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Vol. 21, No. 6 of 6 December 2021 - January 2022
Journal of Los Padres Chapter Sierra Club
Serving Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties
© Photo by Judy Spaar
Energy & Ocean … Sightings … Regenerate Climate … Wild Life
Pg 1 Pg 4 Pg 5 Pgs 6 & 7
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Your choice of energy
is now serving our area
By Katie Davis in the Lompoc wind project,
which will eventually provide
Community Energy
enough energy for 45,000
Sierra Club and our
homes. Offshore proposals are
allies have long advocated
for community choice energy slowly advancing as comments Journal of Los Padres Chapter Sierra Club
are due Jan. 11 on the latest
programs to accelerate
proposed area for offshore wind,
Serving Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties December 2021 - January 2022
procurement of renewable
which is located approximately
energy and invest dollars locally
20 miles offshore the central
in greater resilience and faster
California coastline and contains
progress toward climate goals.
approximately 240,898 acres
This year we have finally
(376 square miles). Comment at
achieved coverage across
the Wind Energy Virtual Meeting
our entire Chapter region! In
Room here:
October Santa Barbara Clean
https://tinyurl.com/
Energy (www.sbcleanenergy.
OceanWindSite
com) launched for residential
customers in the City of Comment Time
Santa Barbara. And Central California is finally issuing
Coast Community Energy health and safety rules around oil
(www.3CEnergy.org) launched production statewide, but there
in Goleta, Carpinteria and is a big loophole we’re trying
unincorporated areas of Santa to remove – the exception for
Barbara County. existing infrastructure.
Also, more jurisdictions If you’d like to do one good
are opting for 100% renewable thing today, send an email by
energy default plans in Ventura Dec. 21 to:
and LA Counties through CPA calgemregulations@
( w w w. C l e a n P o w e r A l l i a n c e . conservation.ca.gov
org) with remarkable results. Tell them to support new
For example, Thousand Oaks’ state regulations to protect
greenhouse gas emissions from public health from oil drilling
the energy sector dropped 80% by requiring a 3200-foot oil well
between 2018 and 2020. setback from homes and schools, CHUMASH SANCTUARY
which is recommended by its own
Surf’s up for ocean proposal
Battery Energy
Science Advisory Panel to apply
Battery projects continue
the rule to existing operations,
to roll out in our region. These
not just brand-new development. By John Hankins
provide more reliable power with
zero emissions and let us retire Decision Time After forty years of region- Comment on Chumash Marine Sanctuary
old polluting gas-powered peaker In a major victory, the wide advocacy, the federal
government will advance the Virtual public meetings will be held in December and January to
plants by reducing peak demand. SB Planning Commission
proposed Chumash Heritage gather input on the scope and significance of issues to be addressed in
On Oct. 25, the Goleta has recommended denial of
National Marine Sanctuary to the the environmental impact statement that are related to designating this
Planning Commission approved ExxonMobil’s plan to restart its
‘designation’ phase, making it the area as a national marine sanctuary. Deadline is Jan. 10, 2022. More
a 60-megawatt battery storage offshore oil platforms off the
first tribally nominated sanctuary in details here:
facility on Cortona Drive. It will Gaviota coast and truck the oil
the nation. http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/Chumash-heritage
utilize Tesla batteries to provide on the 101.
87,600 megawatt-hours annually, The platforms have been It would cover a 7,000 square Dec 8, 6 – 9pm – Registration:
which is equivalent to supplying shut down since the 2015 mile area along 176 miles of the https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5934702389309680399
annual energy demands to 13,257 Refugio oil spill from a ruptured central California coast, adjacent
homes. pipeline. Since the pipeline to San Luis Obispo and Santa Dec 13, 1 – 4pm - Registration:
remains too badly corroded to Barbara counties, tying in between https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1642653198337341710
Wind Energy the Monterey Bay and the Channel
use, ExxonMobil proposes to
Local wind energy is now a Islands marine sanctuaries. Jan 6 (2022) -- 4 – 7pm
truck the oil via 24,800 tanker
reality as well. The boundaries are adjusted https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2954174857204428046
truck trips per year on Highway
In November, the first to exclude a 400 square mile area
wind turbine was completed continued on page 2 for wind energy development, administration has taken this step whose legacy of advocacy was
contributing towards the Biden to protect our coastal areas from instrumental in moving this project
Administration’s goal to deploy further oil and gas drilling and forward.”
30 gigawatts of offshore wind strengthen our state’s $1.9 trillion “(This) will protect ocean life,
by 2030. That will also be part of coastal economy, which is propped sacred Chumash sites, strengthen
public comments (see links above ). up by tourism and commercial Indigenous communities and
A diverse assembly of leaders fishing,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal. serve as a model of environmental
and the public rushed to applaud “Bringing the proposed sanctuary justice,” said Violet Sage Walker,
the action. It will now enter the into the designation phase is Fred Collins’ daughter and the
‘scoping’ phase, which includes the result of years of public current Tribal Chair. “Today my
input from the public and is the first engagement … I am also thankful father would be proud. This is one
phase in a four-step process (see for the steadfast leadership of the of the things he wanted to see the
box for virtual meetings). late Fred Collins, Chair of the most,” she added.
“I am thrilled the Biden Northern Chumash Tribal Council, continued on page 2
‘Refreshing’ moves to remove derogatory names
Editor’s note: By popular approving logging project of 800 Wildlife Service to relist wolves . . . I talked to the office to include Padres’ (which means The Fathers,
demand, we continue with the Jim acres in Pine Mtn/Reyes Peak area. comment period closes on Dec. 17; the Los Padres National Forest a name used to honor early Spanish
Hines Chronicles, which reflects the Several outdoor groups oppose the here’s the link to comment: name on the list of federal lands to missionaries who abused native
emails by our premier lobbyist on project, notably: https://tinyurl.com/WolfPeril be renamed. They told me to wait Chumash in the region).
the ins and outs of environmental https://lpfw.org/ Nov 18: Interior Secretary has a “couple more weeks” until the I advocate replacing it with
activism and is chock-full of See Forest Service’s Project now created a committee to remove committee is fully up and operating. “Central Coast National Forest,
information. This covers the last Proposal on why: derogatory names from all national I focused on a large land unit where the national forest is located.
two months, starting the first week https://tinyurl.com/ReyesPeak public lands units. where I live: the Los Padres National Editor’s note: Jim has made it clear
of October. Jim is our chapter vice- Oct 13: As we move into a new age Forest. I advocated removing ‘Los this is his choice, the suggested
chair and conservation director with a major Sierra Club focus on name change is not an official
who belongs to many wildlife diversity and inclusiveness, we are designation by our local Sierra
groups. seeing one more step in that effort continued on page 2
Oct 4: Forest Service news release here in Ventura County. Junipero COVER PHOTO
Serra’s image could be removed in ” Majestic Offering! On my way
EAVESDROPS the county’s seal update. Last year to the eagles nest this morning,
“This is the greenest our Chapter supported the removal I was hoping that the moon and
proposal ever seen.” of the Padre Serra statue in front of eagle (named Majestic) would
~ Our local Rep. Salud Ventura city hall. offer this blessing. I was grateful
Carbajal, on the passage of the Oct 16: The judge in my lawsuit how Divine Light shined upon us,”
Democrats’ Infrastructure bill,
to get the Biden Administration to said Judy Spaar, a photographer
adding, ”This is going to be big at Lake Casitas. See more of her
relist wolves as endangered has set
for the country and the Central excellent photography at
a trial start date of Nov. 12 when
Coast, most significantly in the www.Facebook.com/
money it brings and jobs, jobs, oral arguments will begin. So far Gary Wolf OR93 found in Ventura County after an epic odyssey from Oregon over OjaiValleyWildlife
jobs,” we have been able to get over 5000 900 miles away. But he was killed around Nov. 24 by a motorist off Interstate 5.
(Courtesy CDFW)
@LakeCasitasEaglesOjai
public comments into the Fish and
December 2021/January 2022 • Condor Call 2
Surf’s up... the Biden-Harris administration’s
commitment to lifting up
continued from page 1 community-led efforts to
Thank local Democrat conserve our lands and waters
legislators, all of whom have been and strengthen our economy,”
endorsed by the Sierra Club which said Deb Haaland, Secretary
strongly supported the sanctuary. of the Interior. “Local voices,
They include Carbajal, and Senators Indigenous knowledge, and
Feinstein and then-Senator Harris. collaborative stewardship will be
They succeeded in gaining a five- integral to our efforts to bolster
year extension from 2015, avoiding community resilience, protect
the Trump Administration’s likely our natural resources, and build a
rejection. In August, Carbajal clean energy economy.”
led the charge to get it into the Remarking on the recent oil
‘designation’ phase. pipeline break near Huntington
The waters off the Central Coast Beach, no less than Brenda
are some of the most biologically Mallory, Chair of the White
diverse and ecologically productive House Council on Environmental Your choice...
regions in the world. The marine Quality, said, “it’s a costly and continued from page 1
resources include feeding grounds harmful reminder that we need 101. The Commission rightly
for whales and dolphins, sea to do more to protect our coastal concluded that the risk of spills
otters, kelp forests, and is home to communities from the threats that and accidents from such a plan
vital commercial and recreational our ocean is facing. The Chumash outweigh any possible benefit.
fisheries. Heritage sanctuary proposal In February or early March,
These resources are essential and the Morro Bay wind energy the Board of Supervisors will
to California’s $1.9 trillion coastal area provide an opportunity for make a final decision on this
economy and supports $731 billion communities to help shape how egregious project. If you live in
in wages, according to NOAA. we both protect the region’s the county, let your Supervisor
“It’s impossible to fully extraordinary marine and cultural know that you expect him/her to
calculate all the benefits the Central resources and harness the ocean’s vote to deny the trucking project.
Coast will receive as a result of clean energy potential.”
Decommission Time
the ecosystem-based management Now it’s the public’s turn to
Work to plug and abandon The Strauss wind turbine shines in bright lights as the first now in operation in the
that a national marine sanctuary weigh in, and as our Chapter vice-
the 30 oil wells on Platform Lompoc area (Photo BayWa). Residents have had to put up with slow traffic when the
brings,” noted Andrew Christie, chair Jim Hines said, “So let’s
Holly off the coast of Goleta has giant blades must be realigned under power poles and difficult street turns. Resident
director of the Santa Lucia Sierra get comments in, supporting the
resumed but it will take more Sally Hankins, who took the photo, said a lot of residents don’t seem to know much
Club. sanctuary’s creation!”
than a year to complete. about this game-changing new energy source.
“This proposal demonstrates The public can comment
CA State Lands plans to
on the proposed sanctuary extension of an oil drilling leasing off the coast of California
have a town hall about it on
EAVESDROPS designation until January 10, permit in the Sespe Oil Field and invest $555 billion in clean
Dec. 8. Further offshore in
“These platforms were 2022, through the Federal in 25 years, yet the County is energy and climate initiatives,
federal waters, similar work is
built 40 years ago, and they’ve eRulemaking Portal at: trying to approve the permit by the most significant effort
being done on Platforms Gail
been in the wind and the harsh www.regulations.gov shortcutting the environmental to combat climate change in
and Grace off of Carpinteria
conditions out at sea – they’re The docket number is NOAA- study process. The appeal will American history.
and Hidalgo, Harvest and
time bombs waiting to go off, for NOS-2021-0080. It will also host be heard at the Ventura Planning
Hermosa off the Gaviota coast.
an oil spill like this to occur.” virtual public meetings on Dec. 8, Commission in early 2022. Find EAVESDROPS
Meanwhile, another old well on
~ Miyoko Sakashita, of 13, and January 6 (2022) during out more here: “We Are Living in a Climate
Summerland beach, one called
Center for Biological Diversity which members of the public can https://tinyurl.com/NoSespeOil Emergency, and We’re Going
Duquesne #910, is slated to be
about the offshore Orange offer oral comments. to Say So.”
properly abandoned this month. Looking Forward
County spill from a pipeline A detailed description ~ Headline for Mark
Protect Sespe The Build Back Better Act
leak on Oct 2. There are 200 of the proposed sanctuary, as Fischetti’s article in Scientific
ForestWatch is challenging was passed by Congress on Nov.
miles of pipelines serving well as additional information American, noting “it’s time to
the county of Ventura’s extension 19 and could make it to a Senate
23 offshore platforms, about opportunities to provide use a term that more than
of an oil drilling permit in the vote in December. Among its
11 no longer producing, comment, can be found at: 13,000 scientists agree is
Sespe Oil Field adjacent to the many social and environmental
five in the early stages of http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/ needed.” Read it here:
Los Padres National Forest benefits, it would permanently
decommissioning. Chumash-heritage https://tinyurl.com/SayItsSo
and Sespe Creek. It’s the first ban future offshore oil and gas
1873, 30 years after my ancestors
Condor Call
www.sierraclub.org/lospadres ~ All phone numbers 1-805 area code
Refreshing moves... first arrived in this area and settled
on land in the western part of the
continued from page 1 you, Representative Carbajal!
EDITOR: ‘Condor’ John Hankins, 452-2885 Ojai Valley. My ancestors were part
260 Pacos St. Ventura CA 93001 • John@gnusman.com Club chapter, although it has of old Ventura County, and I am glad
ADVERTISING: Contact Editor (above) Nov 20: Wilderness Basics Course
DEADLINES FOR ALL ISSUES: been discussed with numerous to be part of a new Ventura County.
board members and volunteer staff
Copy Deadline: 20th — Advertising Deadline: 22nd of month preceding publication. other suggestions, such as Condor would like our Chapter to fund a Nov 22: Secretarial order
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE: Chapter et al.) bench to be placed in a local wild immediately bans the use of the word
February/March, April/May, June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Free to members
It is refreshing to see the area as our thanks to Teresa Norris “squaw” on federal land names. I
Non-members, $15 per year. Contact Editor John Hankins Interior Secretary committed to for her many years of service to have notified the Interior Secretary’s
Photos, news, tips always welcome! righting the wrongs of the past and WBC, both as founder and chair. office that the word ‘squaw’ is used
give us great national public land
Sierra Club
Our chapter ExCom unanimously in the Los Padres National Forest:
names which honor the land. approved of the idea. Squaw Flats and Squaw Spring
SierraClub.org/Los-Padres Nov 19: Monarchs & Pollinators located north of Fillmore, and I’ve
• LOS PADRES CHAPTER • asked to have those names removed
Post Office Box 31241, Santa Barbara, Ca 93130-1241
are beneficiaries of a bill mentioned Teresa knows about this project and
https://www.sierraclub.org/lospadres in this link: would like the bench to be in Sisar from maps and publications.
Santa Barbara 617-3106 • Ventura 988-0339
Change of Address: address.changes@sierraclub.org or (415) 977-5653
https://tinyurl.com/ Canyon in Upper Ojai, one of her
PromotePollinators favorite hiking spots in the National Editor’s note, quoting Wikipedia:
NATIONAL OFFICE & MEMBER SERVICES: (415) 977-5500 Forest locally. Not sure we can do “The English word ‘squaw’ is an
2101 Webster St. Suite 1300, Oakland CA 94612
WASHINGTON LEGISLATIVE OFFICE: (202) 547-1141 It’s part of the Build Back that, but WBC people are looking ethnic and sexual slur, historically
50 F Street, NWW, 8th Floor Washington, D.C., 20001 Better bill passed by the House into that and if not, a possible used for Indigenous North American
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of Representative today. Thank alternative site. women. Contemporary use of the
Jonathan.Ullman@SierraClub.org term, especially by non-Natives, is
• EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • Nov 22: Sierra Club policy allows
Katie Davis (Chair): 451-4574, kdavis2468@gmail.com EAVESDROPS us to support removing offensive and
considered offensive, derogatory,
Jim Hines (Vice- Chair): 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com
“We began that restorative misogynist, and racist. The word is
Gerry Ching (Secretary): 964-5411, gching@cox.net outdated symbols from the official
Richard Hunt (Treasurer), 966-4157, richardhunt@cox.net accountability process to not used among Native American,
seal of the County of Ventura.
Alex Pujo (at large): 962-3578, alex@pujo.net
understand and examine where First Nations, Inuit, or Métis
David Gold (at-large): 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com
Elisabeth Lamar (at large): 667-7617, elisabethlamar@hotmail.com we failed our people so we can peoples.”
Rebecca August (Arguello Group Rep): 350-0629, rebeccaaugust@mac.com
The current seal includes an oil rig,
Hugh Warren (Conejo Group Rep): 341-6295, mail@hkwarren.net
do better as an organization, Padre Serra and San Buenaventura Nov 24: Our beloved gray wolf
Martha Sadler (Santa Barbara Group Rep): 636-9194, marthasadler@yahoo.com as an employer, as an advocacy Mission (religious symbols which OR-93 who had journeyed from
• GROUP CHAIRS •
group and progressive partner should not be a part of our county southern Oregon to the backcountry
Arguello: Rebecca August 350-0629, rebeccaaugust@mac.com We have made a commitment seal), nuclear testing symbol (this of Ventura County has been found
Conejo: Hugh Warren, 341-6295, mail@hkwarren.net to follow through on these
Santa Barbara: Katie Davis, 451-4574, kdavis2468@gmail.com is no longer happening in Ventura dead near Lebec, CA (next to the 5
Ventura Network: Elisabeth Lamar, 667-7617, elisabethlamar@hotmail.com changes.” County). freeway).
~ Ramón Cruz, the Sierra Fish and Wildlife reported that
• CLUB SERVICES •
Forest issues: Jim Hines, 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com Club board president, in an In their place might go agricultural OR-93 was struck by an automobile.
Wilderness Basics Course: Teresa Norris, 524-7170, lospadreswbc@gmail.com interview with the Intercept fields with farm workers who pick So sad, OR-93 was my inspiration
Air Quality: Michael Stubblefield, 216-2630, motodata@roadrunner.com
Conservation SB: Kate Mullin, mullin@shelter-vet.com following a report focusing on our food, Channel Islands National and I know an inspiration to many
Conservation Vta: Jim Hines, 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com internal reckoning over race, Park, a California Condor, our of you. We mourn his death, and we
Legal: David Gold, 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com
Outings: Maureen Hernandez, moenandez@gmail.com
gender, and abusive cultures. beautiful mountains and beaches. will keep up on our work to protect
Political SB: Alex Pujo, 962-3578, alex@pujo.net Read the full story by @ wolves (wildlife overpasses) and
Political Vta: David Gold, 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com
Transportation: Kent Bullard, 218-6945, KentBullard@yahoo.com
AlleenBrown here: We have come a long way since their habitat.
Typography and production by Dan Fuller
https://interc.pt/3CZWoFT our county was officially formed in ~ Edited by John Hankins
December 2021/January 2022 • Condor Call 3
SANTA BARBARA GROUP MEMBERS ONLY VOTE
EVENTS
Santa Barbara Group Dec 8: Powered by People to discuss
Executive Committee Ballot what comes next for the Build Back Better
See candidate statements this page
Act and beyond, featuring Acting ED of
NOTE: Only members of the SANTA BARBARA GROUP can vote for the candidates below. A
second column is provided for households with dual memberships who get only one Condor Call. Sierra Club Dan Chu for a virtual event.
You may photocopy or cut this ballot from the Condor Call. Sign up here:
Mail ballot before Dec. 31 to: https://tinyurl.com/BBBjoin
.
Santa Barbara Group, Sierra Club,
P.O Box 31241, Santa Barbara, CA 93130 Dec 15: Bee & Butterfly plant planting at
Vote for NO MORE THAN 4 (FOUR) people
Ventura Community Park, 9am to restore
Robert Bernstein Alex Pujo including the write-in option if you wish. the habitat and populate the species.
Details go to:
Building a sustainable world I was born and raised in Argentina In alphabetical order: 1st member 2nd member www.MeetUp.com/SierraClubVentura
and came to Santa Barbara in 1974.
means supporting good projects,
not just opposing bad projects. My
My wife and I own a small architecture Robert Bernstein Dec 16: Renewable Trends sponsored
and planning firm: by Sierra Club, a virtual event to learn how
vision: Katie Davis
www.pujo.net we can most effectively steer decision-
A community that is more
Since 1992 we have been involved Alex Pujo makers toward practical and equitable
walkable, bikeable and transit in local and regional transportation
friendly. For social justice as well Luz Reyes-Martin solutions. Register here:
planning because we believe that
as for environmental reasons. A auto-mobility is one of the greatest https://tinyurl.com/ActSClub
community that produces much environmental threats facing us. Write in candidate if desired: Jan 5: Supper Club, our first at 4pm
of our own food and renewable We live in an area that exports its at The Good Plow in Carpinteria and
energy. A community where we can impacts to surrounding communities Please provide your Sierra Club member ID # (from your Condor Call
discuss the real cost of cheap food! (See
access nature in a way that enriches and places little value on environmental mailing label or your membership card)
us yet minimizes damage to our
story pg ?) Join the Meetup which is the
justice. Our older neighborhoods are
natural ecosystems. (Number is only to ensure a valid confidential vote. It will not be tied to your name) best way for host nutritionist Gerri French
convincing proof that life is better for
The Climate Crisis is the result all living organisms when we live close to track RSVPs. There is a $10 fee for the
Supper Club with $5 refunded that can be
of human policies and activities
and we urgently need change.
to town, drive less and walk more.
Newer transportation policies Reopening wastewater used to support The Good Plow with food
and beverage purchases. Go here:
plant in SP eyed
I was first elected to the are increasing access for everyone,
Executive Committee in 1998. I but antiquated planning practices h t t p s : / / w w w. m e e t u p . c o m /
was a founding Board member of encourage sprawl and create a false Santa-Barbara-Food-and-Farm-
The wastewater plant in Santa of waste products was loaded into
COAST (Coalition for Sustainable choice between quality of life and Adventures/events/282193938/edit/
housing supply. Paula, closed by an explosion in a human waste truck, causing a
Transportation) and past president
I am a founding member 2014, has sat dormant for the last chemical reaction and explosion as
of the Bicycle Coalition. I have EAVESDROPS
of the Coalition for Sustainable seven years but that could soon well as spontaneous combustion.
used my decades of transportation “Enough of treating nature
Transportation (COAST) and a change if the County of Ventura Ri-Nu testified it would modify its
experience as Transportation Chair like a toilet.”
member of the Bicycle Coalition since approves an application to reopen methods.
on the Executive Committee. I have ~ U.N. Secretary-General
1994. I currently serve on the executive the facility. Public comment ended Nov.
also been Group Chair in the past. António Guterres during the
committees of the Santa Barbara Group If so, opponents are ready 30, but if the planners go ahead
I am a hike leader and a Glasgow climate summit, urging
and the Los Padres Chapter; I co-chair to object strongly when public to approve the proposal without
photographer and writer for the world leaders to do more to
the Political Committee that reviews hearings open up in early 2022. a full EIR, opponents are ready to address the climate emergency.
Condor Call newspaper. I am
local political races and recommends Placed near schools, farms, appeal. Public hearings will likely Then U.S. President Joe
grateful to write for local regional
endorsements. the Santa Clara River, and on start early 2022. For up-to-date Biden noted, “It’s destroying
news services which gives our
Thank you for your support. sacred Chumash land, the plant’s details, go to: people’s lives and livelihoods.”
message a wider audience.
reopening would put culturally and https://tinyurl.com/ But to Greta Thunberg it was
Our current Executive alex@pujo.net
environmentally sensitive habit at WastewaterRi-Nu all a lot of “blah, blah, blah.”
Committee is a powerhouse team
substantial risk, yet the Planning
that works well together. I would
Division has not required a full
be honored to serve with this team
Environmental Impact Report of
for another term!
the proposed project.
robert@robert.name
If the facility is permitted to
reopen, it would be expanded and
operate nonstop, creating pollution
from the tanker trucks hauling See catch currents at:
hazardous waste. The plant is at
815 Mission Rock Road and the www.sierraclub.org/lospadres
company asking to reopen is Ri-
Nu Services LLC.
Luz Reyes-Martin The plant would accept
Most meetings continue
I’m honored to serve as the Vice-Chair trucked-in domestic waste from online for now
on the Executive Committee for the portable toilets, septic tanks,
Katie Davis
Sierra Club Santa Barbara Chapter.
As a member of the Executive
and industrial wastes, including
those from oilfields. It would
Group News
www.SBSierraClub.org
Committee, I work alongside other be permitted to operate around The public is welcome to our programs
“Blaa, blaa, blaa,” said Greta members to continue our advocacy the clock with up to 500 truck
Thunberg at the latest UN climate work, work in coalition with other deliveries a week. County officials
conference, contrasting leaders’ fine CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
community groups, and continue to found the operation’s effect on
words with the scientific truth that ~ Meets 4th Thursday 7pm of every month, via internet for now.
grow a strong member base. I’ve been farming could be minimized with Email Secretary Gerry Ching for the agenda: gching@cox.net
CO2 emissions are still rising and we proud to work alongside activists with a vegetative screen, dust control ~ Chapter website and blog at:
need more action, more quickly. the Sierra Club chapter in leading the and proper communication. www.SierraClub.org/LosPadres
As current Chair of the SB work needed in our communities. However, a hearing held SANTA BARBARA GROUP
Group, I enjoy working to secure Preservation, protection, on Nov. 8 turned contentious. ~ We meet 1st Tuesdays, noon to 1:30pm of each month. For details
concrete victories, including getting education, and environmental justice Some residents told the Ventura and to follow the South Coast area, contact:
Santa Barbara to set a goal of 100% are areas that the Sierra Club will County Planning Director and the http://www.sbsierraclub.org
renewable energy by 2030 and continue to fight for and that I am https://www.FACEBOOK.com/SBSierraclub
applicant “we won’t take what https://TWITTER.com/SBSierraClub
implementing a Community Choice committed to focusing on. The effects
others don’t want.” Planning https://www.INSTAGRAM.com/SierraClubSantaBarbara
Energy program to achieve it. of climate change, the threat of oil
director Dave Ward, who sat at the https://www.MEETUP.com/SierraClub-SantaBarbara
Also, defeating 750+ proposed expansion, and other environmental
same table with Ri-Nu CEO Tim https://tinyurl.com/SBGroupBlog
oil wells and requiring that new hazards disproportionately affect
Koziol, defended his staff’s claim ARGUELLO GROUP
buildings and MTD buses be pollution- underrepresented communities across
the Central Coast. that there really wasn’t much to Our North County Group will keep you informed on our Facebook
free and all electric. I also serve on worry about due to ‘mitigation’. page:
Sierra Club California’s board, the CA I’d be honored to have your
Former Santa Paula mayor www.facebook.com/SierraClubArguelloGroup ~Volunteers needed;
Climate and Energy Committee, and support to remain on the Executive your talents could make a difference. Call 350-0629 or:
Committee. I live in Goleta with my Marianne Krause, Santa Paula
Sierra Club’s National Marine Team. RebeccaAugust@mac.com
family, I currently serve on the Goleta Latino Town Forum, CFROG
I am also a trained presenter of Al VENTURA NETWORK
School Board, and am employed by and other groups are organizing ~ For board meeting dates, times and location email:
Gore’s “Climate Reality Project” and opposition, and the Ventura Sierra
Planned Parenthood California Central sierraclubventura@gmail.com
work in coalition with lots of other Club is keeping a close eye on it.
Coast. ~ Get latest info about the western Ventura County group via Facebook
organizations because we are stronger Representatives said the and a blog:
“Do work that matters. Vale la
together. county planners ignored studying http://tinyurl.com/VenturaSierraClubFB
pena” - Gloria Anzaldúa
the worst-case scenario when https://tinyurl.com/VenturaSierraClubBlog
luz.reyesmartin@gmail.com ~New MEETUP site for hikes, outings etc:
in fact the worst case already
www.meetup.com/SierraClubVentura
happened when crimes were
committed on the property that CONEJO GROUP
~ Events, outings and meetings will be sent to you if you sign up at
led to injuries to many and
ConejoGroup@gmail.com
disabilities to firefighters in the Otherwise, get all information on this eastern Ventura County Group
explosion seven years ago. The from Hugh Warren, 341-6295 mail@hkwarren.net
2014 explosion occurred when a www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/conejo
chemical used in the processing www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/conejo/outings
December 2021/January 2022 • Condor Call 4
SIGHTINGS
We act from the ground up
By John Hankins have some coastline. a secure bike parking for commuters
The last two months have using a combo of bike and bus.
Nov 20: We did it! Sierra Club, as
provided some good success, but That was the word via a letter to SB
well as our coalition partners, urged
of course being a champion for our Mayor and Council by Katie Davis,
CalGEM to consider a minimum
local slice of the planet is a steady our Chapter Chair and Heather
2500-ft buffer zone between
job. Check it out, lots of good info Deutsch of SBBike+COAST and
extraction sites and sensitive areas
and links. Michael Chiacos of the Community
(homes, schools, public places).
Please join our activities and Environmental Council. We’ll see if
We may get more, a 3200-foot
activism; see Group News box on they ‘do the right thing’.
buffer! On this date the club hosted Chapter Chair Katie Davis (above) checks out the SCAPE artists show Oct. 23-24
page 3 for contacts and links where (https://SCAPE.wildapricot.org) It was a fundraiser for Sierra Club and Community
a leadership meeting to ensure it Nov 4: Flood Awakening: Nina
you can get involved. We encourage Environmental Council with Climate Change as the theme (Photo by Condor John,
gets done with the public comment Danza (Ventura Sierra Club) tipped
all to go outside on your own or by who bought “The Last Tree” painting and he intends to will it to the Joni Mitchell “Tree
period ending Dec. 31 and a final us to a campaign to change FEMA
MeetUp. And check out our free Museum) Below, the club gave artist Kevin Gleason our own reward, separate from
rule in 2022. Send comments to: regs to disconnect the “build-flood- SCAPE. It’s entitled “Creek Flow Tunnel Trail” and next to it is Natalie Wilson, Exhibit
outings on pages 6&7.
CalGEMRegulations@ damage-rebuild cycle” that has Chair. (Photo by Katie Davis)
If you’d like to donate (it helps
conservation.ca.gov destroyed riverine ecology in the
a lot and the money stays here at They are Assembly member Steve
U.S. A To-Do session was sponsored
home), go to: Nov 18: Hollister Ranch coastal Bennett (D-37), and State Senators
by Anthropocene Alliance. We have
www.sierraclub.org/donate/1000 access program workshop conducted Monique Limón (D-19) and Henry
printed information on this issue
for education and activism on this Stern (D-27). SCC singled out
Dec 4: Holiday Party (virtual before, thanks to Nina and friends,
long-running issue with our chapter notable bills like Limón’s SB-47
online) for our whole chapter in to convince Ventura flood control
advocating for more public access. which gives up to $5 million a year
Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. to use natural materials as berms
Lots of info here: to plug abandoned oil wells.
Guest speakers, awards and instead of concrete. Watch this
www.Coastal.Ca.gov/hollister-ranch
celebrating our ‘wins’ in 2021. Space! Oct 26: Great News! Senators
Nov 18: Bee & Butterfly native plant Feinstein and Padilla sent a letter
Nov 22: Redistricting for SB County Nov 3: Trucks Stop at the SB
installations at Ventura Community asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
was on tap for public comment by Planning Commission as staff
(Kimball) Park by volunteers Service to withdraw the proposed
the Independent Commission and recommends not to allow Exxon to
sponsored by Ventura Sierra Club General Conservation Plan for oil
our chapter weighed in, with the use trucks to transport its offshore
and Ventura Tree Alliance. and gas activities in SB County. We
notorious 3-2 Board of Supervisors’ oil. The staff advice was to justify plant (luckily shut down), Read it
makeup at stake. Tendency was Nov. 15: Bike Spot building at the planners’ 3-2 denial during a greatly appreciate the support from
here:
to support map 818 as a balanced Parking Lot #3 in Santa Barbara meeting of Sept. 29, and now it’s on Rep. Carbajal on this important
https://tinyurl.com/DismantleExxon
approach, and each district would should be restored to its original use as to the Board of Supervisors. Staff issue, based on potential harm to
notes that highways are not properly endangered species. Oct 15: Cancel leases currently
designed to carry the load of up to 70 open for offshore oil in the Santa
Oct 23-24: Art show fundraiser for
trucks per day, among other findings. Barbara Channel. That message
our Sierra Club Los Padres Chapter
was sent by our Chapter to the
Nov 1: Serge Trotsky, a former and Community Environment
Center for Biological Diversity
longtime hiker and member of the Council by SCAPE (SoCal Artists
group that intends to deliver an
Conejo Group, died in his sleep. He Painting for the Environment)
emergency petition to the Bureau
was a retired LAPD officer and is and the Climate Reality Project.
of Ocean Energy Management to
survived by his wife Gloria and son Also included speakers on climate
cancel those leases.
David. change. Condor John bought “The
Last Tree” painting and intends Oct 14: Westside Coalition
Oct 28: Oak Tree planting at to will it to Joni Mitchell’s Tree coalesced outside the Museum of
Ventura’s Community Park, a Museum. Ventura County to tell SoCal Gas
collaboration with the Ventura Sierra it needs to do an Environmental
Club, Ventura Tree Alliance and East Oct 20: Racism and Climate
Impact Report for its proposed
Ventura Community Council. crisis connections were noted by
compressor expansion project
the Sierra Club via an online panel
Oct 27: Ion Energy! The news that across Olive Street from the Boys
discussion by Hop Hopkins, the
Goleta approved a new 60-Megawatt and Girls club and an elementary
club’s director of Organizational
energy storage Megapack that also school. Some of the protesters were
Transformation. Members from the
ties into Isla Vista prompted this not allowed in and many dropped to
Los Padres chapter attended, and
reply from our Chapter Chair Katie the ground in protest.
the panel was recorded.
Davis, quoted in Noozhawk: “It Oct 13: New board members
really is reducing fossil fuel use. Oct 17: River Run and Trout
for our Wilderness Basics Course
The alternative to building these Trot by Friends of the Santa Clara
announced. They are Sean Cole,
battery storage facilities was to build River with help from the Ventura
Patty Peinado, and Scott Nelson.
another power plant in Oxnard. I Sierra Club members, followed by
They join the other members of
am confident this will help us retire a clean-up.
‘No more gophers’ is the rallying cry for volunteers protecting newly planted trees and
the board: Condor John Hankins,
Ellwood, which is a very old and Oct 15: Dismantle Exxon hardware Alisse Fisher, Marc Hertz, Teresa
other plants at the Kellogg (aka Ventura Community) Park. (Photo by Nina Danza)
Volunteers are welcome, If interested, go here: www.MeetUp.com/SierraClubVentura polluting power plant.” on the Gaviota Coast, a blog by our Norris, Cara Peden, and Jim Hines.
Oct 27: Working for US. Executive Director Jon Ullman Also, Heather D’Anna has accepted
Group plans to plant Congratulations to our local CA
representatives with 100% scores,
lists why it’s past time, noting the
Huntington Beach oil spill, Santa
Maria tanker truck accident starting
the position of WBC Outings Chair.
Discussions continue whether
WBC will be revived in 2022.
About 15 Sierra Club volunteers participants came from CA State noted our chapter Chair Katie
came out to Kimball Park (officially University – Channel Islands Davis when Sierra Club California a fire, and the Alisal wildfire
Oct 13: SB Group signed on to
Ventura Community Park) to plant environmental science class, and an released its latest report card today. threatening the Exxon processing
urge the Biden Administration “to
native species as part of a new old timer from Kern County Sierra immediately initiate the designation
restoration project on Nov. 18. Club (now residing in east Ventura). of the Chumash Heritage National
Originally proposed by East “Everyone got a sense of Marine Sanctuary.”
Ventura Community Council which purpose and achievement that
wanted to put in oaks and butterfly/ morning. It was definitely a bonding Oct 12: Suz Montgomery, a
bee plants, the project has resulted experience,” said Nina Danza, one of Sierra Club member and wife to
in a partnership with Ventura Tree the organizers with the club. Condor Call editor, John Hankins,
Alliance and Ventura Sierra Club. So See lots of pictures on Instagram lost her long-time battle with
far 20 oaks and 20 native plants have @venturasierraclub. cancer, which she believed was
been put in. More dates are to come for from environmental pollution.
The project attracted a new weeding, watering and planting Her influence ranged locally and
local native plant expert, Martin dates over the next 6-8 months. If statewide and her expertise covered
Schenker, who provided the plants interested, go here: a wide range as an interviewer on
as well as protective gopher cages, www.MeetUp.com/ issues via her own TV show, long-
flags and soil testing. Other valuable SierraClubVentura time advocate for seniors, diversity
and racial justice to name a few.
Also known as a chef and gardener,
those who wish may donate to the
Ventura Sierra Club:
www.sierraclub.org/
los-padres/ventura
Oct 11: Alisal Fire starts, affecting
the Gaviota Coast, closing Hwy 101
and the railroad for four days, and
burning over 17,000 thousand acres,
Suz Montgomery, a long-time member of the Sierra Club, passed away on Oct. 12 hampered by strong winds that
from cancer, which she was convinced was by environmental pollution. A major activist sometimes grounded fire planes.
for seniors, justice, diversity, the environment and lifelong learning, her refuge was
the backyard garden. In July she visited the SB Museum of Natural History’s butterfly Full containment wasn’t until Oct.
exhibit. (Photo by Melissa Baffa) 20. No word on the cause.
December 2021/January 2022 • Condor Call 5
No fair trade-offs
By Jon Ullman recall it being local or fair, but
ED Los Padres Chapter I do remember free shipping. It
For many years, we thought was so easy and fast, we used
about it – giving nothing at all. them again and again. They said
Life depends on regeneration
We knew the Holiday they had electric trucks on TV,
frenzy of travel, food and but only gas ones came down
gifts was an Earth-wrecker. our street. We saw warehouses
pop up in farm fields, diesel ~ Editor’s note: Irene Cook is the dominant purpose is to build Our Role: Regenerative
According to the EPA, we
trucks belching poison in low- part of The Society of Fearless togetherness to regenerate and solutions need to be put into action
produce 25% more waste
income neighborhoods. Online Grandmothers group working with maintain all life on Earth. rapidly and at scale. And there is
between Thanksgiving and
shopping was so popular, all ages to combat Climate Change. This planet will meet the needs much more work to be done to rein
New Year ’s Day. A 2015 study
cargo ships fanned out off the www.fearlessgrandmotherssb.org of all its people: food, water, energy, in our destructive, business-as-usual,
shows production and use of
Port of Long Beach - one’s health, housing, education, income extractive economy.
household goods accounts for By Irene Cooke
anchor dragged an undersea oil and work, justice, political voice, and In the aftermath of the COP26
60% of greenhouse gasses. We Our collective choices and
pipeline until it broke. social equity, without “disposable travesty, it is critical for everyone to
didn’t know the stats, but we actions are creating the planet we will
It’s Holiday Season 2021. people” or “sacrifice zones.” The ramp up our activism. As Paul Hawken
ignored our gut instincts. gift to future generations. Do we want
Despite supply chain issues, good news is that we already have the says in “Regeneration” “Hundreds
Maybe it’s because we those future generations to say, “What
inflation and the pandemic, means to heal the planet and address of millions of people need to realize
couldn’t look into our loved were they thinking?!?”
people want normal. Trees the climate crisis, with solutions that that they have agency, that they can
one’s faces and say, “Sorry, Instead, let us give our
will be chopped. People will will improve both ecosystems and take action, and that collectively it is
nothing for you. Don’t take it descendants reasons to say: “Thank
gather. Presents dispersed live. social systems. possible to prevent runaway global
personally.” goodness they came to their senses
As Black Friday creeps What do Regenerative warming.” Collectively!
We searched for and brought Earth back to life!”
into Cyber Monday, as easily Agriculture, Solar Farms, Education We are all in this together,
alternatives. People said, “Shop Coming to our senses means
as Delta shifts to the Omicron, of Girls, Indigenous Land friends. What talents can you
Local.” After Black Friday embracing the awareness that we
as seamless as the last days of Management, Marine Protected contribute? What is your passion?
was Shop Local Saturday. I are part of Earth’s living system of
climate action draw towards Areas, Wetlands, Kelp Forests, and Where are you investing your time
bought a cutting board from a interdependence, that our survival
upheaval, we again ask that Wind Turbines have in common? and financial resources? There is a
local craftsperson. But local depends on Regeneration, a rapid
question, “Shall we hold off on They are some of the data- role for everyone in the Regeneration
craftspeople couldn’t make the shift from our growth-obsessed
gifts this year?” But we’re not based solutions for reversing global movement. T
Bluetooth speakers. economy to a life-sustaining society.
kidding ourselves. warming, documented with research The climate crisis presents an
People said, “Buy Fair If this shift seems daunting, listen
People want gifts. We published in the book, “Drawdown” exciting opportunity to regenerate our
Trade.” I bought earrings from to the sage Joanna Macy who says,
want to give them and receive and its sequel, “Regeneration.” These planet and create a just and livable
India that had a Fair-Trade “Action is the antidote to Despair.”
them. New trends are great. visionary works describe inspiring world, a gift we will be proud to give
logo. But there was no “Fair Our Vision: The planet we want
Special days are great. But projects that have already been future generations. Are you in?
Trade” version of the portable to gift future generations is one that,
when it comes to gift giving implemented and are ready to be Hawken asks, “If putting the
Nintendo DS. within its ecological limits, can meet
in a carbon-exceeding world, applied on a larger scale to improve future of life at the heart of everything
We had to find a Grinch- the needs of all living beings, so
we must establish a new, our farms, oceans, cities, food, forests, we do is not central to our purpose
less way to save the planet. that social systems and ecosystems
commonly held ethic to just energy systems, and quality of life. and destiny, why are we here?”
Was there a middle path? can thrive together: a world where
We tried giving services, cut back, not to feel better, but
“experiences,” hand-made to make an actual dent in the
gifts, re-gifts, socks. problem.
We tried wrapping gifts We need a world in which
in newspaper and presenting no single conservation idea is
them unwrapped. No idea was dismissed, but no single trend
off the table in those days. a pass.
After Coronavirus, holiday Meanwhile, we’re still
parties were either cancelled, trying all ways. This year I’m
or we would not attend for exploring used gifts on-line.
safety. That meant less giving I hear they are increasingly
acceptable to the receiver, Images from the Glasgow Climate Change
in person. That would surely Summit: Climate activists gather in front of
cut back on overconsumption but sadly there is no “Used JPMorgan Chase bank due to its financing
we thought. Gift Cyber Tuesday” quite of fossil fuels and (right) the Ocean
yet. Rebellion demonstrated the impacts on
But there was one marine life an oil refinery in Grangemouth
particular company. I don’t (Photos courtesy of Extinction Rebellion)
Drive for ‘safe passage’ around Mission’s arteries
The Old Mission and its link in a crucial evacuation route and their goal became known that earthquakes and major storm election underway. The vote to
surrounding neighborhood in the event of fires and floods. as “Safe Passage” (see link last events could destroy the bridge; improve the bridge came up short,
constitute the heart of Santa Pedestrians are forced to navigate paragraph). nevertheless, HLC saw no need 3 to 4. The revised motion asked
Barbara’s history. Its precious between road shoulders, dirt paths, This vision came closer to to replace it unless absolutely staff to come back with pedestrian
legacies of the 19th Century steps, a wooden footbridge, and fruition in 2020 when the City of necessary. and bicycle improvements, but
include: the Moorish Fountain, cross a busy road to get from the Santa Barbara hired consultants We disagree. without touching the bridge. As
Mission Aqueduct, the sandstone Mission to the Natural History to prepare preliminary plans to The character of the original they say, “Make it work, but don’t
walls bordering the cemetery Museum. address the critical pinch point at bridge is vitally important, but it change anything!”
and the picturesque bridge over Consensus on how to address the historic bridge. Their work can be retained in a well-designed As a result, the Safe Passage
Mission Creek. these deficiencies is hard to achieve was presented to the Historic reconstruction as done with the proponents began a petition drive
Over the years, the because of the presence of so many Landmarks Commission (HLC) in Presidio Chapel and perimeter walls to keep Council to its word and
development of the Riviera and historical elements, and that this June 2021 with a menu of design in the 1990s, or the Santa Barbara provide pedestrian and bicycle
increased traffic generated worries area is under both city and county approaches, including a road Mission --reconstructed twice after access on both sides of Mission
about safety around the Mission. jurisdiction. realignment and a wider bridge earthquake events. Santa Barbara Canyon Bridge. Sierra Club and
In 1930 the bridge was widened In 2011 a group of local with sidewalks. However, a group has the expertise to do that, but the other transportation advocates,
from 19 to 34 feet, and stone walls citizens came together to address of residents opposed to any changes need for improvements will only including SBBike+COAST,
were moved to accommodate long-standing traffic safety issues to the area mounted a strong letter- grow with time. support this petition drive and ask
that change. Since then, however, and to create a community vision writing campaign against any work The bridge came to City for your support.
further efforts to address safety for the Mission Canyon corridor. on the bridge. Council in August of 2021 with https://
have faltered. This group evolved into the Commissioners recognized HLC and the public in favor of missionheritagetrailassociation.
The bridge remains the weak Mission Heritage Trail Association the need for a pedestrian path, and the status quo and the municipal org/petition
December 2021/January 2022 • Condor Call 6
Take a Hike!
Los Padres Chapter
UPDATES: https://www.sierraclub.org/lospadres
Panorama above Goleta by Robert Bernstein
of firearm except in permitted gun
WELCOME HIKERS ranges has been extended to Jan. 31, OUTINGS
The public is welcome at all 2022. December 6
outings listed, unless otherwise HILL CANYON: Meet in the
specified. Please bring drinking water Covid Precautions parking lot at the end of 10241 Hill
to all outings and optionally a lunch. We will be observing any Canyon Rd. Camarillo, at 8:45am.
Sturdy footwear is recommended. If state/county rules effective at We’ll do a 5.5-mile lollipop past
you have any questions about a hike, the time of the outing. Each Elliot Peak, across the fire road
participant should observe these to Hawk Canyon and down to the
please contact the leader listed. All
water treatment plant. Elevation
phone numbers listed are within area rules and take any additional
600 ft and moderate. Led by
code 805, unless otherwise noted. precautions that they deem
MAUREEN. (VEN) Sign up or
A parent or responsible adult necessary to protect their health.
contact the leader at:
must accompany children under the In addition, the following rules www.meetup.com/
age of 14. will be observed on Sierra Club sierraclubventura/
A frequently updated on-line listing outings.
of all outings can be viewed at: * If you feel sick, please do not December 13
attend the outing HARMON CANYON: Meet at
http://lospadres2.sierraclub.org
8:45am in the parking lot at the
This website also contains * Each participant will fill-out a
Harmon Canyon trailhead, 7511
links to Group web pages and other sign-in sheet with clear contact
Foothill Rd, Ventura. It’s a small lot,
resources. Some regional Groups information. so carpool if possible. We’ll walk to
also list their outings on Meetup sites. * Masks will be required for the top where the bench is, turn and
See Group News on page 3 for links. any indoor activity such as return to our cars on a parallel trail.
carpooling. Distance 7.3 miles with a 1000 ft
Fire Danger
* Masks are optional outdoors. elevation gain. Led by MAUREEN
Due to drought and heat, fire
* Group size will be limited, (VEN) Sign up or contact the leader
danger is extremely high so do not
depending on the type of outing. at:
build any fires or smoke except in
Please note that in going www.meetup.com/
official campsites that have fire rings. Balance Rock, an icon in the Santa Monica Mountains is outlined by an October moon
on a Sierra Club outing you sierraclubventura/
For latest information on this and along a popular trail. (Photo by Suzanne Tanaka with Pete Scifres)
are potentially on a trip with December 20
other aspects of the forest, go to:
individuals vaccinated and SULPHUR MOUNTAIN RD: Meet Distance 6.5 miles with gradual January 15
www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf
unvaccinated. It is your choice at 8:30am at Sulphur Mt. Rd. Ojai elevation gain. FWI: donkeys like MISSION RIDGE: Hike from Tunnel
Shooting ban to attend the outing knowing off of HWY 33. We’ll hike 3 miles apples. Led by MAUREEN. (VEN) Trail up to near the Rattlesnake
A ban on discharging any kind this information. up the easement to the overlook, take Sign up or contact the leader at: Connector and then up a primitive
a short break and return to our cars. www.meetup.com/ trail to the top of a ridge. Return via
GREETINGS FRIENDS Elevation gain about 600 ft. Led sierraclubventura/ Edison Road trail. Primitive trail,
by MAUREEN. (VEN) Sign up or steep at times and some boulder
Earth friendly gardens contact the leader at:
www.meetup.com/
January 8
ARROYO BURRO TRAIL to East
Camino Cielo: Very strenuous long
hopping. Moderately strenuous 6
mrt. Bring lunch and plenty of water.
By Jim Hines practiced before the modern world sierraclubventura/ Meet behind B of A on upper State St.
Be kind to the land and the land of dangerous chemicals came along, hike, 12-mile out and back 4000’
at Hope Ave. at 9am. ROBERT (SB)
December 27 total elevation gain. Bring lunch
will be kind to you . . . an ethic for is now finding its rightful place in 1-805-685-1283 / event@swt.org
LAKE CASITAS: Meet at the entry and adequate water. Rain or muddy
all of us to follow. the nurturing of our land.
gate,11311 Santa Ana Rd, Ventura conditions cancels hike. Meet at the January 16
Organic gardening, long And organic gardening or earth
at 8:45am for a 7-mile hike around Jesusita Trailhead on San Roque Rd, OUTINGS DUE SOON: A reminder
friendly gardening is something the south side of the lake. Bring to all Group outings leaders to start
Santa Barbara. 8am-3:30pm. (SB)
we can all do in our own yards and binoculars if you want to see the eagle planning outings for the period of at
DALE 1-805-886-1674
gardens. I grew up on my family’s nest. Led by MAUREEN. (VEN) least February-March plus 2 weeks
organic farm in the western part Sign up or contact the leader at: January 10 into April. Send your outings to your
of the Ojai Valley, we composted, www.meetup.com/sierraclubventura/ LOON POINT: Low tide is at 11:14am Group Outings Chair.
nurtured the soil with the richness so we’ll end at the shore. Meet at
January 3 8:45am in the Loon Pt. parking lot January 17
of that compost, practiced natural
SIGNAL, SHELF, GRIDLEY Bike in Summerland. This will be a 6-mile VENTURA MISSION TO THE
pest control and the earth fed us and Path Loop: Meet at the Rotary PIER: Meet at 8:45am in the Vons
allowed my parents a surplus bounty loop through equestrian trails with a
Community Park, Ojai at 8:45am. 400 ft elevation gain ending at the shopping center at 115 W. Ventura
of fruits, vegetables and flowers We’ll walk the bike path to Soule Ave. We’ll hike up to Grant Park,
beach. Led by MAUREEN. (VEN)
which they sold to those who wanted Park, travel up Gridley to Shelf Rd, through the Botanical Garden and
Sign up or contact the leader at:
chemical-free healthy goodness the and return to the cars via Signal St.
HIKE LOS PADRES earth had to offer. Everyone loves a
www.meetup.com/sierraclubventura/ continued next page
CONDITIONS
Campgrounds trails and roads in Los
healthy harvest.
Using organic mulches to
enrich the soil when planting to
Catch up with ForestWatch
Padres National Forest can be closed, have Our friends at Los Padres his updated book” Hiking & the evolution of this magnificent
restrictions due to habitat protection, repair or develop strong plants and mulch ForestWatch have a robust website Backpacking Santa Barbara & creature that was once common
weather. Before you go into the backcountry on top of the soil to reduce water with all kinds of backcountry Ventura: A Complete Guide to the across California before being
ensure you check conditions with rangers. consumption is a very easy chore to
Numbers to call (805 area unless noted) are: information. The internet has also Trails of the Southern Los Padres hunted to extinction. A full
do for home gardeners and it yields provided opportunities to hear National Forest.” Hear about understanding of the demise of the
Los Padres Forest Districts great results. Mulch heavy, water
Headquarters 865-0416 interviews and webinars of interest to his wilderness stories, tips about California grizzly offers lessons
little. the public and Sierra Club members. exploring the region’s landscape and on how we can avoid losing other
Ojai-Ventura 646-4348
Mt Pinos (661) 245-3731 I use natural plant-based Below is a sampling of offerings, more. See it here: iconic and important species—and
Santa Barbara 967-3481 fertilizers such as Cottonseed Meal, and to get even more, to volunteer https://lpfw.org/craigcareywebinar it may help spread a greater sense of
Santa Lucia 925-9538 Alfalfa Meal and Kelp Meal on and/or donate go to: urgency about the ongoing plight of
my garden plants and they produce ~ Last Grizzlies of the Los
Other Areas https://lpfw.org megafauna in the modern era. See it
Santa Monica Mtns 370-2301 amazing results. Plants grow strong Padres: Check out the first of a
here:
Conejo Park 381-2737 and healthy and pest free. ~ Backcountry expert three-part series we’re doing on
https://tinyurl.com/LastGrizzlies
Simi Valley 584-4400 Seeking out and purchasing Craig Carey is interviewed about the California grizzly. Learn about
Montecito 969-3514 natural organic products as a ~ Watch the B.A.T.S.(Bats
supplement for what we cannot Aren’t That Spooky) webinar
Forest Information
For updated info, maps, news releases, grow not only supports small local recording. By wildlife biologist
and other goodies: organic farmers but also is so much Miguel Ordeñana from the Natural
http://FS.USDA.gov/LPNF healthier for us as we get to know History Museum of Los Angeles
the land and the people who work County who provided a look into the
Regional Hike Info
Lots of local info on websites that the land. fascinating world of bats in southern
give you varied info on outings, trail profiles, Community gardens are a great California. Here it is on YouTube:
wildflower alerts, work opportunities and much place for those who do not have their www.youtube.com/
more. own plot of land to garden on, most watch?v=xhZs36sUyO8
https://www.sierraclub.org/lospadres communities in our region have at ~ Santa Barbara Wild!
www.LPForest.org
least one community garden. Recording of the 2021 7th annual
https://LPFW.org
www.HikeLosPadres.com
Working in partnership with fundraising event. The live-
www.SBSierraClub.org the land as if the earth were one of streamed event features messages
www.SantaBarbaraTrailGuide.com our family, a family member who from the ForestWatch staff, National
www.SantaBarbaraHikes.com we want to be healthy is good for all Park Ranger Shelton Johnson and
https://SBTrails.org of us. An old San Francisco Examiner illustration of the last California grizzly in captivity, performance by Kenny Loggins and
www.VenturaCountyTrails.org ~ For earth friendly gardens, known as Monarch, was caught in the Los Padres National Forest (which will be Zach Gill. Check it out here:
http://Hikes.VenturaCountyStar.com Jim discussed in part 3 of this series). https://tinyurl.com/ForestWatchWild
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