Jul 2007 San Diego Sierra

8/12/2019 Jul 2007 San Diego Sierra

1/32 July/August 2007 Hi Sierran San Diego 1

Vol 66 No. 3 on the web at: sandiego.sierraclub.org July/August 2007

EXPLORE, ENJOY AND PROTECT THE PLANET

In this issue:CONTENT

Canyons Campaign14

ExCom Nominations27

Seals Campaign11

Inner City Outings8

Member Spotlight15

Membership Report26View from the Chair2

EVENTS

Chapter Outings20

Desert Committee Outings24

Meetings & Activities18

Monthly Programs16

2007 Bus Trip Schedule25

Blackwater ProposesSite in San DiegoBy Jeanette HartmanChair, Land Use Committee

The Land Use Committee hasbecome engaged in one of the

most crucial projects in Sierra Clubhistory. Blackwater, Inc., consid-ered to be possibly the worldslargest private army (see Black-water: The Rise of the WorldsLargest Private Army, the NewYork Times best-seller by JeremyScahill), is proposing a para-mili-tary training facility in the smallrural town of Potrero, in southernSan Diego County.

The community members of

Potrero invited the Chapters LandUse Committee to help with thisproject. We have been assistingthe Potrero residents to fight theBlackwater West project, whichwill ruin the peaceful, quiet char-acter of this community, possiblyendangering its residents, likelypolluting the Campo-CottonwoodAquiferone of only four sole-source aquifers in Californiaandimpacting a number of protectedspecies, including the GoldenEagle and the California Condor.The Sierra Club believes that mili-tary activities should be conductedon secured government facilities,not residential areas.

The proposal by Blackwater isparticularly worrisome in light ofthe fact that the John Warner Na-tional Defense Authorization Actfor Fiscal Year 2007 (H.R. 5122),

which was signed into law by Pres-ident Bush in October 2006, seri-

ously weakens two bulwarks of lib-ertythe Posse Comitatus Act andthe Insurrection Act of 1807by ex-panding the power of the presidentto declare martial law and usetroops as a domestic police force inresponse to a public emergencyor any other condition. Black-water troops (which were deployeddomestically in New Orleans afterHurricane Katrina, and look at theresults) and other private merce-

nary and paramilitary forces posea severe threat to the civil libertiesof the American people, and nowcould be deployed to quell publicdissent, put down popular upris-ings or even stop opposing pointsof view through intimidation oroutright force.

Blackwater already has twosites, in North Carolina and Illi-nois. Blackwater reportedly haslicenses for facilities in every stateof the union.

The accompanying May 29thNorth County Times Commen-tary by Purple Heart awardee, JimBrown, eloquently describes thereasons why mercenary armies area bad idea. See page 6.

PLEASE TAKETHE SURVEY!

Please go to the homepage ofour Chapter website, www.

sandiego.sierraclub.org, andclick Take the Survey. Thislink will take you to a sur-vey of member needs andthoughts about the Chapter.The San Diego Chapter, NorthCounty Group, and NorthCounty Coastal Group valueyour opinions--we want tohear from you!


2/32 2 July/August 2007 Hi Sierran San Diego

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

EDITORJustin Lewis (619)[email protected]

ART DIRECTOR

Michael Coffey (619)[email protected]

EDITOR/ADVERTISING

[email protected]

COMMITTEE CHAIROUTINGS EDITOR

Pauline Jimenez (619)[email protected]

CONSERVATION EDITOR

[email protected]

MEETINGS EDITORCheryl Reiff (619)[email protected]

ACTIVITIES EDITOR

Dave George

[email protected]

One Club ListservTo subscribe go to

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

July/August 2007USPS896140

The Hi Sierran(USPS 896140) is published bi-monthly by the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra

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

for members in San Diego and Imperial counties.

One dollar of the annual membership fee is for asubscription to the Hi Sierran. Periodicals Postage

Paid at San Diego, CA. Postmaster: Send address

changes to Hi Sierran, Sierra Club Members Ser-

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

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

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

The problem: A lot of landfor a chapter to cover. Eight thou-sand, eight hundred, and fifty-eightsquare milesthats how much landthe San Diego Chapter of the SierraClub covers in San Diego and Im-perial Counties.

The solution: local groups.If you live in northern San DiegoCounty, you may belong to one ofthe Chapters two groups.

If you live inland, you belongto the North County Group.

If you live along the coast,you belong to our North CountyCoastal Group.

By the way, if you happen tolive outside the boundary of agroup to which you would like tobelong, you can always request tojoin. Just contact our office staff at(619) 299-1741 to ask for help.

Sierra Club chapters do thelocal grassroots work of the Si-erra Club, whether it is organiz-ing hikes, alerting communities tothreats to their health, or oppos-ing destructive land use decisions.To carry out this grassroots work,chapters can empower local volun-teers in towns and cities to take onthis important work. Groups givechapters a formal structure for or-ganizing the work of volunteers

in local communities. Group ex-ecutive committees oversee localefforts and coordinate with thechapter executive committee. Hav-ing two smaller groups rather thanone larger group means twice asmany members engaged in fulfill-ing the Sierra Clubs basic missionto explore, enjoy, and protect theplanet.

Each group has an executive

By Joe Zechman

View from the Chair

committee elected by the membersof the group. Each group executivecommittee appoints a representative to serve as a voting member onthe Chapter Executive CommitteeThe Chapter also encourages mem-bers of a group to seek nominationto the Chapter executive committeesee the separate article seeking nominees in this edition of theHi Sierran. The groups also appoin

representatives to the Chapter Political Committee and Chapter Conservation Committee.

Heres a little more about ourChapters two groups.

North County Group. NorthCounty Group (NCG) sponsors arobust outings program which includes a very popular WildernessBasics Course (WBC) and a highlyeffective program for training mem-bers to lead outings throughoutthe chapter. The NCG conservation program is currently focusedon preserving Rancho Guejito, theEagle Peak Preserve, and the SanDiego River drainage. If you mightbe interested in getting involvedin NCG activities or possibly help-ing to organize additional activitiesplease contact Jennifer OLeary [email protected].

North County Coastal Group

North County Coastal recently be-came an official group again afterseveral years during which ourcoastal efforts in north county werecarried on by the Coasters Committee under the wing of the NorthCounty Group. The North CountyCoastal Group holds monthly pro-grams, sponsors the Coasters hikeevery month, and takes on conser

Continued on page 5



Victory at Sea! Campaign Helps ShutDown Offshore LNG Terminal

This May, the Sierra Clubs Great Coastal PlacesCampaign once again demonstrated the truth of thesaying that the only way you beat organized moneyis organized people. After more than three years ofwork, Sierra Club members and our allies helped stopa multinational corporation from building a massiveand polluting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminaloff Southern Californias precious coastline.

The final victory was delivered by GovernorSchwarzenegger, who in a brief statement, vetoed theBHP Billiton offshore Liquefied Natural Gas terminal,

proposed off Malibu and Oxnard. This win was farfrom unexpected, as Sierra Club members, commu-nity volunteers and our coalition partners had won apair of major victories less than a month earlier, thatessentially doomed the $800 million plan that wouldhave further industrialized our coast with the first everLNG terminal on the West Coast of the United States.

BHP Billiton, the worlds largest mining corpora-

By Owen Bailey

More than 2,000 Sierra Club members and our allies attended the State Lands Commission Hearing and stopped what would have been the first Liquefied

Natural Gas (LNG) terminal on the West Coast of the United States. Photo courtesy Brett Milar.

tion, had for years appeared to have the inside trackfor approval, until a Monday evening in April, whenmore than 2,000 Sierra Club members and otherSouthern California residents put on blue Terminatethe Terminal t-shirts and attended the California StateLands Commission hearing in Oxnard. While Commissioners inside the packed hearing room listened tocommunity leaders, public officials and concerned cit-izens speak out against the project, 1,500 more project opponents, unable to squeeze into the overfilledroom, waited outside in the courtyard, listening to the

proceedings on speakers.Sierra Clubs Great Coastal Places Campaign had

helped to mobilize what Coastal Director Mark Mas-sara has called the best attended environmentalhearing in California in the last four decades. In theface of this massive opposition, two of the three Commissioners - Lt Governor John Garamendi and State

Continued on page 31



Thank You Susan Davis!By Joe Zechman, Chair, San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club

You have probably heard aboutthe threat to San Onofre State Park,the San Mateocampground andTrestles beachfrom the plan toput a toll roadthrough the statepark.

San D iegoCongresswoman

Susan Davis (53rdDistrict) recentlysucceeded in get-ting an impor-tant amendmentadded to the 2008Defense Authori-zation Bill. Theamendment re-pealed a provi-sion in a priorfederal law thatexempted the Foothill South TollRoad from California state law. Thebill passed the House and is nowbeing considered by the Senate.

BA

E

F

Costa Mesa

SanDiego

San Jacinto

Mountains

LagunaMountains

Santa RosaMountains

Los Angeles

Idyllwild

H

G

D

C

SolanaBeach

I

Oceanside

M

J

L NK

Come into Adventure 16 for a free listingon these and 74 more of our favoritehiking andbackpacking destinations.

A. Channel Islands

B. Point Magu

C. Eagle Rock Loop

D. Morgan Trail

E. Tenaja

F. San Clemente State

Beach - Enterpretive Trail

G. San Elijo State Beach/

Lagoon

H. Catalina Island

I. San Jacinto

J. Barker Valley Falls

K. Lake Poway Loop

L. Sill Hill Waterfall

M.Whale Peak

N. Noble Canyon Trail

adventure16.com

Southern California has Hidden Treasures... Weve got the Maps!

Your Southern CaliforniaOutdoor Experts

Solana Beach143 South Cedros Ave.

(858) 755-7662

Oceanside2002 South Coast Hwy.

San Diego4620 Alvarado Cyn. Rd.

(619) 283-2374

Adventure 16 StoreLocations in

San Diego County

As California becomed moreand more crowded, our parks

and open spacewill be underincreased pres-sure to becomethe preferredlocations forinfrastructure,developmentand construc-

tion.Thanks to

Susan Davisand her cou-rageous act,we are onestep closer toensuring thatCalifornia en-vironmentallaws will haveto apply s the

Sierra Club works to protect SanOnofre State Beach from theFoothill South Toll Road.

Thanks!

FridayPotluck

MixersJULY: GREEN DRIVINGAUGUST: GREEN LIVINGYou are invited to a Fridayevening of fun, good conversationand an interesting speaker. Bringa snack to share. Wine, soda,

juice and popcorn are provided.We will start at 6pm at the SierraClub chapter office located at3820 Ray Street in North Park.For more information contact

Justin Martello at 619-698-4330 [email protected].

SPEAKERS:Friday, July 20 Josh Gelfandfrom the car-sharing company,F lexca r , w i l l d i s cuss theprogressive way to get aroundtown that saves time, money andthe environment.

Friday, August 17 WayneGreen from the local consultingcompany, LiveGreen, will offer

green solutions to everydayneeds and discuss simple ways toreduce your ecological footprint.



Welcome to MicahMitrosky, Sierra ClubsSan Diego SmartEnergy Solutions

Campaign OrganizerBy Joe Zechman

Micah Mitrosky started June 4th as the campaignorganizer for the San Diego Smart Energy SolutionsCampaign. The Campaign has been organizing the Si-erra Clubs efforts to get the word out about the harm-ful impacts of the proposed Sunrise Powerlink trans-mission line and the smarter solutions to our regionsenergy needs.

Micah joins the Campaign after a career in market-ing. Micah graduated from Duke University with a de-gree in biology and is wrapping up a Masters Degreein sociology at San Diego State University.

Micah will work with regional field staff Bill Corco-ran and Elizabeth Lambe and the San Diego Chaptervolunteers to organize support for grassroots cam-paigns and events and to generate turnout and mediavisibility for campaign events.

Micah will be based in the Chapters office on RayStreet and can be contacted at (619) 299-1797. For

more information on the Sunrise Powerlink, go tohttp://sandiego.sierraclub.org/northcounty/Sunrise.asp.

Lets welcome Micah and support her and the SanDiego Smart Energy Solutions Campaign!

vation issues along the coast. See the Coasters pageon the Chapter web site for more information aboutthe group: http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/north-county/Coasters.asp. For more information about get-

ting involved with the North County Coastal Group,contact Dave Grubb at [email protected] Chapter members, regardless of where they

live, are welcome to participate in any activities spon-sored by either group.

And if you would like to talk about possibilitiesfor engaging members in South Bay or any other areaof San Diego or Imperial Counties, please contact JoeZechman: [email protected]. Even if form-ing a group is not yet practical, the Chapter would liketo help local residents hold neighborhood meetings toget to know their Sierra Club neighbors.

View continued from page 2

Attention NorthCounty GroupAre you interested in helping to conserve, protectand enhanced some of the rarest and most di-verse biological communities on the planet? The

North County Group (NCG) is expanding its con-servation program and is looking for volunteerswho want to help or even lead the Sierra Clubsinvolvement in conservation issues in the NorthSan Diego County area. Typical projects include: Supporting habitat restoration projects, Supporting maintenance of the countys trails, Creating environmental educational programs, Working with local land conservancie to pre-

serve and protect open space, Working to get the public more involved in con-

servation issues, and Representing the Sierra Club at local govern-

ment meetings.

If you are interested or know of issues in the NCGarea (roughly north of highway 56 to the Countyline, excluding beach cities) please contact KenQuigley at [email protected].

If you are interested in helping the North CountyGroup expand the variety of activities offered toour members, please contact Jennifer OLeary [email protected]



There are reasons why privatemilitias and large security com-panies should not be allowed inAmerica. A good case in point in-volves the large private securityfirm of Blackwater and its proposalto place an 824-acre combat-skillstraining base in the small ruraltown of Potrero.

The site Blackwater has cho-sen sits in a valley surrounded by

hills covered with brush that willabsorb the sound of weapons andcombat training involving vehicles,a combat town, a helicopter padand continual classes of 300 pri-vate and public soldiers involvedin this training. There will bemany vehicles, gasoline storagefacilities, a large armory filledwith weapons and ammuni-tion and many other itemsconsistent with a com-bat training facility.

All of this is eas-ily observable fromthe hills abovethe valley. Thehills are easilyaccessible bypublic roads, u t i l i t yaccess roads a n dmany trai ls, as two-thirdsof the surrounding lands and

hills are on public national forest.These hills are available to hikersand bikers and birdwatchers andanyone else who can simply walkover and see the entire facility. Thetrouble is, anyone with a grudgeagainst Blackwater can see allthese potential targets too. Thereisnt anything on the site that isntobservable and couldnt easily bedestroyed by someone with mini-

mal rifle training and a rifle witha scope and metal-piercing rounds.A few well-placed flammabletracer rounds would not only de-stroy the facility but would also ig-nite a holocaust in the surroundinghillsides.

This facility is suitable forplacement only in a protectedmilitary installationfar, far awayfrom the public. It needs protec-tion that can only be provided byour armed forces. In fact, compa-rable or better training is alreadyprovided by the military to its sol-diers on land and in facilities thatare already in place. I

received bettertraining as a U.S.Marine Corps officer prior to beingdeployed to Vietnam in 1969 and70. In fact all Marines receive bet-ter training than Blackwater offerstoday.

I respectfully ask that ourcounty Board of Supervisors rejectany and all private security shoot-ing range and combat facilities as

County Should Reject Blackwater SiteBy Jim Brown

inappropriate and highly dangerous to our civilian population.

I respectfully ask our federalgovernment to quit the practice ofoutsourcing our security to privatecorporations. Government moneyspent on private security corporations is causing shortfalls in thesupport of our troops for theirsafety, in their compensation, intheir training, in their equipmentand in their rehabilitation whenthey are wounded.

Finally, the private securitycompanies in Iraq and Afghani-stan consistently get in trouble andneed to be bailed out by our military. In fact, the carnage in Fallujahlast year was brought on by inad-equately armed and trained civil-ian security contractors who weredangerously deployed in an unsafe

manner. The security corporations operate in a gray area

that is not fully accountable to civilian law or to

the military code ofjustice. There areno advantages to

be gained by fi-nancing privatemi l i t i a s and

their training.Encinitas resident Jim Brown

was awarded a Purple Heart forhis service in Vietnam and is a

member of San Diego Veterans for

Peace. (Reprinted with permission

from the author.)


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SEPTEMBER 22-23 2007, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

SAN DIEGO CHAPTER OUTING LEADER TRAININGThe Sierra Club Statement of Purpose begins, To explore, enjoy,and protect the wild places of the Earth In order to moreeffectively carry out this purpose, we need you as an outing leader.To become a Level I Chapter Outing Leader (lead on-trail dayhikesand car camps) you must:

1~ Have been on at least four Sierra Club outings.

2~ Be a Sierra Club member.

3~ Be at least 18 years of age.4~ Attend all of both days of Level I Chapter Outing Leader training.

5~ Obtain a Red Cross Standard First Aid card or equivalent before proceeding to step 6.

6~ Plan, publish, and execute before October16, 2007, two outings on which you are

evaluated by experienced leaders.

Level I Chapter Outing Leader Training involves completion of BOTH of the following sessions.

SESSION ONE: Saturday September 22, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM in the Visitor Center at Mission Trails

Regional Park. Bring lunch, note-taking materials, and water. We will spend part of the day outside.Late arrivals may not be admitted. Directions to the Visitor Center are online www.mtrp.org/, or useThomas Bros. 1250 D2, Auto Club SD map G18.

SESSION TWO: Sunday September 23, 8:30 AM to about 3:00 PM at a Mission Bay location to beannounced during the Saturday class. Maps and directions will be handed out in class on Saturday.

HOW TO SIGN UP: Send e-mail beginning August 1 to [email protected]. Include your fullname, your postal mailing address, your personal telephone number, and your Sierra Club membernumber (appears above your name on Hi Sierran mailing label) in your message. You will receive con-firmation of your signup. The training class will be limited to the first 20 qualified persons who signup. Signups will be accepted beginning August 1 and will continue until the class is full or until 6:00

PM Monday September 11, whichever comes first. If you do not have e-mail, you may sign up by call-ing 619-994-4106 between 9 AM and 9 PM beginning August 1.

If you are not a Sierra Club member, or have not been one long enough to acquire a member number,you may not attend this training. Training is held twice a year. The next training will be in Spring,2008. Information on how to join the Sierra Club can be found elsewhere in this bulletin or online atwww.sierraclub.org.

No late registrations or walk-ins will be accepted for this training.



One of the greatprivileges of being ona hike with Inner CityOutings is getting to seethe world through theeyes of the children. Itnever gets old. All ofthe wondrous things inthe wilds that Ive cometo take for granted overthe years are made newfor me, and I get to

discover them all overagain.

When we come across a treein which woodpeckers have madeholes for storing acorns, the kidsare just fascinated by it, and willusually spend 10 or 15 minutes justlooking at it, sticking their fingersin the holes, trying to dislodge theacorns, and generally just trying tosatisfy their insatiable curiosity.

Animal footprints lead to sto-ries and speculation on the livesand habits of wild animals. A soar-ing raptor may give rise to discus-sions on the quantity of local prey,how birds fly, what wind is madeof, or how humans learned to fly.A darkling beetle, or stink bug,raising up its tail end in a menac-ing way gets us into discussions ofanimal defenses, mimicry, camou-flage, and what kinds of creepy,

crawly things the kids have seenbefore.

I once led a snorkeling outingwith a group of kids who all knewhow to swim, but when I askedthem how many had swam inthe ocean before, I found out thatnone of them had. When we werein the water getting all of our gearsituated, one of the boys dunkedhis head in the water, came up and

By Jim Davis

with a giant grin on his face ex-claimed, Its salty!

With Inner City Outings, evenold adventures are made newagain. If youd like to go on ahike, or take a camping trip, andhave the world made new for youplease join us on an ICO outing.The hikes are generally easy andwe keep a slow to moderate pacestopping to let the kids explore,

which gives you a chance to shareyour love of nature with some really great and amazing kids. Anyone over 18 can go on a hike withus as a guest, so visit our calendarwhich is on our website at http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ico. Finda date that works for you and contact the outing leader. They are alfriendly people who love to haveguests on the outings.

Also, we always welcome financial assistance to help us de-liver high-quality outings, so if youcan help us out with that, pleasecheck the sidebar for details. Andthanks to the many of you whohave supported us in so manyways in the past. Youve made itpossible for us to have a lastingimpact on the kids in our commu-nity!

Inner City Outings

Inner City Outings (ICO) is acommunity outreach programof the Sierra Club dedicatedto providing positive experi-ences in the wilderness tounderserved youth. Our goalis to open the minds of youth,helping them to appreciatethe wilderness and developa desire to protect it. Pleasevisit our website at http://

sandiego.sierraclub.org/ico/.

Upcoming OutingsWe have several outings com-ing up for the Summer Season!For more information take alook at the ICO outings calen-dar at http://sandiego.sierra-club.org/ico/.

How to DonateSan Diego ICO trips are pro-

vided at no cost to our youthparticipants. However, we dohave expenses. As a nonprofitorganization, San Diego ICOaccepts donations. Monies areused to fund group outings aswell as leadership training ini-tiatives. Outing costs generallyinclude transportation, parkentry fees, food, and supplies.All cash donations are tax de-ductible through the Sierra

Club Foundation under section501(c)(3) of the Internal Rev-enue Code. To donate funds,make a check out to SierraClub Foundation/San DiegoICO and send to: Jim Davis,ICO Donations, 841 W. 2ndAve., Escondido, CA 92025,[email protected] 760-739-8407.


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WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSEFoster Lodge October 20-21, 2007

The equivalent of Advanced First Aid. Especially recommended for Sierra Club COL II Outings Leaders.

Fulfills the three-year renewal requirement for Standard First Aid for COL I Outings Leaders. Instruction will be led by Steve Donelan, American Safety & Health Institute. A textbook is included with the course. CPR certification is recommended prior to the course

Expect to build confidence and develop the essential skills needed to assess, stabilize and carefor sick and injured persons when medical facilities are more than four hours away.

FEATURED SEGMENTS:Recognition of acute medical conditions Stabilization of fractures Wound debridement and care Extraction of a victim without causing further harm C-spine assessment

One overnight stay is required at Foster Lodge and excellent meals will be provided.The fee is $125 for COL II, $140 for COL I.

Class s ize i s l imi ted. Optional Fr iday n ight s tay i f des i red ($10 extra)Members of the Sierra Club who are not Chapter Outings Leaders may enroll for $145.For non-members, the fee is $170 and includes Sierra Club membership.Volunteer cooks are needed.

IF INTERESTED, PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION BELOW AND RETURN BY OCTOBER 4, 2007Signing up early will allow textbook delivery prior to classFor more information, contact John Plander at (858) 488-9750 or [email protected]

COL WILDERNESS FIRST AIDOctober 20-21, 2007Sponsored by the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club

APPLICATION

Name: ________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________ E-mail: _______________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip:

Date completed SFA (include photocopy): _________ Sierra Club Membership # ______________

Circle One:

COL II ($125) COL I ($140) SC Member ($150) Non SC Member ($170)-Please include $10 extra for Friday night stay-

Send this application and your check (made out to the Sierra Club) to:John Plander, 820 Brighton Ct., SD 92109

Note: COL II Outings Leaders who complete this course may be eligible for a $50 rebatefrom National. More information will be available in the Chapter Outings Leaders Newsletter.



The San Diego Chapter recently

awarded a Building Environmental

Communities grant for a childrens

educational nature writing project.

This project allowed youth to learn

how to observe and document their

experience with nature. This par-

ticular conservation project focused

on the seals at La Jolla. The results

were several short writing pieces

by youth on their experience. We

chose the following to share withmembers in the HiSierran.

My Special Diary:Seals at La JollaBy Salma Hassane, age 10Girl Scout Troop at Islamic Centerof San Diego

Peshou, peshou, I hear.Its morning, I woke up, strech

and yawn. Im a seal today. I gotup and got ready to go fishing withmy buddy. The crashing waves hit-ting on my face. I am a seal, a greatbig seal, a mommy one. In thewater fishing, not being like thelazy ones on the sand sunbathing.I would of course have my buddyto come along with me. The watercoming between my eyes, smellingmy prey from far away, trying tocatch it. Finally, after searching fora long time, I found 7 fish. Todayis my lucky day, not only for me,but also for my friends and family. We had a nice tasty dinner today.Later into the night, its time forme to go to sleep getting ready foranother nice day tomorrow. Also Ithought of how many fish Ill findtomorrow. Shhh, shhh, I fell fastasleep into a deep sleep.

Local Kids Find New Way toEnjoy the Childrens Pool

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

across from Mt. Laguna/El Prado campground.

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

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

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

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

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

SMALL CABIN FEES (WITH MEMBERSHIP CARD)

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

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

My Day at La Jolla CoveSealsSplashing in the waterFighting playfullyBathing in the sunLaying on rocksMommas taking care of childrenThe smell of fishSeagulls squawkingWaves crashingSquirrels begging for foodPeople observingKids playing in the sandThat day waswonderful!

By Zaineb Boulil, 4th Grade

Girl Scout Troop at Islamic Center of San Diego



La Jolla Seals Campaign UpdateCompiled by Ellen Shively

Its satisfying to observe howmost people love and cherish theharbor seals of Casa Beach in LaJol la. The seawall has created aprotected pocket from the opensea and the seals have taken ref-uge there for their daily 6-8 hoursneeded rest. As a densly popu-lated urban area, however, the200 yard beach is not without itsperils. Fishermen throw their lines

from the seawall, lobster traps areplaced at the mouth of the inletand motorized boating is a hazardas the seals make their way fromforaging in the feeding groundsoffshore. Now that the city hasremoved the rope barrier, unin-formed beach users share thebeach, often causing the seals tovacate the sand and interrupt theirmuch-needed slumber.

Members of the Chaptersseal campaign have worked hardto preserve this special place. Wehave developed a plan to createa safe refuge for the entire marineecosystem. In our vision, visitorscan observe an intact ecosystem,scientists could study the life hab-its of a variety of plants and ani-mals inhabiting the coastal shoreand the local business communitywould benefit from this unique at-

traction.If you are interested in help-

ing, please consider supportingour campaign in a variety of ways.Here is how you can help:

1 - Volunteer! We are alwayslooking for members who will helpus with the planning and carryingout of our campaign to help pre-serve this beach for the enjoymentof all people and the benefit of the

sea life. We attend local interestgroups, have a speakers bureauand arrange for press coverage atspecial events. Contact Ellen [email protected]..

2 - Donate! Make your checkspayable to the ConsCom and sendthem to: Seal campaign, SierraClub, SD Chapter, 3820 Ray Street,SD CA 92104-3623.

3 - Educate! Contact La JollaFriends of the Seals to take the do-cent training. Docents take turnsat the seal rookery educating visi-tors on how to appreciate the

seals without harming them. Contact Robert the training person [email protected].

4 - Write a letter! Officialsand the public need to be kept

informed of the conditions at theseal colony. You can convey yoursentiments to the local newspapersand write to your San Diego CityCouncil person asking thatthe ropebarrier be kept up year round. Findtheir addresses on the internet orin the government pages of thephonebook.

Summer Night On the TownLuxor Caf and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Friday, July 20th.NAME (S) ________________________________________________________EMAIL ________________________________________________________PHONE ________________________________________________________________Dinner and Theater: $55________Dinner only: $28________Theater only: $28________TOTALPlease circle choice of entre: Vegetarian Plate, Mixed-grill Kabob, or Gourmet Pizza.Clip, enclose your check and mail to: Seals Campaign, San Diego Chapter, Sierra Club, 3820 Ray Street, San Diego, CA92104-3623. For credit cards, provide card type, expiration date, total amount and name as it appears on card. Contact

Ellen at [email protected] with any questions. See Activities, page 19, for more information.



An old rocking chair with a cardboard sign saying,The Harmon Chair, graces the Sierra Club Bookstorein North Park. It has been here since before I workedhere, which is almost ten years now. For most ofthose years it was the favorite resting place for JimHarmon, desert activist extraordinaire, and mostcharming of men. Jim not only worked with Edie, hiswife, on mining and groundwater issues during thoseyears, but also kept the office entertained with his wrywit and anecdotes, christening me Assistant Dean ofBlatt and Scat and decorating the bathroom wall with

his adaptations of fortune cookie and teabag tag sa-gacity. He was a great handyman, too, often reincar-nating old fans and things to keep us afloat on a lowbudget. Always pleasant to be around and never in abad mood, ever faithful to his beloved Edie, spendingmany a night at her side in the office plugging awayat comments to meet the midnight deadlines, it wasa pleasure and a great honor to know and work withhim. The Harmon Chair sits here to remind us ofthose times and of our dear and much missed friend,Jim Harmon. Were happy to report that the cardboardsign that hangs on the chair will soon be replaced witha real placard, generously donated by Geoffrey Smith,Executive Director, Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Cheryl Reiff, Chapter Coordinator

When one speaks of Jim Harmon it is difficult toomit Edie Harmon. Theirs was a partnership made inheaven!

Jim was a soft spoken Irishman (oxymoron), edu-cator, a story-teller supreme. His tall tales and punswere always accompanied by a twinkle in his eyesand a laugh. Often what seemed tall tales were sto-ries from a long life.

Jim was born in Middletown, Ohio and grew upa child of the Great Depression. After being gradu-ated from Catholic High School in 1937, there was nomoney for college if one did not choose a career as apriest. So Jim joined the Navy in 1938 to get trainingas an electrician prior to the US entry into WorldWar II. He began his Navy career on the oldest coalburning repair ship (USS Vestal where sailors wereknown as the Vestal Virgins). He left Pearl Harbor

In Memoriam: Jim Harmon 1919-2007Compiled by Cheryl Reiff

for more schooling just before the Japanese air attackin 1941. He spent most of WW II in the South Pacificaboard a Navy destroyer. As a sailor, Jim worked onthe electrical systems on the repair ship USS Ajax be-fore it began service, and years later served aboard theAjax as an officer in Japan and when the Ajax rescuedthe Catholics from Viet Nam when the US took overfrom the French in 1953, long before what was latercalled the Viet Nam war.

By 1958 Jim was again a civilian and was gradu-ated from SDSU with a BS in Political Science and MS

in Public Administration. He began his teaching career at SDSUs main campus after a faculty memberdied in the classroom. He accepted a position at theSDSU Imperial Valley Campus in Calexico where hehad the opportunity to teach many courses and startup a Criminal Justice Administration program. He received a PhD in Human Behavior. His students fromSDSU remember him as a wise man, very percep-tive and understanding of the political realities of theworld outside the classroom, an inspiration that hasinspired them through their careers ranging from lawenforcement to college professor.

It was while serving as the Assistant Dean at SD-SUs Calexico campus that he hired Edie to teach acourse on ecology. Edie was pursuing graduate stud-ies with a plan of returning to Botswana (Africa) toteach at the university. However, Jim caught her ofguard and convinced her that her future was with himin the Yuha Desert rather than back in Botswanas Ka-lahari desert. They were married in 1979. Jim always delighted in telling people that Edie had been inthe Peace Corps, but that he served in the War Corps!

Jim moved out to the desert near Ocotillo in 1972

and began construction on an energy-efficient home in1977. In the desert he followed a life-long passion ogrowing cacti from seed and collecting cacti and veg-etation native to the deserts. Friends from his Navydays remember his cactus collection that he kept onboard ship. Sadly, retirement was more than watching plants with stickers, it was watching the stickersfrom proposals before government decision makersand working with those who could insert legal stickers to stop ill-conceived projects in the desert.

Imperial County was and still is a hotbed for en-



Sierra Singles!For Single Adults

Hikes ConcertsBonfires DancingVolleyball Picnics

And more . . .

619 - 708 8111

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

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

vironmental issues. Jim started the Ocotillo WaterLeague (OWL) in 1977 to educate residents aboutgroundwater export from two sites in the Sole SourceAquifer underlying the community. Through yearsof political pressure, OWL convinced the County toenforce its own ordinances (legal actions in state andfederal courts lasting more than a decade) and to draftnew ordinances prohibiting the export of groundwa-ter from the County and draft a groundwater manage-ment ordinance. They learned how governments in-attention to detail and ignoring the voices of the con-cerned public can lead to expensive litigation ratherthan increased revenues for governmental entities.

In 1991 they convinced the Sierra Club Legal De-fense Fund and Sierra Club to support litigation toprotect the Yuha Desert Area of Critical EnvironmentalConcern (BLM lands) from a proposal to allow agri-culture/RV use on a square mile in-holding next to theYuha badlands. The proposal would have used morewater than all other combined uses in the groundwa-

ter basin! The project was withdrawn and the Countygot the message that its 20-year-old out-dated GeneralPlan needed revision if future project proposals wereto survive a court challenge. After that, Jim and Edielearned more than they ever wanted to in order tooffer detailed opposition to mega trash-by-rail propos-als (in Imperial County, Campo Reservation, and nextto Joshua Tree National Park), hazardous waste incin-erators, use of sewage sludge on agricultural lands, ce-ment kilns, threatened species, and mining proposals.They prepared voluminous comments for the SierraClub and other organizations in preparation for litiga-tion. Jim provided the inspiration, writing and editingskills through 30 years of environmental nursing.They made way too many long drives from Ocotilloto the Sierra club office in North Park. In later yearsthey were both beset with various health problems,but they never let that stop them from their determi-nation to make this a better place to live.

Jims humor and humility never left him. He wasa man among men, gentle soul who accomplisheda lot behind the backdrop. He truly contributed toTkun Olam (Hebrew for Heal the world.)

Jim, may you rest in peace.

Lee Siegel, Nature Knowledge Workshop Chair

I will always think of Jim as a diligent personwhose love for the desert and the state was an inspi-ration for others. He worked so hard... in part so hecould live in the landscape that inspired him so much... and had to travel long hours to make his voice

Continued on page 31


14/32



What brought you to the SierraClub?

In 1972 I moved from Cleve-land to Orange County, where Imet my futurehusband, John,at a ParentsWithout Part-ne r s g roup .John had beena Sierra Club

member for 10years. We dida lot of SierraSingles hikeswith the Irvinesection of theLA Chapter. Inthose years wewere mostly in-volved in justhiking. Califor-nia was all newcountry to me,quite differentfrom Ohio, whichis very flat. In the 80s we movedto San Diego when I accepted a jobhere. I started hiking right awaywith the San Diego Chapter.What kept you involved?

I went on one of GeoffreySmiths hikes which had an ac-

tivist connection. We all wroteletters protesting a proposed damnear Ramona. I realized that herein San Diego we had a group ofpeople who were not only inter-ested in having fun but in preserv-ing their resources. I joined theLand Use Committee and was theSecretary for the first year, then be-came Committee Chair. We werevery involved with MSCP (Mul-tiple Species Conservation Plan),

Member Spotlight: Janet AndersonBy Pat Klaasen

Janet Anderson

with many meetings between envi-ronmentalists and other interestedparties (developers). EIRs andNegative Declarations documents

came throughthe Land UseCommittee forcomments. Inabout 1997,MSCP came upfor a vote with

City Counci land the CountyBoard of Super-visors and wasapproved. Atabout that timeI went to theConservationCommittee andwas Chair for3 years. Alsoin the mid-90sI jo ined theboard of the

Desert ProtectiveCouncil (DPC).What has been the main focusof your involvement since then?

The face of environmentalismgreatly changed in the last half ofthe 20th century with a crush ofpeople moving to Southern Cali-

fornia. Our desert was being im-pacted with multiple abuses. Sen-ator Alan Cranston introduced theDesert Protection Act, but it didntcover our local desert. A generousbequest allowed the DPC to hireTerry Weiner [see the Sep/Oct 2006Hi Sierran Member Spotlight onTerry Weiner], and additional mon-ies from the Mesquite Goldminelawsuit enabled the Sierra Cluband the DPC to continue monitor-

ing the southern desert to protectit from landfills, OHV abuse, andinappropriate development.

In addition to tackling desertissues, I was also on the City ofVillages Committee, the strategicframework for San Diegos generaplan. I was part of the citys Af-fordable Housing Committee, andI worked on the Regional Compre-hensive Plan with SANDAG.

Are you retiring fromyour activist lifestyle?

I intend to continue being asupport for the activities of the Si-erra Club and the DPC. I am retired from leadership roles.

San Diego is such a desirableplace to live. Because of our countys great biological diversity andits considerable wildland-urban in-terface, we need to vigilantly man

age and protect our plant and ani-mal communities. The Sierra Clubis in a unique position to foster thispreservation. In San Diego theresa sincere and deep interest on con-serving our environment. Im verysupportive of Eric Bowlbys workin helping to create Friends groupswho adopt and care for their localcanyons.

We can make our voices heard

by making sure there is environ-mental representation on planning committees and at Counciland Supervisors meetings. OftenI was the only pro-environmentvoice these groups heard. But oneinformed and impassioned voiceCAN make a difference. I encourage our members to take on lead-ership roles, speak up and speakout, spread the environmental gospel!



The Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility would liketo share the successes of our organization in tandemwith the Sierra Club over the past two years and toprovide a forecast of actions which we believe willlead the State Legislature to the understanding thatnuclear power is not cheap, clean or reliable. We willprovide information on the economics of new andaging nuclear plants, as well as the status of increas-ing volumes of highly radioactive waste now storedon our seismically active coast. We will also provide

an update on security measures being reevaluated bythe Nuclear Regulatory Commission subject to a rul-ing in federal court that the Commission erred whenit refused to consider the foreseeable consequences oflicensing a high-level radioactive waste facility on ourvulnerable coastline.

On April 16, 2007, the Alliance was responsiblefor gathering statewide support in opposition to anAssembly bill to lift the moratorium on new nuclearplants until a permanent solution to the safe storageof highly radioactive waste is in place. Last year theAlliance, along with Sierra Club and Environment Cal-ifornia, supported an unprecedented state analysis onthe full costs, benefits and risks of our states contin-ued reliance on aging nuclear plants. The analysis isset to begin this July and should take approximatelyone year to complete.

Rochelle Becker (Executive Director) has testifiedbefore the Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), theNuclear Regulatory Commission, the Energy Commis-sion ,the Water Quality Control Board, the state leg-islature and Congress. She also sits on Sierra ClubsNational Radiation Committee.

Shirley Vaine (President) has been a Broker in SanDiego since 1969. She is founder Real Estate Infor-mation/Education Center, Past Governor of WomensCouncil of Realtors, Lecturer/Educator, and memberof the National Association of Realtors since 1971.

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

Friday, July 27th program, 7:30 p.m.The Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility



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

Friday, August 24th program, 7:30 p.m.

Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Parkis a City of San Diego Open SpacePark containing approximately8,000 acres with hiking, mountainbiking and equestrian trails thatweave together mountains, valleysand lakes. It is located in the east-ern part of the City adjacent to thecities of Santee, El Cajon and LaMesa and to the San Diego com-

munities of Tierrasanta, San Carlosand Del Cerro. At the heart of allthese activities is the Visitor andInterpretive Center, open sevendays a week, free to the public.The Visitor and Interpretive Centerprovides opportunities for peopleof all ages to learn about the ge-ology, history, plants and animalsfound in San Diego County. Thebuilding includes classrooms, anauditorium, a library, exhibits andstaff offices. Outdoors there is alarge viewing and teaching terrace,an amphitheater and additional ex-hibits. The Visitor and InterpretiveCenter has proved to be a startingpoint for many visitors who, afterlooking at the exhibits and watch-ing the videos and/or slide show,return to explore other areas of thepark. Teachers and students fromschool districts throughout San

Diego County use the Visitor Cen-ter extensively. There are approxi-mately 60,000 visitors to the Visi-tor Center each year.

Six Park Rangers, a VisitorCenter Director, a CampgroundDirector, and two Grounds Main-tenance Workers make up the staffat Mission Trails Regional Park.Park staff is responsible for man-aging and maintaining the Visitor

and Interpretive Center, the OldMission Dam overlook and picnicarea, Kumeyaay Lake Campgroundand adjacent day use area, CowlesMountain Staging Area which in-cludes a comfort station, and ap-proximately 50 miles of hiking,mountain biking and equestriantrails. They are assisted by 150 to200 volunteers serving in a varietyof capacities including staffing theVisitor Center, leading interpretivewalks, patrolling the park, main-taining trails, restoring sensitivehabitat areas, and assisting withlandscape maintenance. An esti-mated 700,000 people enjoy theparks amenities each year. Mis-sion Trails Regional Park has beenlisted as one of San Diegos toptourist attractions in the San DiegoDaily Transcript and has been rec-ognized as the best for its moun-

By Ranger Melvyn Naidas

tain bike trails in San Diego UnionTribunes Readers Polls.

Ranger Melvyn Naidas joinedMission Regional Park staff in May1999 and works in Field Operations. His primary responsibilitiesinclude park patrols and enforce-ment, coordinating and trainingvolunteer patrols, resource management, community outreach andinterpretive programs, leadingEagle Scouts and trail and habi-tat rehabilitation volunteer workgroups. Ranger Naidas enjoysmusic, dancing, education andsports.

Ranger Mel with Greater San Diego Youths at KIDWATCH La Mesa, 2006.


18/32



Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109.See http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/photoclub/ for current info.July 12 and August 9

POLITICAL COMMITTEE

1st Thursday ................. 6:30 p.m.

This committee may make en-dorsement recommendations atmeetings. All SC members are en-couraged to attend. Call for loca-tion.July 5 and August 2

RECYCLE COMMITTEE

1st Monday .................. 6:30 p.m.

We are meeting with the GlobalWarming Committee to imple-ment better recycling in San Diegoas part of the exciting Cool Cities

Campaign.July 2 and August 6

WILDLIFE COMMITTEE

Volunteers needed for Seals Cam-paign! (See CAN above) Join usto protect local wildlife. San Diegois a hotspot of biodiversity thatneeds our stewardship. Help usplan fun and educational activitiesand work toward protection of ourlocal native species. Volunteers

needed for Seals Campaign! (SeeCAN above). Call Renee Owens,(858)538-8721, for further info.

POTLUCK &MOVIE FRIDAY

Jul 6 & Aug 3 (1st Fri.) ....... 6-9 p.m

Sponsor: Chapter Coordinator

Coordinator: Cheryl Reiff, 619-299-1741

Location: Chapter Bookstore,

3820 Ray Street in North Park.

Jo in us for an even ing ofgood food, compelling mov-ies and great discussion. Bringa finger food to share. Pleaseno disposable containers orutensils. Wine, juice and popcornprovided. Donations and clean uphelp appreciated.

MONTHLY FAMILYNATURE EDUCATIONWALKS

Jul 7 & Aug 4 (tentative) (1st Sat.) ..1 0

- 11:30 a.m.

Locations: Primarily parks, beaches and

public areas.

Jo in us each month for easy

walks with education activitiesrelating to conservation, ecologyand nature. All are welcome,including pregnant women, peoplewith babies, children of all ages,seniors, and those wanting aslow-paced outdoor experience.Contact Jennifer Douglas Vettel forlocation and description of hikesor for more information about theFamily Section at 858-344-5490or [email protected]

(email preferred). Leaders andassistants needed.

ORIENTATIONINTRODUCTION TOYOUR LOCAL CHAPTER

Jul 2 & Aug 6 (1st Mon.) .. 6:30 p.m.Sponsor: Membership CommitteeCoordinator: Bob McDowell 858-565-1005

Location: NEW LOCATION! SerraMesa-Kearny Mesa Branch Library,

9005 Aero Dr., San Diego CA 92123.This meeting provides an over-view and introduction to the vari-ous sections, groups and activitiesthat your local chapter provides. Ifyou are looking for a way to get in-volved, or just want to know moreabout the chapter, this is a greatplace to start! No reservations areneeded, and you can come as youare. If you have any questions,please call.

RAY AT NIGHT

Jul 14 & Aug 11 (2nd Sat.) ..6-9 p.m.Sponsor: Chapter Bookstore

Location: 3820 Ray St. in North Park

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

compiled by Cheryl Reiff

Activities

FRIDAY POTLUCKMIXERS

Jul 20 & Aug 17 (3rd Fri.) 6-8 p.m.

Sponsor: Friends of the SD Chapter

Contact: Justin Martello, 619-698

4330, justin@bluesummitinvest

com

Location: Chapter Office, 3820 Ray

Street in North Park.Join us for an evening of fun, goodconversation and an interestingspeaker. Please bring a snack toshare (finger foods please). Winesoda and juice provided. See page4 for more details.

MONTHLY CHAPTERPROGRAM

Jul 27 & Aug 24 (4th Fri.) 7:30 p.m.

Sponsor: San Diego Chapter

Coordinator and Host: Mannie Kugler 619-585-3773

Location: Joyce Beers Center, 3900

Vermont St in Hillcrest

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

A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

Jul 20 ..................................6 p.m.

Sponsor: Seals CampaignEnjoy an evening downtown withdinner at the Luxor Cafe (5th andB), then the Civic Theater (3rdand B) at 8 p.m. for the comedymusical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.Dinner and Theater: $56; Dinneronly: $28; Theater only: $28. Sendyour check to: San Diego ChapterSierra Club, Coastal Campaign3820 Ray Street, San Diego, CA

92104-3623. For credit cards, pleaseprovide the type of card, expirationdate, total amount and name as itappears on the card. Contact EllenShively at ellenshively@sbcglobalnet for any questions about thecampain. Include your name(s)and contact information.



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

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

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

DIFFICULTYE EasyM ModerateH HardS StrenuousV Very Strenous

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

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

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

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

ContactsOutings Chair

Jim Matlock 858-748-4634

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

HS Outings CoordinatorLynn Nebus 619-291-8781

Master Calendar CoordinatorJim McCleary 760-294-1627

Submissions

e-mail: [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outings

JUL 4/WED/H6C

4TH OF JULY ONMT WOODSON

Ldr: Allan Fein [email protected]: Needed

Come see FIREWORKS fromMount Woodson. Bring somethingto eat/share as we watch the sunset. I-15 to Rancho Peasquitos /Poway Rd. exit. Drive east 8.8 mi

to Hwy. 67. Turn left, drive 3 miPark on side of road. Meet at CDFstation entrance. Wear shoes withtraction! Bring jacket, flashlightand water. We depart at 6:30 P.M.unless evening rain cancels.

JUL 7-8/SAT-SUN/H9D

SAN JACINTOBACKPACK

Ldr: Mark Brown 619-980-6830Asst: Diane Purkey

In this half a weekend B/P takethe Tram up late Saturday, campin Tamarack Valley then hikethe peak and out Sunday. Thisis altitude/conditioning event forupcoming Sierra B/Ps or for fun.



JUL 11/WED/M6C

ELLIE LANECONDITIONING HIKE

Ldr: Peter Leven [email protected]

Asst: Needed

I-15 to Rancho Peasquitos Blvd/Poway Rd. exit. Head east throughPoway on Poway Rd. to Hwy. 67.

Turn left on Hwy. 67 to Ellie Lane.Turn right on Ellie Lane and parkin parking corral on right. Wearshoes with traction! Bring jacket,flashlight, and water. We depart at5:55 P.M., unless evening rain can-cels.

JUL 14/SAT/S11D

SAN JACINTO VIATHE TRAM

Ldr: Hans Gienapp 619-269-4153

[email protected] (preferred)Asst: Needed

Well take the tram from PalmSprings up to 8400 feet then hiketo San Jacinto summit to see whatJohn Muir calls the most sublimeview in Southern California. Opento 12 strong hikers. Bring lunch, 3qts of water, sturdy shoes, and apositive attitude. $22 for the tram.Call or email leader for required

sign up.

JUL 14/SAT/S10E

VANDEVER MOUNTAINLdr: Fred Gabbard [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Steve Fausset

From Mineral King in Sequoia Na-tional Park, well head south toFarewell Gap and climb VandeverMountain (11,947). If time and in-

terest remain, we might also climbFlorence Peak (12.432) fromFranklin Pass. Contact leader withhiking experience.

JUL 14-15/SAT-SUN/V17E

SAN GORGONIOBACKPACK

Ldr: Mark Brown 619-980-6830Asst: COL Needed

Drive up late Saturday after doingyour homework, night hike to

camp at Dry Lake, then hike OldGrey Back and out Sunday. Thisis an altitude/conditioning B/P forsummer in the Sierras.

JUL 15/SUN/E15A/ 10AM

SINGLES BIKE RIDE- CORONADO

Ldr: Tina Pollock 858-675-2077

[email protected] (preferred)Asst: Candy Brooks

Join the Sierra Singles group for aneasy morning ride along the bikepath in Coronado. Helmets are amust. Water and sunscreen, highlyrecommended. An optional socialgathering, either brunch or a pic-nic will follow.

JUL 18/WED/M5B

COWLES MTN 6:30 HIKE

FROM MESA ROADLdr: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598Asst: Robert Burroughs

Night hike! No hat, no sunscreen.Learn about the chaparral worldby flashlight. Bring hiking boots, alight jacket, flashlight, water and amunchie. Call for required sign-up.Leave word how late in the eve-ning I can return your call.

JUL 18/WED/E4A

RAPTOR RIDGE -YSABEL CREEKLdr: Dennis Peck [email protected]

Asst: Needed

Email leader for directions to theentrance of the Ysabel Creek Trail-head parking lot. Wear shoes withtraction. Bring jacket, flashlight,and water. Port-a-potty at trail-head. Learn about flora, fauna,history, and possible futures of this

San Diego Agricultural Preserve.We depart at 5:55 P.M., unless eve-ning rain cancels.

JUL 21/SAT/V16E

SAN BERNARDINOEAST PEAK

Ldr: Jim Jafolla [email protected] (preferred)Asst: Starla Rivers

We will hike the Momyer Trailwhich is perhaps the most scenic

trail in the San Gorgonio Wilder-ness. It crosses a seasonal streamplunges into the shade of old-growth oaks then emerges to spec-tacular vistas and passes ancienttrees. Moderate pace on a steepand occasionally brushy trailBring 4 qts water, lunch, essentials. Limit 12.JUL 21/SAT/M8B

BIG LAGUNATRAIL LOOP

Ldr: John Challen [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Needed

Get up in the mountains of Lagunafor this summer hike through themeadows and rolling hills. We wilhike the Big Laguna Trail past Big

Laguna Lake and beautiful mead-ows, then loop around on the Sunset Trail and back to our trailheadMust love hot summer hiking, blueskies, and bright sunshine. ContactJohn for required sign-up.

JUL 22/SUN/H20D

PS-SAN JACINTO-TRAMLdr: Mark Brown 619-980-6830Asst: Diane Purkey

Depending on the group and our

mood well either hike the wholedarn thing (Palm Springs to SanJacinto) and take the Tram downor take the Tram both ways in thisaltitude/conditioner, gain by painday hike.

JUL 25/WED/H6C

MT WOODSON NORTHCONDITIONING HIKE

Ldr: Allan Fein [email protected]

I-15 to Rancho Peasquitos/PowayRd. exit. Drive east 8.8 mi. to Hwy67. Turn left, drive 3 mi. Park onside of road. Meet at CDF stationentrance. Wear shoes with traction! Bring jacket, flashlight, andwater. We depart at 5:55 P.M., unless evening rain cancels.



JUL 28/SAT/M11C

EAST MESA LOOPLdr: John Challen [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Needed

A grand tour of the eastern sectionof Cuyamaca Rancho State Park isenjoyed with this loop trek. See

a variety of settings with manymeadows along the way. We willbe on the lookout for wild turkeys.Must love hot summer hiking andelevation gain/loss on this moder-ately paced hike in the mountainsof Cuyamaca. Contact John for re-quired sign-up.

JUL 28-29/SAT-SUN/H9D

SAN JACINTOBACKPACK


Time for another half a weekendback pack. Ditto July 7-8 condi-tioner.

AUG 1/WED/M5B

COWLES MTN 6:30EVENING HIKE

Ldr: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598Asst: Starla Rivers

Take a quick, fun hike up the Big

Rock side of San Diegos highestpoint. Learn about the chaparralworld by flashlight. Bring hikingboots, a light jacket, flashlight,water and a munchie. Call for re-quired sign-up, and leave wordhow late in the evening I can re-turn your call.

AUG 1/WED/H7C

IRON MTN SUMMITCONDITIONING HIKE

Ldr: Bob Lundy 858-254-3707Asst: Needed

I-15 to Rancho Peasquitos Blvd/Poway Rd exit. Drive east 8.8 mi.to Hwy 67. Turn right, park on eastside of road. Wear shoes with trac-tion! Bring jacket, flashlight, andwater. We depart at 5:55 P.M., un-less evening rain cancels.

AUG 4/SAT/E4A

COASTERS SATURDAYSAN ELIJO LAGOON

Ldr Mac Downing [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Needed

Great 9 A.M. morning walk in SanElijo Lagoon. Bring water and com-fortable hiking shoes or boots. Op-

tional sack lunch at hike end. Lim-ited to 20. Reservations required,for sign-up contact Mac.

AUG 4-5/SAT-SUN/V17E

SAN GORGONIOBACKPACK


Ditto July 14-15 post homeworkbackpack conditioner.

AUG 8/WED/M6C

ELLIE LANECONDITIONING HIKE

Ldr: Kit Davis 760-224-0443Asst: Needed

Join us as we note changes in veg-etation after the Cedar fire, alongwith erosion-caused changes in thehillsides and on the trail. I-15 toRancho Peasquitos Blvd/PowayRd. exit east to Hwy 67. Left Hwy67, right to Ellie Lane, park in

parking corral on right. Wear shoeswith traction! Bring jacket, flash-light, and water. We depart at 5:55P.M., unless evening rain cancels.

AUG 11/SAT/M8C

SUNSET TRAIL LOOPLdr: John Challen [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Needed

Views of Cuyamaca, Stonewall,Middle, and North Peaks as wellas to the Pacific Ocean if the coast-line is clear on this hilly forestedhike. Will loop around Big LagunaLake on the way back. Must lovehot summer hiking and elevationgain/loss on this moderately pacedhike in the mountains of Laguna.Contact John for required sign-up.

AUG 11-16/SAT-THU/H8C to S15D

ROCKY MTN NATLPARK CAR CAMP

Ldr: Rob Baum [email protected]

Asst: Fred Gabbard

Join us in Colorado for a varietyof day hikes in this highly scenicarea. We have reserved a large

group site with a limit of 15. Welltravel mostly on trail at a reason-able pace. Possible optional climbof Longs Peak (14,259 ft).

AUG 12/SUN/H20D

PS-SAN JACINTO-TRAMLdr: Mark Brown 619-980-6830Asst: Diane Purkey

Ditto July 22 pain/gainer day hike.

AUG 15/WED/M6C

THE PARK IN THE DARKNORTH FORTUNA LOOP

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

Heres an energetic evening con-ditioning hike for you in MissionTrails Park. From Tierrasanta welstart out with great views of thecity lights, and then chug along ata moderate pace over the top ofNorth Fortuna Mtn. VERY STEEPVery rocky and very fun! Well

finish in the dark, so wear hikingboots and bring your flashlightCall for required sign-up.

AUG 15/WED/H6C

MT WOODSON NORTHLdr: Dennis Peck [email protected]

Asst: Needed

I-15 to Rancho Peasquitos/PowayRd. exit. Drive east 8.8 mi. to Hwy67. Turn left, drive 3 mi. Park onside of road. Meet at CDF stationentrance. Wear shoes with traction! Bring jacket, flashlight, andwater. We depart at 5:55 P.M., unless evening rain cancels.



AUG 18/SAT/M7C

WEST MESA LOOPLdr: John Challen [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Needed

Hike up the side of CuyamacaMountain, pass through a meadowof thick grasses, inspect the Air-

plane Monument, and descendback down past another prettymeadow. Must love hot summerhiking and elevation gain/loss onthis moderately paced hike in themountains of Cuyamaca. ContactJohn for required sign-up.

AUG 18/SAT/V18E

SOUTH PEAKLdr: Jim Jafolla [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: NeededThis hike features a truly spectacu-lar section of the PCT on the wayto South Peak. Well start in Hum-ber Park and take the Ernie Max-well/South Ridge trail to the PCT,returning via Tahquitz Meadow/Devils Slide. The trail runs along a7600 ft ridge line offering spectac-ular views on both sides. Bring 4qts water, lunch, essentials. Limit12.

AUG 18-19/SAT-SUN/H9D

SAN JACINTOBACKPACK

Ldr: Mark Brown 619-980-6830Asst: Byron Cook

Half a weekend back pack. DittoJuly 7-8 conditioner.

AUG 22/WED/M3A

OAK CANYONMISSION TRAILS PARK

Ldr: George Spiller [email protected]: Peter Spiller

Beautiful, afternoon hike. Well begone about 3 hours following OakCanyon from Old Mission Dam tothe northern park boundary. Wit-ness the areas recovery from firedamage. Wear hiking shoes andexpect an easy pace. Bring 1 literof water. Heavy rain cancels. Max12 hikers. Call or email George to

sign up. If email, type Oak Can-yon in the subject box.

AUG 22/WED/M3B

TORREY PINESLdr: Bob Lundy 858-254-3707Asst: Needed

Join us as we seek out some ofthe native birds and butterflies,

and observe some of the flora andfauna within the State Park Re-serve. Call leader for parking in-structions. Wear shoes with trac-tion! Leader will give directions tohis home at the conclusion of thehike for after hike get-together. Wedepart at 5:55 PM, unless eveningrain cancels.

AUG 25-26/SAT-SUN/V17E

SAN GORGONIO

BACKPACKLdr: Mark Brown 619-980-6830Asst: COL Needed

Ditto July 14-15. So Cals classicbackpack.

AUG 26/SUN/E5A

EVENING HIKE LAKE HODGES

Ldr: Tina Pollock [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Candy Brooks

Join us for an easy evening hikeunder a 96% full moon. Well missthe total lunar eclipse which is oc-curring the following night. Wewill be hiking after dark so wearsturdy shoes and bring water anda flashlight. Contact leader for signup. Rain cancels.

AUG 29/WED/H8C

FORTUNA FAST BYFLASHLIGHT

Ldr: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598Asst: Robert BurroughsFast-hike the less-traveled end ofLong Mountain as we loop overthe summits of South and NorthFortuna Mtns in Mission TrailsPark. Steep, FAST and fun. Studythe fire-damaged area during veryshort breaks. Call for required sign-up, and leave word how late in theevening I can return your call.

AUG 29/WED/H6C

MT WOODSON NORTHCONDITIONING HIKE

Ldr: Allan Fein [email protected]: Needed

I-15 to Rancho Peasquitos/PowayRd. exit. Drive east 8.8 mi. to Hwy67. Turn left, drive 3 mi. Park on

side of road. Meet at CDF stationentrance. Wear shoes with traction! Bring jacket, flashlight, andwater. We depart at 5:55 P.M., unless evening rain cancels.

SEPT 1/SAT/E4A

COASTERS SATURDAYOCEANSIDE HARBOR

Ldr: Mac Downing 858 [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: NeededWalk around harbor and alongocean. Enjoy this 9 A.M. walkBring water, walking shoes or lightboots. Optional sack lunch at hikeend. Limited to 20. Reservationsrequired, for sign-up contact Mac.

OCT 5-7/FRI-SUN/S6E

MTS RUSSELLAND WHITNEY

Ldr: Rob Baum [email protected] (preferred)

Asst: Fred Gabbard

From Whitney Portal, well hike upthe N. Fork of Lone Pine Creek andcamp at Upper Boy Scout Lake toclimb Mt Russell and the Mt Whit-ney mountaineers route (helmetrequired). Recent experience onclass 3 rock is required; $15 USFSpermit fee; limited to four.



The CNRCC Desert Committees purpose is to work for the protection, preservation, and conservation of the California/Nevada desert; support the same objectives in all desert areas of the Southwest; monitor and work with governments and agencies to promote preservation of our arid lands; sponsor educational and work trips; encour-age and support others to work for the same objectives; maintain, share and publish information about the desert.All Desert Committee activities, unless stated otherwise, are suitable for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Special physical conditioning is not necessary. The average car or high clearance vehicle will be adequate for mos

trips; however, many of the roads used are dirt and, as with all desert travel, you should come prepared. For a goodguide to desert travel we recommend the Sierra Club book, Adventuring in the California Desert, by Lynn FosterWhile the main intent of the outings is for participants to enjoy themselves, it is hoped that participants will come to appreciate the des-ert and develop a desire to promote its protection. For questions about, or to sign up for a particular outing, please contact the leadelisted in the write-up. For questions about Desert Committee outings in general, or to receive the outings list by e-mail, please contacKate Allen at [email protected] or 661-944-4056.

California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee (CNRCC)

Desert Committee Outings: July/August 2007

July 13-15 Fri Sun

CNRCC DESERTCOMMITTEE

Mazourka Canyon Carcamp

Come hike this Inyo Moun-

tain canyon near Independence,CA. Escape the city-heat and thecrowds of the Sierras. Enjoy sageflats, ponderosa pines and oldmine sites. Saturday we will hiketo Wacouba Peak, highest pointof the range. Sunday, drive outto the north near Big Pine. 4WDrequired, may be able to carpool.Contact leader: Craig Deutsche,[email protected], (310-477-6670).

August 4-5 Sat-Sun

OWENS PEAK GROUP/CNRCC DESERT COM

Bristlecone Pines and Open Houseat Barcroft Lab White Mountains

Saturday, hike Ancient BristleconePine Forest. Followed by: happyhour, potluck feast and camp-fire. Sunday, visit Open House atthe University of Californias Bar-croft Lab at 12,500, and hike to

Mt. Barcroft (13,040). Group sizestrictly limited. Send $8 per per-son (Sierra Club), 2 sase, H&Wphones, email, rideshare info toReserv/Ldr: Lygeia Gerard, P.O.Box 294726, Phelan, CA 92329,(760)868-0979. Co-ldr: Don Peter-son, (760)375-8599.

August 25-26 Sat-Sun

CNRCC DESERTCOMMITTEETamarisk Bash in Surprise Canyon

Help remove invasive tamarisk

from Surprise Canyon in the Pan-amint Mountains, located on thewestern edge of Death Valley. Sat-urday we will work with MartyDickes, our coordinator from theBLM. If the weather gets toowarm, we can cool ourselves in theyear-round stream. Potluck din-ner Saturday night. Sunday hikeup nearby Telescope Peak, highestpoint in the range. Leader: Craig

Deutsche, [email protected],(310-477-6670).

Sept. 1-3 Sat-Mon

CNRCC DESERTCOMMITTEE/UTAHWILDERNESSTASK FORCETushar MountainsService Trip (Utah)

Assist with range monitoring inone of Utahs wildest places. TheTushar Mountains, east of Beaver,include high alpine peaks, ruggedescarpments, wildlife rich mead-ows, and still-wild forests. Wellcollect on-the-ground data for a col-laborate process to resolve a graz-ing decision being appealed by theSierra Club. Central Commissary.Leader: Vicky Hoover, (415)977-5527, [email protected].

Oct 20-21 Sat-Sun

CNRCC DESERTCOMMITTEEGhost Town Extravaganza Explore the Ruins of

Californias PastCamp at Ballarat ghost town. Challenging hike on Saturday to ghosttown Lookout City with Wild Westexpert Hal Fowler. Saturday nighHappy Hour, potluck and campfireSunday, visit the infamous Rileytown site. Group size strictly limited. Send $8 per person (SierraClub), 2 sase, H&W phones, emailrideshare info to Ldr: Lygeia Gerard, P.O. Box 294726, Phelan, CA92329, (310) 594-6789.



2007Labor DayBus TripsAug. 30-Sep 3, YOSEMITE/SIERRA NATL FOREST BUS TRIP. Thurs-Mon.Coordinator: Fred Gabbard [email protected], http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/bus/Five backpacks from Clover Meadow in the Sierra National Forest, on the southern border of YosemiteNational Park. To sign up, send your $20 deposit or payment in full of $194 to Fred Gabbard, 11574

Windcrest Ln Apt 1424 San Diego, CA 92128. Make checks payable to the Sierra Club. Please include youremail address (or 3 self-addressed stamped envelopes) and evening phone number.

Trip 1: Madera Creek Basecamp, M5B, Leader: Doug Nolff, Asst: Eric WitmayerWe will Base Camp at Madera Creek, elevation 7,800 feet, a four mile hike from Clover Meadow RangerStation with 1100 feet of gain. Day trips will include hikes to Norris Lake, Jackass Lake, Vandeburg Lakeand Lillian Lake.

Trip 2: Vandeburg and Flat Lakes, M6C, Leader: Pauline Jimenez, Asst: Walter KonopkaHike from Clover Meadow to Vandeburg Lake (Friday first night). Second night at Flat Lake (Saturday).Third day will hike either via Fernandez Trail or cross country along east fork of Madera Creek (campSunday night along the creek, somewhere west of Blue Point). Hike out to Clover Meadow via Fernandezor Walton Trail on Monday.

Trip 3: Rutherford Lake Basecamp and Peakbag, M15D, Leader: Howard Kellogg, Asst: Mark BrownFrom Clover Meadow backpack via glacial lakes to beautiful Rutherford Lake, class 2 cross country dayhike to bag Triple Divide (11,611), with spectacular views of the Minarets and Yosemite.

Trip 4: Clark Range Grand Tour, M10D, Leader: Mike Fry, Asst: Jim Crouch23 mile backpack from Upper Chiquito Campground, into Yosemite National Park, over Fernandez Pass,and exit at Clover Meadow. Optional 12 mile dayhike (or layover day) to climb Red Peak and Merced Peak(both 11,700, and 1 mile apart on a 11,200 ridge). Backpack days are 10.2mi +2000, 8.3mi +1300-1300, and 4 mi -1800. Total elevation gain (and loss) is 3300 for the backpack, 2700 for the peak climb.

Trip 5: Mt. Ansel Adams, VS18E, Leader: Fred Gabbard, Asst: Steve Fausset

Fast-paced trip from Clover Meadow over Post Peak Pass. Well travel on trail and cross-country to bagsome remote and challenging peaks in the headwaters of the Lyell Fork of the Merced River, possibly in-cluding Foerster Peak (12,057) and Mount Ansel Adams. Recent experience on class 3 rock is required.

REFUND POLICY:Note that sickness or injury does not play a part in refunds. You may purchase tripinsurance from any travel agent. It usually covers sickness, injury, family emergencies, lost luggage, etc.FULL REFUND:(1) We cancel the trip; (2) the leader determines you shouldnt be on the trip; or (3) youfind your own replacement and they reimburse you. PARTIAL REFUND:(1) We find your replacement andkeep only your deposit; or (2) we cant replace you, but we get a refund (or are not charged) by our pro-viders because of your absence. You get back whatever we get back.


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The Chapter Nominating Com-mittee is seeking Chapter leadersto run for the San Diego ChapterExecutive Committee. We encour-age all interested Chapter membersto apply.

The Chapter Executive Com-mitteecomprising nine electedvolunteers and two appointedGroup representativeshas thelegal responsibility and authority

to oversee all staff and volunteeractivities of the San Diego Chapter,to establish the Chapters conser-vation priorities, and internal poli-cies and to develop and implementan annual budget.

The ideal candidate is an expe-rienced, effective leader who has aproven capacity to work with a di-verse group of volunteer membersto resolve problems and achievegoals. All candidates are requiredto be members in good standing ofthe San Diego Chapter, which in-cludes the North County and NorthCounty Coastal Groups.

The Nominating Committeeseeks members interested in serv-ing as Executive Committee mem-bers who are:

dedicated to the purposesand goals of the Sierra Club andthe San Diego Chapter

able and willing to accept thelegal and fiduciary responsibilitiesof an Executive Committee mem-ber

able and willing to dedicatesufficient personal time to Execu-tive Committee duties

able to think and plan strate-gically and politically

aware of critical environmen-tal issues concerning the Chapter

Call for Nominations for San DiegoChapter Executive CommitteeBy Richard Miller

knowledgeable about thestructure and operations of the Si-erra Club

able and willing to deal withthe broad range of issues that comebefore the Executive Committee

The San Diego Chapter Execu-tive Committee is a working com-mittee. All members are expectedto devote sufficient time and en-ergy to the tasks at hand. All Ex-

ecutive Committee members areexpected to:

prepare for and attendmonthly Executive Committeemeetings (3rd Wednesday of eachmonth)

communicate regularly via e-mail

participate in other meetingsand events on behalf of the Execu-tive Committee or the Chapter

actively serve as a liaison toone or more of the Chapters Com-mittees and Activities Section.

Each Executive Committeemember is elected for a term oftwo years. An Executive Commit-tee member may serve an unlim-ited number of terms. The SanDiego Chapter membership willelect five Executive Committeemembers in the 2007 election.

The Nominating Committee

will contact potential candidatesand will send a questionnaire tothose who request one. After re-viewing returned questionnaires,the Nominating Committee willselect applicants for interviews.To be considered for an interview,candidates must return completedquestionnaires to the NominatingCommittee by July 15, 2007. TheNominating Committee will an-

nounce its candidates at the July18, 2007 Executive Committeemeeting.

In addition to the nominationprocess, the San Diego Chapter al-lows candidates to qualify for theballot by a petition process. Candidates seeking nomination by petition must submit to the Chaptersoffice the signatures of 50 Chaptermembers who are in good stand-

ing, no later than August 1, 2007,as specified in the Chapter bylaws.

The candidate questionnaireis also available on the Chapterswebsite http://sandiego.sierracluborg or you may contact any member of the Nominating Committeefor a copy of the candidate ques-tionnaire.

Nominating Committee 2007

Ri chard Mi ll er, Chair, 619-248

5419, rmiller@sierraclubsand

ego.org; Joe Zechman, 619-709

6268, joezechman@hotmai l

com; Dave Grubb, 760-753

0273, davidgrubb@sbcglobal

net; Renee Huston, 760-730-9899

[email protected]



We are looking for Sierra Club-bers to help revive the Family Sec-

tion, and get into nature with theirkids. Jennifer Douglas Vettel isspearheading the effort, but witha 2-year-old foster son and a babygirl due on Labor Day, she and herhusband could use the energy andideas of other familiesespeciallythose with older children. Initialplans are for monthly first Satur-day nature activities appropriatefor small children and strollers,which may involve slow-paced

walking, but are focused more onnature education. Adults withoutchildren are welcome to partici-pate. Lets have fun, learn moreabout the environment, build onkids innate wonder of the naturalworld, and interact with other eco-

Reviving the Family SectionBy Jennifer Douglas

minded families. Next monthlyactivities, July 7 and August 4,

10:30am-12pm. Contact Jenniferfor details.

Jennifer completed the Wilder-ness Basics Course in 2002 andbecame a Chapter Outing Leader.While pregnant, she is focused onwalking, yoga, swimming, pho-tography and video production(and trying to up her 46 mpg av-erage driving her red Prius fromher home in Scripps Ranch to thebeach). Otherwise, Jennifer en-

joys mountain biking, hiking,kayaking, and skiing. She is cur-rently volunteering with nonprofitand progressive organizations, andformerly worked as a marketingcommunications manager and alsoas a news producer in Washing-

ton, D.C. Jennifer attended graduate school in public health in New

York City and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan.

A Family Section organizationameeting will be held at 7pm, July27, just before the monthly SierraClub Chapter monthly program athe Joyce Beers Center. Monthlymeetings to follow look for emaiblasts, the Sierra Club San DiegoWebsite, and local newspapersfor the dates and locations. In the

meantime, feel free to contact Jen-nifer at jennifercdouglas@yahoocom, 858-344-5490 (cell) to get onthe mailing list or to get involvedChapter Outing Leaders and assistant leaders are needed.

As a divorced and now singlewoman, I enjoy being around oth-ers who are single and can sharein the same activities and interestsas me. Being a part of Sierra Sin-gles has given me a place in whichI can meet new people, enjoy anactivity or an outing, have greatconversations or no conversation

at all, and be myself with othersingle adults in an environmentthat sustains my need to get outand have fun. And fun is whatSierra Singles is all about! Hikes,movie nights, and concerts are of-fered year round as well as weeklyvolleyball, with additional seasonalactivities such as bonfires, summerconcerts in the park, and a holidayparty at the end of the year.

The hikes range from easy to

strenuous. Volleyball, which isoffered every Sunday, begins witha lesson and encourages all lev-els of players. The holiday partylast year was a hit, replete withdancing, great food, and mingling.Whether you are a skilled back-packer or new to car camping,here is your chance to share your

skills or learn from other campersplus meet someone new and get toknow them over a weekend. Andif you are into staying near town,available activities inlcude cozyingup at a bonfire on the beach, tak-ing in a movie with a dinner be-forehand, or sharing in an intimatehouse concert.

If you too are a single adultand looking for activities, outings,hikes, and/or events in which oth-

ers are sharing your same goalthen give Sierra Singles a try. Asa sub-section of The Sierra ClubSierra Singles operates as a sepa-rate entity, with our own advisoryBoard, treasury, and functionsOur newsletter, The Happeningsinforms our own members of cur-rent activities and events geared

for single adults. Come join usWe look forward to meeting you!(As an added incentive, Sierra

Singles is having a Summer Mem-bership Drive , June 1-Aug 31. Byjoining or renewing your mem-bership with Sierra Singles, youlreceive Six Free Months wi

Documents

Jul 2007 San Diego Sierra