected].

Upcoming OutingsWe have several outings comingup for the Spring Season! For moreinformation take a look at the ICO

outings calendar at http://sandi-ego.sierraclub.org/ico/.

How to DonateSan Diego ICO trips are provided atno cost to our youth participants.However, we do have expenses.As a non-profit organization, SanDiego ICO accepts donations.Monies are used to fund groupoutings as well as leadership train-ing initiatives. Outing costs gen-erally include transportation, parkentry fees, food, and supplies. Allcash donations are tax deductiblethrough the Sierra Club Founda-tion under section 501(c)(3) of theInternal Revenue Code. To donatefunds, make a check out to SierraClub Foundation/San Diego ICOand send to: Jim Davis, ICO Do-nations, 841 W. 2nd Ave., Escon-dido, CA 92025, [email protected] 760-739-8407.

By Sean Voisen

Your recent generous sup-port of Inner City Outings willbring many smiles and won-derful memories to San Diego-area kids. In the words of oneof our after-school programstaff, ICO has improved ouryouths lives by providing safe,fun, and adventurous activities.We have used the ICO trips asan incentive. Our childrens

grades have improved becausethey want to be included on fu-ture trips. The ICO volunteershave created a special bond with the kids and gained their trust whenmost of the adults in their lives have abandoned them or let themdown. The ICO volunteers have been the most valuable resource wehave obtained over the years of our program.

Special Thanks To:North County Sierra Club Wilderness Basics CourseScripps Assists Employee Volunteer ClubBD BiosciencesThe Fusenot Foundation

Jimbos Natural FoodsREISoroptomists of Coronado

Julie Hocking & James BarossFrank & Lois Day BonamassaPatrick & Patricia DiedrichZoe HeraldPauline Jimenez

Jayne & David Moulton Evelyn NodererCynthia Perry

Ellen Warner ScottEllen Shively

John Seileman, Jr.Melvin WinestockRichard & Elaine Woodward

Inner City OutingsThanks You!

Courtesy Sean Voisen.



oster LodgeF The Sierra Club Foster Lodge is in the LagunaMountains 12 mi. north of I8 on Sunrise Highway,

across from Mt. Laguna/El Prado campground.

The small cabin is open from 10 a.m. Sat. to 2 p.m. Sun. for Sierra Club

members and their guests. The large cabin is for use by Sierra Club groups

as well as guest groups with a club sponsor. Call Steve Rotchsteinfor reservations and prices for the large cabin.

Lodge Committee Chair: Randy Parrish (619) 478-5188Large Cabin Rentals/Res: Steve Rotchstein (619) 461-2919

Small Cabin Info: Susan Parrish (619) 478-5188

SMALL CABIN FEES (WITH MEMBERSHIP CARD)

MEMBERS GUESTS ADULTS (612) ADULTS (612) (65+)DAYUSE: $5 $4 $8 $6 $5FAMILY: $15 INCLUDED $25 INCLUDEDOVERNIGHT: $7 $5 $12 $8 $5FAMILY: $22 INCLUDED $38 INCLUDED

For more information go to: www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/lodge/

Due to special

reserved events,

the Foster Lodge

will be closed

May 1920

June 910, 1617.

Friday Potluck MixersMay: Green InvestingJune: Global Warming

You are invited to a Friday evening of fun, good conversationand an interesting speaker. Bring a snack to share. Wine,soda, juice and popcorn are provided. We will start at 6pmat the Sierra Club chapter office located at 3820 Ray Streetin North Park. For more information contact Justin Martelloat 619-698-4330 or [email protected]:Friday, May 18 Blue Summit Financial Group, Green Investing.Learn how to align your investments with your environmental andsocial values.

Friday, June 15 HOME International, Global WarmingfeaturingLeonardo DiCaprio and other short films. Join the discussion aboutwhat can be done to address climate change in San Diego.

Letter tothe Editor

The March/April 2007 issueof The Hi SierranHi Sierra in-cludes a birthday message to JohnMuir written by Paul Hormick.Apparently, the author has revisedMuir into what he thinks Muirwould stand for NOW, given thecurrent ubiquitousness of automo-biles. The thing is, during Muirslife, cars were not so prevalent, andsome thought they would not catchon, since they made horses spook. Ihavent read all of his writings, butI am unaware of any strong standtaken by Muir against the encroach-

ment of the automobile into wilder-ness, as Mr. Hormick suggests. Onthe contrary, in at least some of hiswritings, Muir embraced and en-couraged the use of cars as a meansto transport people to some of theremote, wild places he loved somuch.

Times have changed, and it isfine for the modern Sierra Club totake necessary stands to protectwild places, but beware revisionisthistory. We are all products of ourtime and culture. The real historyis more interesting and full of nu-ances than the one that Mr. Hor-mick would invent.

Lisa Wood,Member, Reader, Author, HorsebackRider, and yes, Automobile Driver.

Want to share your opinion onsomething youve read in TheHi Sierran? Letters to the edi-tor can be submitted by emailto [email protected] or by mail to Sierra ClubSan Diego, 3820 Ray Street, SanDiego, CA 92104. Please note,that all submissions are sub-ject to review by the Hi SierranCommittee.



believe hes gone, but hes watching. If we flub upRoyce, with a wink of his eye, will nudge us back onthe straight and narrow path. To his two kids, Andreaand RP, I can attest that Royce was a devoted fatherand grandfather.

There is a Hebrew expression, Tkun olam,which means heal the world. We surely need manymore Royce Riggans. Rest in peace, my friend!

A Friend of Mice and Snakes

By Pat KlaasenIn 1982, I attended my first Nature Knowledge

Workshop, and subsequently did 10 years in a row,working as staff to pay my way. Royce always ar-rived on Saturday morning in a cloud of dust, drivinga tired-looking car that was filled with boxes, tanksand tools of his trade. In 1985 Royce arrived on Satur-day morning with a rosy boa which hed picked up onSunrise Highway. It was my first year on kitchen crewRoyce entrusted me with the snake while he rushedoff to do his nature walk with the students whodpractically fought to get their names on his list before

A County Grieves for a Lost GuardianCompiled by Cheryl Reiff

Sierra Clubbers, as well as many other nature lov-

ers in our region, are mourning the passing of Royce

Riggan. Royce, probably San Diegos finest biologist/

naturalist, participated in many of our major activi-

ties, such as the Wilderness Basics Course and the Na-

ture Knowledge Workshop. He also helped out with

speaking engagements and provided the chapter expert

advice. Being with Royce for any reason was always a

treat. He was loved by all who met him.

Following are a few tributes to this wonderful and

endearing man who spent his life with a mission simi-

lar to the clubsexploring, enjoying and protecting theearth and her creatures.

Remembering RoyceBy Lee Siegel

Royce was one of those people youd label BIG-GER THAN LIFE. He was a born teacherin love withlife, and excited like a young kid.

I first met Royce when I attended Nature Knowl-edge Workshop (NKW) as a participant in 1983. Hispassion for nature was very evident. His mammal

workshop was always extremelypopular.

When I took over the orga-nizing of NKW in 1985, I gotto know Royce pretty well. Hewas a jovial man of Scots-Irishdescent who had a joke forevery occasion. He loved his bi-ology career and he loved NKW,instructing in all 29 years of itsexistence! For diversion he en-

joyed war games and strategies.Royces dedication is borneout by the beautiful naturemanual that he compiled. Withhis busy schedule I dont knowhow he found the time or theenergy, but he did! The classyflyers were his doing, too.

Aside from his widespreadknowledge, Royce was a hell ofa nice guy! He was generousof heart and soul. I still cant

What a great loss,what a great man. I

had the pleasure of

meeting him at the

2003 Nature Work

Shop and chatting at

several CBC outings.Earl Cryer.



it was full. I wore that rosy around my neck all morn-ing while preparing lunch for 100 attendees. At theworkshops end, Royce released the rosy near wherehed found it. Another year, my husband, Larry, and Iwent out with Royce in the early evening to set have-a-heart traps for deer mice. Unfortunately none tookthe bait. In 2005 I went back to NKW as a participant,with my grandson in tow. Someone alerted Royce thata baby rattlesnake was in the parking lot, so he caughtit and put it in a tank with a similarly-sized snake ofthe same species. The two bonded immediately. At theend of the session, we walked up the path with Royceto release the snake far from the Lodge.

Royce always brought snakes of his own, and hispet tarantula, Dorothy, whom hed owned for at least14 years. It was a delight to see NKW students handlea snake for the first timeusually battling great fear todo soor to see a student allowing a tarantula to walkon her arm with its palpably soft feet.

Royces NKW nature walks were magical, as

he would send students scrambling in all directionswith baggies to bring back something of interest. Wewere never disappointed. Royce, a friend of mice andsnakes, a man of boundless and infectious enthusi-asm, will be sorely missed.

Sierra Singles!For Single Adults

Hikes ConcertsBonfires DancingVolleyball Picnics

And more . . .

619 - 708 8111

20s & 30s Single SierransFor singles aged 20-39

http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/20s30s/a section of the San Diego Chapter

Headaches?

activates your bodys own healing to get you back to what you

would rather be doing by healing the cause and ending the cycle of

recurring headaches.

Ursula Dobelmann Homeopathic Practitioner

www.TowardsYourHealth.com (858) 272-5797

Whats in a Name?By Paul Sellers

Relationship BuilderOptimisticYoung at HeartCuriousEcologist

Respectful of LifeIntelligentGenerous with TimeGreat TeacherAmiableNaturalist



Area (to protect the only known stand of TecateCypress)

-Four units of the proposed Eagle Peak Wilderness:No Name, Cedar Creek, Sill Hill and San DiegoRiver Gorge

-Eagle Peak Preserve: hundreds of acres purchased

by the San Diego River Foundation for habitatprotection-Inventoried Roadless Areas, which should be pro-tected from construction of the roads that wouldbe needed for utility construction and mainte-nance.

According to the SD Union Tribune, the CPUC didnot take into consideration the U.S. Forest Servicescomments that criticized these routes.

One of the alternative routes would cross land do-nated by private citizens to the Forest Service to besaved in perpetuity. Certainly they never thought their

precious gift would be used as a utility corridor. Doyou think future donors would be as generous?

These proposed Wilderness Areas and Wild andScenic Rivers were recently included in a bill by Sena-tor Boxer that would prevent these power lines fromever being built. At the same time that Senator Boxeris trying to preserve these pristine wild areas with theCalifornia Wild Heritage Act, SDG&E is trying to de-stroy them.

Besides archeological, cultural and historical sites,these lines would also impact many species: TecateCypress, Engleman Oak, California Gnatcatchers,Golden Eagles, San Diego Horned Lizard, Arroyo Toad,Steelhead Trout, California Pond Turtle, two speciesof Striped Garter Snake and California Brown Newt.As Ryan Henson of the California Wilderness Coali-tion stated, public lands in southern California aremore important than ever before as refuges for sensi-tive plant and wildlife species and for maintaining thequality of life for the areas residents.

Other routes have been eliminated due to fire risk,but the CPUC seems to have ignored the extreme firedanger in this area. As Cindy Buxton (COL and For-

est and Wilderness Committee member) stated, Havethey forgotten so fast that Californias largest fire racedstraight up the face of this mountain sending 100 yardflames into the air only five hours after it started, rightwhere this line could be?

The Eagle Peak area sees very high winds, espe-cially during Santa Ana winds. The 2003 Cedar Firewas started just a quarter of a mile from one of theroutes. In October 2006, a 69 KV power line broke dueto high Santa Ana winds and sparked a 5-acre fire.The 1970 Laguna fire was also started by a downed

power line.Not only can lines cause fires, they can also pre-

vent fire fighters from doing their job. Firefighters wilnot work under power lines unless they are de-ener-gized, because smoke can cause the power lines toflash and electrocute the firefighter. The Forest Ser-vice has shown that the lines prevent air tankers frombeing able to drop fire retardant in some of the mostfire prone areas in the county.

Another problem is the on-going damage done bythe maintenance of the lines. SDG&E contractors haveshown contempt for the environment as they scar theland and dump soil into our pristine creeks. The ex-isting 69 kv line is a constant source of erosion thathas yet to be brought under control. The annual fluff-ing and rinsing of top soil on the steep line roads intoCedar and Boulder Creek. Temporary and permanentutility roads for this project will allow invasive speciesdeep into our natural area and encourage illegal OHVactivities.

The Forest Service describes this area as a remoteprimitive landscape with deep, rugged river canyonspopular waterfalls and scenic vistas. This is one othe key ecological areas within the national forests osouthern California, containing a large number of rarespecies and habitats.

Power lines do not fit in this description. Say noto the Sunrise Powerlink and any alternative that in-volves transmission lines. Say Yes to the No Wiresalternatives!

Sunrise Forest continued from page 5



The Sierra Club San Diego Can-yons Campaign has been rolling forseven years, and every now and thenwe get a shining glimpse of the fruitsof our labor. Sometimes its a suc-cessful restoration project where thenative vegetation has been reestab-lished, a hillside of weeds are re-placed, and an endangered song bird,(CA Gnat Catcher) is foraging there.But like the scarlet flowers of the

thorny gooseberry, its San Diegosyouth that brings the brightest andmost profound rewards. Sometimesits 100 4th graders rushing to meetyou at the trail head of their neigh-borhood canyon -on their way to ahost of educational activities. Othertimes its when one child comesback to visit and care for the nativeplants they put into the groundonly weeks before.

Samantha Quiroz, the 13 year-old daughter of Theresa and PedroQuiroz, lives in a Chollas Creekneighborhood called Ridgeview in the heart of urbanSan Diego. Samantha and her mother have workedwith our campaign over the years in a variety of ca-pacities to help establish a Friends Group for ChollasCreek, and enthusiastically care for the area of thecreek that flows past her neighborhood. In additionto participating at the creek stewardship events, Sa-mantha has helped distribute flyers door-to-door invit-ing people to come on guided tours or to participate in

the cleanups and restoration work.In March, Samantha gave two weekday mornings

to staff an educational station to talk to 120 fourthgrade students from the local Encanto ElementarySchool. She shared her experiences and activities asa Friends Group member, and explained why the re-maining natural open spaces along Chollas Creek areimportant to her as well as the community at large.She and the Friends Group leader, Erin Harold, toldtheir stories four times each day to groups of 15 stu-dents, providing a connection for the 4th graders

Future Environmental LeadersGrowing out of Canyons CampaignBy Eric Bowlby, Sierra Club, San Diego CanyonsCampaign Coordinator

Samantha Quiroz gives a presentation on Chollas Creek to a group of 4th graders from Encanto

Elementary, March 19, 2007, Community of Chollas View, San Diego.

that are learning that people care about the creek.Samantha has already demonstrated her commit-

ment to wildlife and the health of the open spacesthat remain in her otherwise completely urban envi-ronment. Now Samantha wants to broaden her knowledge of natural ecosystems. She applied for, and wona scholarship to attend the Teton Science School in theGrand Tetons of Wyoming this summer.

This is a grassroots story that started four years

ago when I was delivering flyers door-to-door and metSamanthas mother. They both enrolled in the friendsgroup for Chollas Creek. For those of us who haveworked side-by-side with Samantha over the years inthe many educational and stewardship activities wehave organized, this is, indeed, a glowing momentWhen we see the eyes of youth training on their environmentthirsty to learn how they can help keepnature healthy and vibrant in their communities andtheir liveswe can begin to rest because we haveachieved our most important goal.



Monthly programs meet at the Joyce Beers Center at 3900 Vermont Street. Additional parking isavailable under Trader Joes and Ralphs. Free and open to the public. Program Chair Mannie Kugler.

Friday, May 25th program, 7:30 p.m.The Osa Peninsula : Mecca of Biodiversity

The Osa Peninsula is a tropi-cal paradise situated in the remotesouthwestern corner of Costa Rica.Although the peninsula is only 35miles long and 15 miles wide, it ishome to a staggering number ofunique animals, birds, plants andinsects. The National Geographiccalled the Osa the most biologi-cally intense place on the planet

because of its extremely high bio-diversity packed into a small geo-graphic location. The area hosts arich array of fauna including jag-uar, the Central American squir-rel monkey, the Bairds tapir andthree species of sea turtles (oliveridley, Pacific green and leather-back). More than 375 bird speciesare found on the Osa Peninsula, in-cluding the countrys largest popu-lation of the threatened scarletmacaw. After several years of ru-mors, the magnificent Harpy Eaglehas recently been rediscovered anddocumented living in the Osa rain-forests. Roy Toft made his first tripto the Osa in 1990, and his fasci-nation and love of this place con-

A slide presentation by Roy Toft

tinues to this day. Over the past 16years, Roy has visited the Osa over20 times and is currently finishing

up a coffeetable bookproject onthe natural

wonders ofthe Penin-sula.

D e d i -c a t e d t odocument-ing our nat-ural worldfor futuregenerations,professional

photographer

Roy Toft chooses to focussolely on wild imagesthat convey a sense of theanimals character andspirit. His images havebeen featured in NationaGeographic, SmithsonianAudubon, Wildlife Conservation, Discover magazines and other notable

publications to advanceconservation efforts globally. As a result, he hasbeen named a foundingfellow of the prestigiousInternational League ofConservation Photographers (ILCP). Tofts strik-ing wildlife images arealso available worldwidethrough the National Geographic Image Collectionand Getty Images. Royshares his love for teaching and photography by

regularly instructing photographic classes, tour groups

and workshops in the field. Royspopular Rainforests of Costa Ricaworkshop was recently filmed fortelevision. The show, Fine LivingNetworks Fantasy Camp, has ap-peared on T.V. and airline flights

When he is not in the field, Royoffers his popular Shoot Like thePros classes from his gallery inSolana Beach, California. His homeoffice is in the scenic mountainousregion of beautiful North CountySan Diego.

Poison Dart Frog

Chestnut-mandabled Toucan



Monthly programs meet at the Joyce Beers Center at 3900 Vermont Street. Additional parking isavailable under Trader Joes and Ralphs. Free and open to the public. Program Chair Mannie Kugler.

Friday, June 22nd program, 7:30 p.m.Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Join award winning travel pho-tographer, Jim Cline, on a journeythrough the fascinating and beau-tiful country of Peru. Jims pre-sentation features his travels onseveral trips to Peru to documentthe ancient cultures of the Inca in-habitants.

Well travel high in the Andesto Cuzco, the Sacred Valley of the

Inca, and of course to Machu Pic-chu. Well see ancient Inca ruinsat sites such as Sachsayhuaman,Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and col-orful markets where the modernday descendents of the Incas stillcarry on many of their ancient tra-ditions. Well go high in the Andesto visit small vil-lages se ldomvisited by out-siders, wherelife continueson as it has forcenturies. Wellthen continueon to Lake Titi-caca, which at12,600 feet isthe highest navi-gable lake in theworld. Welltravel by boat

to explore tra-ditional villageson the islands ofthe lake, includ-ing the famousFloating Islands.Finally, we venture high into theAndes in search of the elusiveAndean Condor, the largest flyingland bird on earth.

Jims wanderlust and search

for compelling images has broughthim to 30 countries around theglobe, but his area of special in-terest is in the countries of LatinAmerica. He especially enjoysexploring less-traveled areas, and

A slide presentation by Jim Cline

photographingthe indigenouspeoples and traditional culturesfound in developing nations. Hiswork has beendisplayed in galleries, the SanDiego His toryMuseum, andpublished in numerous books,magazines and

CD covers. Jimruns photo toursto destinationsthroughout theworld. For information on the

tours and to see some of Jims im-ages go to www.JimCline.com.

Top: Sacred Valley Andes, bottom: Machu Picchu, courtesy Jim Cline.



Meetings&ActivitiesUnless noted in the following descriptions, all meetings are held at the Sierra Club office, 3820 Ray St., in North

Park. For event information, see also the Activist San Diego web calendar: www.activistsandiego.org/environ-

ment or check the back page of this issue. Please note: Not all meetings are listed in this column. Please check

the back page. Submit meeting info to [email protected]. Please type Meetings Info in the subjectfield. Submit activities info to [email protected]. Meetings and activities must be sponsored

by a Sierra Club chapter or committee. The deadline for submissions for the next issue of the HiSierran is

June 1, 2007.

COASTALSUBCOMMITTEE

Call Joanne for time and location,858-459-7041.

CONSERVATIONCOMMITTEE2nd Tuesday ................. 6:30 p.m.

This is the umbrella committee forour conservation issue subcommit-tees. Join us to find out about ourlocal issues and how you can help.Volunteers are always needed onour various subcommittees.

May 8 and June 12

CONSERVATION ACTIONNETWORK (CAN)2nd Wednesday ................ 7 p.m.

We are in a campaign to save theharbor seal colony off the La Jollacoast. Come join us! John Hartley:619-299-8870/[email protected] 9 and June 13

DESERT

SUBCOMMITTEE4th Tuesday .................. 6:30 p.m.

Discussion of projects affecting ourlocal desert. Mappers needed.May 22 and June 26

EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE3rd Wednesday .............6:30 p.m.

May 16 and June 20

FORESTSUBCOMMITTEE1st Wednesday .............. 6:30 p.m.

We need your help with our manylocal and regional forest manage-ment issues.

May 2 and June 6

FOSTER LODGECOMMITTEE3rd Tuesday .................. 5:30 p.m.

Secretary Needed!Meets at theNorth Clairemont Rec Center. 4421Bannock Ave. For further info con-tact Mary Eggen at 858-453-1615.May 15 and June 19

FRIENDS OF THE SAN

DIEGO CHAPTER2nd Thursday ............... 4:30 p.m.

For more information, contactSteve Mather at (619) 437-8757 [email protected]. Like to party andneed something to do? Bring yourfun ideas and come help us withthe planning! Event planners,hosts, outreach & activity volun-teers needed!May 10 and June 14

GLOBAL WARMINGCOMMITTEE1st Monday ...................... 6 p.m.

We are focusing on the Cool CitiesCampaign and expanding betterenergy choices outreach and pro-grams to the public. 619-299-1797or http://www.coolcities.us/May 7 and June 4

HI SIERRAN(NEWSLETTER)COMMITTEE2nd Monday ..................... 6 p.m.

Please attend to find out how youcan help! Lots to do on this very

important committee. Ads Manager & Secretary needed!May 14 and June 11

INNER CITY OUTINGS3rd ThursdayOrientation ................... 6:30 p.m.

Board Meeting ..............7:30 p.m.

See page 10, or call Jim for Meet-ing Info 760-739-8407 orhttp://sandiego.sierraclub.org/icoMay 17 and June 21

INTERNATIONALSUBCOMMITTEE3rd Monday .................. 6:30 p.m.

May 21 and June 18

LAND USE COMMITTEE4th Monday ...................... 7 p.m.

Help with better community planning and help educate your community on planning processesCommunity Reps wanted!

May 28 and June 25

MEMBERSHIPCOMMITTEEVolunteer opportunities available!Call Bob McDowell - 858-565-1005for more information.

PHOTO SECTION2nd Thursday ................... 7 p.m.

New location!Wesley Palms, 2404

compiled by Cheryl Reiff

Meetings



Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109.See http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/photoclub/ for current info.May 10 and June 14

POLITICAL COMMITTEE1st Thursday ................. 6:30 p.m.

This committee may make en-dorsement recommendations at

meetings. All SC members are en-couraged to attend. Call for loca-tion.May 3 and June 7

WILDLIFE COMMITTEEVolunteers needed for Seals Cam-paign! (See CAN above) Join usto protect local wildlife. San Diegois a hotspot of biodiversity thatneeds our stewardship. Help us

plan fun and educational activitiesand work toward protection of ourlocal native species. Volunteersneeded for Seals Campaign! (SeeCAN above). Call Renee Owens,(858)538-8721, for further info.

POTLUCK &

MOVIE FRIDAYMay 4 & Jun 1 (1st Fri.) ..... 6-9 p.m

Sponsor: Chapter Coordinator

Coordinator: Cheryl Reiff, 619-299-1741

Location: Chapter Bookstore,

3820 Ray Street in North Park.

Join us for an evening of goodfood, compelling movies (May:The Future of Food; June: Uncov-ered: Whole Truth about the Iraq

War) and great discussion. Bring

a finger food to share. Pleaseno disposable containers orutensils. Wine, juice and popcornprovided. Donations and clean uphelp appreciated.

HOUSE CONCERTSMay 5 & Jun 30 ........................ 7 p.m.

Host: Carol Branch, 858-452-1539,

[email protected]

Assts: Jeff Thayer and friends

Sponsor: Sierra Singles

The 7th Day Buskers(May), anacoustic band playing roots musicof folk, bluegrass, alternativecountry, blues and Irish origin.Cindy Lee Berryhill and BigOil (June), will delight you withthe folksy music they call anti-country or twisted roots. Privatehome setting provides intimatevenue. Music starts at 8. Snacksand beverages provided. Potluckcontributions optional. Covercharge at the door. Reservationsrequired. Call or e-mail forreservations and details. Limitedto 50 guests.

ORIENTATIONINTRODUCTION TOYOUR LOCAL CHAPTER

May 7 & Jun 4 (1st Mon.) 6:30 p.m.Sponsor: Membership CommitteeCoordinator: Bob McDowell 858-565-1005

Location: NEW LOCATION! SerraMesa-Kear ny Mesa Branch Li -brary, 9005 Aero Dr., San Diego CA

92123.

This meeting provides an over-view and introduction to the vari-ous sections, groups and activitiesthat your local chapter provides. Ifyou are looking for a way to get in-volved, or just want to know moreabout the chapter, this is a greatplace to start! No reservations areneeded, and you can come as youare. If you have any questions,please call.

RAY AT NIGHTMay 12 & Jun 9 (2nd Sat.) ..6-9 p.m.Sponsor: Chapter Bookstore

Location: 3820 Ray St. in North Park

Our bookstore is open for this funart event. Were surrounded by artgalleries and delightful shops. Ourwhole street is alive with visitors,music, food and untold surprises.Please join us for this delightfulevening!

compiled by Cheryl Reiff

Activities

FRIDAY POTLUCKMIXERS

May 18 & Jun 15 (3rd Fri.) 6-8 p.m.

Sponsor: Friends of the SD Chapter

Contact: Justin Martello, 619-698

4330, justin@bluesummitinvest

com

Location: Chapter Office, 3820 Ray

Street in North Park.Join us for an evening of fun, goodconversation and an interestingspeaker. Please bring a snack toshare (finger foods please). Winesoda and juice provided. See page11 for more details.

MONTHLY CHAPTERPROGRAM

May 25 & Jun 22 (4th Fri.) 7:30 p.m.

Sponsor: San Diego Chapter

Coordinator and Host: Mannie Kugler 619-585-3773

Location: Joyce Beers Center, 3900

Vermont St in Hillcrest

Join us for our outstandingmonthly travelogues or lecture/slide shows and chapter news. Seepage 16-17 for details. Free. Donations are always appreciated.

WHATS THE FUSSABOUT FREE TRADE

AGREEMENTS?Jun 2 (1st Sat.) ...................9 a.m.

Sponsor: Intl Committee

Location: Eaton Canyon Nature

Study Center, Pasadena

Please join the Sierra Clubs Responsible Trade Committee forthis day-long event. Guided naturewalk at 9 a.m., followed by lunchOverview of globalization andtrade policy at 1 p.m., followed bya panel discussion addressing theimpacts of globalization on our environment, labor, human rights andthe economy. We will also discusshow current trade policy thwartsself-government. For carpoolinginformation from San Diego, cal

Jean Costa 619-463-0721.



In addition to the outings listed here, several activity sections organize outings tailored to specific interestsincluding bicycling, photography, skiing, singles, and families. For further information, see the Chapter websiteat http://sandiego.sierraclub.org. All participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard liabilitywaiver. If you would like to read the liability waiver before you choose to participate on any outing, please goto: www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms/ or contact the Sierra Clubs Outings Department at 415-977-5528Please remember that outings are intended for adults 18+ and pets are not allowed unless otherwise indicated.

Outings information listed in the Hi Sierran is in the public domain and may be accessed via internet searches.Grading System

The grade is a three-part code describing the difficulty of the outing. The first part, a capital letter, refers to thedifficulty of the trip; the second part, a number, states the number of miles that will be traveled on the longest dayand the last part, another capital letter, refers to the total elevation gain or loss for the day.

DIFFICULTYE EasyM ModerateH HardS StrenuousV Very Strenous

MILEAGEThe number ofmiles, rounded tothe nearest mile,traveled on thelongest day

ELEVATION CHANGEA Less than 500 ft.B 5001,000 ft.C 1,0012,000 ft.D 2,0013,000 ft.E Over 3,000 ft.

Example: M8C is a moderately difficult day hike which requires going 8 miles on the longest

day, and which could climb or descend up to 2,000 ft. in any one day.

ContactsOutings Chair

Jim Matlock 858-748-4634

Outings EditorPauline Jimenez 619-660-9898e-mail: [email protected]

HS Outings CoordinatorLynn Nebus 619-291-8781

Master Calendar CoordinatorJim McCleary 760-294-1627

Submissions

e-mail: [email protected]

CAR POOL INFORMATION Forenvironmental reasons, the Sierra Clubstrongly recommends car pooling.However, for insurance reasons, COLscannot arrange car pools, althoughmembers may voluntarily arrangethem among themselves. The COLand other trip participants may (ormay not) be present at an arranged carpool location. The Sierra Club and itsleaders can assume no responsibilityfor the drivers or the vehicles.

Please offer to help reimburse yourdriver. Talk to your driver in advancefor a suggested amount. Expenses tobe split among passengers should con-sider tolls, entrance or parking fees,insurance, wear and tear, etc. (not justgas). You should still pay your originaldriver if you switch cars.

EL CAJON CAR POOLTake I-8 toLos Coches Road. Exit south and thenleft on Camino Canada. Thomas Bros.1252, I-D, 2001.

GROSSMONT CAR POOLDriveeast on I-8, exit Jackson Drive andturn left. At the next light, turn rightto Murray Drive. From I-8 west, exit

Jackson Drive and go straight acrossthe intersection. The Park & Ride isnext to the Red Lobster Restaurant (donot park in the restaurants half of thelot).

MIRA MESA CAR POOLFrom I-15, go west at Mira Mesa Blvd. Takethe first right into the Park & Ride lot.

MISSION VALLEY CAR POOLTake I-8 to the Qualcomm Way off-ramp. Go west on Camino de la Reina.Park on Camino del Este near Caminode la Reina. Meet near the NE cornerof Camino del Este and Camino de laReina.

NORTH COUNTY CAR POOLTake I-15 to Via Rancho Parkway exit,go west toward orange-colored plaza.The Park & Ride is behind McDon-alds.

RANCHO BERNARDO CARPOOL Meet 200 yards east ofPomerado Road on Oaks North Drive.For hikes in the Cuyamaca and LagunaMountains, leave Rancho Bernardo 10minutes earlier than from Mission Val-ley.

RANCHO PEASQUITOS CARPOOLTake I-15 to Rancho Peasqui-tos Blvd. The Park & Ride is on thesouth (left) side of the street behindthe Union 76 gas station.

CARLSBAD CAR POOLFrom theI-5, exit La Costa Avenue. Drive east; takethe first left into the Park & Ride lot.

Outings

MAY 2/WED/M9B

WED IN THE MTNS:INDIAN CREEK

Ldr Mac Downing [email protected]: Needed

Enjoy spring in the Lagunas: seedesert view, sage and flowers,shady woodland and chaparralBring water, lunch, and hikingshoes or boots. MV (S of Bank

America) carpool meets 7:45. Mee9 AM Penny Pines, milepost 27.3on S1, Thomas 1218-A2. Adventure Pass.

MAY 5/SAT/E5A

COASTERS SATURDAYBEACH WALK

Ldr: Mac Downing [email protected]: Needed

Enjoy easy beautiful morning

beach hike in the Del Mar area. Wewill be along the ocean, with greatviews. Wear suitable footgear andwater. Optional sack lunch at endTo sign up, use e-mail (preferred)or call, limited to 20.



MAY 5/SAT/M6A

BALBOA PARKSINGLES HIKE

Ldr: Tina Pollock [email protected]

Asst: Needed

We will hike in and around BalboaPark, visiting most of the beautifulgardens and through some areas

that you probably havent seenbefore. This is a socially paced,6-mile hike suitable for beginnersin good shape. An optional dinnerwill follow. Please contact leader(email preferred) before May 3rdfor time and meeting location.Rain cancels.

MAY 5-6/SAT-SUN/M5C

DEAD MANS FLATCAMPOUT

Ldr: Cindy Buxton 619-823-3620Assts: Dave Voss, George Greer

Blissful night under stars, nearedge of San Diego River Gorge.Well hike 2.5 miles to our camp-site in a huge meadow. Old dirtroad, easy cross-country. Optionalexploratory hike to view San DiegoRiver Gorge. Strong hiker-kidsover 12 must have parent or legalguardian present. Brief mention ofSDG&Es Sunrise Powerlink, pro-posed option D route for 500KV150-foot towers nearby. Must callleader for sign-up.

MAY 9/WED/M7B

WED IN MTNSLdr: Pat Gifford 858-453-4595Asst: Lois Day

Santa Ysabel Preserve, the coun-tys newest open space preserve,encompasses 3800 acres betweenSanta Ysabel and Julian. Home tospotted owls, golden eagles, oakand pine forests. Rain cancels.Bring lunch, water, sturdy shoes.Meet at the staging area (1 milepast Vulcan Mtn on Farmers Rd in

Julian) at 9:30 am. Mission Valleycarpool leaves at 8:00 am.

MAY 9/WED/M6C

THE PARK IN THE DARKNORTH FORTUNA LOOP

Ldr: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598Asst: Dave Driscoll

Heres an energetic evening con-ditioning hike for you in Mis-sion Trails Park. From Tierrasantawell start out with great views ofthe city lights, then chug along ata moderate pace over the top ofNorth Fortuna Mountain. VERYSTEEP! Very rocky and very fun!Well finish in the dark, so wearhiking boots and bring your flash-light. Call for required signup.MAY 12/SAT/S10E

AMAZON WARRIORWOMENSSPINES-TO-PINESHIKE, SAN JACINTO

Ldr: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598Asst: Lynn Nebus

Shes pretty but shes not easy!Climb eight THOUSAND verticalfeet in 10 miles, from the desertfloor to the top tram station, at amoderate, ego-free pace. Youreready when 4,000 is a half-dayclimb for you. $15.00 tram ridedown. Select men might qualify

if space permits, but remember--Chicks Rule! Conservation studytopic: Do local bighorn sheep havelambing rights here?MAY 12/SAT/M5C

PINE CREEK NEWTRAIL AND BURNREHAB TOUR

Ldr: Cindy Buxton 619-823-3620Asst: Dave VossSpecial Guest: Forest Ranger Dave

VolgarinoA breathtaking loop hike! Huge,oak-lined stream, green meadows,polished granite. Former Hot ShotFire Fighter turned Hot Shot TrailBuilder rehabbed this nearly ex-tinct trail. Hell be on hand to de-scribe all aspects of the Horse FireRehab in the Pine Creek Wilder-ness and how he manages trails,fire, and us in a federally protected

wilderness environment. Callleader for sign-up.

MAY 13/SUN/M8C

CUYAMACA -STONEWALL CREEK/SOAPSTONE GRADE

Ldr: John Challen [email protected] (pre

ferred)Asst: Anna Schaffroth

Hike the valleys of StonewallCreek and Sweetwater River inthe Cuyamaca Mtns on this prettyloop trip. Well use trails withsuch names as Cold Stream, ColdSpring, Stonewall Creek, Soapstone, and Upper Green ValleyContact John for required sign-upE-MAIL PREFERRED. Limited to12 enthusiastic hikers.

MAY 15/TUE/M5C

NIGHT HIKECOWLES MTN

Ldr: Christine Driscoll [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Dave Driscoll

Lets hike after work in the darkfrom the Big Rock side of San Diegos highest point. Hike requireshiking boots, a flashlight, a quick

snack, water and a light jacketOptional: hiking poles. E-mail andleave a phone number for requiredsignup and details.

MAY 16/WED/M8B

WED IN MTNSMONUMENTPEAK PCT


Get Monument Peak, walk Big La-guna Trail; see diverse areas in theLagunas. Bring water, lunch, andcomfortable hiking shoes or bootsCarpool to or meet at the HorseHeaven Road on Sunrise Hwy (S1)north of milepost 25.5. Hike startsat 9:00 am. Mission Valley carpoomeets 7:45 am leaves at 8. Adventure Pass required.



MAY 19/SAT/S15D

LAGUNA RAMBLELdr: Jim Jafolla [email protected] (preferred)Asst: Needed

Definitely time to smell the flow-ers. Well start at Penny Pinesand loop hike the Big Laguna andSunset trails and if we feel up toit, head to the PCT to bag Gar-

net Peak for a desert view. Bring3 quarts water, lunch and sturdyshoes. E-mail leader for requiredsign-up and details. AdventurePass needed. Limit 15.

MAY 19/SAT/E1A

TRAIL BUILDINGMATAGUAYSCOUT RANCH

Ldr: Rob Langsdorf 858-459-1726Asst: Needed

Join us as we construct new trail inMataguay. We will be working inan oak-filled canyon. Work will in-volve carving some new tread, dig-ging up roots and clearing brush.No experience is needed. Call Robfor REQUIRED sign-up and direc-tions to meeting point (which willbe somewhere on Thomas Guide p409 K9).

MAY 19-20/SAT-SUN/M3C

BACKPACK:BARKER VALLEY

Ldr: John Challen [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Lynn Nebus

A crystal clear creek, just 3 miles ofcarrying the pack, huge oak treesshading camp area, and new moon

in remote setting provide excellentstargazing. Deep valley cools downat night, making for a refreshing,lovely evening. Bushwhack dayhike downstream to waterfalls ispossible. The elevation gain/lossis 1,000 feet. How could you gowrong! Contact John for requiredsign-up, E-MAIL PREFERRED.

MAY 20/SUN/M5C

CEDAR CREEK

FALLS: SAN DIEGORIVERPARK DAY

Ldr: Cindy Buxton 619-823-3620Asst: Dave Voss

Hike from Saddleback around theold Julian Road trail with viewsdeep into the San Diego RiverGorge. Well meet up with GeoffreySmiths group for annual photoopat the falls. Swim at your ownrisk. Well point out the origins of

the Cedar Fire, Mildred Falls, andthe San Diego River Parks Pre-serve on the drive down. Meet atDudleys at 7:45. Sturdy shoes,lunch, 3 qts water, lunch, jacket.

MAY 23/WED/M8B

WED IN MTNSLAGUNA LAKES LOOP

Ldr: Dale Laney [email protected]

Asst: Needed

Meet at the trailhead at 9:00 AMwhich is 5 miles North of Hwy 8on S-1, mile marker 19.1, wherethe info kiosk used to be. Bringwarm clothes, 2 qts. of water, andlunch. Rain cancels. AdventurePass or Golden Ages pass requiredfor parking. Call leader for addi-tional information.

MAY 23/WED/H8C

FORTUNA FAST BYFLASHLIGHT


Fast-hike the less-traveled end ofLong Mtn as we loop over the summits of South and North FortunaMtns in Mission Trails Park. SteepFAST and fun. Study the fire-damaged area during very short breaksCall for required signup, and leaveword how late in the evening I canreturn your call.

MAY 26/SAT/E4A

COASTERS SATURDAYENCINITASSOUTH BEACH


Beautiful 9 AM beach walk, great

scenes. Bring water and comfortable hiking shoes or boots. Op-tional sack lunch at end. Limitedto 20. Signup email (prefer) or calMac.



MAY 30/WED/M4B

WED IN MTNSJULIAN/WARLOCKMINE

Ldr: Al Hofstatter 858-271-1242Asst: Ken Smith

Old Warlock Mine in Banner Can-yon. Learn about Julian historyand gold mines. Need water and

sturdy boots. Lunch in Julian(buy or bring). Tour historicalsites. Meet in Julian at the cornerof Hwy 78 (Washington St.) and4th Street at 9:30 AM. From I-8,go north on Hwy 67. In Ramona,continue on Hwy 78 to Julian. Car-pools, Mission Valley and Los Co-ches 8:00AM. Heavy rain cancels!

JUN 2/SAT/M2A

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY

TRAIL MAINTENANCENEAR FOSTER LODGE

Ldr: Cindy Buxton 619-823-3620Asst: Dave VossSpecial Guest Forest Ranger

Dave Volgarino

Celebrate, support rangers whohave been working so hard torebuild after recent fires; ANDspruce up trails near FosterLodge! Bring lunch, sturdy shoes,work gloves, 3 qts water, jacket.

Tools provided. Great chance tomeet one of Cleveland NFs ownfire and trail experts, learn aboutofficial national trail building. Callleader for details. Carpool meets atthe 79 and I-8 Park & Ride at 7:00.

JUN 2/SAT/H13D

SAN GORGONIOWILDERNESSFORSEE CREEK TRAILTO 10,000 FT RIDGE

Ldr: Lynn Nebus [email protected]

Asst: COL Needed

From 6920 ft, well climb 6 miles tothe junction of the San BernardinoPeak Divide Trail, enjoying greatviews. If we feel like it well bag acouple of easy nearby HPS peaks(Anderson and Shields) beforeheading downhill. Sat eve join Ra-chel Barsmans group (must sign

up separately) and do San Jacintoon Sunday, or head home. Limit12. Contact leader for signup/de-tails.

JUN 3/SUN/H14E

MARION MTN TRAILTO DEVILS SLIDE

Ldr: Rachel Barsman 619-448-3128

[email protected].: COL Needed

Well set up a car shuttle and hiketo San Jacinto the steeper, shorterway, descending on the gentlerroute to Devils Slide. This trail isusually a lot greener than DevilsSlide because its on the shady sideof the Mtn. Limit 12. Possible op-tion to camp out the night beforenear the Marion Mtn trailhead. Callor e-mail leader for more details.

JUN 6/WED/M6B

WED IN MTNSREVISITING MT.PALOMAR

Ldr: Carol Murdock 619-749-2467Asst: Needed

Observe the spring awakening onthe wettest spot in San Diego andlearn about the different oaks andpines. Meet at Mothers KitchenRestaurant at Jct. S-6 & S-7 at

9:30AM. Day use fee to enter thepark. Bring lunch and water. Mis-sion Valley carpool leaves at 8AM.

JUN 6/WED/M5B

COWLES MTN 6:30 HIKEFROM MESA ROAD

Ldr: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598Asst: Lynn Nebus

Night hike! No hat, no sunscreen.Learn about the chaparral world

by flashlight. Bring hiking boots, alight jacket, flashlight, water and amunchie. Call for required signup.Leave word how late in the eve-ning I can return your call.

JUN 9/SAT/H15E

SAN GORGONIO VIAVIVIAN CREEK

Ldr: Starla Rivers [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Lynn Nebus

Who says 50 is nifty?!? But I havemany more hiking miles to go before I sleep so join me at the top of

San Gorgonio as I celebrate thismilestone birthday. Please be a fithiker capable of over 5000 feet ofelevation gain/loss.

JUN 9/SAT/S13C

LYCIUM WASHEXPLORATORYDESERT LOOP


If you like scrambling up dry wa

terfalls and fast, steep, rough, cactus-ridden downhill scrambling(some say plummeting) and youlook forward to a day of fryingpan heat, then this intermediate level desert hike should obligeyou nicely. Scrambling experiencerequired -- oh, you noticed thatright? Six liters of water, hydrationsystem, and lug soles required.

JUN 9/SAT/M6A

BANKERS HILLSINGLES HIKE

Ldr: Tina Pollock [email protected]

Asst: Needed

We will hike in and around Bank-ers Hill, crossing several early 20thcentury suspension bridges andthrough some areas that you prob-ably havent seen before. This is asocially paced, 6-mile hike suitablefor beginners in good shape. An

optional dinner will follow. Pleasecontact leader (e-mail preferred)before June 7th for time and meeting location. Rain cancels.

Check out: www.sierraclub.org/education/LeConte for progra

at the Sierra Clubs LeConte Memorial Lodge in Yosemite Vall


24/32



MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, MAY 26-28 (SAT-MON), CHANNEL ISLAND NATIONAL PARKCoordinator: Jeannine Menger [email protected] 760-828-8981. Trip is completely full with a waiting list. See write-up in the March/

April 2007 HiSierran, or the bus trip webpage: http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/bus/

JULY 4TH WEEKEND, JUN 29-JUL 4 (FRI-WED), YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARKCoordinator: Rob Baum [email protected] 619-460-0551 Yosemites Tuolumne Meadows have some of the most rugged and

sublime scenery in the Sierra. To reserve a space, send your trip preferences and a $20 deposit, or payment in full of $212, to: Rob

Baum, 808 Maria Ave, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Make checks payable to the Sierra Club. Please include your email address (or 3

SASEs) and your evening phone number.

Trip 1:GLEN AULIN BASE CAMP, M6C, Ldr: Doug Nolff 858-442-8711. A multitude of scenic wonders await you on this adven-

ture. Enjoy the fabulous domes and spires of the Cathedral Range and the amazing waterfalls in the Grand Canyon Of Tuolumne.

Trip 2:LYELL CANYON TO DONOHUE PASS, M8C,Ldr: Pauline Jimenez 619-660-9898. Beautiful Lyell canyon is the scene of our

adventure as we enjoy good trails and breathtaking views. Optional climb of Donohue Peak.Trip 3:GRAND CANYON OF TUOLUMNE, H10E,Ldr: Mark Eckel 858-457-8006. Look forward to dramatic gushing waterfalls in

this deep impressive canyon. Optional climbs of Mt Hoffman and Tuolumne Peak. High elevation rating is a result of hiking down

canyon.

Trip 4:TENAYA LAKE TO MERCED RIVER, H12D, Ldr: Mike Fry 858-566-3851 [email protected]. 40 mile trek to explore Ansel

Adams favorite Sierra place: the Lyell Fork at Merced River. We will return through Vogelsang and meet the bus at Tuolumne

Meadows.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND, AUG 30-SEP 3 (THURS-MON), SIERRA NATIONAL FORESTCoordinator: Fred Gabbard [email protected]. Four backpacks from Clover Meadow in the Sierra National Forest on the

southern border of Yosemite National Park. To sign up, send your $20 deposit or payment in full of $194 to Fred Gabbard, 11574

Windcrest Ln Apt 1424 San Diego CA 92128. Make checks payable to the Sierra Club. Please include your email address (or 3

SASEs) and evening phone number.

Trip 1: MADERA CREEK BASE CAMP, M5B,Leader: Mark Eckel 858-457-8006. We will base camp at Madera Creek, elevation7,800 ft, a 4-mile hike from Clover Meadow Ranger Station with 1100 ft of gain. Day trips will include hikes to Norris Lake, Jack-

ass Lake, Vandeberg Lake and Lillian Lake.

Trip 2:VANDEBURG AND FLAT LAKES, M6C,Leader: Pauline Jimenez 619-660-9898, [email protected]. Hike from Clover

Meadow to Vandeberg Lake (Friday 1st night). 2nd night at Flat Lake (Saturday). 3rd day will hike either via Fernandez Trail or

cross-country along east fork of Madera Creek (camp Sunday night along the creek, somewhere west of Blue Point). Hike out to

Clover Meadow via Fernandez or Walton Trail on Monday.

Trip 3:RUTHERFORD LAKE BASE CAMP AND PEAKBAG, H10DLeader: Steve Fausset 619-865-8598. From Clover Meadow back-

pack to our beautiful Rutherford Lake base camp, then long day hikes to explore Post Peak Pass and Fernandez Pass with optional

climbs of Triple Divide (11,611), Merced (11,726), and Gale (10,693) Peaks.

Trip 4:CLARK RANGE GRAND TOUR, M10D,Leader: Mike Fry 858-566-3851 [email protected]. 23 mile backpack from Upper

Chiquito Campground, into Yosemite Natl Park, over Fernandez Pass, and exit at Clover Meadow. Optional 12 mile, +/- 2700

dayhike (or layover day) to climb Red Peak and Merced Peak (both 11,700, and 1 mile apart on a 11,200 ridge). Backpack days

are 10.2mi +2000, 8.3mi +1300-1300, and 4 mi -1800.

Participants board the bus in the order in which full payment is received.

REFUND POLICY:Note that sickness or injury does not play a part in refunds. You may purchase trip insurance from any travel

agent. It usually covers sickness, injury, family emergencies, lost luggage, etc. FULL REFUND:(1) We cancel the trip; (2) the

leader determines you shouldnt be on the trip; or (3) you find your own replacement and they reimburse you. PARTIAL REFUND:

(1) We find your replacement and keep only your deposit; or (2) we cant replace you, but we get a refund (or are not charged) by

our providers because of your absence. You get back whatever we get back.



The CNRCC Desert Committees purpose is to work for the protection, preservation, and conservation of the Cali-fornia/Nevada desert; support the same objectives in all desert areas of the Southwest; monitor and work with gov-ernments and agencies to promote preservation of our arid lands; sponsor educational and work trips; encour-age and support others to work for the same objectives; maintain, share and publish information about the desertAll Desert Committee activities, unless stated otherwise, are suitable for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Special physical conditioning is not necessa ry. The average car or high clearance vehicle will be adequat e for mostrips; however, many of the roads used are dirt and, as with all desert travel, you should come prepared. For a goodguide to desert travel we recommend the Sierra Club book, Adventuring in the California Desert, by Lynn Foster.While the main intent of the outings is for participants to enjoy themselves, it is hoped that participants will come to appreciate the desert and develop a desire to promote its protection. For questions about, or to sign up for a particular outing, please contact the leaderlisted in the write-up. For questions about Desert Committee outings in general, or to receive the outings list by e-mail, please contacKate Allen at [email protected] or 661-944-4056.

California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee (CNRCC)

Desert Committee Outings: May/June 2007

May 19-20/Sat-Sun

DESERT COMMITTEE/SIERRA SINGLES

Lone Pine Lake, Alabama Hills & Manzanar

Camp near Lone Pine. Saturday, hike Whitney Por-tal to Lone Pine Lake, 6 mi rt, 1600 gain. Happyhour, potluck, campfire. Sunday, drive through Ala-bama Hills, visit Manzanar WWII Japanese intern-ment camp. Group size limited. Send $8 per person(Sierra Club), 2 SASE, H&W phones, email, rideshareinfo to Ldr: Lygeia Gerard, P.O. Box 294726, Phelan,CA 92329, (310) 594-6789. Co_ldr: Jean Noud; (714)841-8798.

May 26-28/Sat-Mon

CNRCC DESERT COMMITTEEBIRD SPRING PASS -SERVICE AND HIKEMeet 6:00 PM Saturday east of Ridgecrest and southof Lake Isabella (to avoid Fridays Memorial Week-end traffic). Carcamp Saturday evening. Sunday, re-pair vehicle damage to the Kiavah Wilderness at BirdSpring Pass. On Monday, we will either hike along thePCT or along shaded Kelso Creek to the Burning Mos-cow Mine in the Bright Star Wilderness. For detailscontact leader Craig Deutsche, [email protected], (310-477-6670).

May 27-28/Sun-MonLOMA PRIETA CHAPTER/WILDERNESS COMMITTEE/DESERT COMMITTEE

Lava Beds (Nevada) Backpack

The Lava Beds in Pershing County, Nevada, east ofthe Black Rock Desert, are really a jumble of contortedgranite formations. Easy overnight backpack withplenty of time to explore the formations. Water avail-able on route. Total distance about 14 miles, total gain3000. Area is a strong candidate for Wilderness desig-

nation. Limit 12. To sign up, contact John Wilkinson(408)947-0858 or email [email protected].

June 29-July 2/Fri-Mon

SF BAY CHAP/ DESERT COMMITTEE8th Annual Ruby Rendezvous, Car CampVisit snow-laden cirques and alpine lakes in the heartof the Ruby Mtns Wilderness Area in Northern Nevada. Four days car camping with day hikes up various canyons. Evening entertainment by acclaimedCowgirl Poet, Merilee Wright and friends. Twelvecourse Basque feast in nearby Elko. Group share oexpenses. Information on past trips, at www.climberorg. For signups contact leader: Allen [email protected], (925-439-0434).

June 29 - July 4 Fri-WedCNRCC DESERT COMMITTEEGrand Staircase Escalante National

Monument - Coyote Gulch Backpack

Backpack this National Monument, Coyote Gulch toEscalante River. About 28 miles with pack, additionamiles day hiking. Shady areas frequent along tree-lined creek in deep canyon of brilliant red rock andsheer walls. Enjoy waterfalls, swimming, and brightlights flashing after dark. To reserve, send $20 (SierraClub) refundable deposit to David Hardy, Box 99, BlueDiamond, NV 89004. 702 875-4549. E-mail (pre

ferred) [email protected].

Like nearly all organizat ions that sponsor outdoortravel, the Sierra Club is now obliged to require partici

pants to sign a standard liability waiver at the beginning of each trip. If you would like to read the LiabilityWaiver before you choose to participate on an outing,

please go to: http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chap-ter/forms/, or contact the Outings Department at (415)977-5528 for a printed version.



In 2006 California enacted landmark legislationto cap our states emissions of global-warming pol-lutionthe first such law in the United States. TheGlobal Warming Solutions Act, AB 32, authored byAssembly Speaker Fabian Nez and then-Assem-blymember Fran Pavley, has garnered justifiable praisearound the country and even overseas as a demon-stration of Californias willingness to fill the leader-ship vacuum left by the Bush administration on globalwarming.

Now the hard work beginsthe long and difficult

process of implementing policies to bring Californiasgreenhouse gas emissions down to their 1990 level by2020. The legislature has set this goal, and has wiselyassigned the states Air Resources Board to make ithappen. The ARB, the nations premier guardian ofair quality, now takes on the additional challenge ofaddressing global warming. Industry lobbyists are al-ready flocking to the workshops and seminars on thetopic, hoping to shape the eventual rules to benefittheir narrow interests.

The ARBs first task, perhaps as early as its Aprilmeeting, is to publish a list of early action measures,regulations that could be put in place before 2010 tostart bringing down greenhouse pollution. ARB staffhave indicated their inclination to put forward onlytwo such measures: the Low-Carbon Fuels Standardannounced by the governor in a January executiveorder, and restrictions on hydrofluorocarbon refriger-ants with their high global-warming potential. TheLow-Carbon Fuels Standard will require a 10% reduc-tion in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by2020, stimulating deployment of alternatives to gaso-line.

Environmental groups, including Sierra Club Cali-fornia, urge a bolder approach with additional earlymeasures to reduce emissions from passenger vehi-cles, heavy-duty vehicles, cement factories, landfills,and marine vessels.

The ARB is also determining the baseline levelof emissions from 1990, and establishing a system forlarge emitters of greenhouse pollution to report theiremissions. Advisory committees have been charteredon environmental justice, markets, and technology.

Key questions remain. How many emission re-

By Bill Magavern, Sierra Club California

Californias global warming lawnow the hard work begins

ductions will come from technology standards andincentive programs, and how many from marketmechanisms? Will the market mechanisms include acap-and-trade program, as Gov. Schwarzeneggerhas ordered? If so, will polluters be given permits toemit greenhouse gases, or will they have to buy them?Technology-based standards have a far better recordof success than pollution-trading schemes, especiallywhen the right to emit is granted to polluters for free.

This implementation process will be a high prior-ity for Sierra Club California this year and for years to

come.For more information, go to:www.climatechange.ca.govwww.sierraclubcalifornia.orgAt this last site, in particular, see the fascinating

set of fact sheets on Stopping Our Addiction to Oil,which discuss how we can reduce our use of petro-leum products in the transportation sector, moving tocleaner alternative fuels and more efficient vehicles.

3820 Ray StreetSan Diego, CA 92104



Chapter Seeks New Members for ExComBy Richard Miller

T h e No mi n a t i n gCommittee is seekingthe names of Sierra Clubmembers who are inter-ested in serving on theChapters Executive Com-mittee. The ExecutiveCommittee is responsiblefor the management ofthe affairs and activi-ties of the Chapter. Nine

elected members and arepresentative of each ac-

tive Group comprise theExecutive Committee.

Executive Committeemembers are elected bythe Chapter members forterms of two years. Thisyear there are five mem-ber seats up for election.Any member in goodstanding and who hasgiven their consent is

qualified to run for elec-tion.

T h e No mi n a t i n gCommittee is tasked toconsider the names ofmembers who have beensubmitted for nominationand who have agreed tobe candidates for election.Any Chapter membermay nominate a memberfor election. Membersmay also be nominated

by petition by giving con-sent and obtaining the

signatures of at least 50Chapter members in goodstanding.

Anyone interested inserving on the ExecutiveCommittee, nominatinga candidate, or obtainingmore information shouldcontact the NominatingCommittee Chair, RichardMiller, at 619-291-3061 or

at [email protected].

Hello, I am the Chairof the Membership Com-mittee. Every month theChapter provides a NewMember Orientation tohelp new members andother interested peoplelearn about the SierraClub, our local Chapter,and how they can becomeinvolved. Currently, thisinvolves me and membersfrom sections and groups

in the Chapter meetingwith the new members.While I think it is impor-tant for current membersto be there and welcomeand engage the guests,I dont think it alwaysgives a good idea of thefull range of possibilitiesthat our Chapter providesfor a new member to be-

come involved. So, whatI would like to do is havea video production thatwould provide a moreentertaining and engag-ing way to really give anidea of our Chapter andwhat opportunities forfun and volunteering areavailable. I have very lim-ited skills or expertise inthe area of video produc-tion and currently there is

no one on the committeethat does. However, outthere in Sierra Club landI know there is somebodythat has all of the skillsand access to all of theequipment necessary todo this. What I would liketo have that somebody dois contact me and give mean idea of what a short 10

15 minuteproductionwith music,voiceovers,and videosof club ac-tivities andour mem-bers wouldcost. ThenI can takethis to theExecu t i v e

Committee and se

may 2007 san diego sierra

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