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 72 No. 2 Visit our website at: www.sandiego.sierraclub.org March/April 2013

Now Is The Best Chance Ever To Preserve Our Forests Forever!

by Cindy Buxton, Chair Forest Committee

SOHO Wins! Balboa Park is Saved!

(Photo by Nathan Weflen)

After a two-year battle, Save Our Heritage Organisation is ecstatic about its major legal victory made final when Superior Court Judge Timothy Taylor ruled today that the City Council violated municipal law and used faulty logic last July in approving the Plaza de Panama Committee plan to build a massive bridge and freeway-style road off the iconic Laurel Street/Cabrillo Bridge, modernize acres of parkland, fill canyons, and introduce paid parking into Balboa Park through the building of a new parking structure against the backdrop of the majestic Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Judge Taylor, in a detailed ruling, held that the City abused its discretion in approving the project in violation of its Municipal Code and that SOHO is entitled to a writ of mandamus directing the city to set aside the projects required Site Development Permit. In order to approve the permit under the Municipal Code, the City was required to find that the project site would otherwise have no reasonable beneficial use. The judge held that the critical finding by the City Council is so lacking in evidentiary support as to render it unreasonable; it must therefore be set aside. Bruce Coons, SOHOs executive director, issued the following statement: SOHO is extremely gratified by the courts ruling. Balboa Park is
Balboa-continued on page 3

The Cleveland National Forest published an unprecedented Land Management Scoping Document last spring which proposed many areas for protected wilderness status. The final public interface to this process, the Draft Land Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement is now available for public comment. The document, maps, and instructions for submitting comments are at: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php?project=35130 We need you NOW! This is one of the single most important comment periods of our time for ensuring the lasting pristine beauty of our backcountry forests for all of time. Ten minutes of your time can make an important differForest: continued on page 9

Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet

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 2013 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 2013 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.

Happy Spring everyone! Hope you are enjoying skiing, hiking, and viewing desert wildflowers, gray whales and other natural wonders near our Chapter. Enjoying and preserving these areas is what our work is all about! Here are some brief updates on some of the activities I have been working on with other Chapter volunteers. EXCOM TRAINING: Thanks to fellow ExCom members who are working with the National staff to improve our ability to serve and improve the Chapter. We began doing conference calls, homework and training activities in January to prepare for an effective 2013; training continues into May. SPRING CLEANING: We need help to organize the office and make it a more welcoming and efficient space for meetings and volunteers. Please come in and remove any personal items you may have there. We would also like to host an Open House with members, and need more space for guests. EXCOM COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: Its time to appoint members to Chapter committees. Please let me know if you will volunteer on Conservation, Political, Run with the Sun or other committees in 2013. ACTION ALERT- MAY 15 DEADLINE TO COMMENT ON FOREST PROTECTION: The US Forest Service has published an unprecedented Land Management Scoping Document. It proposes many areas in the Cleveland National Forest near San Diego for protected wilderness status. Forest Committee Chair Cindy Buxton asks members to review the document and submit comments. For details visit http://bit.ly/ ForestsComments CLUB HISTORY WAS MADE on February 13: Executive Director Michael Brune joined others outside the White House fence and was arrested for civil disobedience- a first for a Sierra Club nation-

al leader. This extraordinary act was part of the Clubs Forward on Climate campaign, encouraging President Obama to veto plans for the Keystone gas pipeline. Locally, Chapter members Masada Disenhouse, Mike Bullock and Run With the Sun organizer Pete Hasopopolous worked with 350.org <http://350.org> and other organizations to create a successful and well attended rally at Mission Bay. Thanks to those who participatedwe had great media coverage! If you participated, please share photos on the Chapters Facebook page. And please LIKE the page if you havent yet. Go to www.facebook.com/SierraClubSanDiego <http://www.facebook.com/ SierraClubSanDiego> . LOOKING AHEAD: We need volunteers to help plan for many upcoming events and activities including: APRIL: John Muirs Birthday & Earth Day activities. JUNE: Annual Gala. OPEN HOUSE- date TBD. To volunteer for any of these, please call Richard Miller: 858-569-6005. Thank you!

Address Correction?

Notice to New Members

All new members receive the printed version of the HiSierran the first month. If you wish to continue to receive the printed version you must notify the chapter office by phone or email, otherwise you can view the newsletter online

Thanks For Your Support

March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

Support Our Environmental Future Chapter Kicks-Off Annual Fund Appeal

San Diego County has a greater biodiversity than any other county in all of North America. Along with the rest of California, it is among the top 10 biodiversity regions on earth. Our mild, Mediterranean climate (hot dry summers and cool, wet winters) combined with varied landforms result in a large number of distinct habitats in San Diego County , including: beaches, salt marshes and lagoons, coastal sage scrub, grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands, riparian, mixed conifer forests, freshwater marshes and meadows, and deserts. We have many endemic threatened and endangered species that reside here. These are native to our geographic area and are found nowhere else in the world. Since the Chapter was founded 65 years ago, we have been active in the preservation of our environment. From efforts by members to enlist public support for conservation programs such as the Torrey Pine in 1948, the prevention of power lines invading Anza Borrego State Park in 2008 or the work to address climate change, the San Diego Chapter has played a major role in the welfare of our communities by representing your vision for San Diego - clean air and water, healthy wildlife, and protected special places while promoting livable, walkable, and workable communities. As you know, fighting for what we value is a huge expense, even though many experts, scientists, lawyers and volunteers provide their services to the Sierra Club for free. Thats why we annually turn to our members every March by asking for your financial help, enabling the Chapter to continue our good work.

Balboa-continued from page 1

a rare and extraordinary site, filled with history, culture, and beauty. It would have been nothing short of a travesty to lose this treasure to a remodel better suited for an industrial park. This is a victory not only for the people of San Diego who have venerated Balboa Park as the Peoples Park for generations, but also for the millions of visitors who come to San Diego just to see this international gem. This project embodied broader and darker implications for Balboa Parks future. The plan would have caused significant, irreparable and irreversible harm to Balboa Parks historic structures, its environment, its canyons and roadways. It would have paved the way for what many San Diegans believe would have led to commercialization, privatization, and new construction throughout the park, severely curtailing public access and destroying forever the experience of this singular place. We would like to take this moment to disavow the public of misleading claims made by our opponents during this two-year conflict. The Plaza de Panama project in no way reclaimed the park from cars. While one small area was to be freed up, the rest of the park was, in fact, designed to be dominated by vehicles in a sea of traffic, new buildings and acres of concrete. It would have turned once tranquil park areas, such as the Alcazar Gardens, into an automobile, bus, and semi-truck delivery zone. Despite dozens of public and several private meetings, there was never any genuine opportunity to find an agreeable compromise. Beyond all reason, the My Way or the Highway attitude that prevailed with this project trounced common sense, respect for the publics wishes, and responsible stewardship of our national landmark. Significantly, the judges decision marks the City Councils second illegal move to advance the proposed Plaza de Panama project. Last year SOHO sued the city in Superior Court over the prematurely approved Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city and the projects proponent, who dictated what the project should entail despite widespread opposition from citizens and design, planning, and conservation professionals alike. SOHO challenged the MOU and Judge Judith Hayes agreed and ruled in SOHOs favor. Todays victory should be seen as a lesson to never allow plutocratic interests to override the wishes of the public. The hard work of the greater San Diego community, which included over 30 organizations, planning groups, neighborhood, environmental and civic groups and multiple historic organizations to fight this project and to protect the parks over 100year history, has been remarkable, These people, along with the many donors whose contributions helped to fund SOHOs litigation, can all be tremendously proud today. Balboa Park, the Peoples Park, will now be preserved, making this a monumental victory for the citizens of San Diego and the National Historic Landmark District as a whole. The spirit of innovation, economic development and entrepreneurism that drove the original 1915 Panama-California Exposition will now have a clear path to move ahead with planning for and celebration of its centennial and the future beyond 2015, while preserving the integrity of this national treasure.

Less than $2.50 of your membership dues are returned to the Chapter. We depend heavily on generous contributions directly to the Chapter from members and friends.
Now is the time that you can show your appreciation for the work your Chapter does. Your support is an indication of how you value our organization, programs, and the successful work that we do on the local level.

100% of your gift will go to work right here in the San Diego Chapter.
Watch for your fund appeal letter to arrive in the next few days. But why wait? Help us out, right NOW by going to www.sandieg o.sierraclub.org and clicking on the Donate Now button. This is a safe, secure, and easy way to contribute. Please donate and we will do the work!

March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

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 9th and May 18th, 2013

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

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

Session Two: Saturday, May 18th, 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 6th, whichever comes first. If you do not have email, you may sign up by calling (858) 272-4495 between 9am and 9pm beginning April 23rd. 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 3rd and 12th, 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, 2014, two outings on which experienced leaders evaluate you.

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

The Sierra Young Adults

The Sierra Young Adults division of the San Diego Sierra Club had an exciting car camping adventure in Anza Borrego Dessert in January. More than 20 young professionals met for a weekend full of hiking and nature walks, survival classes, communal cooking, marshmallow roasting, and a series of open forums about what young professionals in San Diego can do to make the community a more environmentallysound place to live, work and play. Attendees - many of whom were new to the Sierra Club - left inspired by the mission to enjoy, explore and protect the planet, and have since become involved in planning future volunteer and outdoor outings for the group. If you are in your 20s and 30s and want to join in on the fun, connect with the Sierra Young Adults on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ sierrayoungadults

March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

A fundraising program for the Mt. Laguna Lodge & Cabin Become a permanent part of the San Diego Chapters Mt. Laguna Foster Lodge, Cabin and Camping facility. Buy a personalized paver! $100 per paver. Add the Sierra Club logo for an additional $10! Get a second identical paver for $50 to give as a special brick to your friends and family .as a garden marker, a memorial brick, a welcome brick or a paper weight! Pavers will be installed at the Mt. Laguna facility beginning in Fall 2012. Commemorate service to the Chapter, celebrate family, or honor a loved one. MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE! Mt. LAGUNA BRICK ORDER FORM BRICK A (without logo) - $100 Maximum of 16 characters per line and 3 lines of text (example below) All engraving will be in capital letters only.
Line 1 Line 2 Line 3 I N J 1 O 8 M H 3 E N 8 M O M 1 R U 9 Y I 1 O R 4 F

PAVING THE FUTURE

BRICK B (with logo) - $110 Maximum of 13 characters per line and 3 lines of text (example below)
Line 1 Line 2 Line 3 C H I A 1 V P 9 Y T 4 E 8 F R O 1 S C 9 T H 4 E A 9 R I R

___ Brick A (no logo $100) ___ Brick B (logo $110) Please print clearly

___ Add a second brick (same design - $50)

Line 1 Line 2 Line 3

TOTAL DUE: ____________ Name: ________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: ________ Zip: ____________________Phone: ______________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________ Make Check payable to & Mail order form to:Sierra Club San Diego, 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Ste # 101, San Diego, CA 921111 To pay by credit card (Visa & MC) or to set up a monthly payment plan, please call 858-569-6005

March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

One Day Bus Trip - Anza Borrego State Park Wildflower Bus Tour and Short Hikes Saturday, March 23 - 7am-7pm, $50
One of the blessings of living in San Diego is the opportunity to visit nearby Anza Borrego Desert State Park during the spring wildflower season. To take advantage of this opportunity, we would like you to join us on Saturday, March 23rd, for a one day bus trip to the desert. This year offers the promise of having some spectacular displays. But whether we find great fields of flowers, or more intimate bouquets clustered around the base of cacti and scrubs during our series of shorts stops and walks, there will certainly be plenty to enjoy, as well as much to learn, as our Sierra Club leaders share their knowledgeof the plants, animals and geological formations that we see. For those who have not been to Borrego Springs for a while, an added treat will be the chance to see and hear about some of the 150 or so giant metal sculptures by Ricardo Breceda found in scattered clusters with various themes. Additional information and sign-up information is available at www.sdsierraclub.org.

Labor Day Bus Trip Aug 29 Sept 02, 2013, $225. Bishop Creek Trails, John Muir Wilderness.
Complete details and sign-up information will be available in late March.

See our new website for signup details and credit card payment. www.sdsierraclub.org Refund Policy
Note that sickness, injury, or work schedules are not grounds for a refund. A full refund is possible only if: 1. You are unable to make the trip but the Sierra Club is able to fill your seat. 2. The Sierra Club cancels the bus outing. 3. The trip leader determines that you shouldnt be on the trip. A partial refund is possible if: 1. We keep $25.00 if you cancel no less than 60 days prior to the outing. 2. We keep $100.00 if you can cancel less than 60 days but more than 30 days prior to the outing. 3. We keep the entire amount if you cancel less than 30 days prior to the outing. CST2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Memorial Day Bus Trip, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Thurs-Mon, May 23-27 - $225.
See our new website for more info, signup and credit card payment. www.sdsierraclub.org. We have a group campsite at the South Rim reserved for a buscamp and day hikes. We also have backpack permits for the New Hance and Hermit Trails. Sign up now at our new website and pay with credit card. You may cancel with full refund before March 23.

4th of July Bus Trip Yosemite National Park and Ansel Adams Wilderness Wed-Sun, July 3-7 - $225
We plan on offering a broad spectrum of backpacks. There will be base camps for those individuals who know how to relax and absorb the serenity of the wilderness, and multi-day backpacks for the ber fit who are compelled to see whats over the next pass. Trip #1 Fern Lake area, Trip #2 High Trail area, Trip #3 River Trail area, Trip #4 Donahue Pass, Trip #5 Parker Pass

March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

Join the Effort to Save CEQA

Background
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) has served the State since 1970, providing innumerable benefits. It requires disclosure of environmental impacts from development, and feasible mitigation, in the form of Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs). Furthermore, it allows for citizen enforcement through the courts, and thus a voice for interests often shut out of the decision-making process. Without it, the work of Endangered Habitats League and other conservation groups would be emasculated. Over the years, there have been attempts to reform CEQA. As a result, exemptions were created for infill development and streamlining measures were put in place like the use of large-scale EIRs that smaller projects can use without additional review. For example, EHL has supported EIRs for habitat plans that create regional reserve systems and produce standardized mitigation. But behind so-called CEQA reform has always been the dream of gutting CEQA along with the scapegoating of it as the cause of various economic ills. Now, the opponents of CEQA are emboldened by support from Democratic legislators and the Governor. CEQA and our ability to protect the environmentis facing the fight of its life.

We will add local trips if there is enough snow. See our webpage for more details http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ski/ Sign up for skier email alerts skisection@gmail.com 2013 Mar8-11, Fri-Mon, Montecito-Sequoia Lodge Coordinator: Monique Alkemade, Monique_ Alkemade@yahoo.com The spacious Montecito-Sequoia Lodge, based at 7500 elevation, provides a breathtaking view of the snow capped peaks of the Great Western Divide and is set amid large and imposing fir and pine trees. Cost (per person) includes almost all meals and use of the trails. Single room: $447, 2 per room: $353, 3 per room: $342. Car pool and lodging en route cost is not included. Mar 14-18, FriMon, ROCK CREEK LODGE Intermediate level advised Coordinator: Alice Fichandler, aliceandorbill@aol.com 619-226-6083 Rock Creek Lodge is a lovely ski-in mountain resort in the eastern Sierra. Per person cost is $330 for a rustic cabin, $390 for a cabin with bath, and $450 for a fully modern cabin. We will be carpooling Thursday night to a motel in Bishop (not included in the cost) before skiing to the lodge. The Lodge will transport our gear to the cabins. Make your reservation directly with the Lodge: www.rockcreeklodge.com Apr 11-15, Fri-Mon, Clair Tappaan Lodge (CTL) Coordinator: Patty Dahl obpatty@cox.net. This is home base for Sierra Club skiers. It is north of Lake Tahoe near Donner Pass, and 99 miles from Sacramento. Air fare, carpool in rental cars, lodging, and almost all meals will total about $450. Each participant must buy their own airline ticket. http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/ctl/

Action requested
First, please join a broad coalition formed to defend CEQA called CEQA Works. Managed by the Planning and Conservation League Foundation, CEQA Works is well positioned to participate in the upcoming debate. Please go to the website: http://ceqaworks.org to learn more and to join. This is the best way to stay informed and involved. If you wish, you can also donate. The coalition is open to both groups and individuals. Also, please take the opportunity to send a brief email to your State Senator and Assembly person. Let them know that CEQA is important to you and your community and that its environmental safeguards must remain strong.

Contact information can be found at http://www.legislature.ca.gov

Refund Policy: Note that sickness or injury does not play a part in refunds. You may purchase travel insurance from any travel agent. Travel insurance usually covers sickness, injury, family emergencies, lost luggage etc. Airline refund policy is set by each airline company. Full Refund: 1. We cancel the trip or 2. The leader determines you shouldnt be on the trip or 3. You find your own replacement and they reimburse you. Partial Refund: 1. We find your replacement and keep only your deposit or 2. We cant replace you, but we get a refund (or are not charged) by our providers because of your absence. You get back whatever we get back. CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

Saturday, March 02, 2013 Dayhike (E5A) Coasters Sat - West Pensaquitos Leader: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or M2CDOW4@YAHOO.COM Assistant: Needed
Hike up canyon to the falls. Enjoy this preserved area. Meet at 9 am Sorrento Valley area, done about noon. Bring water, lunch and comfortable hiking shoes or boots. Rain or drizzle cancels. Limited to 20. Signup email (prefer) or call Mac before 8:30 pm.

bike riders: helmets, spare tube, and pump. Contact leader in advance if loaner binoculars are needed. Expect approximately 15 miles of riding and 2 hours of birding.

Wednesday, March 06, 2013 ** Dayhike (M6C) Cowles Mountain Evening Hike From Mesa Road Leader: 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.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 ** Dayhike (M6C) The Park In The Dark: South Fortuna Loop Leader: 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 06, 2013 Dayhike (M5B) Highland Valley Rd To Raptor Ridge Leader: Carol Carr 858-481-7425 or caroldcarr@gmail.com Assistant: Needed
This is an easier 5-mile hike near Escondido on a portion of the historic San Pasqual Valley Agricultural Preserve Trail. Owned by the City of San Diego, the entire valley is an agricultural preserve that supports a dairy farm, organic crops and sod. The trail is part of the San Dieguito River Park Coast-to-Crest Trail. From Highland Valley Rd, well hike on mostly flat terrain past tall trees and mature native plants hopefully in flower. The last trail section climbs up Raptor Ridge for sweeping views of the bucolic valley below, Santa Ysabel Creek, and the Zoos Safari Park in the distance. Bring binoculars, also snacks, water, sunscreen, sturdy trail shoes, and optional poles. Directions: From the I-15 freeway, exit at Pomerado Rd. and turn east. Turn left at the next traffic light, Highland Valley Rd. After about 2 1/4 miles, watch on the right for a dirt parking lot signed San Dieguito River Park. Meet at 9:00am. TBGuide 1150, F4. No facilities. Rain cancels.

Sunday, March 10, 2013 ** Dayhike (H7C) Corte Madera Mountain Leader: Frederick Lorenz 858-354-5270 or yride at yahoo dot com Assistant: Michael Golden
Challenging hike to San Diegos version of Half Dome. Corte Maderas sheer south face appears as an abrupt drop when viewed from the side. At 4633, the peak offers views to Santa Catalina Island! Learn about the rare falcons which nest here. Trail is rugged and steep in places. Bring two quarts water, hat, sunscreen, lunch/snack, boots and jacket. Long pants recommended due to brush growth on portions of the trail. Trailhead parking limited, carpooling encouraged. Limit 15 Sign-up required.

Saturday, March 23, 2013 Dayhike (V20E) 6582 (s Never Been Done) From The Back & Car Camp Leader: Mark Brown mrbrown@san.rr.com Assistant: Zaffina Kramer
True Climax to Desert Hiking Season! I need Trucks/4WD to go up easy drive sandy Martinez Wash Road to the hike base. This is Schads most remote-difficult-mysteriously beautiful peak with a 6 cairn/plaque of love on it on a route never before done! This is equivalent to Rabbit last month up a couple notches. Sign-ups reqd, open only to my previous hikers & dependent on number of 4WDs. We will leave near Escondido 2:00 pm Saturday to sandy car camp, roast marshmallows, sing gay socialist hiker songs in the firelit dark & then hike demonically Sunday.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 Dayhike (E4A) Wed In The Mtns-ramona Grasslands Preserve Leader: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or M2CDOW4@yahoo.com Assistant: Needed
Hike in wooded grass area, scrub sage, etc, hopefully wild flowers. Bring water, lunch and boots or walking shoes. ETA about noon. Meet 9 am a few hundred yards east of the school at 17430 block Highland Valley Road. From school drive east past junction with Archie Moore road, signed Ramona Grasslands parking lot is quite visible on north side of 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, April 03, 2013 ** Dayhike (M4C) Cowles Mountain Evening Hike From Barker Way Leader: 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.

Wednesday, March 6 Birding-by-Bike Ride (M25A) Leader: Kathy Aksin, 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 birding-by-bike outing. Well primarily ride and bird along the San Diego River Bike Path, and identify ducks and shorebirds. Bring binoculars, water, snack, and a bird guide if you have one. Required for all

March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

Saturday, April 06, 2013 ** Dayhike (E5A) Coasters Saturday - Shaw Valley Leader: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or M2CDOW4@YAHOO.COM Assistant: Needed
New hike in the Los Penasquitos/Del Mar Mesa core in San Diegos Multiple Species Conservation Program. Is one of few intact open spaces in our coastal area. Bring water, snack, walking shoes or boots. Optional lunch after hike. Limited to 20, RVSP required. Rain or drizzle cancels.

where you will see the staging area / trailhead just .1 mile ahead. Meet there at 9am. Bring lunch, water, boots... Rain cancels. Be prepared for several stream crossings.

Forest: continued from page 1

ence at this critical juncture. Please Google the Cleveland National Forest and look up the latest Draft Land Management Plan. At the time of this writing it was due for publication any day. If you can not find it or do not have computer access call the Cleveland National Forest Office in Rancho Bernardo.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013 ** Dayhike (M6C) The Park In The Dark: South Fortuna Loop Leader: 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.

We are asking you to

1) Thank the Cleveland Forest Supervisor, Will Metz and his excellent team for creating an unprecidented slice of hope for our future. 2) Please ask them to include Upper Cedar Gorge, which includes the waterfall (seen on page 1). This is very representative of this small but significant and breathtaking inclusion which was a part of Senator Boxers Wild Heritage Bill and one of the wildest and most unspoiled places in our county with roaring water much of the year. The lower portions of Cedar Gorge were added to their recommendations. We are very grateful to the courage and forward thinking that our local forest service has demonstrated. These additions were carefully researched for the California Wild Heritage Act submitted to congress three times by Senator Boxer. They DO NOT require the removal of any legal access roads!!! Do not let the naysayers further this rumor as a reason for not protecting our forests. Preserving these areas means they remain like they are now forever. Your help is essential.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Dayhike (M7B) Wed In Mtns-japacha Creek Leader: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or M2CDOW4@YAHOO.COM Assistant: Needed
This moderate hike, ncludes a 20-minute grade, features walking along Japacha Creek near hike end. Will have water crossing of some creeks. 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.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 Dayhike (M7B) Santa Ysabel Osp, East Leader: Pat Gifford 858-453-4595 or flowermusic@sbcglobal.net Assistant: Needed
The 3800 acres between Santa Ysabel and Julian is home to meadow larks, spotted owls, golden eagles, live oak and sycamores along an idyllic stream winding through rolling hills, We will check on the progress of young pines sprouted since the 2003 fires. Take Hwy 78 to Julian. Main St. becomes Farmers Road. Continue on Farmers to Wynola Rd., make a R then a quick L back to Farmers Rd. Go about 1 mi. past the Vulcan Mtn. sign to the Santa Ysabel staging area on the left. A porta potty is available. Thomas Bros. p 1136 A1.Heavy rain cancels. Rain prior to May 16 may close the preserve. Call leader to verify. Bring lunch, water, sturdy shoes. Meet at the Farmers Rd staging area at 9:30am. Mission Valley carpool leaves at 8:00am.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 ** Dayhike (M5C) Cowles Mountain Big Rock Park Evening Hike Leader: 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, April 17, 2013 Dayhike (M5B) Hollenbeck Canyon Leader: Pat Gifford 858-453-4595 or flowermusic@sbcglobal. net Assistant: Needed

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.

This beautiful wooded canyon between Otay and Jamul mtns is a 3200 acre preserve of habitat and wildlife corridors which connects **educational or conservation component to the Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve. The Complete current listings, trail follows a year-round stream past evidence http://sandiego.sierraclub.org. Get Outdoors. of the old Honey Springs ranch, ending at All participants on Sierra Club outings are modern housing before it connects with Lyons required to sign a standard liability waiver. Outings are for adults 18+ and no pets. Valley Rd. to the north. Drive East on Hwy 94 to Honey Springs Rd. which is 6.9 miles past Steele Canyon Rd. Turn left on Honey Springs

If you drive the Boulder Creek area, hike to Three Sisters Waterfall, Eagle Peak, Cedar Creek Falls or hunt, hike, bike, photograph in the Eagle Peak Road, Boulder Creek Road, areas or near Barker Valley, or the PCT near Warner Springs please send photos to the Cleveland National Forest and/or notes telling them how much you enjoy our forests and want them to remain. Thank you for giving just a few minutes to keep these places forever!

March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

In Memoriam
Dr. Aubrey Wendling Chapter Chair 1960-61
Aubrey Wendling, Professor Emeritus at San Diego University, passed away peacefully at home, aged 94, on December 3, 2012. Dr. Wending is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lucille and their daughter Laura Marie. Dr. Wendling joined the Sierra Club San Diego Chapter shortly after moving from Seattle in 1955. While in Seattle the Wendlings became members of the Seattle Mountaineers, where Aubrey was an instructor for their Basic Mountaineering course on the techniques of rock, snow and ice climbing and survival skills. When he joined the San Diego Chapter, he brought those skills with him and played an important role in the founding of the Chapters Mountaineering Course (now the Wilderness Basic Course) that began in 1957. Dr. Wendling was active for many years with the Chapter and twice served as it Chair in 1960 and 1961. Under his leadership the Chapter published its first edition of the Mountaineering Handbook which was became the leading text used by many other Chapters; membership surpassed 500 and the Wednesday-Nighters (now Wednesday in the Mountains) were formed. Aubreys life can be summed up in the George Bernard Shaw quote, You see things and ask, Why?. I dream things that never were and I ask Why not?.

Stephen Michael Rieden

Steve Rieden, a 28 year member of the Sierra Club, passed November 24, 2012 at 61, after valiantly battling cancer. He had a tremendous love of life and Nature. Steve loved San Diego where he grew up and had a strong affinity for the ocean and enjoyed surfing, sailing, and scuba diving. He was a mountain man and loved hiking and camping throughout San Diego, Yosemite and other areas - camping without a tent even in rain or snow. He hiked much of the Pacific Coast Trail. Steve was a passionate environmentalist and believed in protecting the Earth and creatures who cant speak for themselves. He inspired an appreciation and love of nature in many people. Steve served the Sierra Club for decades and was honored for his years of work as Foster Lodges Maintenance Chair and working tirelessly as a volunteer. His favorite place was Fosters Point in the Laguna Mountains. Steve was very influenced by John Muir and inspired by Ansel Adams. His symbols were wolves and hawks. Steve was a spiritual man who lived a simple life and was always content. He had an inner peace and understood what was truly important in life God, Nature, and good people. He lived a life of integrity with good values. He loved to learn and was fascinated by most subjects especially science. Music was one of his passions and it touched his soul. Steve received a music degree from San Diego State University and loved all genres and taught guitar. He played his guitar and led songs at many of the Lodges Christmas parties and events. He had a beautiful loving smile that everyone responded to. While he will be greatly missed, he will always be with those of us fortunate to have known him or who care about our planet. One of his favorite quotes by John Muir was Going to the mountains is going home. Stephen Michael Rieden has gone Home.

Steve helping to remodel Foster Lodge

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March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

Memorial Gifts
Memorial gifts to the San Diego Chapter are a way of supporting our conservation work and honoring the life of our friends and loved ones. Gifts to the Sierra Club San Diego Chapter are not tax deductible; however, charitable (tax-deductible) gifts can be designated to the San Diego Chapter by making gifts to through the Sierra Club Foundation. Memorial gifts can be acknowledged with a thoughtful card to those designated by the donor. If you would like to make a memorial gift, please contact Richard Miller at 858-5696005 or rmiller@sierraclubsandiego.org .

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.

Endangered Species Act At 40

As we enter the ruby (40th) anniversary year of the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service honors its accomplishments in preventing species extinction and steadily improving the habitats and conservation prospects for many others. A dedicated web site spotlights the stories of conservation success in every state across the country, provides information on the milestones of this historical law, share images and videos, and offers opportunities for families to participate in free, educational activities together. http://www.fws.gov/endangered/ESA40/ index.html

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.

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 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 $150 $10 $10 $10 $ 5 2 pm-12 Noon 2 pm-12 Noon 2 pm-12 Noon 2 pm-12 Noon Day use 2 pm-12 Noon

Submission Deadlines for Hi Sierran Newsletter:

Upcoming Issues: May/June 2013 Deadline is April 1st To submit by email, please email to: HSEditor@sierraclubsandiego.org
Submissions are subject to approval for content and subject matter.

www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/lodge
Email reservations to: MtLaguna@sierraclubsandiego.org or Call: 858-569-6005
March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

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Planned Giving and Bequests Are Vital

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

Bequests are a vital and continuing resource that strengthens the Sierra Clubs ability to preserve our natural heritage for future generations. Most donors plan their gifts in the form of a general-use gift. This general support is the most helpful to us because is allows us to direct funds to our most crucial conservation priorities. However, should you have a specific environmental or programmatic interest, or if you wish to establish an endowment, we would be happy to assist you in planning a gift that meets your interests and the long-term goals of the Sierra Club and Sierra Club San Diego Chapter.

1st Friday Movie Night March 1, 6:30 pm Movie: The World According To Monsanto
1 Hour 49 Minutes Monsantos controversial past combines some of the most toxic products ever sold with misleading reports, pressure tactics, collusion and attempted corruption. Combining secret documents with first-hand accounts by victims, scientists and politicians, this widely praised film exposes why Monsanto has become the worlds poster child for malignant corporate influence in government and technology.

Bequests to the San Diego Chapter

Bequests to the San Diego Chapter supports the conservation work in the area in which you reside. This funding enables the Chapter to continue to protect the natural splendor of San Diego and Imperial Counties for years to come. Planned Gifts are particularly important to the Chapter as they can provide significant resources to allow continued conservation activities over an extended period of time. Bequests to the Sierra Club San Diego Chapter are not tax deductible; however, charitable (tax-deductible) bequests can be designated to the San Diego Chapter through The Sierra Club Foundation.

National Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation

Bequests to the National Sierra Club can fund national and regional lobbying activities. This support is particularly valuable because legislation is usually the final step in formally establishing national parks and wilderness areas, setting standards for clean water and air, protecting our precious coastlines, and achieving other environmental goals. However, since lobbying is not a charitable activity, bequests to the National Sierra Club are not tax-deductible for estate tax purposes.

April 5, 6:30 pm Movie: Genetic Roulette The Gamble of Our Lives

1 Hour 25 Minutes This film presents evidence that points to genetically engineered foods as a major contributor to rising disease rates in the US, especially among children. Monsantos strong arm tactics, the FDAs fraudulent policies and how the USDA ignores a growing health emergency are also laid bare. Frances Moore Lapp, author of Diet for a Small Planet, states Genetic Roulette unveils a world most of us have never seen. It raises alarming questions about GMOs and we deserve answers.

Consider the Benefits of a Life Income Gift

If you are planning a bequest, you may wish to consider the financial benefits of a life income trust. Many people have realized significant advantages by using a major portion of a planned bequest for the establishment of such a trust. If you would like to see how a life income trust might benefit your specific situation, the Planned Giving Office would be happy to prepare a financial analysis for you. Information is also available to you on how a Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust can benefit both you and the Sierra Club. Further Information: If you have any questions about planning a bequest for Sierra Club or the Sierra Club San Diego Chapter, or if you are interested in learning more about life income trusts and other deferred gifts, please contact Richard Miller at (858) 569-6005, or email rmiller@sierraclubsandiego.org.

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March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

Diet For A Hot Planet

Exploring the relationship between food and climate change
By Robert Silvern Climate change is arguably the greatest threat facing humanity. In addition to generally hotter temperatures, we can expect more frequent and severe hurricanes, coastal flooding, droughts and brush fires in the coming years. Greenhouse gasses (GHGs) that we introduce into the atmosphere today will continue to contribute to climate change for decades to come, so its vital that we reduce our emissions now before its too late. How can my diet affect the climate? We all know that we should buy more fuel efficient cars, drive less, insulate our homes and adjust our thermostats, but few are aware that our food choices can be just as important in reducing our carbon footprint. Worldwide, agriculture accounts for over 22% of GHGs, with animal agriculture alone, primarily pigs and cows, responsible for 80% of total agriculture emissions more than all transportation worldwide. Animal agriculture is shockingly resource-intensive. Among the worst food choice for GHG emissions is lamb which creates about 20 times the emissions per pound as a plant-based diet. Other poor choices are beef (14X), cheese (7X), pork (6X), farmed salmon (6X), turkey (5X), chicken (3X), canned tuna (3X) and eggs (2X). To put it into perspective, producing 1 pound of beef creates the same GHGs as driving a car 20 miles. Over a year, changing your diet can have a dramatic effect on your GHG emissions. How will climate change affect our food supply? Just as agriculture affects the climate, the climate affects agriculture as weve seen in the severe drought across the U.S. this past summer which reduced corn production by 25%. Climate change impacts on agricultural will be regional, causing dramatic shifts in the locations suitable for growing any given crop (this is already happening). While higher carbon dioxide levels will generally improve crop yields, severe weather, higher temperatures, flooding and increases in weeds, disease and insect pests will conspire to dramatically reduce yields in many areas. The effect on pollinators is not clear, but with populations of bumblebees in sharp decline, a further decline triggered by climate change could be disastrous. Rising sea levels will flood arable coastal lands and contribute to salinization of ground water, reducing fresh water available for farming and further limiting our options for feeding a hungry world. How can I do my part? Reduce or eliminate your meat and dairy consumption. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, youll benefit from lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, obe-

sity, and cancer. And youll enjoy every delicious plant-based meal knowing that you are not contributing to needless animal suffering. A good way to start is to commit to Meatless Mondays. Then challenge yourself to do more! Reduce waste A recent study found that up to 40% of food produced in the U.S. is not eaten. Thats more than 20 pounds of food per person every month! In addition to the GHGs required to grow, transport, prepare and discard this food, methane (a greenhouse gas 23 times as potent as CO2) is produced as this food rots in landfills. The solution is simple. Buy no more than you need, and take home (and eat!) leftovers from restaurants. Shop and eat out smart Travel shorter distances to shop for food or eat out, remember your reusable bags and Tupperware, and buy food with less packaging. Buy locally grown food? Well, not really. It turns out that the transportation of food by ship, rail or even truck is responsible for a relatively small percentage of GHGs. While there may be other reasons to purchase local food, its not a big factor for climate change. How can I get involved? On the evening of Wednesday, March 6, the Sierra Club Climate Change Committee is partnering with SanDiego350.org to hold a Climate Chat an informal gathering to share information about climate change and provide diverse opportunities to discuss and work within small groups that focuses on the relationship between climate and food. Well present information gathered from various, recent studies that will help us look at the contributing factors to climate change, how food production, transportation, storage and consumption fit into the picture, and what each of us can do about it. The event will include a presentation, group activities, and plenty of time for discussion. For information about the event visit http://sandiego350.org/ai1ec_event/?p=1091 or contact Masada Disenhouse, mdisenhouse@cox.net or 619-335-1265.

How To Cook A Planet, Or Not: Diet For A Hot Planet

A Climate Chat exploring the relationship between food and climate change

Wednesday, March 6
6:30-8:30 pm
at the World Resources Simulation Center 1088 3rd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

Free.
More info: http://sandiego350.org/ai1ec_event/?p=1091

March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

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Classified Ads
HOLLAND: BARGE & NORDIC WALKING
Join Canyon Explorers Club May 3-11, 2013. Try new sport amid dazzling tulips. $1,400 plus airfare. 10 cabin barge, breakfasts and dinners included. Special poles and lessons in Nordic Walking. Call Betty (858) 755-1392 or bettydlange@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

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!

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

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

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.

LAW FIRM FOR SALE

Prominent general law practice in Bishop, CA, Inyo Countys major trade center. Enjoy an historically healthy and sustained revenue stream, with a lower cost of living and great life style. Access to year-around recreational activities. Control your professional life, dont let it control you. Call Ed Poll @ 800.837.5880

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 Or search for Sierra Singles San Diego Or Sierra Singles Calendar
(Couples welcome)

SIERRA SINGLES

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March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

Bill Tayler
San Diego, ICO Co-Chair

Desert Explorations
With the onset of winter, Inner City Outings takes fewer trips to the mountains (unless there is snow to play in!), and instead we take advantage of cooler weather to explore the diversity of the desert regions in Southern California. This winter, we took several desert trips with students from the City Heights neighborhood; most of them had never before been hiking in a desert. In November, we hiked up Borrego Palm Canyon to the first palm grove, stopping along the way to climb on rocks (always a favorite activity of kids). The kids were surprised to see so much water running through the otherwise dry canyon, and the remains of old palm trees strewn downstream gave rise to a conversation about the flood that ripped out those trees several years ago, and the power of flood waters in the desert. In December, we took two trips to Joshua Tree National Park: one was a day trip and the other a camping trip. On both trips, the kids loved climbing on the boulders, which are so easy to grip. They also learned that the monzogranite, while easy to climb, is rough on the hands and knees (and we went through a few band-aids, as we always do trips to JTree). In January, we made two more trips to Anza-Borrego. First, we explored the wind caves and slot canyon in the West Butte area of the Borrego Badlands. The kids were amazed at how the wind was able to carve so many small caves into the sandstone bluffs, and they enjoyed climbing into and laying down in the caves. A different day in January, we hiked to the top of Ghost Mountain in Blair Valley to see the remains of the cabin that Marshal South built there in the 1930s. The kids had many questions about why and how he built the cabin so far from town, and talked a lot about how hard it must have been to carry everything up the mountain. After lunch on Ghost Mountain, we hiked the pictograph trail near Smugglers Canyon to see rock paintings made years ago by the Kumeyaay people. Each of these trips provided the kids with a very different desert experience, and showed them that the desert has much to offer in its diversity of habitats and geologic formations.

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

Rockhopping in Joshua Tree

March/April 2013 Hi Sierran San Diego

15

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 www.sandiego.sierraclub.org

Committee & Contact Information

Meetings are held at the Sierra Club office or conference room unless otherwise indicated. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Meets 4th Tuesdays at 6:30 pm Chapter Office. Chair: C. Mollie Bigger (619) 549-7779 cmbigger@cox.net Forest & Wilderness Meets 1st Wednesday at 6:30 pm. Cindy Buxton (619) 934-0323 iokuok2@hotmail.com Climate Change Meets 1st Monday at 6:30 pm. Masada Disenhouse - mdisenhouse@cox.net Jean Costa (619) 463-0721 International Meets 4th Monday at 6:30 pm. Jean Costa (619) 463-0721 Transportation Call for meeting information Mike Bullock (760) 754-8025 mike_bullock@earthlink.net Wildlife Ellen Shively (619) 479-3412 ellenshively@sbcglobal.net Run With The Sun Campaign Organizer: Pete Hasapopoulos (760) 580-0117 phasapopoulos@sierraclubsandiego.org OUTINGS COMMITTEE Meets quarterly, call for information. Chair: Jim Matlock (858) 748-4634 Bus Trips Mike Fry (858) 748-5166 Chapter Outings Leadership Training (COL) Skip Forsht (858) 272-4495 sdcoltraining@yahoo.com Leadership Review & Safety Committee Starla Rivers (858)-874-6908 sriverssd@sbcglobal.net Pacific Crest Trail Rob Langsdorf (858) 454-4777 SDSCPCTS@yahoo.com Ski Meets 2nd Thursday 6 pm (Nov-Mar) Mike Fry (858) 748-5166 Wednesday in the Mountains Merrilyn Pope 858-750-3807 merrilynp@sbcglobal.net POLITICAL COMMITEE Meets 1st Tuesday 11 am Chapter office Join our listserv at: http://lists.sierraclub.org/scripts/wa.exe?index MT. LAGUNA LODGE & CABIN http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/lodge/ Email reservation requests to: MtLaguna@sierraclubsandiego.org Or call 858-569-6005 Mount Laguna Committee Call for meeting infomation Chair: Bill Powers 619-542-1985 bpowers@powersengineering.com WILDERNESS BASICS COURSE (WBC) Annually beginning in January http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/wbc/ San Diego info@wildernessbasics.com Escondido John Tomlinson (858) 486-4853 jctomlinson@cox.net http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/wbc/nc/index.htm NATURE KNOWLEDGE WORKSHOP Annual June Weekends, call for information. Barry Hite (619) 479-8133 NKW@sierraclubsandiego.org SECTIONS & SOCIAL COMMITTEES Bicycle Call for meeting information. Tom Yager (760) 479-0187 Membership@sdscbs.org. www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/bicycle Family Jennifer Douglas (858) 344-5490 jennifercdouglas@yahoo.com www.meetup.com/SDSierraClubFamily Photography www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/photoclub Sierra Young Adults http://www.facebook.com/sierrayoungadults Kara Liederman (312) 927-6272 Sierrasdyoungadults@gmail.com Singles E.L. Lotecka (760) 533-2725 www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/singles INNER CITY OUTINGS Call or check website for meeting information. http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ICO Co-Chair: Bill Tayler, (858) 272-8574 bill.tayler@sandiego.sierraclub.org Co-Chair: Ed Barber, (619) 464-0780 rebsd@yahoo.com PROGRAM COMMITTEES Fundraising/Membership Richard Miller (858) 569-6005 RMiller@sierraclubsandiego.org Hi Sierran Newsletter Call for meeting information (858) 569-6005 Chair: Dave Grubb davidgrubb@sbcglobal.net Managing Editor: Judy Thomas HSEditor@SierraClubSanDiego.org LEGAL COMMITTEE Chair: Mollie Bigger 619-549-7779 cmbigger@cox.net NORTH COUNTY GROUP (INLAND) The Executive Committee meets 2nd Tuesday. Contact Chair for time and location. Co-Chair: Cheryl Knapp (760) 745-8819 knappfield@cox.net Conservation: Ken Quigley (760) 723-4425 escapefor2@roadrunner.com NORTH COUNTY COASTAL GROUP
See the Coastal North County web page for meeting info.

Chair: Dave Grubb (760) 753-0273 davidgrubb@sbcglobal.net MONTHLY PROGRAM Recruiting Leadership Call 858-569-6005 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Meets 2nd Wednesday 6:30 pm Chapter office Chair: Lori Saldaa (2014) 619-742-9885 ChapterChair@sierraclubsandiego.org Vice Chair: Kara Liederman (2013) 312-927-6272 ChapterViceChair@sierraclubsandiego.org Secretary: Dave Voss (2013) 760-717-8823 ChapterSecretary@sierraclubsandiego.org Treasurer: Robert Morris (2015) 858-204-1865 ChapterTreasurer@sierraclubsandiego.org Mollie Bigger (2015) 619-549-7779 cmbigger@cox.net Malinda Dickenson (2014) 858-521-8492 malinda@lawmrd.com Marc Ebel (2014) 509-860-0140 marcebel59@gmail.com David Grubb (2013) 760-753-0273 davidgrubb@sbcglobal.net Jim Karsten (2013) 858-699-6976 jkar1057@gmail.com Bill Powers (2015) 619-542-1985 bpowers@powersengineering.com Donna Tisdale (2014) 619-766-4718 donnatisdale@hughes.net