A BI�MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE KERN�KAWEAH CHAPTER OF SIERRA CLUB� MAY/JUNE, 2010

The RoadrunnerCHAPTER HONORS BABAK NAFICY FOR WORK ON ISSUES San Luis Obispo attorney focuses energy on winning settlements and lawsuits in Central Va�ey

Babak Naficy, who won this year’s Sierra Club Cup award at the March banquet, “has done more than anyone else around to bring Kern and Tulare counties into the 20th Century,” quipped Chapter Vice-Chair Gordon Nipp. San Luis Obispo attorney Naficy, who regularly takes on large law firms and wins, has worked with Nipp for over seven years to take on environmental challenges in the Central Valley. Naficy migrated to the U.S. from Iran in 1978 and is a graduate of UCLA and Hastings Law School. Nipp learned about Naficy when becoming interested in contesting a development near his home in Bakersfield. The rest is history. As the night’s chief speaker, Naficy pointed out that Sierra Club settlements and lawsuits have actually generated millions of dollars for cities and counties. One example is replacement of school buses in poorer school districts. Conservation easements also are now generally recognizedas important to save farmland.

The City of Tulare case lastMarch also turned out well for Sierra Club with a Superior Court judge setting aside a General Plan because of land conservation and global warming concerns. Sierra Club’s Rio BravoRanch settlement sends the message “that we won’t settle with a de-veloper who has a terribleEIR,” the attorney said. However, the future of en-vironmentalism in the U.S.is uncertain these days. “The public is increasingly wary of global warming, yet we still need strategies to blunt its force.” Naficy is still highly critical of projects that ignore impacts on climate change, but also advises against being too shrill. "People are experiencing Apocalypse fatigue. They are much more concerned about air and water pollution,” he said. “Global warming appears remote in time and space. It runs against the fabric of our social

order. Americans are inherently suspicious of science.” Naficy also thinks that we must resist the pressure to put all our resources into global warming. The majority of Americans do support efforts to reduce carbon emissions. he said. Also they are beginning to understand that the future prosperity of the U.S. is based on green jobs. “People need to understand what’s in it for them.” —Marjorie Bell Roadrunner Editor

We are looking for a Chapter member who is familiar with bookkeeping skills! Our current Chapter Treasurer, Lorraine Unger, who has competently served in this position for many years, would like to serve in other ways. Is there a Chapter member out there who would consider volunteering for the position of Chapter treasurer?

The duties of treasurer require management of the Chapter checkbook and a monthly financial report to the Executive Committee, as well as some other responsibilities. If you are interested in this voluntary position, please contact Georgette Theotig, 661.822.4371, or at gtheotig@sbcglobal.net, and we can discuss the job description of this important position.

Chapter looking for volunteer with bookkeeping ski�s to perform duties

SHARING COMMON CUPS: Attorney Babak Na�cy and Chapter Vice�Chair Gordon Nipp celebrate their environmental �ictories over seven years by comparing their humble Sierra Cup awards. Photo/Eva Nipp

THE ROADRUNNER� MAY/JUNE, 2010

California Water Service district manager gives background on

on controversial water issues; mandated meters in the works Tim Treloar, district manager of the California Water

Service Company, spoke to the Buena Vista Group at the brunch meeting April 3 regarding water issues facing our community. In an informal question and answer format, current problems, past successes and future plans became topics for discussion.

Noting that our water supplies are affected by both federal and state water projects, as well as Kern River and groundwater conditions, Treloar pointed out that the future of water issues would become more complicated and the supplies more scarce. Within the next 15 years, Cal Water is mandated to install meters to all customers currently on a flat rate (about 35,000 in number). Typically when meters are installed usage reduces between 10 and 20 percent. These new meters will not be of the “smart” variety, and all will be read by Cal Water personnel.

Any measure to require conservation are policy issues needing to be addressed by local government as Cal Water is charged only with providing this resource to its service area.

Treloar also outlined the amount and sources available to the city. He noted that the vision of city government 35 years ago to secure Kern River water rights has created an asset worth between one-quarter to one-half billion dollars. This seemingly reliable supply may have a negative effect

on changing codes to require conservation because of the general public sees no need for emergency measures. Groundwater supplies, however, are not so secure as the water tables has dropped precipitously and changing water standards make reliability of use also unsure.

Managing water is a big challenge, and as a a part of this effort, Cal Water is the first district to implement “tier” rates last year. Users will pay more as they use more. In the Central Valley our source of water changes seasonally with winter use more from surface sources. In the summer, 65 percent of use is ground water and the rest is the river.

The audience brought up various topics of interest, including xeriscape landscaping, conservation programs in use elsewhere, the possibility of Cal Water monitoring planning commission meetings, sale of local water to the greater Los Angeles region, and possible informal partnerships between Cal Water and local conservation groups. The discussion was lively as well as informative.

Thanks were given to the speaker for his candid and interesting views on this important topic. Future questions could be directed to Treloar at: ttreloar@calwater.com.

—Maria Polite

Chapter Member

2010 Windmill-Wildflower hike

planned for Tehachapi May 8 TEHACHAPI: The Kern-Kaweah chapter of the Sierra Club will lead a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 8 near Tehachapi, California. The local chapter sponsors the hike to spotlight a little-known section of the trail as well as the 3,500 wind turbines in the Tehachapi Pass. The event marks the 25th year of the annual spring hike. More than 750 people, from children to octogenarians, have taken the six-mile walk across Cameron Ridge since the event was first launched more than two decades ago. The six-mile hike leaves the trailhead at the junction of Cameron Road and Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road promptly at 9 a.m. Spring weather at 5,000 feet in the Tehachapi Mountains is unpredictable. The temperature can vary from near freezing to sweltering. Hikers are advised to dress appropriately, bring at least one quart of water per person (two quarts per person recommended), and pack a lunch. The hike will be led by local Sierra Club member Tony Swan. A car pool will leave from Bakersfield at 7:30 a.m. For more information on car pooling from Bakersfield call Tony Swan at 661 363 5106. For more information on past hikes, visit Windmill-Wildflower Hike ( http://www.wind-works.org/articles/windmillwildflowerhike.html).

—Paul Gipewww.wind-works.org

WATER WISDOM

Use native plants for yards, landscaping Everyone hears so much about using less water in our landscapes and in our homes. Recently the Buena Vista Group hosted Tim Treloar, District Manager for California Water Service. He told us all Cal Water customers will have water meters installed in the near future. We also heard about native plants and xeric plantings which make it easier to conserve water. Our Sierra Club friends at the Kern County, California Native Plant Society have an annual plant sale with many perennials. Usually the sale is in October at FACT (Facility for Avian Care and Treatment) at California State University, Bakersfield. Last autumn they found themselves with a quantity of leftover plants. If you are interested in xeric or native plants, please look at the CNPS web-site for the specific list: WWW.KernCNPS.org

You can e-mail Debbie Kroeger at decay@att.net or call her at 661.323.4259 for prices and advice on which plants would suit your garden. A sampling of available plants are below:

Cercis occidentalis (Redbud), Chlorogalum pomeridianum (Soap Plant), Corylus cornuta californica �Western Hazelnut�, Dudleya cymosa �Hen & Chicks�, Encelia actonii �Desert Sun�ower�, Cephalanthus occidentalis �Buttonwillow�, Cercis occidentalis �Redbud�, Penstemon laetus (Foothill Penstemon),

Mahonia aquifolium compacta �Compact Oregon grape�,

Mimulus aurantiacus �Sticky Monkey Flower�.

�Lorraine Unger, Membership Chair/Treasurer

THE ROADRUNNER� MAY/JUNE, 2010

FROM THE CHAIR

Theotig sends wild�ower bouquets of thanks to all The generous rains this winter brought bountiful displays of colorful wildflowers for us all to marvel in. Stunning carpets of orange, white, blue, and yellow wildflowers decorated our local hillsides and desert landscapes. We offer large bouquets of perfumed wildflowers to all those who helped in Chapter activities during March and April! First, a large bouquet of white popcorn flowers to the hard-working crew which gathered for the March Appeal letter in early March, and to all those who work on the Roadrunner every two months. In addition, we thank the many members who have already responded to our Appeal letter with your donations for Chapter conservation issues. Second, scented bouquets of lupine to those who made our Annual Banquet on March 13 a big success! I extend special gratitude to the Banquet committee for their efforts, as well, as Babak Naficy, our special guest speaker for the evening. Congratulations to our three Chapter honorees: Kim Loeb, for the Susan B. Miller Award (presented by Joanne Dudley), Ann Gallon, for the Chairman’s Award (presented by Chair Georgette Theotig), and Babak Naficy, for the Special Certificate of Appreciation and Sierra Cup Award (presented by Georgette Theotig and Dennis Burge).

Third, bouquets of poppiesto Lorraine Unger for organizing our signature collecting for the State Parks Initiative. Many thanks to all who have helped circulate the petitions for this importantdrive to keep our state parks open. Last, we offer a large mixed arrangement of flowers to our dedicated activists who tirelessly attend to various environ-mental issues, making the world a better place for all living things. You are appreciated! During the months of May and June we hope to see you at a Chapter event. Do something good for the environment today!

—Georgette Theotig Chapter Chair

Top: Ann Ga�on steps up to the podium at th� Banquet to receive the Chairman�s Award �o Chapter Chair Georgette Theotig. Bottom: Donnel Lester discusses issues with CSUB students Adeline Ramirez and Tony Parson.

FOR PDF VERSION OF NEWSLETTER

E-mail Lorraine Unger at lorraineunger@att.net and ask to be

taken off the hard copy list.

Log on to http://kernkaweah.sierraclub.org/email.html and join the KERN-NEWS email list.

FROM FRIENDS OF THE CHAPTER:

The �rst annual Kern River Parkway Fest will be on May 22 from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. at Hart Park �Section 7, close to the river and the rangers adobe house�. Admission is free. This is a family event with music, food and fun...including food booths, a rock climb, kids activities, nature hikes, jumping booths and a beer garden. For details call Rich ONeil at 706.1096.

THE ROADRUNNER� MAY/JUNE, 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 donnelc3bvg@earthlink.net 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 (gnipp@bak.rr.com) or Larry (661.873.8107) for more information.

Saturday, April 17—Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup. Meet at 9 a.m. Old River Road and Hwy 119 (Taft Hwy). Park at the Monte Carlo lot. We will bring equipment. Bring a hat, good hiking shoes/boots, and water to drink. Inclement weather cancels this event. Call to confirm your attendance: 661.246.6195.

Saturday, May 1—Sea Turtle Ecology. Inez Devlin-Kelly, Professor of Biology at Bakersfield College and Levan Scholarship winner will discuss “The Ecology of Sea Turtles: Requiem or Hope?” Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Avenue at the corner of Truxtun and Westwind, just west of Oak St. Optional brunch is served for $7.58/person + tip. Info: 661.246.6195.

Saturday, May 15—Highway Clean-up. Adopt-A-Highway cleanup: Meet at Old River Road and Hwy 119 (Taft Hwy). Park at the Monte Carlo lot at 9 a.m.. We will bring equipment. We recommend that you bring a hat, good hiking shoes/boots, and water to drink. Inclement weather cancels this event. Call to confirm your attendance: 661.246.6195.

Saturday, June 5—Brunch with Bee Expert. Joe Traynor will present "Current problems with bees; comments on the health benefits of honey." Traynor is the owner-manager of Scientific Ag Co. doing agricultural consulting and brokering of bee rentals. Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Avenue at the corner of Truxtun and Westwind, just west of Oak St. Optional brunch is served for $7.58/person + tip. Info: 661.246.6195.

Saturday, June 19—Highway Clean up. Adopt-A-Highway cleanup at 9 a.m. Follow same directions as for May 15.

BVG Recycles—Bring your household batteries to our meetings, and we’ll recycle them for you.

Also, visit our Facebook page at:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sierra-Club-Buena-Vista-Group/359839178824?v=wall&ref=mf

THE ROADRUNNER� MAY/JUNE, 2010

CONDOR GROUPMore info? Mary Ann Lockhart (661.242.0432). Hikes? Dale Chitwood (661.242.1076)

Saturday, April 24—Carrizo Plain Trip. Hawks? Condors? Antelopes? Flowers? and Earthquake Faults for sure on a trip to the Carrizo Plain. Approximately an hour west of Pine Mountain Club. Easy walking, bring lunch, etc. Leaving PMC at 9 a.m. More info? For sure make reservations. Call 661.242.0432

Saturdays, May 22-June 26— Wildflower Hikes. Destinations to be determined by blooming site. Call for information as the day approaches. prepare to meet at 8 a.m. at the Pine Mountain Clubhouse parking lot. Call 661.242.0432 for more information.

Saturday, June 5—Tracking Local Animals. A talkabout behavior and biology and basics of tracking byJim Lowery, a local naturalist and nationally-knowntracking instructor. Lowery is also the author ofThe Tracker’s Field Guide. Meet in the Pool PavilionRoom, PMC Clubhouse, at 6 p.m. for the potluck and7 p.m. program. Please bring your table settings aa dish to share.

Saturday, July 24—Traditional Peak-to-Peak Hike.From Mt. Pinos to Cerro Noroeste, this hike is six to seven miles. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Pine Mountain Clubhouse parking lot. This hike is strenuous.

Sunday Morning Strolls. These start the first Sunday in May continuing till the end of August. These are shortwalks in the neighborhood of PMC, usually one hourin length. Meet at 8 a.m. at the PMC Clubhouse. Children accompanied by adults are welcomed.

All-Day Tracking Class: We are planning an all-day tracking class with James Lowery, author of The Tracker’s Field Guide. Our plan is to meet sometimes on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday in June, the exact date yet to be determined. The location for the class will be the Frazier Mountain Pine Mountain Club area. The cost: $57 per person. If you are interested in participating and have questions, please call Mary Ann Lockhart at 661.242.0432 as soon as possible.

KAWEAH GROUPMore info? Call Pam Clark (559.784.4643) or Diane Jetter (559.781.8897).

Wednesday, June 16—Potluck in Zalud Park. Join us at 6 p.m. Bring a favorite dish. Iced tea will be provided. Call Pam for more info.

OWENS PEAK GROUPMore info? Chair Dennis Burge (760.375.7967) or e-mail dennis93555@yahoo.com. Jim Nichols,

hikes (760.375.8161) or e-mail jnichols@ridgecrest.ca.us.

Monday, April 26—Desert Microbial Life Matters. At 7:30 p.m. Jane McEwan will share her photographs as well as photomicrographs taken by Wayne Lanier, PhD. They have been investigating microbial mats growing in Poison Canyon. The microbial mats are highly photosynthetic producing oxygen and carbohydrates.They are the foundation of the food chain, providing food and shelter for brine fly larvae, which are eaten by kildeer that live in the canyon. Maturango Museum.

IN BLOOM: Bush lupine among tiny gold �owers, owl�s clover, phacelia, and an occasional India� paintbrush made a stunning appearance around Easter weekend on Highway 58 west of Carrizo Plain. Photographers and others made the trek �om a� directions to see vivid displays. Photo/Marjorie Be�

THE ROADRUNNER� MAY/JUNE, 2010

Monday, May 24—Steve Smith Program. 7:30 p.m. Steve Smith will present a program on his recent trip to China, Borneo and Hainan Island. Maturango Museum.

Saturday, June 12—Cottonwood 6th and 7th Lakes. We will hike to the 6th Lake just under the precipitous S wall of mt. Langley. Climbing to the west, we will check out the ephemeral 7th. Good workout, not too steep but really bracing warm-up for summer. Meet June 12 at 7 a.m. at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. For more info, call Dennis or Jim (numbers above).

MINERAL KINGPlease visit mineralking.sierraclub.org for more info. Also find Mineral King Group on Facebook!Tuesday Evening Conditioning Walks. During April, May and June we will be doing conditioning walks in Visalia at 6:30 p.m. Call Joanne or David at 733.2078 for details.

Saturday, April 17—Earth Day Event. Come join us at Visalia's Earth Day event. Mineral KIng Group will have a booth which will be located at the Golden West High School parking lot from 11 am to 1 p.m. Volunteers and volunteer teams are also invited to participate in the "St. Johns River Clean Up Event." Come out and join a team, or bring your own "Green Team" to the registration booth at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 17 at the Ross and Vallarta's parking lot near the corner of Hwy 63 (Dinuba Hwy) and Riggin Ave.

Wednesday, April 21— Dinner/Social. Please join us at 6 p.m. for a "no host" dinner at Panera Bread Café, 4103 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia. Contact Beverly for information at bev.garcia@kernkaweah.sierraclub.or or 559.624.0199.

Monday, April 26 —Executive Committee Meeting. This is the business meeting where we plan our events, goals, and activities. All Sierra Club members are welcome. Please call Bev at 559.624.0199 to attend. Location: Colima's Restaurant on Noble Ave, in the former Von's shopping center (on Noble in Visalia near Roller Towne) Saturday, May 1—Easy Hike. Come join us on an easy 3.5 mile round-trip hike to beautiful Tokepah Falls in Sequoia National Park. We will have a potluck picnic after the hike. Call Joanne or David at 733.2078 for details.

Monday, May 24—Executive Committee Meeting. (See description under Monday, April 26. All are welcome.)

Saturday, June 12 —Moderate Hike. We will hike eight miles round-trip to Mist Falls out of Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. This is a moderately difficult hike. It will be important to have adequate water and good hiking boots. Call Joanne or David at 733.2078 for details.

June 26: Paradise Peak-Mineral King Hike. This is a strenuous hike of just under 10 miles round trip with 3000 foot elevation gain. The hike will pass through the Atwell Grove of giant Sequoias and lead to the top of Paradise Peak (elev. 9400 ft.) for nice views of the Great Western Divide. For more information contact Dave Keller at 688.4813 or COACHK24@aol.com.

Find the Mineral King Group on Facebook! Sierra Club Mineral King Group has a new Facebook page! Visit our page for up-to-date information on outings, social events, and our conservation efforts in Tulare and Kings Counties.

THE ROADRUNNER� MAY/JUNE, 2010

California/Nevada Regional Conservation CommitteeDesert Committee Outings

For 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 kj.allen@wildblue.net or 661.944.4056.

Saturday-Sunday, April 24-25—Owens Valley Work Project. Project will probably be bashing tamarisk along the Owens River, but could change. Work on Saturday and enjoy the extensive birding opportunities on Sunday. Camp at Diaz Lake just south of Lone Pine. Group potluck on Saturday night Bring all camping gear, or stay in a motel in nearby Lone Pine. For more information, contact leaders Cal and Letty French at lettyfrench@gmail.com Santa Lucia Chapter and CNRCC Desert Committee

Saturday-Sunday, April 24-25—Exploring the Mojave National Preserve. We will meet Saturday morning 9 a.m. at the Teutonia Peak trailhead on Cima Road and hike to Teutonia Peak and out on Cima Dome. Primitive car camp at Sunrise Rock. Sunday morning, visit the museum/visitor center at Kelso Depot and then on to hike Kelso Dunes. These dunes have various nicknames including the singing dunes and the moaning dunes due to the sounds that they often make, but whatever you call then, they are impressive. For those who want to spend another night, we can camp at the Granite Mountains. For reservations contact leader: Carol Wiley at 760.245.8734 or desertlily1@verizon.net CNRCC Desert Committee

Saturday-Sunday, April 24-25—Rock Art in Eastern California. Comfortable spring weather is an ideal time to go exploring. On Saturday, we visit three rock art sites in the southern Owens Valley area bordering the Coso Mountains. On Sunday we will be escorted to (the astonishing) Little Petroglyph Canyon on the China Lake Naval Weapons Station. As government restrictions apply here, all arrangements and confirmations must be completed by April 1 (no joking). High clearance 2WD sufficient, day hiking, Saturday evening potluck. Group limit, 14 participants, Contact leader Craig Deutsche at 310.77.6670, craig.deutsche@gmail.com. CNRCC Desert Committee

Friday-Sunday, April 30-May 2—Kingston Mountains Wilderness Restoration. We will assist the BLM in restoring a cultural site in this wilderness area just a little north of Mojave National Preserve. Meet mid-afternoon Friday and car-caravan on gravel roads to the campsite. Work will end around lunchtime on Sunday. Bring camping gear, work gloves and clothing for a range of temperatures from very cold to very hot. Central Commissary available ($15), otherwise participants are responsible for their own food. Leader: Vicky Hoover 415.977.5527, vicky.hoover@sierraclub.org, or co-lead Carol Wiley 760.245.8734. CNRCC Wilderness Committee & Mojave Group

Saturday-Sunday, May 1-2—Fence Removal, Hiking, & Carcamp. To allow pronghorn antelope greater mobility on the Carrizo Plain we will help remove fences left from earlier ranching days. Weather may be warm, flowers may, or may not, be still blooming. Work Saturday, camp and potluck dinner that evening. Hike Sunday. Leaders will be at Selby Camp on Friday night for those who want to arrive early. More information from leaders: Cal and Letty French, (805.239.7338). Prefer e-mail lettyfrench@gmail.com. Santa Lucia Chapter, CNRCC Desert Committee, and Los Padres ForestWatch

Saturday-Sunday, May 1-2—Lone Pine Lake, Alabama Hills & Manzanar. Join us at our beautiful creekside camp in the high desert near Lone Pine. On Sat, we'll hike a moderate 6 mi rt, 1600' gain from Whitney Portal to beautiful Lone Pine Lake, followed by Happy Hour, a potluck feast and campfire. On Sun, we'll caravan to Manzanar, the WWII Japanese internment camp to visit the museum with its moving tribute to the internees held there during the war. Group size strictly limited. Send $8 per person (Sierra Club), 2 large SASE, H&W phones, email, rideshare info to Ldr: Lygeia Gerard, P.O. Box 294726, Phelan, CA 92329, 760.868.2179. CNRCC Desert Committee

Saturday-Monday, May 15-17--Service and Hiking in the Bright Star. This little known Wilderness Area (northeast Ridgecrest, CA) climbs from riparian canyons, to sagebrush hills, to pinyon and ponderosa forests. Our first day will be spent helping Marty Dickes from the BLM in monitoring and signing a small northern unit of this wilderness. The next day we’ll work along the interior Open Vehicle Corridor. On the third day, those that can stay, will take a long, loop hike in one of the riparian canyons and then over the highlands. More info and sign-up with leader Craig Deutsche, at 310.477.6670 or at craig.deutsche@gmail.com CNRCC Desert Com

Saturday-Monday, May 29-31--Birch Canyon Backpack and Dayhike. Birch Canyon descends through a steep and narrow canyon into the Hammil Valley north of Bishop. We’ll backpack to the mouth of the canyon on Saturday and spend Sunday exploring upstream, returning on Monday by the route we came in on. Participants are responsible for their own meals. Leader: John Wilkinson at johnfw1mac.com or at 408.876.8295. CNRCC Desert Committee

Saturday-Monday, May 29-31—Death Valley Wilderness Restoration. Help with wilderness restoration in the Panamint Mountain area of the park. Continuation of the clean up of mining debris from a site in between Middle and South Park as well as a couple of wilderness restoration of old roads and cleaning up of trash at Madeline’s cabin in South Park. We will meet Saturday at noon, car caravan to the campsite and begin some of the cleanup. Work Sunday and half a day on Monday. Happy hour/potluck Sunday night. Bring work gloves, camping equipment, and food and water for the weekend. Leader: Kate Allen, kj.allen@wildblue.net, (661.944.4056). CNRCC Desert Committee

THE ROADRUNNER� MAY/JUNE, 2010

SOMEWHAT BRIEFLY:EXTINCTION CRISIS CONFERENCE: This symposium is an all-day topical immersion on Friday, May 28 (from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Telluride Conference Center in Colorado. It includes presentations, panel discussions and audience Q&A. Admission includes lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Other events follow during the weekend. Festival Director David Holbrooke says, “The statistics are staggering. We’re currently experiencing the worst spate of species die-off since the loss of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Some scientists predict that between 30 and 50 percent of all species will be extinct by mid-century.” Symposium organizers have yet to finalize all speakers, but this year’s line-up will include Greg Carr, Cristina Mittermeier, Dave Foreman, Paul Nicklen, Maya Lin, Rick Ridgeway, Thomas Lovejoy and Joel Sartore. To learn more about the symposium, go to: http://www.mountainfilm.org/festival/2010/symposium.asp To learn about Mountainfilm, go to: http://www.mountainfilm.org/tv/

CHANNEL ISLANDS: The Angeles Chapter Political Committee is again extending an invitation for Sierra Club members to explore the windswept islands of Channel Island National Park during one or more of the upcoming sessions (May 7-9, July 16-19, August 6-10 or Sept. 10-12).

The fee is $590 for May and September; $785 for July and August. For reservations, mail a $100 check, payable to Sierra Club to: Joan Jones Holtz and Don Holtz, 11826 The Wye St., El Monte, CA 91732. For more information: 626.443.0706: jholtzhln@aol.com

BLACK BEAR TASK FORCE: The Sierra Club filed a letter in March opposing a California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) proposal to expand the use of dogs by bear hunters. If approved, the DFG proposal will increase the hounding of bears by dog packs, as well as expand black bear hunting into San Luis Obispo County and other areas of the state. It will remove the current 1,700 season limit of bears “harvested,” and allow an unlimited number of bears to be killed by California hunters during bear season, which usually runs concurrently with deer hunting season. The Sierra Club has called upon the Commission to adopt regulations that require dogs be in the physical control of hunters at all times, as required by the Fish and Game Code. We strongly oppose uncontrolled hounding of bears, a practice which results in gruesome injuries to bears and dogs. DFG regulations make it a crime to hunt cubs and mother bears. The uncontrolled packs of hounds do not read or follow those rules. When a mother bear stands and fights to protect her clubs, dogs may be seriously injured or killed. The DFG proposal will allow the use of GPS devices and tip-switches. The tip switches signal the hunters that a bear has been treed. The hunters follow the GPS signals to the dogs and shoot the terrified bear out of the tree. Hounding places dogs, bears, and other forest animals such as endangered species like the Pacific Fisher at risk. The use of dogs to hunt bears is the favored method of bear poachers, legitimizing hounding will lead to more poaching. Allowing dogs and bears to fight is illegal under the state’s animal cruelty laws. Californians should not get an exemption to these laws by buying a hunting license. —Richard J. Garcia, Sierra Club-CNRCC

Chair Black Bear Task Force

FONTAINE’S NEW BOOK: Retired Kern County science teacher and past national Sierra Club president Joe Fontaine has completed his new book about the Kern Plateau. The title is The Kern Plateau and Gems of the Southern Sierra. All of the areas in his book are located in Kern County. Of particular interest to locals should be Fontaine’s history of the campaigns and successes of the Sierra Club and especially the Kern Kaweah Chapter. The book can be viewed at www.AtlasBooks.com and purchased on-line for $24.95.It is also available by contacting the author at 661.821.2055 or fontaine@wildblue.com.

PG&E’s PROP. 16 INITIATIVE: PG&E has qualified Proposition 16 for the June 2010 ballot using the initiative process to do exactly the opposite of what it was designed to do. The California Legislature enacted the modern day initiative process in 1911 as part of a package of reforms that were designed to protect the people of California from the unchecked power of a major corporation. Prop. 16 uses the initiative process to solidify the monopoly power of one company at the expense of California citizens. Specifically, the measure requires local governments to obtain the approval of two-thirds of voters before providing electricity to new customers or expanding service to new territories if any public funds or bonds are involved. The measure would make it very difficult for local communities to switch from PG&E and other investor-owned utilities (IOUs) to municipal-owned utilities (MUNIs) which have been proven to have cheaper rates. To date, PG&E has been the sole contributor to the Yes on Prop. 16 political action committee (PAC)—contributing a total of $19 million to support the measure as of March 9, 2010. California lawmakers and energy experts blasted Prop. 16 at a legislative hearing held at the Capitol last month with many participants using harsh and colorful language to describe the measure. City and County Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi said he was amazed at the “brazen arrogance” of PG&E in submitting Prop. 16 and compared the company to the tobacco industry in the 1990s when they said “smoking is good for you.” Assembly member Mark Leno (D) was highly critical of the measure and said he thought it was “astounding” that the California Chamber of Commerce would support a measure that would limit competition in the energy markets. John L. Geesman, former chair of the California Energy Commission, urged lawmakers to “do what you can to put this mongrel down.” On its face, Prop. 16 may appear to some voters to benefit them by setting a higher bar, namely requiring a new two-thirds vote requirement for the use of taxpayer funds; however, a closer examination of the measure reveals that Prop. 16 is not really about protecting taxpayers at all.

—Adapted from an article from Kersten CommunicationsA Public Policy Research & Analysis Company

research@kerstencommunications.com

TULARE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN UPDATE: The revision of the Tulare County General Plan of 2008 has been released on March 25 as the Tulare County 2030 General Plan Update with a new draft IREIR. The revision, which is 2200 pages long, is available for public examination up to May 27 on the Tulare County website. For more detail about the updated plan, feel free to contact Peter or Carole Clum at 599.561.4661.

—Peter ClumMineral King Group, Chapter ExCom Member

THE ROADRUNNER MAY/JUNE, 2010

MIDGEBUZZINGS

Throughout this year’s shadowed and rainy winter, I reached the point where tolerance ends and pessimism sets in. In early March my nectarine tree bloomed more extravagantly than ever in glorious defiance of the soggy weather, but still the wet and overcast days came on, and with them my increasing gloom. Checking the tree every day, I could see only a solitary bee here and there, and then only in the brief rainless moments we were afforded. Clearly few bees meant a meager crop, if any. Instead of being encouraged by the abundant blossoms, Isaw them as beautiful but barren. Inclined to worst case scenarios, I envisioned trouble for growers all over the valley and a crash in the agricultural market. In the meantime the national news grew grimmer and seemingly more hopeless every day, with a level of violence and verbal vitriol unprecedented in my lifetime. The old “hell in a hand basket” cliché haunted me, though more cheerful friends presented plenty of evidence to the contrary. I have to admit that in those conversations I resembled the grandfather in the tale of Peter and the Wolf. All through the story he admonished his optimistic grandson with repeated predictions of doom. And even when Peter succeeded in his triumphant capture of the ferocious wolf, the grandfather had the last word: “This is all very well. But what if you hadn’t caught him? What then?”

As if in divine rebuke of this soul-curdling pessimism, the first really sunny day did come, and walking out to the nectarine tree I was surprised to find multitudes of thin, green extensions from the centers of the withered blossoms, and with them the promise of an abundant crop. I must say that I had the grace to rejoice in this evidence of the failure of my doomsday thesis. Such defeats can be precious.

Then on a glorious day Margie Bell and I set out, on the advice of a friend, to find wildflowers along Shell Road, just 16 miles this side of Santa Margarita on Highway 58. It was a gorgeous experience from start to finish, and I want to share the route with those who may not know it.

After Buttonwillow, just as you reach McKittrick, turn right at the Santa Margarita sign and proceed upwards into those low mountains of the ever fascinating Temblor Range. In our case on that bright April morning, there was nothing but beauty from the beginning of the ascent. We stopped by a vast green field to delight in a flock of sheep and listen to the bellwether’s music, and then proceeded through rich displays of owl’s clover, phacelia, lupine, poppies and the bright ground covering waves of yellow flowers that nobody can name and that define those hills every spring. After miles of rich pastures and trees just leafing out and grazing cattle, the sign for Shell Road appeared on the right. Painters and photographers were there ahead of us, as well as others just looking. And yet, there was no sense

whatever of crowding. We found a place above a small running stream for a picnic, and continued to celebrate every moment of our time there. For those who may not know that route to the coast, I think it only fair to warn that in summer it can be rather a bleak journey, all hot and brown. But consider, as I now do, that the amazing versatility of the area can be a livingmetaphor for the rise and fall of ecstasy and despair in human experience, and keep it in mind as a balm for hard times to come.

—Ann Williams

Photos/Marjorie Bell

THE ROADRUNNER MAY/JUNE, 2010

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Executive Committee of the Kern-Kaweah ChapterChair: Georgette Theotig (Tehachapi), 661.822.4371. Vice-chair: Gordon Nipp (Bksf), 661.872.2432. Secretary:Ara Marderosian (Kernville), 760.378.4574. 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. Chapter ExCom Meetings: All Sierra Club members are always welcome to attend these meetings. Call 661.822.4371 to confirm all meeting dates as well as location and time.

ATTENTION STUDENTS Sierra Club fosters the involvement of youthin today’s critical issues through the Sierra Student Coalition (SSC), an on-line community offering information about issues, newsletters, and connections with activists throughout the country as well as guides to outings and meetings worldwide. Students can enjoy being part of an enthusiastic team that’s working to preserve and protect the Earth and its wildlife.

Of special interest are one-week summer leadership grassroots training programs in various locations, including Washington State (June 14-21), Texas (July 18-25), Alabama (July 25-Aug. 1) Louisiana (Aug. 8-15), and Virginia (July 10-18). Skills include learning team building, strategic campaign planning, communication skills, and grassroots tactics.

Costs for the programs (all-inclusive for on-site activities) are between $250-$450 depending on family circumstance and income. Early bird registration before May 15allows a $50 discount. The trip to the program would be an extra cost. Our local Kern-Kaweah Chapter may be able to help financially as well as other community groups or businesses.

Applications for summer training programs are available at the SSC website at www.ssc.org.

Information about SSC and its other activities is also available at the above website.