Sierra Club San Diego Chapter Serving Imperial and San Diego Counties

Working To Preserve The Special Nature of San Diego for Over Half A Century
Vol 71 No. 2 Visit our website at: www.sandiego.sierraclub.org March/April 2012

Solar Homeowners Mobilize Against SDG&E Solar Tax

By Angela Deegan Sierra Club members and supporters gathered at the new SDG&E energy innovation center in Kearny Mesa on January 18 to show their opposition to SDG&Es proposed network use charge which would increase rates solely for customers who generate their own electricity with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The protest, organized by Sierra Club Climate Committee members Masada Disenhouse & Pete Hasapopoulos, featured about sixty protesters, including solar homeowners and members of the Sierra Club, SanDiego350.org, Women Occupy San Diego and the Green Party of San Diego County. According to the Sierra Clubs Local Clean Energy campaign, every Californian should have access to local, affordable clean energy. Significant growth in rooftop solar is crucial to our ability to achieve necessary greenhouse gas reductions. Solar panels help reduce air pollution, and they create local clean energy jobs. The proposed fee would deter customers from considering solar while subjecting existing solar customers to unfair cost increases. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a ruling on a legal challenge to SDG&Es rate filing while the protest was still underway, rejecting the network use charge as illegal and requiring that SDG&E file a revised rate proposal that does not include it. To stay updated on this developing story or join us for future actions please contact Masada Disenhouse at 619-335-1265 or senhouse@cox.net.

Annual Fund Appeal

PRESERVE & PROTECT
Dear San Diego Chapter Members, As the San Diego Chapter wraps up another year defending our environment, it is time to look to the future and prepare for the conservation challenges ahead. The Chapter is engaged in some of the regions most pressing environmental issues; fighting unfair pricing that hurts those with residential solar, implementation of a regional transportation plan that increases public transportation and reduces our green house gas emissions, protecting our water resources from a garbage dump in Gregory Canyon, preventing our backcountry from inappropriate development and much more. To meet these challenges in 2012 the Chapter needs your financial support. Fighting for what we value is a huge expense a projected $330,000 for 2012. Your membership fees are just a small fraction of our annual budget 14%. $1.86 for every member. If you donate to the National Sierra Club, we thank you, but once again only a tiny fraction flows to the San Diego Chapter less than 7 cents for every dollar. $330,000 That is why we annually turn to our members every March by asking for your financial help, enabling us to continue our good work. We depend heavily on generous contributions directly to the Chapter from members and friends. The Chapter can continue to play a vital role in this region given adequate financial resources. Watch for your fund appeal letter to arrive in the next few days. Reach into your heart, and your pockets. Every donation counts, regardless of the amount! However, why wait? Help us now by going to www.s andiego.sierraclub.org and click on the Donate Now button. This is a safe, secure, and easy way to contribute. Please donate and we will do the work! Thank you... for a better world, John W. Stump Chair, Executive Committee

Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet

SIERR AN HI SIERRAN
Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet
Sierra Club San Diego Chapter 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101 San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 569-6005 Editor Judy Thomas (619) 462-5168 HSEditor@SierraClubSanDiego.org Creative Director Scott Thomas (619) 462-5168 HSAds@SierraClubSanDiego.org www.thomascreative.com Advertising HSAds@SierraClubSanDiego.org Hi Sierran Committee Chair Dave Grubb davidgrubb@sbcglobal.net Conservation HSConservation@SierraClubSanDiego.org Meetings and Activities scoffice@sierraclubsandiego.org One Club Listserv To subscribe go to: http://lists.sierraclub.org/scripts/wa.exe?index March/April 2012 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. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Diego, CA. Postmaster: Send address changes to Hi Sierran, Sierra Club Member Services P.O. Box 421041 Palm Coast, FL 32142-6417 Send your current mailing label and your correct address to: Sierra Club P.O. Box 421041 Palm Coast, FL 32142-6417 or call Membership Services at 415-977-5653, Monday - Friday between 9 am and 5 pm, Pacific Time. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing. Copyright 2012 Sierra Club San Diego, CA (Hi Sierran Newsletter). All rights reserved. Federal copyright law prohibits unauthorized reproduction by any means without proper consent and imposes fines up to $30,000 for violation. For permission to reproduce or use any material from the Hi Sierran Newsletter, please email HSEditor@sierraclubsandiego.org and explain usage. Thank you.

Introducing our New Chapter Chair

during the initiatives of Ladybird John Stump is our new 2012 Imperial San Johnson. John has served on the City Schools Bond Oversight Committee and Diego Chapter Chair. John lives in City the Superintendent of Schools Selection Heights with his with wife Elizabeth, San Diego native and eldest daughter of Archie Panel; California League of Bond Oversight Committees; California State Moore. They keep Koi and raise roses. John was educated at Oakland Community Bar Commissioner for Legal Services; College, Michigan State University, Western Chairman of the San Diego Equal Opportunity Commission, President of State, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and Trinity College, Cambridge. John has the City Heights CDC and many other service organizations. John is President served the chapter on several committees of the Chollas Restoration, Enhancement and taskforces before his election as the and Conservancy and Counsel to the 2012 Chapter Chair. Africa Needs organization. John Stump began as an environmentalist in the 60s with Keep Michigan Beautiful

View from the Chair

Thank you for your confidence by selecting me as your Chapter Chair. It is a great honor to be selected to represent and lead our chapter. As the glow from the honor of election begins to fade, I have begun to realize the great amount of work and commitment that such an honor places on the office holder. Chapter Chairmanship requires a nearly full time commitment to our Chapter and the Sierra Club. It is a stimulating and challenging role and makes one appreciate the service of our long line of predecessor chairs and the legacy of John Muir. Your Chapter and our Club needs your support and help. We are beginning the

Address Correction?

chapters annual fund raising campaign. We will be asking you to make a cash donation -please do so. I ask for your donation of spirit, time, and goods to support your chapter. Our committees, sections, and groups seek your active participation and fellowship. Our Chapter office needs active office volunteers and helpers. Our Mt. Laguna Foster Lodge, Cabin and nature trails call out for your visits and caretaking. We need quality small and major household items and furnishings for our Lodge and Cabin. On the weekend of March 9-11 we will have the Mt. Laguna Lodge & Cabin Work Party clean-up http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/lodge/; please lend a hand at this event. Please renew your resolve to be an active Sierran and add to the energies of our Chapter. The Chapter web site has a list of volunteer opportunities and needs for donation or sponsorship. Please contact Richard Miller at 858.659.6005 or rmiller@sierraclubsandiego.org Make our chapter better and more vigorous. Again, thank you for the honor and vote of confidence. John Stump, ChapterChair@sierraclubsandiego.org

IN THIS ISSUE:
Volunteer Nominations . . . . . . . . . . 3 Nature Knowledge Workshop . . . . . 6 Summer Bus Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Chapter Outings & COL Training . . . 8 Chapter Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

March/April 2012 Hi Sierran San Diego

Chapter Seeks Nominations for Volunteer Awards

The Chapter Awards Committee is soliciting nominations for the Chapters annual Awards and Gala Dinner. This is the opportunity for our members to honor those whohave worked to help promote the Sierra Club and Chapter. Nominations for awards will be accepted any time before 5 p.m. on March 18, 2012 either by email or snail mail. Email to: awards@sierraclubsandiego.org or snail mail to Sierra Club 2012 Awards, 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Ste. 101, San Diego, CA 921111-1315. Questions? Please call the office at 858-569-6005. Anonymous award nominations will not be considered, so include your name. Nominations must include the nominees name. If you have a phone number or email address, for the nominee, please include it. If we cannot contact the nominee, we cannot make an award. Please include the names and numbers of people who can add to your testimony and as much documentation as possible showing the reasons why the nominee should receive the award. Conservation Activist Award: for the person who has done outstanding work to forward the Chapters conservation mission. Outings Leadership Award: for the person or group who has done outstanding work in outdoor leadership and education. Political Activist Award: for the person who has done outstanding work in furthering the Chapters political mission. Distinguished Achievement: for the member who has exhibited a sustained level of service and commitment to our Chapters overall mission. Life Time Achievement: for the member who over a sustained period has dedicated their efforts to build on the goals and purpose of the San Diego Chapter. Silver Cup: This is the Chapters highest award presented to the person who has most significantly contributed to the success of the Chapters mission.

Big, No-Cost Donations When You Buy or Sell a Home

If you could generate a big donation for Sierra Clubs San Diego Chapter without writing a check, would you? . . . Of course you would!
Now you can create that zero-cost donation maybe your donation biggest everwhenever you are thinking of buying or selling a property. Its possible through our new partnership with My Broker Donates. My Broker Donates empowers you to generate donations when you buy or sell a home.

How does it work?

My Broker Donates custom-connects people looking to buy or sell a home with caring, qualified agents and brokers who help generate the no-cost donation.

The best part?

My Broker Donates can help you find a best-in-market agent because it has access to agent data that isnt available to the public. They screen the agents qualifications and you choose the agent you like best. So, contact My Broker Donates before you engage a real estate professional. Even if you have an agent you already love, you can still generate a big donation for Sierra Club. These are real estate transactions that are going to happen either way. Shouldnt your Sierra Club Chapter benefit from them? Just go to our web site www.sierraclub.sandiego.org and click on the My Broker Donates button. Or scan this QR code with your smart phone to get instant access.

From The Editor:

In our January/February 2012 Issue of the Hi Sierran, we left off Cindy Buxton as the author of our front page article Second Chances: Ten Years Later, We want you to preserve this map! It was an oversight and the staff regrets our unintentional omission. Cindy has put a lot of work into the issue of a new Forest Management plan that has been given the name of Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. It offers a second chance to ensure our remaining gorgeous forests, streams, waterfalls, peaks and vistas, wildlife and habitat are kept beautiful for generations to come, especially the Eagle Peak areas that were featured on map.

March/April 2012 Hi Sierran San Diego

SAVE THE DATE

San Diego Chapter Annual Gala Celebration & Awards Dinner
June 21, 2012 6:00pm 9:30pm Holiday Inn on The Bay On the Embarcadero Downtown San Diego Come join us in celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the passage of Proposition 20, which created Californias Coastal Commission. Be part of an extraordinary night to recognize and commemorate the achievements of those who have contributed their time and effort to protecting our coastal environment. Former Sierra Club Coastal Places Campaign Director Mark Massara

Remembering Barbara Domurad

by Alice Fichandler
We are sorry to report the passing of long time Sierra Club member, Barbara Domurad, who succumbed to an aggressive form of breast cancer on Dec. 30, 2011, 2 weeks after her 66th birthday. Barbara was very active in the Ski Section, and was a COL 1 for several years. She was an excellent teacher, and instrumental in helping beginners learn the basics of crosscountry skiing. She also was a chef extraordinaire and very popular when cook groups were being formed or condos being assigned. She also introduced the competitive card game, Nertz, to the Club, although no one ever came close to besting her winning record. She brought her nursing skills to the Club, and was very helpful in assessing and treating injuries on the trail. She also enjoyed playing bridge whenever a foursome could be found. Barbara was born in Boston on Dec. 14, 1945, and is the third of 4 sisters. She was born wanting to be a nurse, and never wanted to be anything else her whole life. She graduated from nursing school in June 1969, and went on to get a BS degree from DePaul University in Chicago in June 1973. She also did some graduate work in Nursing, but did not complete her degree. She loved working with children, and her area of specialization was pediatric intensive care. Over at least the past 10 years, she worked at Rady Childrens Hospital, and continued to work per diem after she retired. According to her sister Loretta, nursing was the thing she loved most of her life, and the hospital was her home. Barbara became interested in water color painting in the last year of her life. She showed a talent from the start, and was thrilled that she sold one of her paintings at an art show. It became an outlet for her, especially after receiving her diagnosis. She also was a Master swimmer, and loved being anywhere near the water. She loved to travel, and had been looking forward to a trip to Belize which would have been her kind of trip, but had to cancel due to her illness. Barbara is survived by her 3 sisters, their families, and many friends who cared deeply about her. A tree was planted at Childrens Hospital to honor her contributions there. She will be missed by all who knew her.

40 Years Protecting Californias Coast

Featured Keynote Speaker

For tickets and more information, contact Richard Miller at 858-569-6005 or email to rmiller@sierraclubsandiego.org Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Special recognitions will be made with the Chapters FEAT (good) Awards. The FEAT awards honor those who have contributed their time and effort to making connections between the environment and social justice, to fostering local solutions to global issues, and helping communities make sound environmental decisions about their own future.

March/April 2012 Hi Sierran San Diego

SUNDAY, March 25 at 3pm

Come join friends and fellow Sierrans for wine and delectable food pairings.
We are fellow members like you that gather to enjoy and learn about wines, tasty micro-brews and good food, all while having the opportunity to engage in conservation and hear about the Chapters programs. Of course, it is also about meeting new friends, old friends and just plain FUN. Come join us at San Diego Desserts and Bistro, 5987 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, in the college area (corner of El Cajon & 60th St) We will enjoy a flight of 4 wines paired with an appetizer or desert especially prepared for the wine being served. All members and their guests are invited to attend.

This is event is open to the public. Space is limited and of course you must be of legal drinking age. Cost is $30 per person. This will cover all expenses and includes a small donation to the Chapter. Please RSVP to rmiller@sierraclubsandiego.org or by calling the Chapter office at 858-569-6005. You can pay by check or charge it to your Discover, Visa or MasterCard. Mail checks, payable to Sierra Club, to Sipping Sierrans, 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Ste. 101, San Diego, CA 92111. To pay by credit card, go to

www.sandiego.sierraclub.org
and click on the Donate Now button.

Lawsuit against SANDAGs RTP 2050

Way back in December 2010, our Transportation Chair Mike Bullock sent a letter to the SANDAG Board showing that, given the best predictions on vehicle efficiency and population growth, our region would need a per-capita driving reduction of 35.1% by year 2035, in order to have cars and light-duty trucks do their part to stabilize the climate. RTP2050 only achieves a 13% reduction by 2035 and, even worse, the reduction goes to zero by year 2050! Chapter members also weighing in on this issue include Climate Chair Masada Disenhouse, Chapter Legal Lead Pam Epstein, interns, Transportation Committee member Andrea Monk and several members of the San Diego 350.org organization. The Sierra Club has now entered into the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) suit with the California Attorney Generals office, the Cleveland National Forest Foundation and the Center for Biological Diversity. They are challenging the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Regional Transportation Plan. The lawsuit

contends that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the plan does not adequately address air pollution and climate concerns and prioritizes expanding freeways while delaying public transit projects such as transit, bicycle and foot paths, when funds may not be available. The result will be increased sprawl and pollution that will exacerbate global climate change, they said. In fact, according to SANDAGs environmental impact report, regional per capita greenhouse gas emissions will actually increase over the coming decades. The 3.2 million residents of the San Diego region already suffer from the seventh worst ozone pollution in the country, said Attorney General Harris. Spending our transit dollars in the right way today will improve the economy, create sustainable jobs and ensure that future generations do not continue to suffer from heavily polluted air. A 2009 study from the University of Torontos economics department found that, in U.S. cities, new freeways dont ease congestion but instead invite expanded traffic volume. For interstate highways in the densest parts of metropolitan areas, it is found that vkt (vehicle kilometers traveled) increases in exact proportion to highways. SANDAG is the first agency to develop

a regional transportation plan since California passed a law in 2008, SB 375, requiring such plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions via compact land use and transportation planning. SANDAGs new plan is disappointing. The agency missed an opportunity to be a leader. It could have set an example of how to plan for future transportation needs without putting public health and the environment at risk, but didnt, said Kathryn Phillips, Director of Sierra Club California. Local governments and conservation and smart growth organizations across California and the country have been watching the effort closely. This case could set a precedent for the state, and possibly for the country, said Phillips. California is trying to take initiative on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and we believe SANDAGs plan does not meet the law. It is hoped that the lawsuit will prove to be a turning point for transportation policy and urban planning.
EDITORS NOTE: The Chapter Executive Committee has appointed a RTP Litigation Team to represent the Chapters interest. The team consists of Legal Committee Chair Malinda Dickenson, Executive Committee Member DaveGrubb and Transportation Committee Chair Mike Bullock.

March/April 2012 Hi Sierran San Diego

June 8th - 10th, 2012

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 Sierra Club happenings of each year (the other is the Wilderness Basics Course). The Nature Knowledge Workshop (NKW) combines education and appreciation for our precious, dwindling natural resources with a sharing and a building of new friendships. We hope you will leave the weekend with 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 8-10, 2012 (Friday evening through Sunday noon). Cost: $150 per Sierra Club Member, $160 Non-Member
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 Barry at (619) 479-8133.

To register, go to www.NatureKnowledge.org or send the coupon below to Barry Hite, 1583 Mesa Brook St., San Diego, CA, 92114: 1. Fill-out coupon (or a coupon for each person applying). 2. Send a check: $150 per Sierra Club Member, $160 per Non-Member, payable to Sierra Club 3. Send 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 ($150/Member, $160/Non-Member, payable to Sierra Club) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Sierra Club Membership Number(s)_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Email address(es) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Age(s) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Where did you grow up? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Occupation (previous, if retired) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

March/April 2012 Hi Sierran San Diego

Memorial Day Backpack Bus Trip 2012

http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/bus/

Independence Day Backpack Bus Trip 2012 Yosemite National Park

June 29 - July 4, Friday - Wednesday Coordinator: Bob Smillie, robert.smillie@cox.net 858-748-4385 Cost: $225, Deposit $25. Full amount due June 1. Join us for 4 backpacks along the Tioga Rd in the Yosemite high country. Mail your deposit or full amount (payable to Sierra Club) to Robert Smillie, 13527 Maryearl Ct. Poway, CA, 92064. Please include your trip preference, phone number, return address, and e-mail address (or 3 SASE). Trip 1: Glen Aulin (M5A) Leader: Needed. Base Camp in developed campground near spectacular California Falls. Day hike to major falls on Tuolumne River. Trip 2: Vogelsang via Rafferty Creek (M7B) Leader: Rob Langsdorf Asst: Mike Fry Visit Ansel Adams favorite place in the Sierra Nevada: Lyle Fork of the Merced River. Optional climb Mt. Ansel Adams, and other nearby peaks. Trip 3: Ten Lakes Basin (M10B) Leader: Needed 30-mile loop up Yosemite Creek to Ten Lakes, Polydome Lakes, May Lake, and a climb of Mt. Hoffman. Meet bus at Tenaya Lake. Trip 4: Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River (M10C) Leader: Needed 30-mile loop from White Wolf to Tuolumne Meadows along the mighty Tuolumne. See the Muir Gorge in full flood, and three of Yosemites major falls: Water Wheel, LeConte, and California falls.

Labor Day Backpack Bus Trip 2012 TBA

Refund Policy: Note that sickness or injury does not play a part in refunds. Full Refund: 1.We cancel the trip. 2. The leader determines you shouldnt 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 cant replace you, but we get a refund (or are not charged) by our providers because of your absence. You get back whatever we get back. No refund: You cancel and we cant replace you. CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

May 24 - 28, Thursday Monday Coordinator: Howard Kellogg hkellogg@earthlink.net or 760-996-5581 Leaders: Mike Fry, Pat and Larry Klaasen, Pauline Jimenez, Brian Swanson Cost: $200, Deposit $20. Full Payment due May 1. Join us for the Memorial Day Weekend in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA). We will all base camp at the Red Rock Campground and do day hikes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Send your deposit or full amount (payable to Sierra Club) with return address, phone number, email address (or 3 SASE) to Howard Kellogg, 427 Russell Road, Brawley, CA, 92227-3026. Red Rock Canyon is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas, NV. The area is 195,819 acres and has more than 30 miles of hiking trails. The unique geologic features, plants and animals of Red Rock Canyon NCA represent some of the best examples of the Mojave Desert. The Red Rock Canyon NCA contains over 40 springs, as well as, many natural catchment basins (known as tanks or tinajas). With the presence of dependable water, plant and animal life is richer and more concentrated than in the surrounding desert. There are pictographs and agave roasting pit remains from early Indian encampments. The earliest evidence of humans in the general area indicates humans were present approximately 12,000 years ago.

Please visit our website for trip details http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ski/ We use email for local ski trips and ski questions: skisection@gmail.com

All trips are car pool, and leave the night before.

No meetings this season.

Mar 2-5 Montecito Sequoia Lodge Mar 16-18 Rock Creek Lodge Apr 13-15 Clair Tappaan Lodge
7

March/April 2012 Hi Sierran San Diego

Wednesday, March 7th** Dayhike (M4B) Cowles Mountain Hike From Barker Way Contact: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598 Assistant: Henry Wilson
Abs? What are abs? Where? Oh, theyre hidden abs. Join us on this fun, fast- paced evening conditioning hike up the trail less traveled to the top of Cowles Mountain. Well cover very basic astronomy at the summit, with our great view of the night sky, then loop back down on the dirt fire road. Bring your flashlight and a light jacket. Call for required signup and any changes.

may join us at the Sorrento Valley Station (free parking) for a 24-mile ride (M24A). This ride will require about 2 1/2 hours of riding at 10 to 12 MPH average. Required for all bike rides: helmets, spare tube, pump. and patch kit. Bring $$$ for Coaster and lunch. This ride is open to all Sierra Club members and their friends.

Meet at Scripps/Mercy P n R off the 15 at 6:30 AM. Email for required sign-up mrbrown@san.rr.com

Wednesday, March 14th Dayhike (E4A) Wed In The Mtns - Ramona Grasslands Contact: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or M2Cdow4@yahoo.com Assistant: Needed
Hike in new area, wooded grass, scrub sage, etc, hopefully wild flowers. Bring water, lunch and boots or walking shoes. Meet 9 am 17430 block Highland Valley Road, Thomas 1151-F7. From 15 North of RB, take West Bernando Dr/ Pomerado Road exit. Go right on Pomerado to signal at Highland Valley Road, turn left onto it. Drive 10.0 slow windy miles. MV car pool leaves 8:00. Rain cancels.

Wednesday, March 28th Dayhike (E5A) Otay Valley Regional Park - Easier Hike Contact: Roger Lundbohm 619-299-0489 or rlundbohm@hotmail.com Assistant: Needed
Walk past Otay Valley ponds and lowlands to Finney Overlook and return. Meet at trailhead at 9:30 AM at 2155 Beyer Blvd. (Ranger station), San Diego 92154. Directions: Take I-5 South to Main Street exit #5B, then left on Main .9 miles, turn right on Broadway which becomes Beyer Blvd .3 miles to the Ranger Station and Parking on the right. Bring snack or lunch for a break, and water. Rain cancels. Carpool leaves Mission Valley at 9:00 AM.

Saturday, March 10th Dayhike (H9C) Jacumba Jim/Four Frogs Loop Contact: Rachel Barsman 619-733-1903 or rbarsman@hotmail.com Assistant: Kelly Kreuzinger
Adventurers wanted for exploratory hike and rock scramble into the Jacumba Jim canyon and then up Four Frogs Canyon. This is a down, and then up hike, so you need to be prepared to reserve some energy for a 2400 elevation gain on the way out. The group size will be limited to 10, and the hike will be postponed or cancelled if it rains. Please email the leader to sign up, and share some of your recent desert hiking experiences.

Monday, March 19 Birding-by-Bike Ride (M25A) Leader: Kathy Askin, 619-849-9865 or email kaskin@earthlink.com Assistant: Ellen Scott
Meet at 8:30 am at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay Park for a beginning birding-by-bike outing. On our January outing, we identified 22 different bird species. This time, well take a look at the shorebirds near the mouth of the San Diego River by Robb Field. Bring binoculars, water, snack and a bird guide if you have one. Required for all bike rides: helmets, spare tube, pump. and patch kit. Contact leader in advance if loaner binoculars are needed. Expect approximately 15 miles of riding and approximately 2 hours of birding.

Saturday, March 31st Dayhike (E5A) Coasters Saturday Encinitas South Contact: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or M2Cdow4@yahoo.com Assistant: Needed
Beautiful 9 am beach walk, great scenes. Bring water and comfortable hiking shoes or boots. Optional resturant lunch at end. Rain or drizzle cancels. Limited to 20. For reservations email (prefer) or call Mac.

Sunday, March 11th Dayhike (E12B) Canyon Sin Nombre & Carrizo Badlands Exploration Contact: Mark Brown mrbrown@san.rr.com Assistant: Needed
800 up & down, moderate 12 miles from overlook on S2 - 6 hours. Trail/Jeep road, little cross country. Meet at 7:00 AM at Grossmont P&R, off 8 exit Jackson-Grossmont, left then right on Murry, on right. Bring 3 quarts, lunch, sunscreen, jacket, boots, car and/or car pool money $10. Rain cancels. questions contact: mrbrown@san.rr.com

Wednesday, April 4th** Dayhike (M6C) Cowles Mountain Big Rock Evening Hike Contact: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598 Assistant: Henry Wilson
Take a quick, fun hike up the Big Rock side of San Diegos highest point. Learn about the chaparral world by flashlight. Bring hiking boots, a light jacket, flashlight, water and a munchie. Call for required signup and any changes.

Wednesday, March 21st** Dayhike (M6C) The Park In The Dark: South Fortuna Loop Contact: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598 Assistant: Henry Wilson
Heres an energetic evening conditioning hike for you in Mission Trails Park. From Tierrasanta well start out with great views of the city lights, then chug along at a moderate pace over the top of South Fortuna Mountain. VERY STEEP! Very rocky and very fun, and you can learn how night hiking works. Call for required signup and any changes.

Wednesday, March 14 Bike Ride (M28B) Mid-Week Coast Ride Leader: Jerry Fitzsimmons - 858-224-3437 or jfitzsimmons@ucsd.edu Assistant: Ellen Scott
Meet at 9:30 am in the La Jolla Strip Club parking lot, Costa Verde Shopping Center, La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Ave, University City, for a 28-mile bicycle ride along the coast. We will board Coaster #639 at 10:14 am at the Sorrento Valley Coaster Station. Those wishing to avoid the Torrey Pines hill

Saturday, April 14th Dayhike (E5A) Coasters Saturday Beach Walk Contact: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or M2Cdow4@yahoo.com Assistant: Needed
Enjoy easy beautiful morning beach hike in the Del Mar area. We will be along the ocean, with great views. Wear suitable footgear and water. Optional restaurant lunch at end. Reservations required. To sign up use Email (prefer) or call, limited to 20. Rain cancels.

Sunday, March 25th Dayhike (H13D) Whale Peak Contact: Mark Brown mrbrown@san.rr.com Assistant: Needed
All cross country with 3200 elevation gain. Starts and ends at the Blair Valley Ranger Station. 9 hrs, moderately difficult but long. Trail/Jeep road and a lot of cross country.

Wednesday, April 18th Dayhike (M7B) Wed In The Mtns - Japacha Creek Contact: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or M2Cdow4@yahoo.com Assistant: Needed
This new easy hike, except for a 20-minute

March/April 2012 Hi Sierran San Diego

grade, features walking along Japacha Creek near hike end. Estimating 6.5 miles, gain of 650 ft. Bring water, sack lunch, hiking shoes or boots. MV carpool leaves 8 am. Meet 9 am at Hwy 79 at Sweetwater Bridge lot 0.4 miles north of Green Valley Campground, Thomas 1216-F2. MV carpool leaves 8:00. Rain or drizzle cancels.

Happy Birthday John Muir

Wednesday, April 18th** Dayhike (M6C) Cowles Mountain Evening Hike From Mesa Road Contact: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598 Assistant: Henry Wilson
Night hike! No hat, no sunscreen. Learn about the chaparral world by flashlight. Bring hiking boots, a light jacket, flashlight, water and a munchie. Call for required signup and any changes.

174th Birthday
New Lease on Life
John Stump, Chapter Chair
The San Diego Chapter has received the signed and documented lease for our Mt. Laguna education and conservation area. The Lease includes Foster Lodge, Madolfs Hutte (Cabin) and the one acre of nature trails and camping.

John Muir was perhaps this countrys most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist. He taught the people of his time and ours the importance of experiencing and protecting our natural heritage. His words have heightened our perception of nature. His personal and determined involvement in the great conservation questions of the day was and remains an inspiration for environmental activists everywhere. He inspired people all over the world to keep close to natures heart. In this spirit, we celebrate John Muirs 174th Birthday on April 21st. Take time this day to do something in memory of John Muir.
Compiled from National Sierra Club information

Wednesday, May 2nd** Dayhike (M4B) Cowles Mountain Hike From Barker Way Contact: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598 Assistant: Henry Wilson
Abs? What are abs? Where? Oh, theyre hidden abs. Join us on this fun, fast- paced evening conditioning hike up the trail less traveled to the top of Cowles Mountain. Well cover very basic astronomy at the summit, with our great view of the night sky, then loop back down on the dirt fire road. Bring your flashlight and a light jacket. Call for required signup and any changes.

A big thank you goes to former chapter chair Carolyn Chase, the Foster Lodge Committee, and the many volunteers that made the 2011 repairs and improvements necessary for the issuance of the new 10year lease. A celebration of our more than 50 years on the mountain is being planned for a Summer program, in August. Look for an appearance of John Muir at about the time of the Perseids meteor shower.

Mt. Laguna Weekdays

A 2012 goal of the Chapter is to increase the weekday (Monday-Friday) use of the Foster Lodge, cabin and trails at the Chapters Mt. Laguna facility. Laurie Carlock is seeking other members input and participation for weekday uses and events. If you are interested in weekday uses in Mt. Laguna, Laurie wants to hear from you. Please call her at 619-284-3118 or email at lcarlock@sdcoe.net.

Saturday, May 5th Dayhike (E4A) Coasters Saturday - East San Elijo Hike/picnic Contact: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or M2Cdow4@yahoo.com Assistant: Needed
Bring water. NO hike reservations. Picnic 11:45 costs $5, RSVP by May 3, Peg 760 753-0899, or DavidGrubb@sbcglobal.net, turkey or veggie. Meet 9 am. From hwy 5 drive east on Lomas Santa Fe Drive to El Camino Real. Go north on El Camino Real past San Dieguito County Park. Its 1.1 miles north to trailhead from Lomas Sante Fe Drive. Trailhead west side of El Camino Real, Thomas 1167-J5.
DIFFICULTY E -Easy M -Moderate H -Hard S -Strenuous V -Very Strenuous ELEVATION CHANGE A 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 are required to sign a standard liability waiver. Outings are for adults 18+ and no pets.

Mt. Laguna Lodge & Cabin

The San Diego Chapter Foster Lodge, Cabin and campgrounds is in the Cleveland National Forest 12 mi. north of I-8 on Sunrise Highway across from Mt. Laguna/El Prado campground. Both the Lodge and Cabin are available by reservation for exclusive use. When not reserved the facility is operated on a hostel/ shared use basis. Please check the Mt. Laguna calendar for availability and operating days/hours.
Mt Laguna FEES Per day/night Exclusive Lodge or Cabin Use: Hostel bunk & community facility use, per person: Tent Camping for 3 & community facility use: Day Use per vehicle (if no overnight stay): Overnight Vehicle parking per visit $250 $10 $10 $10 $ 5 2 pm-12 Noon 2 pm-12 Noon 2 pm-12 Noon Day use 2 pm-12 Noon

www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/lodge
Email reservations to: MtLaguna@sierraclubsandiego.org or Call: 858-569-6005

March/April 2012 Hi Sierran San Diego

MONTHLY PROGRAMS
Monthly 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 St., San Diego, CA. Across the Street from Trader Joes. Additional parking is available under Trader Joes and Ralphs Market. Program Chair: Mannie Kugler - (619) 585-3773

March 16

Expedition To The Arctic

From Spitsbergen to the East Coast of Greenland

Christa McReynolds
In July of 2010 I flew to Oslo, Norway, to see the marvelously preserved mighty Viking Ships, and on to Spitsbergen, Norway, in the Arctic Circle. Here we boarded our ship, the Russian Research Vessel MS Akademik Shokalskiy to motor around Svalbard and continuing west to the East Coast of Greenland where we visited an Inuit village. Going south-east from Greenland we reached Iceland, explored Heimaey Island, and disembarked in Reykjavik. It was quite an exciting trip, in the Northern Hemisphere you get a lot closer to the pole than in the Southern Hemisphere. We made daily landings and saw a good deal of wildlife, fortunately polar bears only from the zodiacs. The tundra was bursting with flowers. Off the coast of Greenland we were awed by gigantic icebergs. On the island of Heimaey we

climbed the lava fields that almost engulfed and buried the only town on the island. Come and see for yourself the difference between the polar regions. Christa McReynolds was born and raised in East Germany and came to the US in 1957 via Berlin, Hamburg and Geneva. For several years she worked at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla doing lung function studies. Once a year Christa explores either a US national park new to her, or goes on a hike in a foreign country.

April 20

La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve

Judith Garfield
Prepare to get wetat least virtually--during Judith Garfields latest presentation on the San DiegoLa Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. Using narration, stills, and video clips, you will gain a real feel for the ongoing soap opera continually underway under water off our coast. Its much more than a fish-eat-fish world down there because the rules of the terrestrial world do not often apply. No need for a SCUBA certification and no need to brave 50-degree water temperatures. Just bring your friends, family, and foes to Joyce Beers Community Center at 7:30 pm on April 20, 2012, and take a seat. Once the lights dim, everyone will descend vicariously below the waters surface to get a salty taste of how the other three-quarters of the planet lives. Studies show that perusing displays of filets packed on ice at a seafood market dont hold a rod and reel to the thrill of observing ocean critters alive and in the act of being themselves in their natural habitat. For the past few decades, diver-photographer Judith Garfield has enjoyed a second home in the San Diego-La

Jolla Underwater Park. On surface intervals, she freelance writes and edits in the sciences, both for technical and lay audiences. She has produced a set of two natural history field guides about the marine life and environs off the reserves La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. Judith also pens a twicemonthly fun and informative column, Tide Lines, for the La Jolla Village News (www.ljvn.com search Tide Lines) Books will be available for purchase ($20 each or the set for $35).

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What are you doing for Earth Day this year?

Carolyn Chase This years Earth Day theme is Its Our Nature. Its our nature, isnt it? That is to say that all life is dependent on the natural world: all the functions of plants and animals that create and maintain the atmosphere, the flows of water and waste. Its extremely in our interest to conserve and protect nature and the natural functions of earth. Yet rather than being a valued and protected part of our culture, we have things like Earth Day because in our culture, we need to be reminded. More than that, we need to join together and spread the word. The 23rd annual EarthFair in Balboa Park will take place on Sunday, April 22. Can you volunteer for a bit at the Chapters booth? We invite people to join the Club, sign petitions, go on outings and generally fulfill the legacy of our founder John Muir. If you cant volunteer for Earth Day on

the 22nd, consider joining a Chapter outing or a take a trip to our Mt. Laguna Lodge, or determine what your volunteer niche for the Sierra Club could be for the rest of the year. This year is an important election year is it your time to get active in politics? The environment is completely under-represented in all aspects of politics - and its worse than ever with the new, unlimited and flood of private interest money - much of it from oil interests; much of it, well we dont know whose buying the election. It seems to be a part of human nature to take both the hidden natural and political worlds for granted. Agitate, negotiate, litigate, educate, demonstrate, recreate: there is much work to be done - that is - if you hold on to the dream that government of the people by the people and for the people should not perish from the United States, or say, even California. There are many, many ways that you can make a difference. Choose a new one for this Earth Day. Make it part of your nature.

Its Our Nature Earth Day Earth Fair! Sunday, April 22nd Balboa Park 10am - 5pm
As always the San Diego Sierra Club will need volunteers to work tables at this - the biggest outreach event of the year. Please email Richard if you can commit to at least one, 2-hour shift
rmiller@sierraclubsandiego.org

For logistics info so as not to get stuck in traffic to the EarthFair see:
www.earthdayweb.org/EF/ EarthFairTransportation.html

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Mt. Laguna Steward Training & Work Party March 9th & 10th
Join fellow Sierrans and friends as we help spruce up our Mt. Laguna Foster lodge and cabin for the busy summer. This is also your opportunity to train to be a volunteer Steward and help in the operation of the facility. Arrive as early as Thursday evening. Steward training will take place on Friday, 11am-3pm. For the work party, arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning (early!). We will work Saturday, but give you time for an evening hike before dinner. Depart Sunday morning. Meals provided. Please RSVP to MtLaguna@sierraclubsandiego.org and indicate when you be arriving.

Help Us Get Genetically Modified Foods Labeled in California

By Masada Disenhouse Sierra Club California has endorsed the statewide California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act initiative which will ask voters in November to approve the labeling of genetically modified foods.

genetically engineered foods, including the entire European Union and China. Its time California leads the way to labeling GMOs in the US.

How can you help?

As Sierra Club members we have a responsibility to help get this important initiative on the ballot by gathering petition signatures (over 800,000 signatures are needed by mid April to qualify for the November ballot). The Sierra Club will have petitions in the office for you to pick up and get registered voters to sign. We will hold a training at the office in early March. If you can volunteer to do even just a few hours petitioning, please contact Masada Disenhouse to get trained & to find partners for petitioning. mdisenhouse@cox.net or 619-335-1265.

What are GMOs?

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are made by inserting genes from another species into an organisms DNA. Genetic modification is very different from the traditional practice of selective breeding to improve the qualities of plants or animals. Usually the purpose of GMOs with respect to crops is to create crops that are resistant to herbicides or to have crops self-manufacture their own insecticides. GMOs are in 75% of processed food in grocery stores. In the US up to 85% of corn, 91% of soybeans and 95% of sugar beets are now genetically engineered. We all eat them every day.

Happy 120th Birthday To The Sierra Club

As most of us know, The Sierra Club history was started on May 28, 1892 by John Muir and others who had a committed interest in preserving what is now Yosemite National Park. John Muir believed if ordinary people would come see that wild space then they would just naturally want to protect it.

Muirs March 2012

Why does the Sierra Club For over 120 years Sierra Club has been on a oppose GMOs?
The genetic engineering of plants and animals is likely to be one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. A number of studies have shown that GMOs can pose serious risks to humans, animals, and the environment. Human 1.To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places health effects can include higher risks of of the Earth toxicity, allergenicity, antibiotic resistance, 2.To practice and promote the responsible use immune-suppression and cancer. GMOs of the Earths ecosystems and resources contribute to our growing dependence on industrial agriculture which is energy3.To educate and enlist humanity to protect and toxic-chemical-intensive, destructive and restore the quality of the natural and human environment to biodiversity and the environment, and unsustainable. GMOs are coming under 4.To use all lawful means to carry out these fire for the documented growth in herobjectives In 2011, with the help of members and sup- bicide-resistant weeds and are suspected porters, we achieved some major milestones, of negatively impacting beneficial insects. Due to cross pollination GMO crops are including stronger fuel-economy and polcontaminating non-GMO and organic lution standards for cars and the first-ever standard limiting the amount of toxic mer- crops.
two-fold mission of taking people on outings to see our wild spaces and then acting lawfully to conserve our habitats for the long term benefit of all living things. The Sierra Club mission and purpose that guides our activities is: cury emissions from power plants. 2012 will be another big year fighting for the environment, and it marks a special milestone for the Sierra Club, too. 120 years ago, John Muir founded the Sierra Club to to make the mountains glad, and we continue his mission today.

www.muirsmarch.org For a week this summer northwest Yosemite will be home to the hikers of the fourth annual Muirs March to restore the valley John Muir so loved. Prior to participating Marchers must raise a minimum of $1,900 for the 7-day trip and $1,100 for the 4-day trip. In exchange, each group will be lead by expert guides as they traverse some of the wildest, most remote portions of Yosemite: Tilltill Valley, Smith Meadow, Jack Main Valley and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. For more information or to register for one of the trips visit www.muirsmarch.org or call 415.956.0401.

Why Labeling?
As food consumers it is our right to know exactly what is in our food so that we can make educated choices for ourselves and our families. 50 countries with over 40% of the worlds population already label

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degrowth, a decrease in consumption levels in the North and a rise in wages in the South, thus putting ecological sustainability at the heart of any attempt to eradicate poverty.

bership. Chapter Office, 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Ste. 101, San Diego 9211. RSVP: orientation@sierraclubsandiego.org

April 6, 6:30pm Movie: FORKS OVER KNIVES (96 minutes)

All Activities are held at the Chapter Office unless otherwise stated: 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92111. Our entrance is on the west end of the front building of Kearny Office Park, just west of I-163 and on the north side of Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Other environmental and activist events are posted at www.sdeln.org This documentary examines the claim that most degenerative diseases could be prevented or even reversed by rejecting animal based and processed foods. This conclusion is based on the groundbreaking studies of two researchers, (who did not know each other at the time) a nutritional scientist from Cornell University, and a surgeon and head of the Breast Cancer Task Force of the Cleveland Clinic.

SIPPING SIERRANS March 25 3pm-5pm

San Diego Desserts and Bistro, 5987 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, in the college area (corner of El Cajon & 60th St). Enjoy a flight of 4 wines paired with an appetizer or desert especially prepared for the wine being served. $30 per person. RSVP to rmiller@sierraclubsandiego.org or by calling the Chapter office at 858-569-6005.

1st FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT March 2, 6:30pm Movie: THE END OF POVERTY? THINK AGAIN (104 minutes)
Why are so many people on this planet living in poverty? Narrated by Martin Sheen, this film disproves the typical explanations: overpopulation, or the suffocation of individual initiative by an overbearing state. According to the award-winning documentary, featuring analysis by several respected experts, such as former World Bank Chief Economist Joseph Stiglitz, the cause of global poverty is the political, economic, social and cultural aftermath of colonialism. Delving into colonial history and its contemporary manifestations the film presents a radical solution:

MT. LAGUNA WORK PARTY March 9 & 10

Help spruce up our Mt. Laguna Foster lodge and cabin for the busy summer. Arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning (early!). Depart Sunday morning. Meals provided. Please RSVP to MtLaguna@sierraclubsandiego.org and indicate when you will be arriving.

3rd FRIDAY MONTHLY CHAPTER PROGRAM

Our outstanding monthly travelogues or lecture/slide shows and chapter news. See the ad on page 10 for more details. Location: Joyce Beers Center, 3900 Vermont Street in Hillcrest, 7:30pm. Contact: Mannie Kugler 619-585-3773

INTRODUCTION TO THE SIERRA CLUB March 24 9:00-10:00 am

Member Orientation meeting and those interested in learning more about the San Diego Chapter conservation, outings and activities, or just how to get active and do your part for the environment. No experience needed. We will help you get the most out of your mem-

March 16 7:30pm - Expedition To The Artic

Christa McReynolds Sponsor: San Diego Chapter

April 20 7:30pm - La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve

Judith Garfield Sponsore: San Diego Chapter For up to date info on our activities http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/Xcalendar

San Diego Chapter Outings Leader Training

The Sierra Club Statement of Purpose begins, To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the Earth In order to more effectively carry out this purpose, we need you as an outing leader.
To become a Level I Chapter Outings Leader (Lead day hikes and car camps) you must:
Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #101, San Diego, CA 92111. Bring note-taking materials.

May 10th and May 19th, 2012

Level I Chapter Outings Leader Training involves completion of BOTH of the following sessions:

Session One: Tuesday, May 10th 5:30pm 9:30pm at the Club Office 8304

Session Two: Saturday, May 19th, 8:30am to about 5:00pm How To Sign Up: Send email beginning April 23rd to
SDCOLsignup@yahoo.com. Include your full name, postal mailing address, phone number and your Sierra Club member number (appears above you name on Sierra Magazine) in your message. You will receive confirmation of your sign up. The training class will be limited to the first 20 qualified persons who sign up. Sign-ups will be accepted beginning April 23rd and will continue until the class is full or until 6:00pm Monday, May 7th, whichever comes first. If you do not have email, you may sign up by calling (858) 272-4495 between 9am and 9pm beginning April 4th 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 October 4th and 13th, 2012. Information on how to join the Sierra Club can be found online at www.sierraclub.org.

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 May 19, 2013, two outings on which experienced leaders evaluate you.

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

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Classified Ads
MT. LAGUNA LODGE & CABIN:
Group events at the Sierra Clubs Foster Lodge or Cabin in the beautiful Laguna Mountains. Full kitchen and rustic accommodations for overnight stays. Available for holistic and religious retreats, clubs, family celebrations, weddings. Rate of $250 per night, can accommodate 14-25. Email reservation requests to: MtLaguna@sierraclubsandiego.org or Call: 858-569-6005 and leave a message for Foster Lodge.

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 San Diego 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101 San Diego, CA 92111 Attn: HiSierran Treasurer Send ad to: HSAds@sierraclubsandiego.org

Got An Old Car?

Do you have a vehicle you want to get rid of, but you dont want to hassle with selling it? DONATE IT to the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club! You can do this by visiting www.cars4causes.net or by calling (800) 766-2273 or email e3c@cars4causes.net. Be sure to tell them that the information is for the Sierra Club Foundation, San Diego Chapter, so we receieve the funds. Thank you!

KAUAI CONDO: HANALEI BAY RESORT

Amenities include lagoon-shaped pool, hot tub, tennis courts. Swim, snorkel (5 minute walk to beach), kayak, golf, hike rugged Na Pali Coast Trail. Newly remodeled 1 BR/1 BA. For details, photos, see web ad at http://www.vrbo.com/159425 Discounted rates from $89 per night. Non-smokers only. jmullen805@cox.net

MAMMOTH CONDO
Skiing, biking, fishing, hiking--just getting away for the weekend. 3 BD, 2 BA, full kitchen, fireplace, pool, spa, sauna. $75 summer, $175 winter. CALL BRAD: (619) 804-5616

For more information, please call (858) 569-6005

Get On Your Bicycle and Ride!

Enjoy the outdoors and make friends too. Explore the back roads of San Diego County and neighboring areas with the Sierra Club Bicycle Section.

Sierra Singles
Hikes, Bonfires, Concerts, Volleyball, Movies, Picnics, Dancing, Car Camps and more. Couples Welcome! For more information, call (858) 657-0502 or email ssinglesmembership@gmail.com
Annual Email Membership Only $10.00 Enjoy!!

We offer bicycle rides for all levels and distances (beginner to fastpaced) throughout the year. Weekends at Foster Lodge, Warner Springs Ranch, Anza Borrego, Agua Caliente and more. Potluck suppers, annual beach barbeque and our very own book 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: Membership@sdscbs.org.

www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/singles

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Bill Tayler
San Diego, ICO Co-Chair

A Rainy Day Hike At Lake Hodges

by Ellen Feeney In mid-January, we led an outing to Lake Hodges with children from Community Housing Works in Poway. Rain was forecasted, but we knew what fun kids can have hiking in the rain so we said wed go rain or shine. Planning for a rainy day hike with children takes some extra forethought. From the equipment locker we brought ponchos for everyone and warm fleece jackets. The fun began as they donned their bright yellow ponchos and had us adjust the hoods. An adventure already! Arriving at Lake Hodges, we had prepped everyone to look for birds big and small, so the first sparrow hiding from the rain in the sage brush was quickly cause for excitement. A mating display from a grebe was also amazing and unexpected. We also were all astonished at the huge fish in the

lake below us on the suspension bridge. Coots, ducks and egrets all provided special focus, and snails making their way across the wet trail caught the eye of one 6-year-old girl. Sliding in the mud got giggles and gasps and some very muddy feet, prompting a discussion of how to get the mud off when we returned, only slightly bedraggled, to the cars. Lunch was decided best consumed in the cars to keep us all from catching a chill as we sat in the rain. Our volunteers at Inner City Outings and the wonderful Agency Representatives who gather the children for us, this time from the Community Housing Works cluster in Poway, provide enthusiasm to spark the fun. Without their time and energy, none of this would happen. Our supply of gear, purchased with donations, that we loan out to the children not only for a rainy day hike but also for camping and backpacking trips opens the outdoor world of nature to folks who might not have the opportunity otherwise. And the childrens enjoyment is the payback for it all. example, an uninterrupted trip from North County to San Diego job centers, making transit more competitive. (Polls show more public support for transit than freeway lanes.) Making transit more competitive? Wait, the I-5 is not the I-15. The Coaster runs parallel to the I-5, just walking distance away. A bus getting on and off the Managed Lanes is going to be slow. A redesign of the Coaster could yield a service that is fully automated, fast, electric, frequent, and running 24 hours every day. We could have more stations. Skip-stop service could mean you dont necessarily stop at all stations, like riding an elevator. There is another problem with building Managed Lanes. In 2009, NCT reporter Downy told us, in an article titled Is Gas Tax on Way Out?, that the California Transportation Chair wrote that the gas tax contributes nothing to building new

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 the month, 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 jimdavis77@cox.net 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, 4920 Uvada Place, San Diego 92116 Contact info for this article: Bill Tayler, e-mail: bill.tayler@sandiego.sierraclub.org

Adding Four Managed Lanes to I-5 Makes No Sense

by Mike Bullock Chapter Transportation Committee Chair Lets face it. Our 8-lane I-5 is by far the ugliest thing about our San Diego County Coast. 12 lanes would be 50% worse. Still, Caltrans wants to build an I-5 freeway within a freeway. Managed Lanes, they call it. And yes, it would be 4 more lanes, separated by a buffer, added to our current 8-lane monstrosity. Caltrans says the idea is modeled after the $1.3 billion dollar, I-15 Managed Lanes project, which runs from Escondido to Miramar. When North County Times (NCT) reporter Nichols asked them why build such a thing, they told him it would allow bus riders, for

roads and only provides half of the $4 billion needed annually for repairs. This will get worse, as cars use less gas. This trend will not stop. We will need an equitable and environmentally-sound road use fee. Finally, global warming is real. Check any Earth Science text book. We are going to have to stop burning fossil fuels within 40 years. The experts have done the math. To avoid a human catastrophe, these three things are needed: cleaner cars, cleaner fuel, and less driving. In fact, the math shows that by 2035, the drivers of San Diego County will have to drive 15% less than they did in 2005, even with our predicted population growth. (Calculations are available upon request, mike_bullock@earthlink.net.) Therefore, why add lanes? Comment at http://www.sandag.org/ index.asp?projectid=349&fuseaction=pro jects.detail.

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San Diego Chapter

8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101 San Diego, CA 92111
On the north side & just west of the 163.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am 5:00pm Phone: 858-569-6005 email: scoffice@sierraclubsandiego.org Development Coordinator: Richard Miller email: rmiller@sierraclubsandiego.org Legal Intern Program Manager: Pamela Epstein email: pepstein@sierraclubsandiego.org www.sandiego.sierraclub.org

Committee & Contact Information

Meetings are held at the Sierra Club office or conference room unless otherwise indicated.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm

Family

Ski
Meets the 2nd Thursday of month 6 pm (November- March)

Jennifer Douglas (858) 344-5490 jennifercdouglas@yahoo.com

www.meetup.com/SDSierraClubFamily Photography Singles

Chair John Stump (2012) (619) 281-7394 ChapterChair@sierraclubsandiego.org Vice Chair;Malinda Dickenson (2012) (858) 521-8492 ViceChair@sierraclubsandiego.org Secretary: Dave Voss (2013) (760) 717-8823 Secretary@sierraclubsandiego.org Treasurer: Chrissy Magee (2012) (858) 635-8908 ChapterTreasurer@sierraclubsandiego.org Mollie Bigger (2012) (619) 549-7779 cmbigger@cox.net Dave Grubb (2012) (760) 753-0273 davidgrubb@sbcglobal.net Barry Hite (2014) (619) 479-8133 bjhite@gmail.com VACANT (2014) Kara Liederman (2013) (312) 927-6272 karaliederman@gmail.com Bill Powers (2012) (619) 542-1985 bpowers@powersengineering.com Donna Tisdale (2014) (619) 766-4718 donnatisdale@hughes.net

Mike Fry (858) 748-5166

Wednesday in the Mountains
Call for information. Dale Laney (619) 574-6838

www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/photoclub E.L. Lotecka (760) 533-2725 www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/singles

ddlaney2@gmail.com

Wilderness Basics Course (WBC)

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Meets 4th Tuesdays at 6:30 pm Chapter Office.

John Tomlinson WBC (NCG) (Inland) (858) 486-4853 info@wildernessbasics.com http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/wbc/nc/index.htm

Chair: C. Mollie Bigger (619) 549-7779 cmbigger@cox.net

Forest & Wilderness
Meets the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm. Call for location.

STANDING & SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Mt. Laguna Lodge & Cabin
Meetings to be determined

Cindy Buxton (619) 934-0323 iokuok2@hotmail.com

Climate Change

Email reservation requests to: MtLaguna@sierraclubsandiego.org or Call: 858-569-6005 and leave a message
Fundraising/Membership

Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 pm.

Masada Disenhouse - mdisenhouse@cox.net Jean Costa (619) 463-0721

International
Meets the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. Call for location.

Richard Miller (858) 569-6005 RMiller@sierraclubsandiego.org

Hi Sierran Newsletter
Call for meeting information (858) 569-6005

Jean Costa (619) 463-0721

Smart Energy Solutions Task Force

NORTH COUNTY GROUP (NCG) (INLAND)

The NCG Executive Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Contact Chair for time and location.

Join the se-tf List Serv at http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/home/emaillists.asp

Transportation
Meets the 4th Thursday of even numbered months, 4: 45 pm, in Old Town, at Casa de Reyes Restaurant 2754 Calhoun St. Call for details.

Committee Chair Dave Grubb davidgrubb@sbcglobal.net Managing Editor Judy Thomas HSEditor@SierraClubSanDiego.org Legal Committee Malinda Dickenson (858) 521-8492 malinda@lawmrd.com
Legal Intern Program

Co-Chair Cheryl Knapp (760) 745-8819 knappfield@cox.net Co-Chair George Greer (858) 231-5455 ggreer4@yahoo.com Conservation Ken Quigley (760) 723-4425 escapefor2@roadrunner.com WBC (Wilderness Basics Course) John Tomlinson (858) 486-4853 jctomlinson@cox.net

Pam Epstein (858) 569-6005 pespstein@sierraclubsandiego.org

Monthly Program
3rd Friday 7:30 pm, See Page 10 for information.

Mike Bullock (760) 754-8025 mike_bullock@earthlink.net

Wildlife
Ellen Shively (619) 479-3412

Mannie Kugler (619) 585-3773

Mount Laguna Committee

ellenshively@sbcglobal.net

NORTH COUNTY COASTAL GROUP

See the Coastal North County web page for meeting info.

OUTINGS COMMITTEE
Meets quarterly, call for information.

John Stump (619) 281-7394 jwstump@cox.net

Nature Knowledge Workshop (NKW)
Annual June Weekends, call for information.

Chair Dave Grubb (760) 753-0273 davidgrubb@sbcglobal.net

Chair Jim Matlock (858) 748-4634

Bus Trips

INNER CITY OUTINGS

Call or check website for meeting information. http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ICO

Mike Fry (858) 748-5166

Chapter Outings Leadership Training (COL)

Barry Hite (619) 479-8133 NKW@sierraclubsandiego.org

Political
Join our listserv at:

Co-Chair Bill Tayler, (858) 272-8574 bill.tayler@sandiego.sierraclub.org Co-Chair Ed Barber, (619) 464-0780 rebsd@yahoo.com

Skip Forsht (858) 272-4495 sdcoltraining@yahoo.com

Leadership Review & Safety Committee

http://lists.sierraclub.org/scripts/wa.exe?index
Sierra Young Adults
Kara Liederman -(312) 927-6272

SECTIONS
Bicycle
Call for meeting information. Tom Yager

Starla Rivers (858)-874-6908 sriverssd@sbcglobal.net

Pacific Crest Trail
Occasional work parties.

Sierrasdyoungadults@gmail.com

(760) 479-0187 Membership@sdscbs.org. www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/bicycle

Rob Langsdorf (858) 454-4777 SDSCPCTS@yahoo.com