8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
1/16Explore, Enjoy and Protect the PlanetExplore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet
HIISIERRANI RR NSierra Club San Diego Chapter Serving Imperial and San Diego CountiesWorking To Preserve The Special Nature of San Diego for Over Half A Century
Vol 69 No. 3 Visit our website at: www.sandiego.sierraclub.org May/June 2010
continued on page 13 continued on page 6
2010 San Diego Chapter GalaCelebration & DinnerThe San Diego Chapter will be hosting a Gala Celebration anDinner to recognize and commemorate the achievements ofcommunity leaders and volunteers who have contributed thetime and effort to protecting the environment.
The event will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the Kearny
Mesa Ramada Conference Center & Hotel. The celebration will
include a VIP reception, dinner program and silent auction. Theevent brings together elected officials, dignitaries, community
activists, Sierra Club members and supporters to celebrate the
special nature of San Diego and Imperial counties and to raise fu
for the San Diego Chapters programs that help protect the region
environment.
This years theme will be "Our Wildlands Legacy" and
include the presentation of the Chapters FEAT (goodand HEAT (bad) Awards.This years FEAT awardees are featured keynote speaker Mark
Jorgensen, former Park Superintendent Anza Borrego Desert State
Park; Richard Halsey, Executive Director California ChaparralInstitute; and Preserve Calavera, whose mission is to "protect,
enhance, and restore the natural resources of coastal north
San Diego County".
Join us as we make this an unforgettable evening of inspiration an
reverence, honoring our 2010 FEAT awardees who have contribu
the time and effort to be called "stewards of the environment".
For 33 years Mark Jorgensen spent his life at Anza Borrego as a
naturalist, resource ecologist and since 2001 as its Superintenden
before retiring this spring. Always an outspoken advocate for the
park, Mark is especially recognized for his love and knowledge of
the desert and his unending efforts to save the Bighorn sheep. Hi
drive to protect bighorns began in 1972 when he spent four sum-mers studying the sheep in the park. Ever since then Mark has co
tinued to advocate for Bighorn habitat throughout Southern
California.
Richard Halseystarted his environmental journey when he joined
the Sierra Club at age 15 and is a Life Member. He is the director
the California Chaparral Institute, a nonprofit research and educa
tional organization focusing on the ecology of Californias shrub-
land plant communities, wildland fire, and how Mediterranean-ty
ecosystems have helped shape human culture. Richard Halsey is th
voice for the chaparral of San Diego.
Is the Hi Sierran you are reading worth 42 cents to you? Itcosts us about 17 cents to produce, another 17 cents to print,and 8 cents to mail, so the issue in your hands cost us 42 centsor multiply that by 6 issues per year and that is $2.50 per yearfor 6 issues.
This does not sound like much, but multiplied by over 12,000it is our largest single expense after staff payroll.
Total expense in 2009 was close to $30,000, more than wasraised by our annual fund appeal.
Some of the cost was recovered from paid advertising fromoutside, and some was "recovered" from internal advertisingcharges to sections and activities. The internal ad revenue isnot really new income to the club, since it just represents adiversion of funds from other activities.
Since the National club has reduced the portion of your annu-al dues that come to the chapter, we are less able to subsidizethe costs. Historically, it was considered that $1.00 of yourdues were allocated to a local newsletter. That one dollar nolonger covers the costs of producing, printing, and mailing theHi Sierran to you. The result has been that the Hi Sierran hasbeen shrinking. First, there was a reduction from 12 issues peryear to six, and then the number of pages was cut in half. Thisis typical of the experience of other chapters. Some chaptershave cut back to only four issues per year, and one chapter hasgone paperless.
We do not know how many copies go into the recycle bin, orworse, the trash, unread.
The Hi Sierran has been available on our web site, in pdfform, for a number of years. In 2009, we started printing anotice that members could opt out of getting a paper copy.
8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
2/16May/June 2010 Hi Sierran San Diego2
Discouraged
by politics?Get Involved!I was called to participate in a "focus
group" last week and asked to identify
what are the biggest challenges facing our
organization. My answer: political honesty.
Then, sadly I realized how odd it was to
put those two terms together in this day
and age. Worse, it's hard to get planning
honesty because planners in our region
are not well protected from political pres-sure. When an elected official wants a
project, planners are pressured - some-
times directly, mostly indirectly - to pro-
vide reports to support what the politi-
cians want. And so it goes.
It's only when people rise up in great
numbers to complain that sometimes they
can get a project changed or denied - and
usually only when there is an upcoming
election. This is all to say that our Chapter
Political Committee and ConservationCommittees make a big difference by pro-
viding some check and balance on our
very unbalanced system.
If you're discouraged by politics, then it's
the perfect time to get involved - because
that's the only way to make difference. It's
particularly interesting to meet candidates
in person running for office and newcom-
ers are always welcome! The Sierra Club is
the only grassroots environmental group
that does political work, so please jump in.
Every environmental decision is influ-
enced by politics, so it's important work
Chapter News
Welcome to Michael Brune, who if you
have not heard, is the Sierra Club's new
Executive Director, replacing Carl Pope,
who will stay on as an advisor. I partici-
pated in his first day teleconference and
was impressed - so much so, I got a copy
of his book: Coming Clean, Breaking
American's Addiction to Oil and Coal.
This is an important generational transi
tion for the Club and he is hitting the
ground running. Visit the national web-
site, http://www.sierraclub.org/ed/ to
read about him and follow his posts.
Welcome to our new Legal Committee
Chair Pam Epstein. Whether you're an
attorney or not, if you'd like to be in the
loop with the Legal Committee, please
contact Pam. (see back page).
Welcome back to Cheryl Reiff who has
accepted an appointment as Chapter
Historian. If you have stories from the
past to share, or would like to help her
go through our collection of photo-
graphs and help identify people, let her
know. (see back page).
New Member?
If you're a new member, we've started
new member introductions once/month
on a Saturday at the Chapter office. They
will be May 15 and June 19 from
9:30 - 10:30am.
If you'd like to arrange a speaker fromthe Chapter, please contact me.
Finally, if you didn't receive your fund
appeal letter in the mail, please let us
know. If you've meant to, but haven't
sent in a contribution yet, we'd be happy
to receive any amount. Every donation
makes a difference!
HIISIERRANI RR NSierra Club San Diego Chapter
8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101San Diego, CA 92111(858) 569-6005
Editor
Judy Thomas (619) [email protected]
Creative DirectorScott Thomas (619) [email protected]
Hi Sierran Committee ChairEllen [email protected]
Conservation
[email protected] and [email protected]
One Club ListservTo subscribe go to:http://lists.sierraclub.org/scripts/wa.exe?index
May/June 2010
USPS - 896140
The Hi Sierran is published bi-monthly by the San
Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club, 8304 Clairemont
Mesa Blvd. #101, San Diego, CA 92111, for
members in San Diego and Imperial counties.
$1 of the annual membership fee is for a sub-scription to the Hi Sierran. Periodicals Postage Paid
at San Diego, CA. Postmaster: Send address
changes to Hi Sierran, Sierra Club Member
Services PO BOX 52968, Boulder, CO 80322-2968.
Address Correction?Send your current mailing label and
your correct address to:Sierra Club
PO BOX 52968Boulder, CO 80322-2968
Or email membership number and
your correct address to:[email protected]
Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing. IN THIS ISSUE:Nature Knowledge Workshop . . . . . 4
Voting Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Summer Bus Trips Schedule . . . . . . . 9
Monthly Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet
8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
3/16March/April 2010 Hi Sierran San Diego 3
WildernessEncampmentto Bring WildernessAdvocates TogetherJoin dozens of enthusiastic wilderness andwild river advocates at this WildernessEncampment convening on Saturday
Sunday, May 22-23, at Oak Grove ForestService Campground and Community Hall,located midway between the communities of
Aguanga and Sunshine Summit on SR79 inthe Cleveland National Forest. Participantswill enjoy rousing presentations, stimulating
discussions, hikes, great food, and fellowshipat this coming together of organizations andindividuals who are working to establish fed-
eral wilderness and wild & scenic riverprotections for federal land in San DiegoCounty.
From the vantage point of our car-camplocation at Oak Grove, we will enjoy splendidviews of the Palomar range including Agua
Tibia Proposed Wilderness to the south, andBeauty Mountain Proposed Wilderness to
the north. These pristine areas in San DiegoCounty comprise Congressperson DarrellIssas "Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia
Wilderness Act of 2009" (H. R. 4304), whichwould add 13,635 acres to the BeautyMountain Wilderness, and 7,796 acres to the
Agua Tibia Wilderness which were estab-lished in Riverside County in 2009 byCongressperson Mary Bono Mack.
Sierra Club CA/NV RCC Wilderness(www.sierraclub.org/ca/wilderness) andForest Committees are joining with the
venerable Durango, Colorado-based groupGreat Old Broads for Wilderness(www.greatoldbroads.org), and
Wilderness4All (www.wilderness4all.org) inSan Diego County to stage this momentousevent.
Here are some details
Audience: Sierra Club members and guestswho care about preserving wild places --
from various places in California andNevada, especially southern California
Guest speakers: Rick Halsey of The Chaparral
Institute, Land management agency officials,and other guests
Format: Campout Friday night followed bysit-down wilderness meeting Saturday 10 amto 5 pm, group dinner (provided) in camp-
ground, with evening walk or program.Group breakfast Sunday (provided)
Hike: Sunday morning hike in the BeautyMountain Proposed Wilderness Addition
led by Geoffrey Smith, finished by 3:00 pm
Meeting agenda topics include: CurrentWilderness legislation, wilderness manage-
ment issues, agency reports, forest updates,off-road vehicle concerns, public lands feesconcerns, outing reports and listings, and
more.
Meals: Lunch provided during Saturdaymeeting. Saturday camp night dinner andSunday breakfast provided; donations willbe requested to cover meal costs. Bring
own utensils, cups, bowls, etc.
Costs: $10 person camping fee; $10 person
fee for three meals, or $3 for lunch only.
Optional Saturday Night Dinner: A $10reservation by May 12 will get you a
delicious dinner and program with theGreat Old Broads for Wilderness.Email for details.
Sound fun? It will be! For more detailsand to register, write [email protected] (pre-
ferred), or call 858.442.1425. Hope to seeyou there! - Geoffrey Smith
Please join the SAN DIEGO CHAPTER at our
June 12, 2010
Annual Gala Celebrationas we honorOur Wildlands Legacy
Kearny Mesa Ramada
Conference Center & Hotel
Join us as we make this an unforgettable evening of inspiration and reverence, honoring
those who have contributed their time and effort as stewards of the environment.
Keynote Speaker and Award Recipient
Mark Jorgensen"Ranger Going Rogue"
Former Park Superintendent Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Special Presentations will also be made to recognize those who have
contributed to the degradation of our environment!
Sponsorship Opportunities Available.
For more event information contact Richard at 858-569-6005 orga la@sier rac lubsandd iego.org
Sierra SinglesHikes, Bonfires, Concerts,
Volleyball, Movies, Picnics,
Dancing, Car Camps and more.
For more information,
call (858) 657-0502 or email
Annual Email Membership Only
$10.00
Enjoy!!
www.sandiego.sierrclub.org/singles
8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
4/16May/June 2010 Hi Sierran San Diego4
You have a personal invitation to join us for a weekend that may influence the rest of your life. This annual event is one of the two big SierraClub happenings of each year (the other is the Wilderness Basics Course). The Nature Knowledge Workshop (NKW) combines education andappreciation for our precious, dwindling natural resources with a sharing and a building of new friendships. We hope you will leave the weekendwith a renewed vigor towards a society respecting and preserving all living co-habitants.
Location: The Sierra Clubs scenic Foster Lodge on Mt. Laguna (elev. 5,800 ft., San Diego County)
Date: June 4-6 June 11-13, 2010. (Friday evening through Sunday noon).
Cost: Before May 1st, $125 per Sierra Club Member, $135 Non-Member (after May 1, $140/$150)
This covers:
1. A comprehensive 190-page Naturalists Manual.2. Six full & nutritious meals created by Sheena Myers and Staff.
3. Two nights lodging either in the Lodge or tenting on the grounds.
4. A stompin, clappin Bluegrass concert on Friday evening.
5. Half-day nature hikes led through chaparral, forest & meadow ecosystems.
6. Evening workshops on a variety of subjects, given by biologists & specialists.Subjects include plants, mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, Indian history & lore,
ecology/conservation, astronomy, population issues and more.
7. Yoga & Meditation sessions.
8. An NKW T-shirt to each participant.Need further proof? Ask anyone who has previously participated. The NKW usually fills up early, followed by a long waiting list.Please apply promptly. For more information, call Lee or Fern at (619) 583-3261.
To register, send the following to Lee Siegel, 5224 Prosperity Lane, San Diego, CA 92115-2143:
1. This filled-out coupon (or a coupon for each person applying).
2. A check: $125 per Sierra Club Member, $135 per Non-Member, payable to Sierra Club. (after May 1, $140/$150)
3. Two self-addressed, stamped envelopes (for two separate mailings) if you do not have e-mail.
Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
City/State/Zip_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone (home) (Work)_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Amount Sent ($125/Member, $135/Non-Member, payable to Sierra Club) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Check which weekend you will attend: June 4-6 June 11-13
Sierra Club Membership Number(s) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Email address(es) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Age(s)_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Where did you grow up? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Occupation (previous, if retired) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
June 4 - 6 and June 11 - 13
8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
5/16May/June 2010 Hi Sierran San Diego 5
Pacific Gas & Electric (a San Francisco-
based utility) wants you to vote for a con-
stitutional amendment that would make it
tougher for you to buy
cleaner electricity - or anyelectricity from anyone
else.
The company is the sole
sponsor of Proposition
16, a measure on the June
ballot that would require
two-thirds voter approval
before cities, counties,
and local power agencies
could choose an alterna-
tive energy provider. The
measure would also pre-vent existing local utilities
from adding new cus-
tomers, even within their
districts, without first
going to the ballot. Although PG&E refers
to the measure as "The Taxpayers' Right
to Vote Act", the measure provides no
right to vote on PG&E expansion effortsor on its rates, among the highest in the
country.
Former California energy commissioner
John Geesman points out the inherentunfairness of the measure. In his blog he
notes that while PG&E has a $30 million
budget for the campaign, "the local gov-
ernments, municipal utilities, and irriga-
tion districts who are its targets are pro-
hibited by law from spending anything to
oppose it."
PG&E is also targeting so-called
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)
programs, such as San Francisco's
CleanPowerSF and Marin Clean Energy.
These ambitious programs will soon pro-vide half of the counties' electricity fromrenewable sources - if Proposition 16
doesn't enable PG&E to kill the programs
by forcing them to the ballot and winning
over a mere 34% of the voters.
This threat has not escaped the leadership
of the state legislature. Last December,
eight state senators, led by President Pro
Tempore Darrell Steinberg, wrote to
PG&E CEO Peter Darbee to voice con-
cerns over PG&E's attack on the CCAs
and clean energy: "We note that PG&E . . .
today provides less renewable power as a
percentage of total sales than it did when
this legislation was enact-
ed in 2000. . . . It is unac-ceptable for a company
that is falling behind in
meeting state-adopted
goals for clean energy to
impede the efforts of oth-
ers who would attain
those goals through
innovative means."
PG&E has all but admit-ted that squelching com-
petition is the main
thrust behind Proposition16. Last October, speaking
about the ballot measure,
PG&E CEO Darbee told
analysts, "We are going to
stand up and resist efforts to take over
our customers."
With a near-monopoly stretching from
Eureka to Santa Barbara, PG&E's only
competition is from isolated local agencies
and the few new Community Choice
Aggregation programs. But Los Angeles
Times columnist Michael Hiltzik believesthat PG&E has reason to be afraid of these
competitors. "Their fear today is that
municipal utilities will undercut them onpricing and recruit their customers. That's
not an unrealistic fear, as municipal utili-
ties have consistently beaten the private
utilities on rates."
Municipal utilities and CCAs may not be
the only electricity providers wary of
Proposition 16's anti-competitive aims. As
of this writing, neither of the state's other
investor-owned utilities, SouthernCalifornia Edison and San Diego Gas &
Electric, has contributed any funding to
the Prop 16 campaign - though SDG&E
has taken very negative positions toward
CCAs in their filings with the California
Public Utilities Commission.
As of February, PG&E had spent $6.5 mil-
lion on the measure. Commissioner
Geesman pointed out the source of thesefunds: us. "There is not a nickel that passes
through PG&E's books that doesn't ulti-
Vote No! On Proposition 16PG&E's Attack On Competition
mately derive from its customers," he
said to the San Jose Mercury News.
PG&E frequently states that switching toits competition is risky. Yet PG&E cus-
tomers risk getting their lights turned of
more than those of other utilities. PG&E
is cutting service to a staggering number
of customers who are missing payments
- far more than other utilities. The Los
Angeles Times reported that PG&E'slow-income disconnections jumped 75%
in 2009 - five times the increase of San
Diego Gas & Electric, and three times
that of Southern California Edison.
PG&E's overall disconnections rose 40%
also more than any other investor-
owned or municipal utility.
Despite this and high electricity rates,
PG&E has been trying to label
CleanPowerSF as a "risky scheme" in
mail pieces to San Francisco businesses.Such mailings by a utility violate state
law. In response, San Francisco city
attorney Dennis Herrera filed a petition
with the California Public Utilities
Commission in January. In his press
release, Herrera linked the goals of clean
energy and competition, "We cannot let
Californians be denied the benefits of
cleaner, cost-effective energy alternative
- consumer choice is simply too impor-
tant to ratepayers and the environment.
Critics of Proposition 16, including the
Sierra Club, consumer advocates like
TURN, elected leaders, public poweragencies, and newspaper editorial board
see the ballot measure as even more dan
gerous than PG&E's other anti-competi
tive efforts. The Sacramento Bee charac-terized Proposition 16 as a case of "a
powerful special interest seizing the ini-
tiative process for its own narrow bene-
fit." In a January editorial the paper said
"If [Proposition 16] passes, it enshrines
unfair protections against competition
for PG&E, one of the richest, most pow
erful corporations in the state, into theCalifornia Constitution."
It's now up to California voters. They'll
need to see through the taxpayer-protec
tion veneer of Proposition 16, and to
perceive it for what it actually is: an
attempt to permanently stifle free-mar-
ket competition and expansion of the
state's renewable-energy industry.
John Rizzo, member, San Francisco Group
Executive Committee; and a trustee on th
San Francisco Community College Board
8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
6/16May/June 2010 Hi Sierran San Diego6
2009 EnvironmentalReport Card ReleasedLow Grades for City of San Diego Mayor
& City Council
By Carolyn Chase & Richard Miller
March 10, 2010
The League of Conservation Voters San
Diego, in coalition with the San DiegoChapter and 9 other environmental
groups, released the first-ever compre-
hensive Environmental Quality Report
Card for the City of San Diego Mayor
and City Council.
The Report Card builds on the annual
Water Quality Report Card which has
been issued since 2001. The Water
Quality Report Card was originally com-
missioned by San Diego Coastkeeper.
This year, 11 environmental organiza-
tions adopted the report and expanded it
to quantitatively grade City officials on
decisions related to environmental health
in 2009.
The Mayor and most City Council mem-
bers received modest or poor grades.
Mayor Sanders received a poor grade for
not making the environment one of his
top priorities. The Mayor decimated the
City budgets related to environmental
programs instead of searching for new
revenue sources. Mayor Sanders is also
one of the few Mayors of a large city
without a point person in his administra-tion dedicated to the environment.
Two major initiatives supported by the
Sierra Club and many environmental
organizations greatly impacted the grades
of the City Council members. Many
Council members voted against Indirect
Potable Reuse (IPR), a plan to recycle
wastewater into useable drinking water
and failed to appoint Diane Takvorian,
Executive Director of Environmental
Health Coalition, to the San Diego Port
Commission.
What's not in the Report Card
The Report Card grades city of San Diego
officials on votes taken by the full City
Council, that were a part of the city's for-
mal council agenda. However, what's
missing from that agenda cannot be
ignored from any environmental perspec-
tive.
The City Council and Mayor Jerry
Sanders serve on a variety of regional
boards with little public input or over-
sight, but with great environmental
impacts, including SANDAG (San Diego
Association of Governments) and MTS
(Metropolitan Transit System).
The transportation sector is the largest
regional source of climate change emission
as well as other major pollutants.
Transportation itself, planners know, is destiny. The region's growth strategy for
accommodating another million in popula
tion is currently dominated by freeway-
widening and increasing traffic congestion.
While the city has adopted the so-called
"City of Villages" approach, the Regional
Transportation Plan still needs to catch-up
SANDAG is currently updating the
Regional Transportation Plan, which lays
out projects for the next 30 years. The
choices made in this Plan Update will show
whether our elected officials are serious
about climate change science or "smartgrowth," or not. The prospects do not look
bright. SANDAG has created a Regional
Climate Action Strategy that is weak and
woefully incomplete. Transit services have
been decimated as a result of the illegal
diversion of funding by the State
Legislature. Neither the Boards of the tran-
sit agencies (MTS, NCTD) nor the Board o
SANDAG have done anything other than
righteously rail at the state.
The separation of transportation agencies
(Caltrans, MTS, NCTD, SANDAG), means
that major decisions related to multi-billiondollar transportation investments and the
plans that lead to project choices do not
show up on City Council agendas. These
votes may not have shown up on this year's
Report Card, but environmentalists are
watching and all taxpayers and voters
should be too.
The full report can be read on the Chapter
web site,
http://www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/
Vote/ReportCard.pdf
The mission ofPreserve Calavera is to pre-
serve, protect and enhance the natural
resources of coastal north San Diego County.Started in 2002, Preserve Calavera has
become one of the largest grass roots conser-
vation groups in coastal north county.
Preserve Calaveras has helped preserve over
250 acres of natural lands and led the com-
munity fundraising effort for the most recentpreserve in north county- the Buena Vista
Creek Ecological Reserve.
Tickets to the 2010 Gala and Dinner
Celebration can be purchased through the
Chapters website at www.sandiego.sierra-
club.org or by calling the Chapter office at
858-569-6005.
WHEN: Saturday, June12, 2010
VIP Reception 6:00pm 7:00pm
Dinner 7:00pm 9:30pm
WHERE: Ramada InnConference Center and Hotel,5550 Kearny Mesa Rd., San Diego(Clairemont Mesa Blvd & Hywy 163)
TICKETS: Individual Tickets:$75 VIP reception and dinner,$60 dinner only
Sierra Club members:$65 VIP reception and dinner, $50 dinner
continued from page 1
. . . Save the ChapterSome Green.
Did you know that
you can always read
the current issue of
the Hi Sierran on our
Chapter web site?
Just go to the homepage at sandiego.sier-
raclub.organd click on the"Newsletters" link in theright-hand column.
If you like reading the online version,remember that you can opt out of getting apaper copy.To opt out, contact the Chapter office
858-569-6005 [email protected]
The grades for City officials are:
Official District Grade
Sherri Lightner 1 C
Kevin Faulconer 2 D
Todd Gloria 3 A-
Tony Young 4 D
Carl DeMaio 5 F
Donna Frye 6 A
Marti Emerald 7 C-
Ben Hueso 8 C-
MayorJerry Sanders All D-
8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
7/16 7May/June 2010 Hi Sierran San Diego
The campaign to put suspension of California's climate change law before voters in
November started taking shape this week as warring parties revealed key sources of
funding and traded barbs over the nature of their financial support.
Opposing the climate law are a Texas-based refining company that operates inCalifornia and the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. In documents
filed with the California Secretary of State, a group calling itself the California Jobs
Initiative listed Valero Energy Corp.'s director of government affairs in California,
Scott Folwarkow, and Jon Coupal, president of the tax group, as its leading officers.
The documents verify Valero's involvement but say nothing about rumors that
another San Antonio-based company, Tesoro Corp., has contributed funds. Coupal
would not comment on Tesoro's role, insisting that more information on funding
would be made public soon.
The California Jobs Initiative wants to suspend the climate law, A.B. 32 -- now set
to take effect in two years -- until the state's 12.5 percent unemployment rate falls
to 5.5 percent.
Coupal called the criticism that opposition to A.B. 32 was relying on out-of-statemoney "flatly incorrect." In-state companies from several sectors would participate,
he said, if the initiative makes the November ballot.
"Transportation, agriculture and petroleum, they are the obvious ones" to join the
effort, Coupal said. "There's also a fair bet that the small business coalitions are
going to be highly supportive."
The campaign is in the process of gathering the 433,000 signatures needed to make
the ballot, where voters would get to decide A.B. 32's fate directly. Coupal said the
effort "just got off the ground" but should make the June deadline for qualification.
Opponents of the climate law, led by Republican Assemblyman Dan Logue, say its
ACTION ALERT:Oppose Sunrise
PowerlinkSen. Feinstein is pushing the Forest Serv
to approve the Sunrise Powerlink. Below
the site to the article stating that she did
not know there was opposition. Let's let
her and the Forest Service know that we
oppose this project. Thank you for your
continued support.
For more information see Chapter News
at: www.sandiego.sierraclub.org
Vote No on Prop DProp D is the wrong approach to addres
our City's needs. It's funded by and forthe same ol' special interests. Prop D
undermines citizen participation and
input in city government while increasi
access for lobbyists and special interests
invites more behind closed door deals a
spending and encourages hiring decisio
based on politics rather than competenc
Prop D limits City staff's ability to make
objective decisions and creates a politi-
cized and uncertain environment for Ci
staff. It also allows the mayor to "infor-
mation manage" the public and withhocritical facts the Council and public nee
to make informed decisions. This is the
exact opposite of open government.
The bottom line is the Strong Mayor co
too much. Your No vote means instantgovernment reform and big savings;
restores the Mayor as leader of the City
Council responding to your concerns in
public; installs a qualified professional t
manage city operations, answerable to t
Mayor, City Council and taxpayers;
assures immediate accountability becau
a City Manager can be fired immediatel
for failing to do a good job. (No waiting
four years for an election.)
We experimented with Strong Mayor fo
the last five years. Let's save Taxpayer
Dollars and restore Government
Accountability and Vote No on Strong
Mayor.
Issues That Need Your Attention!
Battle over California emissions lawtakes shape as warring parties revealfunding sources
June Primary ElectionNO on Prop 16! Keep Stopping Big Oil (Statewide)
See Page 5 for details
NO on Prop D (City of San Diego)Strong Mayor Form of Governance, Adding a City Council Seat, and Increasing
the Veto Override Vote. See next column for details
YES on Prop 15 The Fair Elections Act (Statewide)
The Fair Elections Act on the June 2010 ballot would create a pilot project to
make voluntary public financing available to Secretary of State candidates in
2014 and 2018.
Public financing is a way to get politicians out of the fundraising game and back
to solving California's problems. Replacing special-interest money with clean
money would ensure elected officials are accountable to voters, not donors, and
open up the political process so the best candidates, not just the wealthiest can-didates, can pursue elected office.
continued on page 10
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SUNDAY, MAY 02**Dayhike (E1A) Bird Walk and Picnic alongSan Luis Rey River
Leader: Geoffrey Smith 858-442-1425 or
[email protected]: NeededThis beautiful, riparian wooded section of theSan Luis Rey River affords splendid opportu-nity for bird watching and just relaxing.Families with children will enjoy spendingtime along the stream, and an expertornithologist will be on hand to identifybirds. Maybe we'll see an endangered south-western willow flycatcher or least Bell's vireo(song birds) - bring your binoculars! We'll all
sit down to a potluck picnic at noon in theshady picnic area with bathrooms and water.This outing to a potential wild & scenic riveris sponsored by Friends of the River and TheNorth San Diego Wild Heritage Campaign.
Recommended for kids!
Meeting location: Meet at San Luis Rey PicnicArea, Cleveland National Forest, on SR76between the La Jolla Indian Reservation andLake Henshaw
WEDNESDAY, MAY 05Dayhike (M4B) Cowles Mountain 6:30 Hike
From Barker WayLeader: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598
Assistant: Aaron SweeneyAbs? What are abs? Where? Oh, they're hiddenabs. Join us on this fun, fast- paced eveningconditioning hike up the trail less traveled tothe top of Cowles Mountain. We'll cover verybasic astronomy at the summit, with our greatview of the night sky, then loop back down onthe dirt fire road. Bring your flashlight and alight jacket. Call for required signup and anychanges.
SUNDAY, MAY 16
(M/E-B) UCSD Sculpture Garden RideLeader: Marty Hambright, 858-587-0272
Assistant: Ron Manherz, 858-587-0272
Come out for a social ride up to the UCSDcampus to view the outdoor Stuart Collectionincluding the Sun God, the Snake Path andthe Green Table. Meet at 9 AM in the parkinglot immediately north of the Mission BayVisitor Center for a 25-mile ride up RoseCanyon, through UCSD, and return via LaJolla. New riders are welcome to join us infront of the La Jolla Playhouse at about 9:50
AM for the leisurely 5 mile campus portion ofthe ride (free UCSD parking on Sunday) A hel-
met and water are required. For informationabout the Stuart Collection see http://stuartcol-lection.ucsd.edu/StuartCollection/Map.htm.
SATURDAY, MAY 08 **Dayhike (M6B) Day Hike toSan Diego River Gorge
Leader: Geoffrey Smith 858-442-1425 [email protected]: Needed
The North San Diego Wild Heritage Campaigninvites you to explore the rugged upper reachesof the proposed San Diego River Gorge
Wilderness and Wild & Scenic River nearJulian. Dropping 1,000' from our trailhead atSaddleback at the south end of Eagle PeakRoad, we'll intersect the San Diego River, andtravel upstream through beautiful riparian oakwoodland, deep into the scenic gorge.
Encompassing approximately 2,400 acres ofproposed wilderness, and nearly 8 miles of pro-posed wild & scenic river, the canyon's distinc-tive scenery is enhanced by steep slopes andspectacular waterfalls. Hikers and local resi-dents frequent the canyon rim to take in thewild vista, but visitors who wish to explore thiswild area up close will be challenged by the
rocky and trail-less gorge. Identified by theForest Service as an area of high ecological sig-nificance, the river's diverse riparian andcoastal sage habitat is home to the endangeredarroyo toad, endangered California gnatcatcher,sensitive southwestern pond turtle, CoastRange newt, two-striped garter snake, yellowwarbler, rosy boa, coast horned lizards, andorange-throated whiptails. This outing to apotential wilderness and wild & scenic river issponsored by Friends of the River and TheNorth San Diego Wild Heritage Campaign.
Meeting location: From SR78/79 near Julian,
turn south on Pine Hills Road; bear right onEagle Peak Road at several forks in the road,then proceed to the end of Eagle Peak Road.This is a distance of 11 miles over narrow,windy and sometimes unpaved roads. Allow atleast 1/2 hour from SR78/79 intersection.Saddleback is located just south of the SanDiego River Park Foundation's Eagle PeakPreserve.
SUNDAY, MAY 23 **Dayhike (M5B) Day Hike to Beauty Mountain
Leader: Geoffrey Smith 858-442-1425 or
Assistant: NeededAt 14,249 acres, the Beauty MountainProposed Wilderness Addition is a scenic jewedraped in chaparral, fascinating rock forma-tions and oak woodlands. The area is a transi-tion zone between Anza-Borrego Desert State
Park to the east and the endangered coastalsage scrub of the Coast Range to the west. TheCalifornia Riding and Hiking Trail crosses thearea. On warm spring days, visitors are greetedwith the heady scents of sage, manzanita, andCalifornia lilac while hill after misty hill risesin the distance, presenting an unbroken viewof wild country. Our hike will explore thispristine area, in the shadow of PalomarMountain. This outing to a potential wilder-ness and wild & scenic river is sponsored byThe North San Diego Wild HeritageCampaign.
Meeting location: Oak Grove Forest ServiceCampground on SR-79.
SATURDAY, MAY 29Dayhike (E4A) Coasters Sat Hike EncinitasNorth Beach
Leader: Mac Downing
858-490-0583 or [email protected]
Assistant: NeededBeautiful 9 am beach walk, great scenes,Encinitas area. Bring water and comfortablehiking shoes or boots. Optional sack lunch orprobably restaurant at end. Limited to 20. Forreservations email (prefer) or call Mac. Open
to Main Chapter.
SATURDAY, JULY 03Dayhike (E4A) Coasters Saturday Beach Walk
Leader: Mac Downing
858-490-0583 or [email protected]
Assistant: NeededBeautiful 9 am beach walk in Oceanside. Greatscenes. Bring water and comfortable hikingshoes or boots. Rain or drizzle cancels.Optional sack lunch at end. Hike limited to 20sign up Email (prefer) or call Mac.
DIFFICULTYE -Easy M -Moderate H -Hard S -Strenuous
V -Very Strenuous
ELEVATION CHANGEA Less than 500 ft.
B 500-1,000 ft. C 1,001-2,000 ft.D 2,001-3,000 ft. E Over 3,000 ft.
Complete current listings,http://sandiego.sierraclub.org. "Get Outdoors"All participants on Sierra Club outings arerequired to sign a standard liability waiver.Outings are for adults 18+ and no pets.
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Memorial Day Weekend, May 29-31CATALINA ISLAND Sat morning-Mon eve.Coordinator: Howard [email protected] or 760-996-5581.Two backpack groups from Two Harbors to Little Harbor (7mi) andTwo backpack groups from Avalon to Blackjack Campground (8mi).Each campground has tables, fresh water, and showers. Little Harborand has a sandy beach. Blackjack is 1600', and near the summit of theisland ridge. Two groups will base camp, and two will hike 3.4 mi andspend a night at the other campground. Island shuttle busavailable.Send your $200 check (payable to the Sierra Club) withreturn address, phone number, email address (or 3 SASE) and choiceof campground(s) to Howard Kellogg, 427 Russell Road, Brawley, CA,92227-3026.
Cost $200.00 Deposit is $20
July 4 weekend, July 1-5,YOSEMITE TO RUSH CREEK Thurs eve-Mon. eve.Coord. Charity Dominic
[email protected] 760-798-2756,5 backpack trips that share a charter bus from San Diego. Trips #1 start at Silver Lake and set up base camps in the Inyo NationalForest along Rush Creek. Trips #3-6 trips start in Yosemite NationalPark, travel each day, and finish at Silver Lake, near June Lake. Send
your $20 deposit check (payable to the Sierra Club) with returnaddress, phone number, email address (or 3 SASE) and choice of trip
to Charity Dominic, 1643 Sunnyside Ave., San Marcos, CA 92078.Trip 1, Rush Creek base camp, Jeff Marchand leader, less than 5 milesto camp.
Trip 2, Rush Creek base camp, Pauline Jimenez leader, less than 5 milesto camp.
Trip 3, Dana Meadows to Silver Lake, Larry Klaasen leader, Pat Klaasenassistant. 17 miles via Parker Pass and Gem Pass. Unusual mineral col-ors along this dramatic route.
Trip 4, Tuolumne Meadows to Silver Lake, Starla Rivers leader, DianePurkey assistant, 26 miles via Lyell Canyon, Donahue Pass, and theJohn Muir Trail.
Trip 5, Rafferty Creek to Silver Lake. Mike Fry leader, 30 milesincluding Vogelsang Pass, Russell Pass (Class 2 cross country), andDonahue Pass. Optional attempt at Rodgers Peak (12,978').
Trip 6. Rafferty Creek to Silver Lake. Steve Fausset leader, similar totrip 5 only harder.
Cost $205.00 Deposit $20
Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 2-6,ONION VALLEY and KEARSARGE PASSThurs eve-Mon eve.Coordinator: Helen Gunn, [email protected] 858-578-6914
Five backpacks in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains north ofMt. Whitney. See webpage for more details.http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/bus/ Send your $20 deposit check(payable to the Sierra Club) with return address, phone numberemailaddress (or 3 SASE) and choice of trip to Helen Gunn,7514, Flower Meadow Dr., San Diego, CA, 92126-1044.
Trip 1, Kearsage Pass (lakes below pass), Leader needed.
Trip 2, Little Onion Valley, Leader: Mike Fry.
Trip 3, Golden Trout Lake, Leader: Dan Anderson.
Trip 4, Kearsage Pass (Kearsage Lakes), Leader needed.
Trip 5, Robinson Lake/University Pk, Leader: Steve Fausset.
Cost: $200, deposit $20.
Refund Policy: Note that sickness or injury does notplay a part in refunds.
Full Refund:1. We cancel the trip.2. The leader determines you shouldn't
be on the trip.3. You find your own replacement and
they reimburse you.
Partial Refund:1. We find your replacement and keep
only your deposit.2. We can't replace you, but we get a refund (or are
not charged) by our providers because of yourabsence. You get back whatever we get back.
No refund:You cancel and we can't replace you.CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel doesnot constitute approval by the State of California.
http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/bus/
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The birds encountered in the Laguna
Mountains are typically associated with
the three dominant plant communities
occurring in this backcountry region,
chaparral, forest, and meadow. Their
presence can be detected by sight and by
Rick will be presenting an exciting insiders
look of Elephant Odyssey, the newest
addition to the 100 acre San Diego Zoo!
With photos and videos you will see; the
commitment of the animal care staff, state
of the art facility design and the amazing
work that is done to bring guests up close
and personal with animals from around
the world. Rick will also share with you
some of the key factors of proper animal
husbandry. This will include; enrich-
ment, understanding animal behavior
and the importance of a strong relation-
ship between care staff and their animals.
MONTHLY PROGRAMSMonthly programs are free and open to the public and are held on the third Friday at 7:30pm at the Joyce Beers Center located at 3900 Vermont Stre
San Diego, CA. Across the Street from Trader Joes. Additional parking is available under Trader Joes and Ralphs.
Program Chair: Mannie Kugler - (619) 585-3773
sound from morning till dusk, and after
dark as well. Among the better knownbirds of this marvelous area are AcornWoodpecker, Stellers Jay, Mountain
Chickadee and Dark-eyed Junco. Claudes
presentation will feature some of these
enjoyable creatures and examples of the
terrain and plant-life they occur in.
Claudes passion for birds has been a
motivating factor is his two-decade role as
one of the talented nature instructors or
the Sierra Clubs annual Nature
Knowledge Workshop.
Claude Edwards is a professional plant
and wildlife biologist who has performed
innumerable surveys and studies of lands
throughout southern California in search
of sensitive species so that they may be
conserved and protected. His life-long
interest in Nature has been a springboard
for his multi-faceted public walks, classes,programs and training on behalf of such
groups as the San Diego Natural History
Museum, San Diego Audubon Society,
San Diego County Parks, and Cleveland
National Forest.
June 18th
May 21st
Rick Schwartz
Rick will share with you the history
behind Elephant Odyssey and with that,
the history of Southern California from
12,000 years ago. Yes, you read that right
Believe it or not the ancestors of the Asian
elephants, the Columbian Mammoth,
once lived right here in San Diego!
In addition, Rick will also introduce many
of the San Diego Zoos conservation pro-
grams from around the world. But his pas
sion and focus is the work being done in
Botswana with the African Elephants.
Rick will be sharing with you how todays
technology allows researchers to track the
elephants through lands previouslyunknown to be inhabited by elephants.
Rick Schwartz is a senior animal keeper
for the San Diego Zoo and also serves as
the Zoos Elephant Odyssey ambassador.
He joined the Zoo in 2000 as a part-time
keeper in the Childrens Zoo and advanced
to a senior keeper in 2004. Rick is respon-
sible for the care of more than 30 different
species of animals at the Zoo.
Claude Edwards
An insiders look at thenew Elephant Odyssey at the San Diego Zoo
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Open House Weekend May 1-2
Sat 10 4 (Hikes at 11 & 2)
Sun 9 12 (Hike at 11)
Closed Weekends:
June 4-6 & 11-13
We would like to say THANK YOU to our financialsupporters during our annual March Fund Appeal
(Partial List). If you have not yet made your annual contribution, please consider ma
ing it in today. Checks should be made payable to "San Diego Chapter Sierra Club" a
mailed to 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Ste. 101, San Diego, CA 92111
or you can contribute on line at
www.sandiego.sierraclub.org and click on the DONATE NOW button.
Ms V Bauman
Dr & Mrs W E Bennett
J R Dyment
P Price
L Carlock
T Myers
R Miller & C Robertson
Dr P & J Andersen
M Kugler
B J & M PolakC Strohmeyer
W Konopka
D L Chaddock & T Monticino
J & L Michael
J Hagstrand
E Jones-Burton
Dr. R L Bettinger
L Day
H Galliver & M Klingensmith
S Mather
N C Spitzer
J & H Wiener
C M Carroll & L B Simon
J & A McCammon
D Stanger
D Peabody & K Kane
C Schmidt
J Dixon
P & B Bleha
S & C Conner
S Graham
D E Snodgrass
K Buis
S DiVecchioJ Hocking & J Baross Jr
H C Powell
D Stock
P Zschiesche & P Clark
A Pogue
L & R Morris
M Downing
J & A Lemke
C Shepherd
B D Abbott
S E Wolfe
M Mitrosky & K Etchells
R & A Coates
L & P Klaasen
Guardian $1,000+ Mr & Mrs M Schumacher
Protector $500 - $999 T Fistere
Steward $100 - $499
implementation would hurt the econ-
omy and add to the state's already
woeful unemployment rate.
Supporters counter that it would cre-
ate jobs in the clean-tech sector and
provide a boost to renewable energy
expansion.
Coupal, in a critique of those sup-
porters, said the financial support forthe pro-A.B. 32 effort is likely to
come primarily from venture capital-
ists and Silicon Valley companiespositioned to profit from a carbon
cap and its likely effect on new tech-
nology development.
"I'm sure that those who are going to
be financing the opposition are those
that stand to make a lot of money
from green technologies," Coupal
said. "He who lives in a glass house
should not throw stones."
When told of Coupal's comments,
the spokesman for the pro-A.B. 32
effort, Steven Maviglio, decided for
the first time to name companies
supporting his group, among them:
Google Inc., Waste Management Inc.,
TechNet, Levi Strauss & Co. and
Virgin America.
Maviglio argued that companies like
Google, Waste Management, Levi
Strauss and Virgin do not stand to
profit from the climate law. They arein the campaign, he said, because
they believe in the statute and
California's role as the first state set
to implement an economywide cap
on greenhouse gas emissions.
"We're not going to make any apolo-
gies for getting support to oppose
this job-killing initiative from compa-
nies that are creating thousands of
high-paying jobs in the growing
clean-energy industry," Maviglio said.
Other companies, he added, "oppose
the initiative simply because it is bad
for the California economy."
Maviglio also noted that Coupal had
still not revealed specific funders
from within the state.
Colin Sullivan, E&E reporter from
San Francisco.
continued from page 7
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All Activities are held at the Chapter Officeunless otherwise stated:
8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.,Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92111.
Our entrance is on the west end of the frontbuilding of Kearny Office Park, just westof I-163 and on the north side ofClairemont Mesa Blvd.
Other environmental and activist eventsare posted at www.sdeln.org
1st FRIDAY Potluck & MOVIE NIGHTMay 7th
Potluck 6:00 pm and Movie at 6:30pmEARTH DAYS (120 minutes)Visually stunning and vastly entertaining, thisfilm traces the origins of the modern environ-mental movement from its beginnings in the1950s to its status as a major political force in
America.
June 4thPotluck 6:00 pm and Movie at 6:30pm
THE 11TH HOUR (92 minutes)Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this film cap-tures both the beauty of the natural world andthe destruction we humans have caused.Renouned scientists and other prominentthinkers analyze the crisis of climate changeand suggest what we can do to meet this crisis.
Movies are available for checkout w/$5 depositor donation.Location: Chapter OfficeSponsor: International Committee
INTRODUCTION TO THE SIERRA CLUBMay 15th & June 19th, 9:30 -10:30amMember Orientation meeting and those inter-ested in learning more about the San DiegoChapter conservation, outings and activities, or
just how to get active and do your part for theenvironment. No experience needed. We willhelp you get the most out of your member-ship.Location: Chapter Office, 8304 ClairemontMesa Blvd., Ste. 101, San Diego 92111RSVP: Carolyn Chase [email protected]
3rd FRIDAY MONTHLY CHAPTER PROGRAMMay 21st, 7:30 pm:New Elephant Odyssey at the San Diego ZooJune 18th, 7:30 pm:Birds Of The Laguna Mountains
Our outstanding monthly travelogues orlecture/slide shows and chapter news.See the ad on page 10 for more details.Location: Joyce Beers Center,3900 Vermont St in Hillcrest.Sponsor: San Diego ChapterContact: Mannie Kugler 619-585-3773
1st SATURDAY FAMILY NATURE ACTIVITYMay 1st & June 5th 10:00 - 11:30 amEasy & educational conservation, ecology, andnature activities. All are welcome, includingpregnant women, people with babies, small,older children, seniors, and those wanting aslow-paced outdoor experience.Locations: Primarily in parks, beaches, andpublic areas.Sponsor: Family CommitteeContact: Jennifer Douglas Vettel, [email protected] (email preferred); 858-344-5490 cellJoin our San Diego Sierra Club Family
Meetup site,http://www.meetup.com/SDSierraClubFamily/
SIERRA SINGLES ORIENTATIONMay 18th & June 15th6:30-7:30pm A good way to find your inter-ests. Meeting features Sierra Singlesevents/activities, discussion of questions andoverview of Sierra ClubChapter. No reservations needed. MissionValley Branch Library,Seminar Room B, 2123 Fenton Parkway, SanDiego. (Friars Road south onFenton Parkway, next to IKEA) For more info,
contact E. L. Lotecka,[email protected],(preferred) or760.533.2725.
For up to date info on our activities listings check our new web activities calendar:http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/Xcalendar.
**PotlucksPlease bring a healthy finger snackor beverage to share.
(We have a zero waste policy soplease bring your own non-dispos-able plate, cup, napkin, and utensils;pack it in & pack it out)
People Against Wind ZeroSusan Massey
The people living near Ocotillo at the
base of I-8 as it enters the western part of
Imperial County have gained in numbers
and strength as they organize a group
known as People Against Wind Zero
(PAWS) against the proposal to build a
quazi-military training ground in thisquiet, sleepy desert community. More
than eighty pages of comments against
the proposal were turned in to the
County Board of Supervisors by Edie
Harmon, a strong desert preservation
activist and long time Chapter member.
An eclectic group representing Native
Americans, veterans some afflicted with
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after for-
eign wars, college students and other
members of the County met a week after
the protest march to the site on March
20th to discuss their views with U.S.Representative Bob Filner , a member of
the congressional military affairs
committee.
The protest will continue at the Supervisors
hearing yet to be scheduled. If you are
interested in any way, contact
Susan Massey:760-356-5649
or email her at
8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
13/16May/June 2010 Hi Sierran San Diego 13
We offer bicycle rides for all levels and distances (beginner to
fast-paced) throughout the year. Weekends at Foster Lodge,
Warner Springs Ranch, Anza Borrego,Agua Caliente and more.
Potluck suppers, annual beach barbeque and our very ownbook club. Our monthly schedule of road rides is posted online
and in our monthly OutSpoken newsletter.
Check us out at: www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/bicycle
For a free sample of our newsletter OutSpoken, phone Tom Yager
(760) 479-0187 or email: [email protected].
Get On YourBicycle and Ride!Enjoy the outdoors and make friends too. Explore the
back roads of San Diego County and neighboring areaswith the Sierra Club Bicycle Section.
I N YO C O U N T Y , CA
BIG PINE , DEATH VALLEY, INDEPENDENCE AND LONE PIN E
continued from page 1
Only 123 members have opted out, so the savings have been verysmall. We are considering a number of options for the future.
One possible option would be to stop printing and mailingpaper copies completely. This would save us about $18,000 peryear in direct costs, but it would also result in a loss of ad rev-enue, so the actual savings would be more like $12,000. Thatassumes that we would still pay our contractors $12,000 per yearfor design, editing and layout of each issue, either in pdf form orin a more web-oriented format.
Another would be to switch from an "opt-out" policy to an "opt-in" policy, where only members who sent in a request would geta paper copy. The expectation is that this would produce a larg-er reduction than opt-out, since some effort would be requiredto continue getting a paper copy, as opposed to some effortbeing required to stop getting it. The savings from this approachare unknown, since we do not know how many members wouldelect to continue getting the paper copy. The effects of reducingthe print run are variable. As the number of copies goes down,the cost per copy goes up, meaning that for some reductions inprint run, there is no effective savings.
Yet another option would be to ask for a donation to cover thecost of the Hi Sierran. If you do not already donate to the chap-
ter each year, would you send us $2.50 per year to continue get-ting a paper newsletter 6 times per year? Would you send us$5.00 per year to get a monthly paper newsletter?
We need to hear from our members to help usdecide how to proceed.
Please see the response coupon on page 14(top left) Kids at the EarthFair show they care and want a world of nature whenthey grow up.(top rig ht) Chapter Chair Carolyn Chase uses a Seg way to troubleshoot duthe EarthFair which she founded 20 years ago. (bottom) Sierra Clubs Inner City Outingsa booth promoting their outreach program.
8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
14/16May/June 2010 Hi Sierran San Diego14
FOSTER LODGE CABIN:Group events at the Sierra Clubs Foster Lodge in the beautiful LagunaMountains. Full kitchen and rustic accommodations for overnight stays.Available for holistic and religious retreats, clubs, family celebrations, wed-dings. Rate of $240 per night (includes the first 20 people). For more infor-mation, call Susan Parrish (619) 478-5188.www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/lodge
KAUAI CONDO RENTAL:HANALEI BAY RESORT amenities include lagoon-shaped pool, hot tub,tennis courts. Swim, snorkel (5 minute walk to beach), kayak, golf, hikerugged Na Pali Coast Trail. Newly remodeled 1 BR/ 1 BA. For details, pho-tos, see web ad at http://www.vrbo.com/159425. Discounted rates from $89per night. Non-smokers only. [email protected]
MAMMOTH CONDOSkiing, biking, fishing, hiking--just getting away for the weekend. 3 BD, 2BA, full kitchen, fireplace, pool, spa, sauna. $75 summer, $160 winter. CALLBRAD: (619) 804-5616
Classified Ad Rates and Information:
Sierra Club Members (up to 25 words)Private party$10 + $.50 per additional word.Business-$15 + $.50 per additional word.Non-Members (up to 25 words)Private party-$15 + $.50 per additional word.Business-$20 + $.50 per additional word
Payment must be made at time of submission by check to: Sierra Club,8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101San Diego, CA 92111Attn: HiSierran TreasurerSend ad to: [email protected]
Classified AdsClassified Ads
Join The Sierra Club Today! Yes, I want to be a member of the Sierra Club
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Membership Categories:Individual Joint
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Send form and payment to: Sierra Club, P.O. BOX 52968 Boulder, CO 80322-2968You can also join online at: www.sandiego.sierraclub. org and click Join or Give link.Contribution, gifts and dues to the Sierra Club are not tax-deductible; they support our effective,
citizen-based advocacy and lobbying efforts. Your dues includes $7.50 for a subscription to Sierra
Magazine and $1 for the Hi Sierran (chapter newsletter).
We Need Your ReplyLet us know your preference for the Hi Sierran Newsletter,
by mailing this response coupon back to us oremailing us your comment:
I want to continue getting a paper
newsletter. I would be willing to make a small
donation to cover the cost.
I would like to opt out from getting the
paper newsletter for the web version.
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Donation Amount: $_______________
If mailing, please mail to:
Sierra Club San Diego
Attn: Richard Miller
8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111
8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
15/16
Bill TaylerSan Diego, ICO Co-Chair
May/June 2010 Hi Sierran San Diego 15
Inner City Outings (ICO) is a Sierra Club
outreach program that provides free
wilderness experiences to urban youth, to
help them realize the wonders of exploring
the outdoors, develop the skills to do it
safely, and nurture a desire to
protect natural spaces.
Please visit our website at
http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ico/.
New Volunteer Orientations 6:30 to
7:30 PM every 3rd Thursday of themonth, at the San Diego Chapter office:
8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 101.
Anyone interested in ICO is welcome to
attend. Please contact Jim Davis for more
information: email [email protected] or
call
760-739-8407.
Join us on an ICO Trip Want to see us
in action? Join us as a guest on a day trip.
Please check the ICO calendar at
http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ico/ and
contact the leader listed for
more information.How to Donate We appreciate your
support helping us to provide exciting, safe
adventures free of charge. To receive a tax
credit for your donation, please make your
check payable to "Sierra Club
Foundation/San Diego ICO" and send to:
San Diego ICO
c/o Mike Gilligan, 906 Hayes Ave.,
San Diego, CA 92101.
Contact info for this article:
Bill Tayler, e-mail:
In mid-February, Inner City Outings took agroup of 13 children from Promise Charter
School on a day hike along the Santa
Margarita River in Fallbrook. As you can tellfrom these essays written by two of the girls
who went on the trip, each of them experi-enced the trip differently, but both of them
had a memorable time exploring this river
valley.
Santa Margarita River is a place you have to
go to. Its relaxing, beautiful and fun. And I
hope you like to get wet. First of all, you haveto walk to the river. The view is very beauti-
ful . You see mountains and streams of water.
The way the sun reflects on the tree. The wayyou feel when the wind blows against your
face. The lizards crawling on rocks. Hawkssoaring in the sky. And you hear the soundof the water rushing down the river, the
birds chirping, the trees whispering againstthe wind. The sounds are so relaxing that
you could fall asleep. Cindy Rivas Rios
(7th Grade)
The Santa Margarita River was awesome!
After going up a hill for some pictures we
were all exhausted. I was hot, full of sweat,and my back was sticky. When I first
touched the water I thought, "Im not going
in the water!" It was FREEZING. Chino
said, "Cmon Elva, lets go in!" So we countedto three and splashed ourselves in. My legs
have never been so cold in my entire life!
Then Bill came and just dove himself in, soChino and I dove in too! My teeth were chat-
tering, and I thought I was going to get
hypothermia. Chino and I swam to the otherside which was deeper and pretended to be
lost on an island. Then Maricela, Chino and I
ate our lunch on a huge rock. ElvaRodriguez (8th Grade)
For more information about Promise CharterSchool, please visit the schools web site at
www.promisecharter.org
The NRCC ceded these provisions
for the colony:
1. Prohibit the public from entering the
beach during pupping season for 24
hours a day.
2. Keep the rope up as a guideline and
allow the public to cross year round.
(Actually, #1 cancels the last phrase
out.)
3. Prohibit dogs on the beach year round,
24 hours a day, and
4. Seek private funding for a Park Ranger
or Lifeguard position whose primary
duty is to patrol Children's Pool.
Authorize the Park and Recreation
Department or Lifeguard Service to cre-
ate a volunteer docent program led by
this Park Ranger or Lifeguard.
Marisela, Elva and Chino
Ellen Shively
The Natural Resources and Culture Committeevoted 4-0 to make room for the Casa Beach(Children's Pool) Harbor Seal Colony on April5th. The Council heard from both sides of theissue. One pivotal video showed just one manflushing seals the width of the beach, peoplecrossing the rope and walking among the seals,particularly getting close to a pup in obvious
fright, demonstrating as only pictures can, thattheir "shared use" policy just doesn't work.
City Council To Consider Seal ProposalsIn addition, they will ask for clarification ofthe existing signage which confuses people.One sign says, "The Beach is open at alltimes", and another cautions people againstcoming too close to the seals.
Thanks to all of you who have written lettermade phone calls to city leaders. We kept itlively and pressing and the Council memberresponded. Although we do not yet know th
date when the full Council will hear the matter, we urge you to write or call your districtrepresentative and let them know you fullyback the NRCC recommendations. You canfind your council rep by calling the counciloffice at 619 - 236-6440.
Let's keep our requests for a good manage-ment plan in front of them until our sealcolony is fully protected.
We're getting there!!!Photos byDebbie Moncrief
8/12/2019 May 2010 San Diego Sierra
16/16
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEThe Executive Committee meets the 3rd Wednesdayof every month at 6:30 pmChair Carolyn Chase (2011)(858) 272-2930 [email protected] Chair Joe Zechman (2010)(619) 709-6268 [email protected] Chrissy Magee (2010)(858) 635-8908 [email protected] Grubb (2010)(760) 753-0273 [email protected] Klaasen (2010)
(619) 582-7407 [email protected] Owens (2011)619-447-4979 [email protected] Schmidt (2011)(858) 794-8919 [email protected] Stevens (2010)(858) 673-0891 [email protected] Stump (2011)
[email protected] 619-281-7394
TREASURERLarry Klaasen(619) 582-7407 [email protected]
NORTH COUNTY GROUP (NCG) (INLAND)The NCG Executive Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday ofthe month. Contact Chair for time and location.Chair Pattie Warnick(760) 788-2106 [email protected] George Greer(858) 231-5455 [email protected] Cheryl Knapp(760) 745-8819 [email protected] Ken Quigley760-723-4425 [email protected] (Wilderness Basics Course) Jeff Marchand(760) 728-8220 [email protected]
NORTH COUNTY COASTAL GROUPThe "Coasters" meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 pmEncinitas Community Center.Chair Dave Grubb(760) 753-0273 [email protected]
INNER CITY OUTINGS
Call or check website for meeting information.http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ICOCo-Chair Bill Tayler, 858-272-8574,[email protected]
Co-Chair Ed Barber, [email protected]
SECTIONS
BicycleCall for meeting information. Tom Yager(760) 479-0187 [email protected]/bicycle
FamilyJennifer Douglas(858) 344-5490 [email protected]
PhotographyJonathan Fennell [email protected]/photoclub
SinglesMeet 2nd Monday of month at 6:30 pm Conf.Room #105.
E.L. Lotecka (760) 533-2725www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/singles
CONSERVATION COMMITTEEMeets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm.
Chair Rene Owens [email protected] & WildernessMeets the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm.Call for location. Co-Chair NeededJack Paxton(760) 744-3282 [email protected]
Global WarmingMeets the 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 pm.Donald Lee (858) 643-0024Jean Costa (619) 463-0721
InternationalMeets the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 pm.Call for location.Jean Costa (619) 463-0721
Land UseMeets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm.Call Sierra Club Office for information.(858) 569-6005
Smart Energy Solutions Task ForceCall for meeting information.
Joe Zechman(619) 709-6268 [email protected]
TransportationMeets the 4th Thursday in Old TownCall for details.Mike Bullock (760) 754-8025
WaterCall for meeting information. Ed Kimura(858) 569-2025 [email protected]
Webmaster (ConsCom)Dave [email protected]
WildlifeCall for meeting information.Rene Owens [email protected]
OUTINGS COMMITTEEMeets quarterly, call for information.Chair Jim Matlock (858) 748-4634
Bus TripsMike Fry (858) 748-5166
Chapter Outings Leadership Training (COL)Skip Forsht(858) 272-4495 [email protected]
Leadership Review & Safety CommitteeMarty Stevens
MountaineeringByron Cook(619) 888-2831 [email protected]
Pacific Crest TrailOccasional work parties.Rob Langsdorf(858) 454-4777
SkiMeets the 2nd Thursday of month 6 pm (November- MarchMike Fry (858) 748-5166
Wednesday in the Mountains
Call for information. Dale Laney (619) [email protected]
Wilderness Basics Course (WBC)WBC Information [email protected] Marchand (WBC N. County)(760) 728-8220 [email protected]
STANDING & SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Foster LodgeMeets 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm atChapter Office (No meeting in December)RSVP for pre-meeting dinner toMary Eggen (858) 453-1615Call for lodge Information.Susan Parrish (619) 478-5188
FundraisingMeets 4th Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm.Richard Miller (858) [email protected]
Hi Sierran NewsletterMeets the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm.Committee Chair Ellen [email protected]
Managing Editor Judy [email protected]
LegalPam [email protected]
LibrarySabrina Nespeca,Rosa Longacre
[email protected] or call chapter offic
MembershipRichard Miller (858) [email protected]
Monthly Program3rd Friday 7:30 pm, See Page 10 for information.
Mannie Kugler (619) 585-3773
Nature Knowledge Workshop (NKW)Annual June Weekends, call for information.Barry Hite (619) [email protected]
PoliticalMeets first Tuesdays.Call for location.Carolyn Chase (858) 272-2930
Committee & Contact Information
San Diego Chapter8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101, San Diego, CA 92111On the north side & just west of the 163.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 12:00pm 5:00pmPhone: 858-569-6005email: [email protected] Coordinator: Richard Miller email: [email protected]
Meetings are held at the Sierra Club office or conference room unless otherwise indicated.