Jan 2011 San Diego Sierra

Sierra Club San Diego Chapter • Serving Imperial and San Diego Counties

HI SIERRAN
Working To Preserve The Special Nature of San Diego for Over Half A Century
Visit our website at: www.sandiego.sierraclub.org January/February 2011 Vol 70 No. 1

The Future Of The Hi Sierran

Year in Review
Most issues on the environmental front take a long time to resolve. Chapter activists have been working on some of the following this past year– most of them are still in progress. So here is a general recap of this year and a preview of 2011. Imperial County members have participated in a strong grassroots coalition to deny a proposal by Wind Zero Group, Inc, to develop a paramilitary training camp on a 944-acre patch of desert which is in a flood and earthquake zone, just south of a major Interstate Highway (I-8), and less than a dozen miles north of the Mexican border. They argue it poses a great risk to the health of the environment as well as the safety of the surrounding community. Special concerns are air pollution, ground water depletion and colossal disruption of the quiet desert community. The major focus of the Forest and Wilderness Committee has been to prevent erection of the Sunrise Powerlink through our public lands and to prove it is unnecessary. One of the next
See Review continued on page 5

In the May-June edition, we discussed the cost of the Hi Sierran, and some possible options to reduce the cost. The Hi Sierran costs us almost $30,000 per year to produce, print, and mail. That is about $2.50 per subscriber per year. We included a reply coupon asking members to tell us whether they wanted to continue getting a paper copy, or would read the Hi Sierran online. About 400 members responded. Less than 100 of the responders asked to continue getting a paper copy, the rest opted to read the Hi Sierran online. Some of you sent donations, totalling almost $1,000 from 58 people. There were a few large donations, and many small ones. Thanks to all of you who responded. Unfortunately, 400 members is less than four percent of our membership. In other words, most members did not respond. This may be further evidence that many members are not reading the paper copy or are not sufficiently concerned to respond to our appeal for input. This year, we will be taking a different approach. You MUST reply in order to continue getting a paper copy. Lack of a reply will be interpreted as an opt-out. Only those who reply, or have already replied, will be kept on our mailing list for the paper edition. Send an email to [email protected] or use the coupon in this issue to state your preference.
Continued on page 6-Hi Sierran Future

Jean Costa representing Sierra Club at Eastlake Middle School’s Earth Day

Introduction to CEQA & NEPA
Two-Day Workshop
Saturday March, 12th and Saturday March, 19th 10am to 4pm 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite TBA San Diego, California 92111 Description: This two-day workshop will provide an applied overview of the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act with an emphasis on drafting effective public comments. Starting with a brief background of environmental impact assessments in the U.S. and a review of CEQA and NEPA's regulatory context, the workshop will discuss the various approaches used in scoping and preparing environmental impact reports under both statutes. The documents required under CEQA/NEPA will be examined and the roles of key players explored. Emphasis will also be placed on determinContinued on page 15

Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet

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 [email protected] Creative Director Scott Thomas (619) 462-5168 [email protected] www.thomascreative.com Advertising [email protected] Hi Sierran Committee Chair Ellen Shively [email protected] Conservation [email protected] Meetings and Activities [email protected] One Club Listserv To subscribe go to: http://lists.sierraclub.org/scripts/wa.exe?index January/February 2011 USPS - 896140 The Hi Sierran is published bi-monthly by the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club, 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101, San Diego, CA 92111, for members in San Diego and Imperial counties. $1 of the annual membership fee is for a subscription to the Hi Sierran. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Diego, CA. Postmaster: Send address changes to Hi Sierran, Sierra Club Member Services PO BOX 52968, Boulder, CO 80322-2968.

It's been a busy couple of months. Welcome to new ExCom 2011 members: Bill Powers, Mollie Bigger and Malinda Dickenson. Many, many thanks to Pat Klaasen and Joe Zechman who are completing their years of service on the ExCom. We really can't thank them enough. It's a good thing it's a labor of love for the Club and the natural world to volunteer for the dry management work of the Executive Committee. Speaking of the ExCom, the monthly meetings are being changed from 3rd Wednesdays to 2nd Wednesdays in 2011. In case you haven't seen it elsewhere, PLEASE notice that we are changing the Hi Sierran Newsletter from an "opt out" to receive an emailed link to an online copy to an "opt in" to receive a paper copy. This means if you want to continue receiving a paper copy you must contact us. (See Cover article and send an email to [email protected] or use the coupon on page 6 to choose you preference). If we do not hear from you, you will not continue to receive the Hi Sierran in paper form! Thanks to all the volunteers for the No on 23 (keep fighting climate change) phone banks hosted by the Chapter. We were the highest producing phone bank in the state out-performing much bigger Chapters in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Best of all, we won at the ballot box! Finally, the voters sent a message that science should matter in politics. Our Student Committee now has 35 members at Mt. Carmel High School and is now a network including one university (SDSU) and three high schools (West View High School, University City High School). Showing their tremendous potential, they

collected more 8,000 pledges from students for No on 23! They plan to "achieve meaningful accomplishments and have memorable experiences, especially by furthering environmentalism to youth and by exploring, enjoying, and protecting nature." Our "Legal Eagles" Law Clinic, led by Supervising Attorney Pamela Epstein is generating letters and publicity for the cause. They created a 57-page comment letter on the ill-advised I-5 widening project and both comments and a public hearing challenging the privatization of the Miramar landfill without environmental review. Please consider a donation of any size to keep this effective program going. Last, and not least, is going to be a new effort to update maintenance, renovations and attain a new permit to continue operating the Chapter's Foster Lodge in the Laguna Mountains and near the Pacific Crest Trail. The new permit process will also allow the Chapter to consider a new Development Plan for the Lodge in addition to doing deferred maintenance that we are beginning right away. The list of needs includes: fireplace repair, restoring the water system to provide potable water, fire-safe changes, flooring, and much, much more. It is expected we will need to address accessibility requirements. It has been suggested to add showers or even a hot tub! Now is the time to brainstorm and determine what is practical and what is not. Other ideas are to add a small nature education center and to have the property become a green building demonstration model. As usual, the need is great. The new permit will cost almost $4,000 just for review and processing. While the stewardship funds of the Foster Lodge Committee will get us started, significant additional donations will be required. If you are able to help with this special project, please contact me. Send your ideas to: [email protected] Foster Lodge is a historical and spiritual legacy of the Chapter and it is time to restore and renew it for current and future generations.

Address Correction?
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.

IN THIS ISSUE:
Cross Country Ski Schedule . . . . . . . 4 Chapter Outings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Monthly Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Chapter Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

Become a Chapter Outings Leader
Skip Forsht
If you’re like most members of the chapter, you’ve been on at least one outing, whether it was a hike or car camp or backpack. That may have even been the way you first came in contact with the Sierra Club. The San Diego chapter has been very lucky in years past to have had a robust Outings program, conducted by the Chapter Outings Leaders (COLs). COLs are special people who give back to the club by leading others on outings. They become COLs by going through a leader training program, usually 12 hours or so. In addition, they obtain first aid certification; 8 hours for standard first aid required of COL Is, and 16 hours for Wilderness First Aid required of COL IIs. In 1999, our chapter had 1055 outings. During the past 11 years, that number dropped to the mid 700s, and to just 494 in 2008. We’ll have close to that this year, so we are anxious to add to our leader rolls and thus our number of outings. Think you’d like to help? We now have 143 COLs, and we’d like to add 20 or more in 2011. You could be one of them! We do two COL I (able to lead day hikes or car camps up to four hours from help) trainings each year, one in May and one in October. We do one COL II (able to lead day hikes, car camps, and backpacks up to 8 hours from help) training per year, also in October. To be eligible, you just need to be 18 or older, be a club member, and have been on at least 4 chapter outings. You could do it! There is no cost for the training and the Outings Committee compensates you for the cost of the first aid training. You just need to supply your time and your commitment to the club. Simple, right? Whether you want to lead day hikes with lengths of one to three miles on flat ground or backpacks in rugged mountain or desert terrain, we need you. If you just want to assist other leaders and not have the responsibility of leading yourself, we need you. Whether you want to lead each month or only once a year, we need you. Bottom line, we need you. Someone took you on an outing in the past…pay it forward…step up and do the training and become a Chapter Outing Leader. The dates of the training are on the Chapter website or you can email me at [email protected] for more information. I’m looking forward to seeing you in May!

WBC-World’s Best Crash-Course
Jeff Blankman

No. It is not too late to sign up. Yes. It is totally worth it. I’m talking about the San Diego Chapter’s Wilderness Basics Course— better known as WBC.
For Christmas last year, I asked my wife to get me the gift of the WBC course. There was, however, a catch: she had to take it with me. I did not regret it. She hemmed and hawed and rolled her eyes about it at first, but in the end she didn’t regret it either. For about three months, we had an automatic "date night" each week. We also had an excuse to get out of our normal routine and explore the back country areas of San Diego and Imperial Counties a couple of weekends each month. Along the way, we also learned a lot and made a bunch of new, like-minded friends. Was I skeptical about the value of the course? Yes, I was. I have been camping, hiking, and backpacking since I was quite young, and was not sure that the course would offer me anything I did not know already. Boy, was I wrong! Let me provide a "short" list of the incredible things I learned during the course of the three months of WBC: how to navigate using only the sun and a stick in the ground; how to estimate time until sundown using only the horizon and my fingers; how to navigate unknown areas even in the pitch black of night; that rugged mountainsides which appear impossible to scale are really no big deal at all; that hiking in the rain— through mud hills and under mud arches—is actually really fun; that the desert— which from the highway seems to be nothing but a waste land - is really teeming with life and an abundance of very cool and amazing places if you know where to look; that all the fancy (and expensive) fabric names and claims made by outdoor clothing manufacturers really boil down to a handful of basics: cotton, polyester, nylon, and wool; that the main risk factors for being bit by a rattle snake include being male and between the ages of 18 and 24; that the main risk factor for experiencing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is being a fit male between the ages of 18 and 24; finally, I learned how to make an real-life igloo as an emergency shelter; it’s not as hard as you might think. In short, WBC was an amazing experience that I will not soon forget. It was the best $135 dollars I have spent in a long time. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned veteran of the outdoors, WBC will offer you camaraderie, knowledge, and outdoor experience that you will not soon forget, either. Act fast, though, the course begins on January 25th. For information go to http://www.wildernessbasics.com or see advertisement on page 12 .

Pay Online: www.sandiego.sierraclub.org and click on the large red DONATE NOW button

8.75%

Sierra Club San Diego Chapter 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101San Diego, CA 92111

January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

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MAR 30-APR 3, TAPPAAN LODGE Patty Dahl [email protected]
About $400 for airfare, carpool in rental cars, lodging, and almost all meals. CTL is north of Lake Tahoe, and is home base for Sierra Club skiers. Free groomed tracks near the Lodge, Royal Gorge XC down the road, 3 alpine ski resorts up the road, and Sierra Club ski huts. http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/ctl/

For a complete description of our ski and snowshoe outings, see our webpage http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ski/ We use an email list for local outings. Send a short email to [email protected]. Please include your full name. Our ski meeting is the second Thurs of the month, at the Sports Chalet, 3695 Midway Dr. San Diego, CA 92110. Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, & Apr 14. 6PM: Beginner ski and snowshoe class. 7PM: Trip announcements and program. Mike Fry, Chair, 858-748-5166.

FEB 17-21 YOSEMITE BUS TRIP Monique Alkemade
[email protected]. $590 per person, double occupancy, for the bus, park entrance fee, and rooms at Yosemite Lodge. Meals are not included. This is still our best trip for beginners, and a wonderful trip for everyone. Lessons are included, and good ski rentals are available. See: http://www.sierraclubyosemitetrip.com/

OUTINGS JAN 13-17, MT. LASSEN Pat Roskowski [email protected]
Carpool in rented cars from Sacramento airport. Motel in Mineral, small village near Mt. Lassen Volcano National Park. About $430 for airfare, rental car, and lodging. Excellent backcountry skiing.

FEB 26-MAR 5 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Monique Alkemade
[email protected]. 8 day trip starting at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and finishing at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Single occupancy is $1,580, double occupancy is $1,150, and a triple room is $1,030 per person. Includes ground transportation, lodging and breakfast. Airfare not included (approx. $350). Visit www.sierraclubyellowstonetrip.com for more information.

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 shouldn't be on the trip. 3. You find your own replacement and they reimburse you. Partial Refund: 1. We find your replacement and keep only your deposit. 2. We can't replace you, but we get a refund (or are not charged) by our providers because of your absence. You get back whatever we get back. No refund: You cancel and we can't replace you. CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Future of "Cactus to Clouds" Trail in Jeopardy?
By Jeff Blankman
It has recently come to light that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is planning a "land swap" with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in the Palm Springs Area. In the proposed deal, the BLM would exchange nine square miles of land - which includes segments of many popular hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails - for 2.3 acres of more remote and less used land. Most importantly, among the trails impacted is the popular and world renowned "Skyline" trail, which ascends some 8,000 feet in just 11 miles—from Palm Springs to the Arial Tramway station - , and has been rated the fifth hardest day hike in the Unites States by Backpacker magazine. The hardiest of hikers can extend this hike by another eleven miles by continuing past the tram station to the peak of Mt. San Jacinto, which rests at 10,834 feet. It offers a great opportunity to day train at elevation, and hikers from all over the world are known to come to face up to this challenge. Apparently, the deal has been in planning and negotiation stages for nearly a decade, but the public has largely been ignorant of its existence until recently. The BLM only released the environmental assessment in August and did not adequately publicize the proposed swap, according to opponents of the plan. Alarmed, Palm Springs area hikers and outdoor enthusiasts contacted Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Palm Springs)—who professes to be a hiker and

outdoor enthusiast. She sent a letter asking Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to extend the period for public comment until November 15. Secretary Salazar approved the extension. Since then, local hikers have attended a Palm Springs City Council meeting, where the council agreed to draft a letter to the BLM, U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack, and U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. While the council has no actual authority over the deal, the letter indicated its support for the deal only if the two parcels of land which the trails cross are excluded from the swap. Though the official public comment period has passed, the effort to ensure public access to these treasured outdoor resources is far from over. You can help by contacting officials who do have a say in the matter. Please take a few moments to express your wish that these invaluable lands remain in public hands. Here is how you can help: Reference the proposal "CACA-42965, 2200, (CA-066.62)" at the beginning of the e-mail or letter. Simply state that you are opposed to the BLM land swap, and that you want these lands to remain in public hands—specifically, the "Skyline" or "Cactus to Clouds" trail.
Here are the key officials and web links to their contact info: Ken Salazar – U.S. Secretary of the Interior: http://www.doi.gov/public/contact-us.cfm John Kalish – Palm Springs South Coast Field Office, BLM: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/palmsprings/directory.html Barbara Boxer – U.S. Senator, D-California: http://boxer.senate.gov/en/contact/ Mary Bono Mack – U.S. Rep., R-Palm Springs: https://bono.house.gov/Contact_Mary/default.aspx

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January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

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milestones targets Bell Bluff, an unspoiled rural area with a number of sensitive species, such as the golden eagle. SDGE wants to develop a 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile area of substation and construction yards right on top of the bluff, where the wind blows excessively. Every tree they cut down, said Cindy Buxton, is a tree that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We should be planting and protecting trees like never before in this era of climate change. The International Committee has been fighting the border wall since construction began in 1994. Laws protecting the environment, archaeological sites, religious freedom, and cultural concerns were waived for construction to proceed. Chair Jean Costa said, the wall was built where its supporters think people don’t have the power to fight it. According to Veterinarian Mike McCoy, the animals that migrate across the border are prevented from mating from a broad gene pool. Dr. McCoy considers the border wall an injustice, an economic disparity, and an insult to human rights. The committee will be hosting a border tour in January. See the Chapter activities section for details. Also look for their monthly First Friday Film Night at the office, covering a wide variety of topics of concern. The Solana Beach group sponsored a talk by Captain Charles Moore on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It raised our "plastic awareness" and encouraged people to use reusable bags, avoid single-use plastic bottles, and save their dry-cleaning covers for plastic-reclamation. It connected us with other civic and environmental organizations in the city. We believe that it's imperative that we communicate and build "green bridges". Soon after that a local elementary school sponsored a showing of the movie "Tapped" about the folly of bottled water Twelve Solana Beach Sierra Club members distributed flyers all over town to publicize the events very good PR for the Sierra Club. A recent event was held at Claries on Cedros-the first platinum-certified LEED (Leadership and Energy Efficiency

Design) restaurant in the nation! The LEED-verified architect, Jean-Louis Cocquereau, told us about the multitude of sustainable features in their restaurant. Also had a discussion about the importance of defeating Prop 23---with Andrew Adams from the Sierra Club office. Marilee McLean has offered to help any one wanting to organize their neighborhood. Climate Change Committee members began public outreach on California Prop 23, an initiative which would have indefinitely suspended AB 32, California’s Global Warming Solutions Act, in the summer of 2010. They represented the chapter on the San Diego No on 23 task force, and appeared at fairs, farmers markets and protests, involving over a hundred volunteers. They also purchased lapel labels and bumper stickers to distribute. SC organizer Andrew Adams, enlisted our members and other volunteers to telephone "environmentally friendly infrequent voters" throughout the state. The committee worked in coalition to convince elected officials to pass No on 23 resolutions. The effort succeeded in Oceanside, La Mesa, Carlsbad, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, San Diego, Solana Beach, and Del Mar as well as the Port of San Diego. All of this hard work paid off with Prop

They also sent out its Cool Cities updated survey to all 25 incorporated cities in San Diego. The survey and the resulting report was to: 1) provide models and suggestions to cities about climate protection actions they could take, 2) make information about what some of our cities are doing about global warming publicly accessible to citizens, and 3) provide public recognition for those cities that are showing leadership in climate protection. The report is available in print at the Chapter office and online at the chapter website. As Co-Chairs of the North County MSCP/MHCP Task Force, Diane Nygaard and Mary Clarke were successful in convincing the City of Oceanside to take ownership of two large open space properties that had been owned by The Environmental Trust, which went bankrupt. These properties are part of Oceanside's proposed MHCP Preserve, and they support sensitive species and their habitats. If the City had not taken ownership, the properties might have been abandoned, with their futures unknown. The two activists pledged to the City of Oceanside that they will help to maintain the properties. They have met with the Property Department and are working with them on fencing and signs to protect the properties from unauthorized uses. Diane continues to monitor the City of Carlsbad's compliance with MHCP subarea plan, and Mary will review the North County MSCP when it is released for public review, on our behalf.

Donna Tisdale of the Smart Energy Task Force has bridged us with a coalition of groups to mount legal challenges to the Sunrise Powerlink. They have filed a request for a rehearing with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to Winter hike around Lake Morena the US Forest Service and to 23 losing 62 to 38%, sending a powerful the Interior Board of Land Appeals. These message to the oil companies, other agencies did not comply with the law. states, and the federal administration that These filings are required in order to California was serious about addressing exhaust administrative remedies prior to climate change filing suit. There are also many unreSee Review continued on page 6

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Hi Sierran Future -continued from page 1
Once a year, we will send a paper copy to all members, regardless of their opt-in or opt-out status. That will be the September-October issue containing the ballots for Chapter and Group elections. Of course, you may read the Hi Sierran online at any time. Each edition is posted to the web site at about the same time it is mailed. That is normally on the first of the publication month (January, March, May, July, September, and November). On the Hi Sierran page of our web site: http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/hi_sierran/, there is a link where you can sign up to get an email notice when a new issue is posted.

Review continued from page 5

solved side permits that are still going through the review process. PUC Notices to Proceed (NTPs) are also needed for each segment of Powerlink construction. To date, only NTPs for construction yards, substation upgrades, communication facilities and an underground line in Alpine have been issued. The taskforce is also working to oppose several of the so-called "green" industrial scale wind and solar projects, proposed for tens of thousands of acres in rural areas that rely on the Powerlink but were not properly analyzed. The significant cumulative impacts from all of these projects, including increased fire risk, utility and insurance rates, loss of property value, and impacts to recreation, endangered and sensitive species, and cultural and historic resources, have been unlawfully ignored, downplayed, or dismissed. Contact Donna Tisdale at 619-766-4170 or [email protected] to volunteer or with questions. The Transportation Committee has been deeply involved in the fight against the proposed huge expansion of I-5. It would widen the freeway to six lanes each way (making it as wide as a football field is long) from La Jolla Shores Drive to Oceanside, at a cost to taxpayers of $4.5 billion. According to Caltrans, the project would run through six cities and require the construction of 40 bridges and overpasses, along with noise-reduction walls next to more than 1,500 homes.. After enduring five or six years of utter construction hell we would no doubt enjoy a few years of commuter bliss. If this expansion is approved, in twenty years it will need to be widened yet again! When do we say "enough" and use that 4.5 billion to take cars off the freeway by encouraging alternative modes of transportation. Chair Mike Bullock suggests implementing a policy that unbundles the cost of driving and parking with a comprehensive system of pricing and payout. This system would eliminate much of the demand for new surface streets or new freeway lanes. The only way to unbundle the cost of driving and parking would be to charge the full cost. The payout would also reduce health costs because car exhaust makes us all sick.
See Review continued on page 9

You may email your request to [email protected] or mail this coupon to:
Sierra Club San Diego Attn: Hi Sierran Subscriptions 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101, San Diego, CA 92111 [ ] Please keep sending paper copy of Hi Sierran. [ ] Do not send a paper copy, I will read the Hi Sierran online. [ ] I would also like to receive an email notice when a new edition is posted online. Name:______________________________________________________ Email:______________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________ ______________________ City/State/Zip:________________________ ________________________ Phone:_____________________________________ [ ] Enclosed is a donation to help support the Hi Sierran. Donation Amount: $_______________ Member #: _____________________

What’s The Real Story Of The Border Wall?
Talk And Walk The Border Wall
Nathan Trotter
The International Committee invites members and friends to an opportunity to educate ourselves about the environmental and human rights impacts of the U.S. Mexico border wall. On January 29th, we'll meet at 9am at the Tijuana Estuary Visitors Center in Imperial beach to view Greg Rainoff 's powerful film "El Muro" (the Wall) The director, Greg Rainoff, worked for nearly 20 years as a successful visual; effects artist on the popular Star Trek franchise, before embarking on a bike ride across the Tibetan Plateau, arriving in Nepal in time to witness the culmination of the Maoist Insurgency. "It was the first time I had ever really encountered poverty, injustice and state sponsored oppression up close and personal." Rather than returning to the superficial glitter of Hollywood, he instead turned his talents to documentary filmmaking. His first endeavor, "El Muro," chronicles the human and environmental consequences of the Tactical Infrastructure Project (better known as the Border Wall) between San Diego and Tijuana. Focusing primarily on its impacts on the Tijuana Estuary, the largest intact estuarine system in Southern California, Greg examines the issues prompting its construction. Migrants, minutemen, traffickers, environmentalists, and academians all lend their experience and perspective to this divisive issue. Greg plans to be in attendance. After a short discussion, we'll have an early lunch (provide your own sack lunch) and then in the afternoon we'll take to the trails including Smuggler's Gulch and Goat Canyon, focusing on the impacts of human activity on the borderlands and the hydrological systems, which drain into the estuary. Oscar Romo, the watershed coordinator for the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve will be our guide. Mr Romo is a professor at UCSD in Urban Studies and chairs the Water Task Force for the U.S. EPA, Regions 9, and chairs the International Boundary and Water Commission Citizen's Forum. Please be sure to bring water, waterproof boots and rain gear if indicated. Plan for an all day outing. To sign up, please call Jean Costa at 619-463-0721 or Ellen Shively at [email protected] by January 20th.

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January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

Including a view of the Coronado Islands and their unique wildlife
Saturday, January 15, 2011, 10 AM – 3 PM* Sunday, March 6, 2011, 10 AM – 3 PM*
*Time approximate as this can change with the number of whales sighted. Can be as late as 5PM This will be our fifth year to offer this fantastic opportunity to observe the whales up close and experience the best of nature while helping the San Diego Chapter raise funds. These trips fill up fast and no one has ever complained about not seeing enough whales! The boat is modern, spacious, and has a comfortable galley which seats 35 people. Unlike other cruises, we don’t pack you on like sardines; we have limited these trips to 80 passengers as opposed to hundreds.

$65 Adults, $55 Students, $50 Children
(13 and under)

MAKES A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
These trips are during the height of the grey whale migration along our coast and your opportunity to see whales from afar and up close. Past trips have seen as many as 15 whales. Some whales will still be migrating south, and others will be starting their trip back north. You will also get to see the Coronado Island (we do NOT go on the island) animal residents – which include the sea lions, elephant seals, harbor seals, various shorebirds and some seabirds nesting on the cliffs. We will also have onboard a marine mammal biologist, naturalist and researcher of gray whale conservation to lead our trip and provide interesting facts about the creatures we observe.

All reservations are made on a first come-FIRST PAID basis only. RESERVATIONS ARE NOT CONFIRMED UNTIL PAYMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED! To reserve your space, email to [email protected] or by calling 858-569-6005. To make payment by credit card (Visa/MC), go to www.sandiego.sierraclub.org and click on DONATE NOW. When prompted where to apply your payment, select "Whale Watch". This is a safe, secure and easy way to make payment. To pay by check, make payable to "Sierra Club San Diego Chapter", and mail to: Whale Watching Trip, San Diego Chapter Sierra Club, 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Ste. 101, San Diego, CA 92111. Please include the name, address, email, and telephone number of each person. No tickets are required, by making payment you are officially registered and will receive notification and confirmation.

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cal sites. In 1999 the Nature Conservancy purchased the property which is now overseen by the state Department of Fish and Game. Directions: Take Hwy 8 East to Greenfield Drive. Turn right and go 0.5 miles to La Cresta Road and turn left and drive 3.0 miles to Mountain View and turn left (watch carefully for this turn). Then go 1.0 miles and again turn left on Horsemill Road and drive 0.5 miles to the end of the road. We will gather there at 9:00. See Thomas Bros 1252 & 1253. Bring warn clothes, rain gear, water and lunch. Rain cancels.

Wednesday, January 12**
Dayhike (M6C) The Park In The Dark: South Fortuna Loop

Contact: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598 Assistant: Aaron Sweeney
Here's an energetic evening conditioning hike for you in Mission Trails Park. From Tierrasanta we'll 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 pass pinyon pines, junipers,oak trees, and grass filled meadows. And if the weather has been cold and rainy, we might even see some snow. Bring 2 - 3 litres of water, and lunch, and be able to climb up and down large boulders and steep hills. Long sleeves and pants are recommended. The group size will be limited to 15.

Wednesday, January 19**
Dayhike (M8B) Wed in Mtns - Mile "0-4" of the PCT at Campo

Wednesday, February 09**
Dayhike (M4B) Cowles Mountain Evening Hike From Barker Way

Contact: Ellen Shively [email protected] or 619-479-3412
The Pacific Crest Trail begins at the US/Mexican border in Campo. We'll start off at the monument and wander along the trail for a couple of hours, taking our lunch break at a beautiful, unexpected waterfall. Along the way, we'll identify some of the native plants and their uses to the native Americans inhabiting the area. Bring your lunch, and the ten essentials. Update of some of the chapter conservation issues along the way. Heavy rain cancels. Check with the leader if in doubt. Carpool leaves Mission Valley at 8 am sharp. Be a few minutes early to discuss who will drive.

Contact: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598 Assistant: Robert Burroughs
Abs? What are abs? Where? Oh, they're hidden abs. Join us on this fun, fast- paced evening conditioning hike up the trail less traveled to the top of Cowles Mountain. We'll 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, January 12
Dayhike (E4A) Encinitas North Beach

Contact: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or [email protected] Assistant: Needed
Easy beautiful beach walk, great scenes. Bring water and comfortable hiking shoes or boots. Meet 9 am in Encinitas at Third and C parking lot. Use Encinitas exit off hwy 5, go west downhill under rail road then across Coast Highway (Old 101) to Third St. Turn left onto Third, drive up hill one block, turn right on C street and go into parking lot, Thomas 1147-B7. Optional restaurant lunch. Rain cancels. Msg. on Mac's answering machine.

Wednesday, February 09
Dayhike (E5A) An Easier Hike - Santee Lakes

Wednesday, January 26
Dayhike (M7C) The Park In The Dark: Fortuna Evening Scramble

Contact: Carol Murdock 619-749-2467 Assistant: Needed
Enjoy the winter water fowl around this water reclamation project as we walk around the lakes. Stroll along San Diego River to see progress by this River Conservancy in Mast Park. Bring hat, snack and water. From Hwy 52 eastbound, take Mast Blvd. exit and go east. Turn left on Fanita Parkway and right on Lake Canyon Road. Park on Lake Canyon and meet at 9 AM. Mission Valley car pool leaves at 8:30. Rain cancels.

Saturday, January 15
Dayhike (M4A) Coasters Hike Torrey Pines Extension

Contact: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598 Assistant: Skip Forsht
Let's hike North Fortuna Mountain in Mission Trails Park. From Tierrasanta we'll start out with great views of the city lights, then get really energetic as we loop over the top of North Fortuna. Fast, VERY STEEP, and very fun! We can add South Fortuna if we're quick and still eager. Call for required sign-up and any changes.

Contact: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or [email protected] Assistant: Needed
Walk visits the eastern natural area saved in 1964 - 1970. Varied terrain and ocean views. Bring water and boots or walking shoes. Optional restaurant lunch. Reservations required, limited to 20, prefer Email. Rain cancels.

Saturday, February 12
Dayhike (E4A) Coasters Sat Hike - Encinitas North Beach

Wednesday, January 26
Dayhike (M4B) An Easier Hike Crestridge Ecological Reserve

Saturday, January 15
Dayhike (H9C) Whale Peak Dayhike

Contact: Rachel Barsman 619-733-1903 or [email protected] Assistant: Starla Rivers
this is my favorite hike in the Anza Borrego Desert. We'll start out at the Pictograph trailhead and cross Smuggler's Canyon to get to a rocky wash that climbs up to the area near the peak. As we gain elevation

Contact: Dale Laney 619-574-6838 or [email protected] Assistant: Needed
We will hike along trails and roads and through extensive stands of wild Lilac which provides important habitat for the endangered California Gnatcatcher and many native butterflies. This was once the location of a Kumeyay Indian village.The Earth Discovery Institute has located 3 prehistoric archeologi-

Contact: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or [email protected] Assistant: Needed
Beautiful 9 am beach walk, great scenes, Encinitas area. Bring water and comfortable hiking shoes or boots. Optional restaurant at
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.

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January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

Outings continued from page 8

end. Limited to 20. For reservations email (prefer) or call Mac. Rain or drizzle cancels.

California Election Recap
Sierra Club California
Earlier this fall, the Sierra Club launched a grassroots effort to work against Proposition 23 to promote the creation of good jobs through the development of a clean-energy future in America. Working with a broad and incredibly capable coalition, the Sierra Club set up offices around California to help coordinate a massive “get out the vote” effort. We had approximately 800 people making nearly 341,000 phone calls for us using our system over the course of the last month of the campaign. The “No” side of Prop 23 was the biggest vote-getter on the ballot, clearing the way for implementation of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act. Propositions 26, 25, and 21 Despite our successes the funding for environmental programs is still going to be undermined. The passage of Prop 26, the Polluter Protection Act, and the failure of Prop 21, the Save Our State Parks initiative will both be detrimental to California's environment. Proposition 26 was a seriously flawed proposition that will let polluters off the hook by reclassifying pollution fees as taxes that require two-thirds votes. An expensive and deceptive campaign by the oil, tobacco and alcohol companies overwhelmed the under funded grassroots campaign of opponents. Sierra Club volunteers gathered thouReview continued from page 6

Wednesday, February 16
Dayhike (M6B) Wed In Mtns - Suycott Wash

Contact: Mac Downing 858-490-0583 or [email protected] Assistant: Needed
8:30 am meeting time, in gravel lot east end of Clairemont Mesa Blvd in Tierrasanta, Thomas 1250-A1,2. We will stay west of Fortuna and its many steps. Enjoy the wash and views from the mesa. Bring water, lunch, and comfortable hiking shoes or boots. Rain or drizzle cancels.

sands of signatures to place Prop 21 on the ballot and prevent parks funding from being used as a political football during budget negotiations. Its defeat will mean closures and cutbacks at our parks during the state's ongoing fiscal crisis. In a split decision on fiscal matters, voters did approve Prop 25, which was supported by Sierra Club California because it will allow the State Legislature to approve budgets by majority vote, ending the ability of the minority party to put anti-environment riders in the budget. The majority Democrats in the Legislature now face the daunting task of balancing the budget without the ability to raise revenues. Brown, Boxer and Harris -- California's Environmental Champions While their opponents suggested rolling back environmental safeguards, Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer triumphed by showing how clean energy policies and investments can help put Californians back to work. Their longtime records on cleaning up our air and atmosphere, along with opposition to offshore oil drilling, resonated with voters. In the important race for State Attorney General, Sierra Club-endorsed candidate Kamala Harris won in a very close race. Harris ran a strong campaign emphasizing her support for strong enforcement of our environmental laws and her opposition to Prop 23 To see all results from Sierra Club California's endorsed ballot initiatives and candidates, please visit www.sierraclubcalifornia.org/elections

Saturday, February 26**
Dayhike (M6C) The Park In The Dark: South Fortuna Loop

Contact: Diane Purkey 619-865-8598 Assistant: Skip Forsht
Here's an energetic evening conditioning hike for you in Mission Trails Park. From Tierrasanta we'll 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.
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.

A New Exciting Way to Help Us Out!
In the next six months, we are hoping to convince 200 committed Sierra Club supporters to contribute just $10 or more each month to help cover our expenses. Our basic monthly costs are only about $2000, which covers the costs for our office and supplies for our volunteer activists. Can you become a basic-office-supporter? It's easier than ever to give a monthly, sustaining gift to the San Diego Sierra Club! Your ongoing donations ensure a continuing source of funds throughout the year and make a huge difference in out ability to continue the work that we do. Visit this website to make a monthly contribution to the Sierra Club's San Diego Chapter! https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/ index.php?aid=30175

All of this is in accordance with national policies on transportation. 2011 - Future Activity Planned The newly inaugurated law clinic mentored by our staff lawyer, Pam Epstein, has taken on a wide variety of issues that Pam and her legal interns (law students) will continue working on in 2011. The focus for the Clinic in the coming months will retain a heavy emphasis on transportation and land use planning with the 2050 (Regional Transportation Plan) RTP and the a conflict with SANDAG regarding a Public Records Act request for transportation modeling data. We will also continue working toward a livable San Diego County General Plan Update. The clinic will also be working closely with Senator Kehoe's office to propose bills regarding reasonable time allocation for draft Environmental Impact Report review periods and expanding public access to essential modeling data to engage in a thorough review.

January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

9

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 Street, San Diego, CA. Across the Street from Trader Joe’s. Additional parking is available under Trader Joe’s and Ralphs Market. Program Chair: Mannie Kugler - (619) 585-3773

January 21st
San Diego's Sustainable Future will hold a workshop with the San Diego Sierra Club on the current state of Home Energy Market, and give property owners a brief summary of government funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs. Learn best practices and ask questions about the technology and financing. Demystify the complex financing schemes, and understand the real costs. The confusing state of government incentives, utility rebates, and tax credits only adds bureaucracy to the ever changing technical world of energy conservation and renewable generation. With all the potential for lifting our economy, and creating new jobs, why haven't we seen any results? Come to the workshop to find out what you can do today to help create a Sustainable Future.

About Michael Russell - from San Diego's Sustainable Future is a professional Building Energy Auditor, with California Home Energy Efficiency Service (CHEERS). Trained in the installation and design of small renewable energy generation by the Solar Living Institute in 2008, in 2010 Michael became certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), as a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Level 2 Auditor. Michael specializes in helping homeowners and small businesses navigate the complex world of energy

Michael Russell
efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE), educating them about the best practices and pit-falls. He is currently a small business consultant with Grant Writing Specialists (GWS). www.sdsustainablefuture.com • www.grantwritingspecialists.com San Diego's Sustainable Future [email protected]

February 18th

Capture The Cosmos!
Night Sky Photography

In this presentation, Mammana will show some of his classic images, and will explain how he uses both technology and online information to create magnificent one-of-akind celestial portraits with even the most basic of equipment. He will demystify the art of shooting the heavens, and will present some of his specialized shooting techniques, personal anecdotes, composition and lighting tricks, pitfalls & bloopers, anticipating and planning sky shots, simple post-processing secrets and other creative tricks-of-the-trade—all aimed at inspiring photographers to capture the cosmos!

About Dennis Mammana Dennis Mammana
Fifty percent of our environment is sky, and half of that is visible only at night. It glows with light, color, movement, drama and mystery, yet many outdoor photographers believe that shooting a great night sky photo is impossible without specialized equipment or, worse, that there’s nothing to shoot after dark. Not true. Mammana’s First Law of Night Sky Photography states: "If you can see it, you can photograph it." In fact, many of the spectacular photos in Dennis Mammana’s SkyScapes Gallery were shot with little more than a camera and a tripod—some with even the simplest of point n’ shoot digital cameras. A nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and author of six books on popular astronomy, Dennis Mammana is also an invited member of TWAN—The World at Night— an international team of the most highlyacclaimed night sky photographers on the planet. He leads public tours to view and photograph amazing celestial events such as total solar eclipses, comets and the aurora borealis, and can be visited online at www.mammana.com and ww.facebook.com/dennismammana.

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January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

Privatizing Miramar Landfill Poses Environmental Risks
Richard Miller State law requires public review of potential impacts before privatization.
The Sierra Club San Diego Chapter has asked the City of San Diego to comply with state law requiring public review of likely environmental consequences before taking the dramatic step of privatizing the city's only public landfill. Turning over the Miramar landfill to a private operator, as the City proposed in a request for bids issued in July, could cause significant environmental damage and expense. The Chapter cited risks inherent in operating the landfill for profit rather than for the public good include: istrators and officials November 9, 2010, Chapter Supervising Attorney for the Chapter’s "Legal Eagles" program, Pam Epstein stated "State laws require public information and input on decisions of such public significance. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a public review process for any decision by a public agency that may cause a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. That clearly includes a landfill privatization contract." "After a contract is approved, the public will lose the ability to participate in decisions regarding the City's waste and its effects on the environment," Epstein wrote. "A private company is under no obligation to open its meetings." When the City of Stockton privatized its water system, the Superior Court ruled in 2005 that environmental impact review was required because "common sense dictates that methods of operation will differ between the government and private sector based on… the profit motive." The Chapter has asked the City to suspend further action on privatizing the Miramar Landfill until an Environmental Impact Report is done, in compliance with state law.

Prop 21 Defeat Sets Back State Parks
California state parks receive more than 80 million public visitors a year, support thousands of jobs and generate billions in income from business and tax revenues for the state. Now, with the defeat of Prop 21, our parks are on the equivalent of the endangered list The passage of the measure would have created a dedicated trust fund from an $18 fee levied on all vehicle license permits once a year. In exchange, California vehicles would have received free, year-round day-use access to California’s state parks and beaches. Without the additional funding, our 278 state parks have a backlog of needed maintenance, repairs and staffing. Cuts in rangers and lifeguards have reduced safety and increased crime. In addition to the parks, the measure would have provided additional funding for wildlife and ocean conservation programs. Our natural and historic resources are part of what makes California unique. Opponents argued that the "ballot box funding" was a run around the end zone to disguise raising taxes and placed parks above more urgent issues such as support for our schools and much needed infrastructure maintenance. More than 760,000 Californians signed petitions to place Proposition 21 on the ballot. Unlike traditional campaigns, the Yes on Proposition 21 campaign used a number of innovative online tools to engage real Californians from all walks of life in building support for the measure and spreading the message about the need for additional funding for state parks. It won the support of more than 700 organizations representing a wide range of interests, "The fight to protect our state parks will continue, and we will be looking to the new Governor and the Legislature to stand with us in that fight"," said Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the California State Parks Foundation. "Millions of new supporters now know the peril our state parks face because of persistent under funding, and they know that more closures and cutbacks are imminent. With their support, we will continue the fight to find the funds needed to ensure our children and grandchildren can enjoy our state parks as we have."

• Increased usage shortening the life of the landfill & requiring a new landfill location. • Increased greenhouse gas emissions. • Increased traffic, as private operators have the incentive to accept trash from anywhere. • Leakage of toxic fluid into the San Clemente Canyon stream and eventually Mission Bay. • Reduction of greenery recycling. • Disruption of protected wetlands and endangered species’ habitats. State Law Cited
In a one page letter delivered to city admin-

www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/lodge
Care About the Future of Foster Lodge?
A meeting to discuss a Green Development Plan will be held in February. Email: [email protected] for details OR Call: 858-569-6005 and leave a message.

Email reservation requests to: [email protected] or Call: 858-569-6005 and leave a message for Foster Lodge

Compiled by Ellen Shively

January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

11

For up to date info on our activities SIERRA SINGLES ORIENTATION listings visit: http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/Xcalendar Wednesday, January 5th & February 2nd 6:30pm - 7:50pm First Friday Movie Night January 7th, 6:30 pm “Division Street” (56 minutes)
From pristine roadless areas to concrete jungles, filmmaker Eric Bendick tours America, dodging Yellowstone's grizzlies and Miami's taxis, exploring the negative impacts of highways on wildlife and highlighting sustainable road projects sand wildlife corridors for the 21st Century.

lunch(brown bag your own), we'll carpool to Smuggler's Gulch and Goat Canyon to view the shortfalls of the project, with commentary by UCSD professor of Urban Studies, Oscar Romo. To sign up (required), please call Jean Costa at 619-463-0721 or Ellen Shively at [email protected]. by January 20th.

3rd FRIDAY MONTHLY CHAPTER PROGRAM February 18th, 7:30 pm Capture The Cosmos-Night Sky Photography
Dennis Mammana Sponsor: San Diego Chapter Contact: Mannie Kugler 619-585-3773

SIPPING SIERRANS Sunday, February 13th, 3:00pm
Join fellow Sierrans and friends in a tasting of great wines on Sunday, February 13 at 3:00pm at The Wine Pub, 2907 Shelter Island Dr. #108, in Point Loma (San Diego). We will enjoy a flight of 4 wines paired with an appetizer especially prepared for the wine being served. Cost $30. RSVP to Richard at [email protected].

Sport Chalet, Mission Valley Meeting Room,1640 Camino Del Rio North #110 (at Mission Center Drive & Camino De La Reina).

INTRODUCTION TO THE SIERRA CLUB Saturday, January 22nd & February 26th 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 membership.Location: Chapter Office, 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Ste. 101, San Diego 9211. RSVP: Carolyn Chase 858-272-2930 [email protected]

First Friday Movie Night February 4th, 6:30 pm “Forces Of Nature” (50 minutes)
This film profiles the inspirational work of twelve young recipients of the Brower Youth Awards as they deal with such challenges as climate change, deforestation, water and air pollution and destructive mining. Sponsor International Committee Contact: Jean Costa 619-463-0721

TWO-DAY WORKSHOP Saturday, March 12 & March 19 10am - 4pm Introduction to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) & National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite TBA San Diego, California 92111 Registration: $40.00 for Sierra Club Members and $45.00 for Non-Sierra Club Members for both days or $25.00 for Sierra Club Members and $35.00 for Non-Sierra Club Members for one day. Seating is limited. Please contact either Pamela Epstein at [email protected] or Richard Miller at [email protected] to RSVP by March 6, 2011. Or you may call the Sierra Club office at 858-569-6005 (See article on Page 1 for more details)

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 St in Hillcrest.

Talk And Walk The Border Wall Saturday, January 29th, 9am - 4 pm
Join the international Committee for an informative talk and walk on and about the U.S./Mexico border wall (aka fence). Meet at 9 am at the Tijuana Estuary Visitors Center, 301 Caspian Way in Imperial Beach. We'll show a powerful film "El Muro" followed by a discussion led by director Greg Rainoff. After

January 21st 7:30 pm San Diego’s Sustainable Future
Michael Russell Sponsor: San Diego Chapter Contact: Mannie Kugler 619-585-3773

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January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13th-3:00pm
Come join us at The Wine Pub, 2907 Shelter Island Dr. #108, in Point Loma (San Diego). We will enjoy a flight of 4 wines paired with an appetizer especially prepared for the wine being served. First Course: Tobin James Sparkling Wine from Paso Robles with cheese board with bread, fruit, nuts; Second Course: Rock Hollow Sauvignon Blanc from Santa Barbara County with mini shrimp cake; Third Course: Rutherford Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon with Kobe Beef Slider; Fourth Course: Museum Reserve Muscat from Australia with Banana Caramel Bread Pudding. The Wine Pub is a wine bar, restaurant, and lounge in Point Loma, San Diego, right next to Shelter Island. At the Wine Pub, their mission is to provide customers exceptional wine and beer paired with a delicious dish that will entice both the amateur and the expert in a relaxing, intimate setting. Visit them on the web at www.thewinepubsd.com. Sipping Sierrans are fellow members like you that gather on a regular basis 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. All members and their guests are invited to attend. This 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 (about $5) to the Chapter. Please RSVP to [email protected] or by calling the Chapter office at 858-569-6005. You can pay by check or charge it to your 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. When asked for where to apply your donation, select Sipping Sierrans Reservations. We are also establishing an email list for announcing future events. If you would like to be placed on the list, please let us know by emailing [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTICE!
ExCom Meeting Change
The Executive Committee has changed its monthly meeting to the SECOND WEDNESDAY at 6:30pm.

Chapter Seeks Gala Award Nominations
See Page 15 for details

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.

2011 Chapter Executive Committee
At the December 5th meeting of the Executive Committee, those elected for terms expiring in 2012 were installed. We welcome returning member Marty Stevens and new members Mollie Bigger, Malinda Dickenson and Bill Powers. The Executive Committee also elected officers for 2012: Chair, Carolyn Chase; Vice Chair, Malinda Dickenson; Secretary, Chrissy Magee and Treasurer, Larry Klaasen.

Nominating Committee Sought for 2011 ExCom Elections
At its January 12, 2011 meeting, the ExCom will appoint the 2011 Nominating Committee. The mission of this Committee is to recruit and vet, then nominate candidates to serve for a two-year term on the Chapter Board of Directors: the Executive Committee. Members interested in being considered for this important committee should contact the Chapter Chair, Carolyn Chase at [email protected] The Chapter Bylaws state: Nominating Committee;. A Nominating Committee (NomCom) of at least three Chapter members, at least one not an ExCom member, none of whom may be a candidate, shall be appointed annually by the ExCom.

We offer bicycle rides for all levels and distances (beginner to fast-paced) throughout the year. Weekends at Foster Lodge, Warner Springs Ranch, Anza Borrego, Agua Caliente and more. Potluck suppers, annual beach barbeque and our very 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: [email protected].

January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

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Classified Ads
FOSTER LODGE CABIN:
Group events at the Sierra Club’s Foster Lodge 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 $240 per night (includes the first 20 people). Email reservation requests to: [email protected] 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

Sierra Singles
Hikes, Bonfires, Concerts, Volleyball, Movies, Picnics, Dancing, Car Camps and more…. For more information, call (858) 657-0502 or email [email protected]
Annual Email Membership Only $10.00 Enjoy!!

KAUAI CONDO RENTAL:
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. [email protected]

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

MAGICIAN MICHAEL

He appreciates the Sierra Club and will donate 20% of his fee back to the at time of submission by check Sierra Club if you hire him. 760-703-9661 or to: www.MagicianMichael.com

Sierra Club San Diego 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #101 San Diego, CA 92111 Attn: HiSierran Treasurer Send ad to: [email protected]

www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/singles

858-569-6005

Join The Sierra Club Today!
❒ Yes, I want to be a member of the Sierra Club

Membership Categories:
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Send form and payment to: Sierra Club, P.O. BOX 52968 Boulder, CO 80322-2968 You can also join online at: www.sandiego.sierraclub.org and click “Join or Give” link.
Contribution, gifts and dues to the Sierra Club are not tax-deductible; they support our effective, citizen-based advocacy and lobbying efforts. Your dues includes $7.50 for a subscription to Sierra Magazine and $1 for the Hi Sierran (chapter newsletter).

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January/February 2011 • Hi Sierran • San Diego

Bill Tayler
San Diego, ICO Co-Chair
Well, it’s been a busy year for us at Inner City Outings. In 2010, we led more than 60 outings with more than 600 youth participants. We took kids hiking, backpacking, camping and snorkeling in locations throughout San Diego County and at places as far away as Joshua Tree National Park and Sedona, Arizona. outdoors and we enjoy introducing kids to nature – things like showing them how to turn an acorn cap into a whistle, navigating a faint trail in the desert by looking for cairns, helping them identify constellations that they cannot see in the city, showing them how to eat a prickly pear fruit, teaching them to snorkel, and, occasionally, hitting them with a On the one hand, these outsnowball. We know that what ings translated into a lot of we do makes a difference in the work – our volunteers gave lives of the kids that come on more than 4,000 hours of our trips – many of them tell their time to make these us it is the best experience of outings happen. On the their lives and nearly all ask to other hand, those 4,000 come on more trips. And we hours also translated into an hope that their experience with indescribable amount of fun ICO will create in them a – for the kids and for the desire to protect the environadults. I think I speak for ment throughout their lifetime most ICO volunteers when I – whether in a small way such say that the hours I put into as packing out their trash, or ICO are not hours that I by protecting the open spaces have sacrificed – they are "Destiny and Gloria Hiking in Sedona" around us from development. hours that I have spent But most of all, we volunteer doing something that I love. with ICO because it is just plain fun. Don’t The time and energy we invest always seems believe me? Come on a trip with us and to pay back an even greater reward. find out – we’ll be doing plenty more trips We volunteer with ICO because we love the in 2011.
CEQA continued from page 1

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 [email protected] or call 760-739-8407. Join us on an ICO Trip – Want to see us in action? Join us as a guest on a day trip. Please check the ICO calendar at http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/ico/ and contact the leader listed for more information. How to Donate – We appreciate your support helping us to provide exciting, safe adventures free of charge. To receive a tax credit for your donation, please make your check payable to "Sierra Club Foundation/San Diego ICO" and send to: San Diego ICO c/o Mike Gilligan, 4920 Uvada Place, San Diego 92116 Contact info for this article: Bill Tayler, e-mail: [email protected]

ing the adequacy of the environmental documents in terms of environmental settings, impact assessment, mitigation, significance thresholds, and data sources. The last segment of the workshop will include a practical application in drafting comments from a template comment letter for the I-5 North Coast Corridor DEIR/EIS, as well as any project that is currently active. Completing this workshop, participants will be able to: Understand and participate in CEQA/NEPA evaluations and effectively review and comment on CEQA/NEPA documents. Registration: $40.00 for Sierra Club Members and $45.00 for Non-Sierra Club Members for both days or $25.00 for Sierra Club Members and $35.00 for Non-Sierra Club Members for one day. Seating is limited. Please contact either Pamela Epstein at [email protected] or Richard Miller at [email protected] to RSVP by March 6, 2011. Or you may call the Sierra Club office at 858.569.6005 **Lunch and informational materials are included in the cost of the workshop.

Chapter Seeks Gala Award Nominations
This year’s Gala celebration theme will be “Building Environmental Communities” and presenting our FEAT and HEAT awards. The FEAT awards honor those who have connected environment and social justice efforts, worked for local solutions to global issues, and helped communities make sound environmental decisions. The HEAT awards recognize those who's efforts have degraded our region.

To nominate an environmental community hero (FEAT) or villain (HEAT), submit in 500 words or less your nominee, no later than January 23, 2011. Send to: [email protected]

January/February 2011 • 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 12:00pm – 5:00pm Phone: 858-569-6005 email: [email protected] Development Coordinator: Richard Miller email: [email protected] 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

Leadership Review & Safety Committee

Jennifer Douglas (858) 344-5490 [email protected]
www.meetup.com/SDSierraClubFamily Photography

Chair Carolyn Chase (2011) (858) 272-2930 [email protected] Vice Chair Malinda Dickenson (2012) (619) 796-6191 [email protected] Secretary Chrissy Magee (858) 635-8908 [email protected] Mollie Bigger (2012) (619) 549-7779 [email protected] Dave Grubb (760) 753-0273 [email protected] Pete Lefkarites (2011) 858-576-4147 [email protected] Bill Powers (2012) (619) 542-1985 [email protected] Chris Schmidt (2011) (858) 794-8919 [email protected] Martin Stevens (2012) (858) 673-0891 [email protected] John Stump (2011) (619) 281-7394 [email protected] Rob Wilder (2011) (760) 634-1358 [email protected]

Marty Stevens (858) 673-0891 [email protected]
Pacific Crest Trail
Occasional work parties.

Jonathan Fennell [email protected] www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/photoclub
Singles

Rob Langsdorf (858) 454-4777 [email protected]
Ski
Meets the 2nd Thursday of month 6 pm (November- March)

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

Mike Fry (858) 748-5166

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Meets 2nd Tuesdays at 6:30 pm Chapter Office. Chair: Carolyn Chase (INTERIM) 858-272-2930

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

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

Wilderness Basics Course (WBC)

Jack Paxton (760) 744-3282 [email protected] Cindy Buxton (619) 934-0323 [email protected]
Climate Change
Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 pm.

John Tomlinson WBC (NCG) (Inland) (858) 486-4853 [email protected] http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/wbc/nc/index.htm

STANDING & SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Foster Lodge
Meetings to be determined

TREASURER
Larry Klaasen (619) 582-7407 [email protected]

Donald Lee (858) 643-0024 Jean Costa (619) 463-0721
International
Meets the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. Call for location.

Email reservation requests to: [email protected] or Call: 858-569-6005 and leave a message for Foster Lodge
Fundraising
Meets 4th Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm.

NORTH COUNTY GROUP (NCG) (INLAND)
The NCG Executive Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Contact Chair for time and location.

Jean Costa (619) 463-0721
Land Use
Daun Clizbe (858)592-2462

Richard Miller (858) 569-6005 [email protected]
Hi Sierran Newsletter
Meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm.

Co-Chair Cheryl Knapp (760) 745-8819 [email protected] Co-Chair George Greer (858) 231-5455 [email protected] Conservation Ken Quigley (760) 723-4425 [email protected] WBC (Wilderness Basics Course) John Tomlinson (858) 486-4853 [email protected]

[email protected]

Smart Energy Solutions Task Force

Join the se-tf List Serv at http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/home/emaillists.asp
Student Committee
Call for meeting information.

NORTH COUNTY COASTAL GROUP
Chair Dave Grubb (760) 753-0273 [email protected]
The "Coasters" meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm Encinitas Community Center.

Andy Wong (858) 484-8806 [email protected]
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 Ellen Shively [email protected] Managing Editor Judy Thomas [email protected] Legal Committee Kenneth Piercy (617) 448-9324 [email protected]
Legal Intern Program

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

Mike Bullock (760) 754-8025 [email protected]
Wildlife
Vacant-please call Committe Chair

Pam Epstein (858) 569-6005 [email protected] Membership Richard Miller (858) 569-6005 [email protected]
Monthly Program
3rd Friday 7:30 pm, See Page 10 for information.

Co-Chair Bill Tayler, (858) 272-8574, [email protected] Co-Chair Ed Barber, (619) 464-0780 [email protected]

OUTINGS COMMITTEE
Meets quarterly, call for information.

Mannie Kugler (619) 585-3773
Nature Knowledge Workshop (NKW)
Annual June Weekends, call for information.

Chair Jim Matlock (858) 748-4634
Bus Trips

SECTIONS
Bicycle
Call for meeting information. Tom Yager (760) 479-0187 [email protected]. www.sandiego.sierraclub.org/bicycle

Mike Fry (858) 748-5166
Chapter Outings Leadership Training (COL)

Barry Hite (619) 479-8133 [email protected]
Political
Meets first Tuesdays. Call for location. Carolyn Chase (858) 272-2930

Skip Forsht (858) 272-4495 [email protected]

[email protected]