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Vol. 21, No. 1 of 6 February - March 2021
Journal of Los Padres Chapter Sierra Club
Serving Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties
© Photo by Cara Peden Cody
Electrifying! … Energy Rap … Egrets etc … EVs go viral … Earthrise
Pg 1 Pg 2, 3 Pg 4 Pg 5 Pg 7
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HINES CHRONICLES
Get it done in ‘21
Editor’s note: Last issue we Dec 18: More good news
launched the Jim Hines Chronicles, from the Transition Team.
which takes the emails sent to Great selections to lead Interior,
Journal of Los Padres Chapter Sierra Club our Executive Committee by our EPA, President’s Council on
Serving Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties February - March 2021 premier lobbyist who phones and Environmental Quality and White
zooms to the nation’s Capital, House Office on Climate Change.
SB Council ‘seize’ the light phasing out costlier gas infrastructure
in new construction.
state Capitol, politicians, other
chapters, eco-groups and more. It
This morning I sent my list of issues
to Rep. Haaland; figured I best get
After a late-night marathon The vote directs staff to conduct City staff, council members was such a hit we were asked to my list in the door early . . . people
meeting in January, the Santa workshops and craft appropriate code and public speakers criticized a continue it; this issue starts with who lobby start and never stop; that
Barbara City Council unanimously language. The council will vote on it misinformation campaign launched his first December 2020 email and is how we get things done.
directed staff to craft an all-electric later this winter. by a SoCalGas front group called ends on our January 2021deadline. What I hear is that 2021 will
new building code despite a Our Los Padres Chapter was Californian for Balanced Energy Jim is our chapter’s vice-chair and be the year of YES and NO around
misinformation campaign to derail it fully behind the move and members Solutions or C4BES, which launched Ventura Conservation Director the Central Coast Region:
by a SoCalGas front group. lobbied hard for it. We were part of the a spam text campaign in the weeks among other wildlife advocacy NO new oil and mining in LP
45 organizations which supported it. before the hearing, targeting tasks. Forest,
EAVESDROPS It was past 8pm when staff thousands of Santa Barbara residents. NO new oil leases in federal
By Jim Hines
presented a 50-slide PowerPoint It attempted to confuse existing waters,
“Special thanks to Katie (Davis) Dec 4: Darn . . . in last
and Alex (Pujo). Katie organized the detailing the cost-effectiveness, buildings, which are not affected, with YES to new protected
minute negotiations House and
45-group sign on letter and Alex health and climate benefits of a new building that would be affected. ecosystems in LP Forest,
Senate conferees
must have gotten all the architects new “Reach Code,” which allows Policy experts are questioning YES to new Marine Sanctuary,
took out ALL
in the world out, because architects local jurisdictions to increase state where the group obtained personal YES to addressing climate
national public
just kept testifying like planes lined standards. data of Santa Barbara residents, and change,
lands legislation
up on a runway long into the night.” During public comment, the California Public Advocates YES to more funding for
in the National
~ Jon Ullman, remarking proponents of all-electric new Office has requested answers on this Condor Recovery,
D e f e n s e
about how our chapter officers buildings outnumbered opponents issue from SoCalGas directly. YES to $6.5 million for land in
Authorization
were successful in convincing the 31 to 5. Speaking in favor were More than 40 California cities Santa Monica Mountains,
SB City Council to support all-
Act, including our local legislation
architects, builders, climate groups, already have all-electric building YES to Rim of the Valley
electric new construction (instead to protect the Los Padres National
affordable housing experts and codes on the books. Building homes Corridor.
of the more polluting gas) during Forest (Central Coast Heritage
homeowners. They noted it would cut with electric appliances—which can Protection Act) and the Rim of the Dec. 18: Things are moving
a Jan. 12 marathon hearing. See
climate pollution, improve air quality run on 100% renewable energy—is Valley Corridor. along for wildlife; likely public
story above.
in homes, and lower building costs by healthier, safer, and more affordable. We will be back in early 2021 hearing in April 2021 designating
Santa Barbara plans to achieve with new bills and a new President. lion populations as endangered and
100% renewable energy by 2030 habitats in five counties, including
and updating the building code to Dec 17: Breaking news . .
our two.
reduce gas reliance is part of its goal . President-Elect Biden has just
to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. announced that Rep. Deb Haaland Dec 21: Off I go again to
Highlights from the letter sent will be the Secretary of the Interior, work on legislation to protect
from the coalition include: the first native American to lead several federal land areas locally,
~ Health: “All-electric will Interior. I have on several occasions a bill to create the largest protected
improve indoor air quality, the met with her as the Rep. from New wildlife corridor and to create the
combustion of gas inside our homes Mexico. She has a proven record of Chumash Heritage National Marine
produces harmful indoor air pollution protecting our public lands . . . so Sanctuary.
… which exceed EPA’s definition refreshing! continued on page 2
of clean air (according to Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory) i.e. Your vote matters how?
air pollution levels indoors would Ever wonder if your vote Republican Rep. Tom McClintock
be illegal if found outdoors. One matters? of California called the objections,
study found that gas stoves may be After narrowly defeating ``unconstitutional.”
Liz Lamar, our new Chair of the Ventura Sierra Club is with Dr. Robert Bullard, responsible for up to 12 percent of Sierra Club-endorsed Christy Garcia’s decision was
“father of environmental justice”. (photo contributed) childhood asthma cases.” Smith by just 333 votes in the particularly surprising given
~ Affordability: “All-electric Simi Valley area, Congress he represents a purple-to-blue
Welcome Liz Lamar homes can be cheaper to build, with no
need for new costly gas infrastructure
… and can lower monthly utility bills
member Mike Garcia joined a
group of extreme Congressional
Republicans in objecting to the
district that voted for Biden. A
growing list of companies and
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Editor’s note: Elisabeth ‘Liz’ the powerplant and Superfund
Lamar is now the Ventura Sierra site. I dream of the day when for residents and businesses.” certification of President-elect Joe announced they are cutting off
Club’s new chair, taking over complete restoration of Ormond ~ Climate Change: “California Biden’s electoral college victory donations to politicians like
from Nina Danza who remains Beach will come to fruition. is experiencing an increasing on Jan. 6. Garcia who opposed the Electoral
active in the club. The Ventura Since 2014, I have occurrence of extreme heat waves These Republican lawmakers College results, and legislation
Group includes Ventura, Oxnard, volunteered for the Ventura ... and many residents, particularly attempted to challenge the results was introduced that calls for the
Camarillo, Fillmore, the Santa Sierra Club and am proud of the low-income families, do not have air of Arizona and Pennsylvania, two expulsion of representatives like
Clara River drainage and the actions our group has embarked conditioning posing new health and swing states Biden won, during and Garcia who supported the objection
northern part of the County; call on to provide equitable access to safety risks. Air conditioning is an after the violent and deadly attack to the electoral results.
805-667-7617 or visit: nature for residents of Ventura important bonus from replacing gas on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump Remember his name and what
www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/ventura County. My vision for our furnaces with electric heat pump space mob. This attempt to delegitimize he did if he decides to run again.
Please welcome Liz, a group is to foster connections heaters, as the heat pumps can operate a duly certified election arguably We will.
long-time club member; here’s in our Sierra club community in reverse and provide high efficiency contributed to inciting the Capitol
cooling when needed. Electrification invasion and was denounced by COVER PHOTO
her welcome statement to you. and build our leadership team.
Please join us! We meet the first offers greater comfort, safety, and other House Republicans. At 2 ½ years (“I’m almost 3!”)
As a South Oxnard resident, climate resiliency when temperatures Chief among them was Evelyn is hiking the Ojai Trail.
Tuesday of the month on Zoom.
I feel incredibly lucky to live peak and shifting to electric power House GOP Conference Chair His mom says, “I love that my
Send an email for the meeting
near the Ormond wetlands, dramatically lowers greenhouse gas Rep. Liz Cheney, who said the kid loves hiking.”
link.
but remain heartbroken over emissions.” efforts, “set an exceptionally (Photo by Cara Peden Cody)
elisabethlamar@hotmail.com
the lack of accessibility due to dangerous precedent,” and
Sustaining members are vital for local victories
By Emily Engel recurring contributions. more nimble in the preservation Call, 2021 to sustain our critical
Support the Sierra Club’s Our local work in Santa of wildlife and wildlands, as well ~ Exclusive annual outings environmental advocacy in
Los Padres Chapter by becoming Barbara and Ventura counties has as in the fight for environmental guided by a Sierra Club trained Santa Barbara and Ventura
a Sustaining Member today. All it resulted in numerous victories, protection in our local communities. naturalist, Counties. We can’t do this
takes is pledging $20 a month or shared with a network of other Too, those in the Sustaining ~ Recognition in the Condor work without the help of our
more to support our local chapter. like-minded environmental groups. Member Circle receive exclusive Call and on the Los Padres volunteers – and through the
When you become a member Examples include an excellent benefits: Chapter website and support of Sustaining Members.
of the Los Padres Chapter record in winning local political ~ Special gift Los Padres Chapter
Sustaining Member Circle, you offices, advocacy for the flora and It’s easy to join, just go to: conservation efforts depend
join a dedicated group of donors fauna of the region, and programs to Details in www.sierraclub.org/donate/1000 on your support. Every dollar
who serve as the foundation lessen climate change ranging from Select “make my gift monthly you donate stays here in Santa
for the chapter’s advocacy and
conservation work. The steady
renewable energy, electric vehicles,
and fossil-free new buildings.
March mail at $20 or more per month.” Once
you complete your payment, you
Barbara and Ventura counties
to help us transition away from
flow of income provided by We are also heavily involved in will be automatically enrolled in fossil fuels and to protect rivers,
the Sustaining Member Circle promoting outdoor opportunities ~ Advance notice of Los the Sustaining Member Circle, forests, and wildlife that depend
keeps the chapter’s focus on this for all ages and a robust ethic for Padres Chapter events. and more information will be on us.
advocacy, outreach, and growth diversity. ~ Insider updates on local sent to you by email. Thank you for supporting
because we know our monthly Sustaining Member Circle environmental advocacy, We need at least 50 new the Los Padres Chapter Sierra
expenses will be covered by your donors allow our chapter to be ~Subscription to Condor members in the first half of Club.
Feb/Mar 2021 • Condor Call 2
Get it done... Harris; folks, I can tell you we
have a very approachable friend in
and this is their last chance, our
oceans and marine mammals cry
continued from page 1 the incoming Vice President; Vice for our help. we will rally to their
Dec. 29: What a year 2020 President Pence’s staff would not call and we will “Get it Done in
. . . we faced unprecedented even meet with people like me. Twenty-One”!
challenges in our personal and Jan. 8: Meet Deb Haaland, ~ Edited by John Hankins
political lives. We lost friends and the new Interior appointee here:
loved ones, made new friends, https://tinyurl.com/HaalandGuardian
saw local businesses suffer and
we rallied to help those in need Jan. 13: In speaking
during Covid. yesterday with one of the
But we also succeeded in Transition Team, I told her about
getting great environmental the importance of national public
leaders elected to public offices lands in our region. Teaser Alert:
locally, statewide, and nationally watch for creation of a new
all the way to the President of the national park unit this Spring in
United States! our region.
But it could not have Jan. 15: Earth Justice on
been done without the help, love behalf of the Sierra Club and
and support from each of YOU others filed suit in federal court “New year, new cat!” the National Park Service wrote on Facebook. “Welcome to our puma family – P-95!” He is now among 10
and I want to thank each one of to stop the Trump Administration radio-collared mountain lions being tracked as part of the NPS study. Seven of them are in the Santa Monica Mountains, two in the
you. from gutting protections for Simi Hills and one — the beloved P-22 — in Griffith Park. Map shows wildlife corridors in our region. (Photo courtesy NPS)
Jan. 3: Happy New Year! It’s wolves. I am a declarant in this
the peak of whale watching season case, here’s more information:
https://tinyurl.com/GrayWolfSuit
ENERGY RAP
off our coast, a time for joy as
people marvel at the grand beauty
of resident and migrating whales
Jan 21: I had my first
conversation with a member of Offshore wind instead of oil?
. . . but danger lurks as marine the Biden Administration which By Katie Davis like renewable energy, storage, the facility is cleaned up as the tanks
mammals are entangled and killed took office at noon on January Chapter Chair grid modernization, efficiency, and are on university property.
by longline nylon commercial 20th. I heard, “Jim we are here, storage. Interestingly, it turns out that
Inauguration Action
fishing nets. the Biden Administration is in the Perhaps least sexy but most cleaning up old oil wells is important
Attention shifted to the federal
Yesterday President Trump Interior building” . . . what music consequential, the bill phases out for the climate. A recent study by
government as President Biden
vetoed legislation which would to my ears. hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a key McGill University finds that methane
started out of the gate with quick
have phased out the use of these I start my contacts early refrigerant in our home and industrial emissions from abandoned oil and
climate and environmental action.
nets in federal waters despite because when you advocate it is air conditioners that is a potent gas wells in Canada and the US have
On Day One, President
bipartisan support. So, we await best to get in as soon as you can greenhouse gas. Scientists estimate been greatly underestimated and are
Biden rejoined
a new Administration when I will and stay there in their face (in a that global implementation of a the 10th and 11th largest sources of
the global
start our new lobbying effort to positive way) forever. HFC phase out could reduce global anthropogenic methane emission
Paris Climate
“Get It Done in Twenty-One”. warming by 0.5 degrees Celsius in the US and Canada, respectively.
Jan. 22: An executive order Agreement,
Jan. 5: I can’t begin to tell restored national (nearly 1 degree Fahrenheit) by Judging by the methane plumes
by President Biden starts the
you how refreshing it is to work monuments such decade’s end. That’s big. Bipartisan captured by a NASA plane flying
process to re-establish Bears Ears
with the Biden/Harris Transition as Bears Ears, stuff can happen. It just doesn’t make over oil fields in our region, we have
and Grand Staircase-Escalante
Team, so impressed with the stopped oil leasing in the Arctic big splashy news. more work to do here.
National Monuments to their
courtesy, interest in issues and original boundaries. This was a Refuge; revoked permits for the Beautiful Bluffs Back Spill Threat Watch
knowledge that the members have top priority of the Sierra Club. Keystone XL pipeline; and ordered More good news on the oil In Santa Barbara we’re still
on the issues. For me personally review and revision of a range of well clean-up front when California waiting for Exxon to come back with
this is a far cry from the past four Jan 29: Now that President
Trump era regulations, policies and State Lands contracted to have a their plans for restarting drilling off
years of lobbying Trump officials Biden has officially incorporated
fossil fuel giveaways. company plug two old leaking wells the Gaviota coast that’s been shut
who did not care, were rude and the 30 x 30 Conservation Plan into
These included improving fuel off Summerland beach. The oil down since the 2015 Refugio oil
angry and had no knowledge of his Administration’s policies, our
efficiency standards for vehicles from the large tank visible from the spill, along with their highly polluting
the policies of the offices they work will really begin in earnest.
and buildings, reducing methane Carpinteria bluffs is being removed processing plant.
held. We have a lot of
emissions, and ensuring the costs as part of the on-going Venoco clean The question it’s working on is
I spoke yesterday with the environmental damage to repair,
of climate change are factored into up and decommissioning. where to send trucks full of oil now
new Chief of Staff to Kamala we have whole ecosystems to
government actions. These actions do “Exciting news” from Heal that the Santa Maria pump station
restore, we have species imperiled
much to restore science, due process, the Ocean that the State Lands is slated for closure. We also hear
Condor Call
www.sierraclub.org/lospadres ~ All phone numbers 1-805 area code
and international credibility. Hurrah.
Bipartisan Wins
Commission will cap two more wells
on Summerland Beach, during the
that felonious Plains Pipeline still
hopes to build an oil pipeline across
That said, not everything done last half of 2021! “Better yet, there sensitive rivers, parks and public
EDITOR: ‘Condor’ John Hankins, 452-2885 might be enough money left over lands. We expect to know more about
260 Pacos St. Ventura CA 93001 • John@gnusman.com under Trump needs to be undone. The
ADVERTISING: Contact Editor (above) COVID relief and economic stimulus in this funding cycle to tackle oil these projects in late spring.
DEADLINES FOR ALL ISSUES:
bill passed and signed in December problems at Haskell’s Beach near The good news is that the
Copy Deadline: 20th — Advertising Deadline: 22nd of month preceding publication. Bacara,” HTO said. Trump plan to offer new leases in
included solar and wind tax credit
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE: Similarly, in Goleta, leftover the Pacific never was finalized, and
February/March, April/May, June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan extensions and the first major
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Free to members energy research and development contaminants from Venoco’s former Congressman Salud Carbajal re-
Non-members, $15 per year. Contact Editor John Hankins
legislation in a decade. It will support Ellwood Marine Terminal tanks and introduced the CA Clean Coast Act
Photos, news, tips always welcome! technology improvements in things pipelines are also being removed. on Jan. 25 in hopes to establish a
UCSB has taken the lead to ensure moratorium on new oil leases off our
Sierra Club
SierraClub.org/Los-Padres
coast. Here’s hoping the next leasing
plan can focus on offshore wind
• LOS PADRES CHAPTER • instead of oil.
Post Office Box 31241, Santa Barbara, Ca 93130-1241
https://www.sierraclub.org/lospadres Legal Threat
Santa Barbara 617-3106 • Ventura 988-0339
Change of Address: address.changes@sierraclub.org or (415) 977-5653
Meanwhile, in Ventura County
Supervisors will have to decide what
NATIONAL OFFICE & MEMBER SERVICES: (415) 977-5500 to do about the signature gathering
2101 Webster St. Suite 1300, Oakland CA 94612
WASHINGTON LEGISLATIVE OFFICE: (202) 547-1141 effort to overturn environmental
50 F Street, NWW, 8th Floor Washington, D.C., 20001 review of oil projects. That needed
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR oversight will likely be suspended
Jonathan.Ullman@SierraClub.org
• EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE •
until an election can be held.
Katie Davis (Chair): 451-4574, kdavis2468@gmail.com Sierra Club Los Padres Chapter
Jim Hines (Vice- Chair): 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com signed onto a letter documenting the
Gerry Ching (Secretary): 964-5411, gching@cox.net
Richard Hunt (Treasurer), 966-4157, richardhunt@cox.net lies told by signature gatherers, which
Alex Pujo (at large): 962-3578, alex@pujo.net merit investigation. In addition, seven
David Gold (at-large): 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com
Elisabeth Lamar (at large): 667-7617, elisabethlamar@hotmail.com lawsuits have been filed against
Rebecca August (Arguello Group Rep): 350-0629, rebeccaaugust@mac.com the Ventura County General Plan
Hugh Warren (Conejo Group Rep): 341-6295, mail@hkwarren.net
Martha Sadler (Santa Barbara Group Rep): 636-9194, marthasadler@yahoo.com
oil regulations designed to protect
people by setting a 1500-foot health
• GROUP CHAIRS •
Arguello: Rebecca August 350-0629, rebeccaaugust@mac.com
and safety buffer between homes
Conejo: Hugh Warren, 341-6295, mail@hkwarren.net and drilling rigs. This pattern of
Santa Barbara: Katie Davis, 451-4574, kdavis2468@gmail.com scorched earth litigation by fossil fuel
Ventura Network: Elisabeth Lamar, 667-7617, elisabethlamar@hotmail.com
interests is aimed at punishing local
• CLUB SERVICES • CA governments for taking climate
Forest issues: Jim Hines, 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com
Wilderness Basics Course: Teresa Norris, 524-7170, lospadreswbc@gmail.com action or doing their job to protect
Air Quality: Michael Stubblefield, 216-2630, motodata@roadrunner.com people’s health and is an attempt to
Conservation SB: Kate Mullin, mullin@shelter-vet.com
Conservation Vta: Jim Hines, 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com
scare other CA governments from
Legal: David Gold, 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com taking similar action.
Outings: Stephen Bryne, 794-1150, scbryne@gmail.com These oil companies are a
Political SB: Alex Pujo, 962-3578, alex@pujo.net
Political Vta: David Gold, 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com Aera Energy’s facility behind the hills along Ventura Avenue. Major issues on oil in public health menace and a drain
Transportation: Kent Bullard, 218-6945, KentBullard@yahoo.com Ventura County now revolve around whether or not new wells should be subject to on our public coffers. Trying to hold
Typography and production by Dan Fuller more environmental review. (Photo by John Hankins) continued on page 3
Feb/Mar 2021 • Condor Call 3
30 x 30 plan THANKS DONORS
affects region
Thank you to our 2020
year-end donors – Together
we raised over $10,000!
Your commitment makes
By Jim Hines ocean preserve off our coast, the it possible for the Los Padres
People have responded to an Chumash Heritage National Marine Chapter to be nimble and
email I sent on Jan. 1 asking me what Sanctuary. respond where we are needed,
the 30X30 conservation plan means The Santa Monica Mountains when we are needed – from
for the Los Padres Chapter region. Conservancy will take the lead in the advocating for renewables
A lot . . . . . eastern portion of Ventura County like the Strauss Wind Project
First off, it’s a global initiative along with the National Park Service
to advocating nationally for
to conserve at least 30% of land and which will see increased funding for
the Central Coast Heritage
ocean by 2030 to help to confront land acquisitions of critical habitat
Protection Act.
the threats of climate change and and ecosystem lands. We have been
The year 2021 is critical
biodiversity loss. told that Interior Secretary Haaland is
for our chapter, not only due
President Biden issued an committed to requesting $6.5 million
executive order on Jan. 27 signing in land acquisition for the Santa to climate change, but also to
onto the concept, now the new Monicas. repair and continue the fight
Secretary of the Interior, Deb Also, if everything goes as to protect our wildlands and
Haaland, will issue secretarial orders planned in April 2021 the state of wildlife by stopping drilling
to put in place a whole set of actions California will designate Mountain and fracking, engaging new
to protect endangered species on Lion populations in southern voices, and much more during
federal lands and waters. Their orders California as endangered and a horrendous pandemic as
will also limit fossil fuel development thousands of acres of lands which we forge ahead in our ever-
and mining. are critical to lion survival will be changing world.
Congress will also be involved protected. Look for our latest letter
in the 30X30 conservation plan. I spoke with Governor in your mailbox for our annual
Examples include likely approval Newsom’s staff recently and it looks March Appeal and show your
of Rep. Adam Schiff’s Rim of the like we will get state bond monies support with a one-time gift or
Valley Corridor Protection Act, to acquire a critical piece of wildlife by becoming a member of our
which will add a new and unique unit corridor land in the Lower Malibu Some of our Conejo Group are still getting out in the beauty of nature, maintaining monthly Sustaining Member
to America’s National Park System Creek Watershed. This 150-acre distance and other protocols. On New Year’s Day Hugh Warren, the Conejo Group Circle today (these are not tax-
protecting the mountains encircling parcel was planned for luxury estates Chair, was found at the lower end of the Lichen Trail in the Western Plateau area of deductible). Donate anytime:
the San Fernando, La Crescenta, and is currently owned by famed U2 Thousand Oaks. (Photo by Ellen Sanders) www.sierraclub.org/donate/1000
Santa Clarita, Simi, and Conejo rock guitarist David Evans AKA the For tax deductible
Valleys, notably expanding the Santa
Monica Mountains Conservancy.
Edge.
Since my email went out to about
Conejo Group elects officers donation, go through your
The Conejo Group met on Jan. for 2021: Donor Advised Funds to the
Another example is Rep. Salud 6000 recipients, several city council “Sierra Club Foundation,” and
Carbajal’s Central Coast Heritage members and county supervisors 21 via Zoom to certify the election Hugh Warren (Chair), John
of Executive Committee members Holroyd (vice-chair), Marcey indicate “Los Padres Chapter”
Protection Act which does not add have asked how they can help in this under the Use field. Or, you
any new lands to the Los Padres NF effort at the local level. and elected the following officers Pascual (Secretary), Stephanie
Scher (Treasurer) and Outings can send a tax-deductible
but will ensure that fragile ecosystems The 30X30 plan will be
within the forest and Carrizo Plain
National Monument are protected if it
a cooperative effort by land
conservancies, local, state and federal
SB does too Chair Gerard Lynham.
In addition, Joanne Sulkoske,
donation via checks payable
to the Sierra Club Foundation,
The Santa Barbara Group Niki Stokols, Elizabeth MacGovern noting “Los Padres Chapter”
is signed into law in 2021. agencies all driven by the reality of met on Jan. 5 via Zoom to and Ellen Sanders serve as in the memo field, and mailing
We also expect the Biden climate change and its impacts on our certify the election of Executive
Administration will designate a new planet. members at large. Betty Eiseman is to: Sierra Club Los Padres
Committee members and elected Membership Chair. Chapter P. O. Box 31241
Ojai team workin’
the following officers for 2021: The Conejo Group keeps as Santa Barbara, CA 93130
Katie Davis (Chair), Luz active as conditions allow due to Investments of any size
Reyes-Martin (vice-chair), Emily the pandemic and the Sierra Club’s directly support our efforts in
The club’s Ojai Valley Activist fossil free by ‘23. Our activist Engel (Secretary), Jim Taylor suspension of public outings. See conservation, education, and
Team finished out 2020 with team will also be gathering local (Treasurer), Martha Sadler Group News below for ways to advocacy.
great victories such as banning support for the 30 x 30 Sierra Club (Programs Chair), Kate Mullin follow and communicate with the Thank you for your support!
commercial agricultural spraying Conservation Plan, which is a goal (Conservation Chair), Alex Conejo Group.
within 2 miles of residential and to protect 30 percent of our lands by Pujo (Political Chair), Robert
commercial properties, got the Ojai 2030. Bernstein (Transportation Chair)
City Council to pass a Reach Code The Chumash Tribal Elders on and Kristi KirkPatrick (Outings All physical meetings
for electrifying buildings, worked to our team will continue to work on Chair).
stop a proposed uranium mine north First Nations advocacy issues and See Group News box for suspended - we’re online
of Lake Casitas and worked to make
the Ojai Valley “plastic free”,
we will begin construction to create
the first climate park which will be
ways to follow and communicate
with the Santa Barbara Group, Group News
For new goals this year, we located behind Ojai City Hall. which covers the South Coast, www.SBSierraClub.org
are now talking about producing a ~ Jim Hines Goleta to Carpinteria. The public is welcome to our programs
movie on the work of Ojai Valley
environmental leaders and keep on CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
working to make the Ojai Valley ~ Meets 4th Thursday 7pm of every month, via internet for now.
Energy Rap...
Email Secretary Gerry Ching for the agenda: gching@cox.net
~ Chapter website and blog at:
www.SierraClub.org/LosPadres
continued from page 2
SANTA BARBARA GROUP
on to our oily past as we transition ~ We meet 1st Tuesdays, noon to 1:30pm of each month. For details
to cleaner energy is also a bad bet. and to follow the South Coast area, contact:
Exxon’s stock has fallen so far it got http://www.sbsierraclub.org
booted off the Dow Jones last year. https://www.FACEBOOK.com/SBSierraclub
https://TWITTER.com/SBSierraClub
Clean Energy Advances https://www.INSTAGRAM.com/SierraClubSantaBarbara
Central Coast Community https://www.MEETUP.com/SierraClub-SantaBarbara
Energy (3CE) rolled out in north Santa https://tinyurl.com/SBGroupBlog
Barbara County in January, providing ARGUELLO GROUP
cost competition and cleaner energy Our North County Group will keep you informed on our Facebook
goals than PG&E. 3CE hopes to page:
provide 100% renewable energy to www.facebook.com/SierraClubArguelloGroup ~Volunteers needed;
its customers by 2030 and to reinvest your talents could make a difference. Call 350-0629 or:
its profits in local clean energy RebeccaAugust@mac.com
solutions. 3CE will roll out in Goleta, VENTURA NETWORK
Carpinteria and unincorporated Santa ~ For board meeting dates, times and location email:
sierraclubventura@gmail.com
Barbara County served by SCE in
~ Get latest info about the western Ventura County group via Facebook
October 2021. and a blog:
The City of Santa Barbara will http://tinyurl.com/VenturaSierraClubFB
be offering its own community choice https://tinyurl.com/VenturaSierraClubBlog
energy program. The Santa Barbara ~New MEETUP site for hikes, outings etc:
city council also voted unanimously www.meetup.com/SierraClubVentura
in January in favor of implementing CONEJO GROUP
an all-electric building code (see story ~ Events, outings and meetings will be sent to you if you sign up at
on pg ?). ConejoGroup@gmail.com
Condor John recently became a Sierra Club Wilderness Guardian and this is what he Otherwise, get all information on this eastern Ventura County Group
Ventura County has been served got: really good Swiss Army-like knife and smaller knife for keychain. It boosts your club
by the Clean Power Alliance since from Hugh Warren, 341-6295 mail@hkwarren.net
membership with such extras as members-only ecotravel opportunities, discounts on www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/conejo
February 2019. It is a community products and special access to webinars, calls, and events with conservation leaders. www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/conejo/outings
choice energy program like 3CE. Go here to sign up: https://tinyurl.com/WildernessGuardian
Feb/Mar 2021 • Condor Call 4
ORMOND BEACH
Abundance of birds right here
(Editor’s note: The article Follow the Friends on Facebook: • White-tailed Kite and
focuses on Ormond Beach, a site of www.facebook.com/friendsoformondbeach Loggerhead Shrike, as well as
importance per Audubon. But it is Here are some of the birds you Peregrine Falcons, Harriers, various
also relevant in both our Chapter’s may see around the Ormond beach Hawks, and even Burrowing Owls.
Ventura and Santa Barbara counties habitats. LAGOON, CANALS:
which, according to the annual Bird ALONG THE BEACH: • Great Blue Heron, Great
Count, are very high on the list • Seagulls; Western, California, Egret, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned
of bird populations and diversity Herring and Hermann’s, to name a Night Heron and Green Heron.
nationwide. The annual Great few. Seagulls don’t develop adult • Brown Pelicans are commonly
Backyard Bird Count this year is plumage for 3-4 years, so while seen flying over the ocean and
Feb. 12-15. Anyone can participate, it may look like there are a lot of occasionally in the shallow part of
for details, go to: different species in a flock, it’s likely the lagoon, which is where you will
www.BirdCount.org a mix of ages as well as species. also see the American White Pelican Brown Pelicans are commonly seen flying over the ocean and occasionally in the
• Willet, Long-billed Curlew, in the fall and winter. shallow part of the lagoon. (Photo by Joan Tharp)
By Joan Tharp
Marbled Godwit, Whimbrel, • Osprey, a seasonal visitor, can
Grab your binoculars, favorite
bird guide or app, and spend a few
hours exploring Ormond Beach--and
Impacts may limit oil
winter is a great time to look. Rep. Salud Carbajal introduced prevent the BLM from exploiting the
From the shoreline to the dunes the California Land Protection Act on environment to line the pockets of
and wetlands, Ormond is home to Jan. 25 that would block new fracking the oil industry.”
over 200 species of birds. Some are or oil and gas drilling on federal lands Rep. Brownley also weighed in:
full-time residents, and some just stop on California’s central and southern “Good environmental stewardship
for a brief period during migration. coasts if adverse impacts are found. is a core tenet of who we are as
Many are endangered, threatened, or The bill is a direct response to Ventura County residents. We have a
their numbers are in decline, which the former Trump Administration’s responsibility to protect our lands for
makes the preservation of Ormond Great Egrets on the fly. (Photo by Joan Tharp) move last year to allow the Bureau of future generations and to prevent the
beach and wetlands so critical. Land Management (BLM) to pursue exploitation and degradation of our
and Sanderlings all feed on the be spotted fishing in the lagoon. oil and gas leasing on over 1.2 million natural resources.”
invertebrates along the waterline. • Ducks such as the Mallard, acres of California land, including The Act would prohibit BLM
• Western Snowy Plovers and Northern Shoveler, and Ruddy San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara from authorizing future oil and gas
for a brief time in late summer, paddle and dive in the water along and Ventura counties. Central Coast leasing until the department publishes
California Least Terns. The Royal with Western and Pied-billed Grebes lawmakers Rep. Julia Brownley a comprehensive environmental
Terns are visiting now. and the ubiquitous American Coot. (CA-26) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta impact statement to assess potential
• Black and Ruddy Turnstones (CA-20) are original co-sponsors of effects on climate change, air quality,
~ Joan Tharp is a volunteer
can be seen feeding in the wrack the bill. water, wildlife, emissions, impacted
Naturalist for Ventura Audubon
(the seaweed that washes up onto the “The Central Coast boasts some communities—including low-
Society, volunteer for Surfrider
beach). of the most beautiful natural treasures income and indigenous communities,
Ventura County, and a founding
IN THE DUNES: in the country and pursuing fracking and communities of color—and
member, Friends of Ormond Beach.
• Say’s Phoebe, Savannah or oil and gas leasing on public land more.
Sparrow, House Finch, Killdeer, She was recognized on Dec. 7 at the
Port Hueneme City Council meeting will only hurt our environment, public If the evaluation finds adverse
Great Blue Heron along the wetlands. American Pipit and the Horned Lark
(Photo by Joan Tharp) by Council member Steve Gama for health, and recreation economy,” impacts, BLM cannot move forward
share space with the Western Snowy
her inspirational work on Ormond Carbajal said. “Our public land is with new drilling and development.
Plover and California Least Tern.
SIGHTINGS WETLANDS, SALT PANNE: Beach. not for sale. I’m proud to partner
with my Central Coast colleagues to go to:
To read the full text of the bill,
https://tinyurl.com/LandProtectionAct
We’re in the news and on the zooms
By John Hankins Jan 29: Condors were sighted Jan 19: “We Did It!” Alex Pujo fossil-free new buildings by passing
We’re still out of sight as to (along with turkey vultures) above reports that the Goleta Council voted the proposed building electrification
face-to-face meetings, hikes, and the Sulphur Mountain in Ojai. Keith unanimously to allocate funds to reach code. The code would require
like, but the Sierra Club does not Chancey took a video and Perry design and conduct a traffic analysis new buildings in the city to be all-
lie idle. It’s just migrated more to Van Houten wrote a story about for the striping of Hollister Avenue electric -- improving indoor air
internet meetings, action posts and it in Ojai Valley News. “The last in Old Town with bike lanes and two quality, reducing greenhouse gas
lobbying by email and phone. couple years, we have been seeing vehicular lanes. “With a bit of luck, emissions, and saving money on
A lot has been done anyway flights over the Sulphur Mountain we could see the striping done by the construction costs and utility bills.
and progress for the environment ridgeline, and actually, some roosts end of year. Congrats to everyone!”
Jan 11: First Gov’t Agency in
is better than it has been during above Casitas Springs are becoming Note: SB Group’s Robert Bernstein
our region to embrace the 30 x 30
the last four years. Check out what more and more common,” said helped via his activism for bike
Conservation Plan (backed by our
we’ve been up to in just the last few Dave Meyer, a condor biologist transportation.
Sierra Club) was the Santa Monica
months. with the Santa Barbara Zoo. Jan 15: Earth Justice on behalf of the Mountains Conservancy. The John Buttny, activist extraordinaire,
Please join us; see Group News Jan 28: E-bikes in the city of Santa Sierra Club and other organizations Conservancy works to acquire and passed away in early December 2020.
box on page 3 for contacts and links Barbara were rolled out by Trek’s filed suit in federal court to stop protect land in the Santa Monica
where you can get involved. While text of the ordinances as required by
subsidiary BCycle. With about the Trump Administration from Mtns. Simi Hills and Santa Susana
we are not now conducting our free elections law. The protest is led by
a 30-mile range, the system has stopping protections for wolves Mtns of Ventura and LA counties.
outings, we encourage all to go Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas
lower prices for members and an in the U.S. Our own Jim Hines
outside on your own. If you’d like to Jan 10: Quoted for Reach Code (CFROG) which – along with our
hourly rate for non-members. (Chapter Vice-chair) is a declarant
donate (it helps a lot and the money story in the SB News-Press, excerpt: chapter -- tried to persuade voters
in this case. Check it out:
stays here at home), do not pass go, Jan 24: “All Electric Future “Alex Pujo … a member of SB not to sign the petitions.
https://tinyurl.com/WolfDelisting
but go directly to: Will Reduce Emissions, Increase County Board of Architectural
Housing Affordability,” was the Jan 15: Capital chat with Rep. Review and SB Sierra Club Dec 24: Stop offshore oil lease
www.sierraclub.org/donate/1000
headline in Noozhawk by our Salud Carbajal (who we endorsed) member, said he supports the idea of sales off the Pacific coast, a last gasp
Chapter Chair, Katie Davis. She on the ordeal expected during prohibiting gas in new construction, from the Trump Administration.
was responding to “misleading, inauguration week and beyond, and said it’s not that significant of a Environmental Defense Center
legally questionable spam texts by and afterward our own SB Group’s change. “Reach codes every year are letter on the behalf of our Los Padres
gas interests which have spread Alex Pujo providing an overview of getting more and more stringent,” he Chapter and Get Oil Out! will go
misinformation and was further possibilities and priorities for State said. “This is part of a trend. This is to the Dept. of Interior opposing
amplified by Santa Barbara South Street development, arising from a the way we’re going. You can drag the effort. EDC has represented us
Coast Chamber of Commerce charette. Sponsored by SB County your feet, but this is the way the state earlier in the process. A similar oil
president and CEO Kristen Miller’s Action Network as a South County and world are going.” lease sale for Alaska was basically
Jan. 17 commentary, ‘Santa Roundtable event. He also countered the claims a failure, showing little interest by
Barbara City Council Should Focus of the gas industry, saying that major oil companies.
Jan 12: Two eco-minded Ventura
on Economy, Not Overreach on grid storage continues to get better Dec 15: John Buttny, a tremendous
County Supervisors were put at top
Natural Gas Ban.’ See our story on and cheaper, and electric homes worker for the environment and a
spots; Linda Parks was voted in as
the Reach Code on pg 1. have great insulation. Pujo also steady Sierra Club friend, died at 82
Chair and Carmen Ramirez as Vice-
chair. Carmen has long enjoyed referenced SoCal Edison’s support from complications with Parkinson’s
endorsements by our chapter at of the change. Disease. An Independent article on
the Oxnard city level and now the Dec 31: Our Sierra Club chapter Dec. 18 said, “Buttny managed to
county. mentioned in Ventura County Star be both high-profile and behind-
article about supporting efforts for the-scenes, fighting growth and
Jan 12: Sierra Club, SBCAN, development in the Goleta Valley,
Food and Water Watch, and 40+ the voter registrar to reject petitions
by the oil industry. An attorney wrote slumlords in Isla Vista, and oil
other organizations are asking Santa companies wherever he could find
Barbara City Council to support to the registrar about “fatal defects”
and “misrepresentations” by people them.” He was an administrative
Condor John recently went to Recycle Lane after religiously collecting hundreds of plastic bags, but Ventura is not recycling them gathering signatures require him to assistant to two of Santa Barbara’s
anymore and he was advised to just put them in the trash. NO! Ventura Sierra Club is fighting back to reduce plastics, as is the whole reject both voter measures. Also, the toughest environmental supervisors,
Sierra Club . . . join the campaign. (Photo by Condor John) petitions failed to include the full Bill Wallace and Gail Marshall.
Feb/Mar 2021 • Condor Call 5
We’re here: Electrics go viral HELP OTHERS BECOME
Plug-in electric vehicles are now waiting with excitement to get in our lots and destinations are providing EV DRIVERS
viable for most lifestyles and budgets. EV truck and explore new places,” charging stations; some of which are
With 60 models now commercially said Kent Bullard, our chapter’s free to use. Have a positive impact in your
available and over 20 new models Transportation Chair and a member of “At public charging stations in community!
coming in 2021, over one million the EV Advocates of Ventura County. the city of Ventura, it costs a dollar per Ecology Action is Recruiting
Volunteers to help us get cleaner
Americans have switched to driving “Range anxiety” has become a hour which puts a 25-mile range into vehicles on the road and reduce
electric. thing of the past as both new longer- my electric car,” Hankins said. greenhouse gas emissions. Get
training and resources to help friends,
“I switched a couple of years ago range vehicles and many more This is backed up by numbers; family, and community members
afford a new or used electric vehicle
to a fully electric Hyundai Ioniq. It’s a charging locations have come on line. fueling a car with electricity costs or plug-in hybrid.
quiet, glide ride like all electric cars. If you are a two-car family, one could roughly the same as if gas were $1/
I’m never going back to gas again; be fully electric for short trips and gallon, thanks to EV’s performance Sign Up Today
you could say I’ve passed gas,” said commutes, the other a hybrid for long efficiency and the lower cost of to Volunteer!
Condor John Hankins, whose wife Suz trips. The Hyundai mentioned above electricity. Electricity prices are also Learn more at mbeva.org
got rid of “Janis” a Mercedes Benz has a 140-mile range and is perfectly far more stable than gasoline prices,
diesel and now has a hybrid Toyota. sufficient for tri-county trips while the allowing drivers to avoid the risk of to further reduce costs. EVs never (lifetime) carbon pollution than
In addition to new and improved hybrid is logging in at a 172-miles-per future price spikes. require a trip to the gas station and gasoline cars, which could grow to 71
models, “this year will include at least gallon equivalent. Fast chargers are But most EV drivers charge your hands will never smell like percent by 2050 as our power supply
four full size pickups. Many of us are popping up like poppies after a rain, as their vehicles at home, with many toxic petrochemicals. EVs have far gets cleaner. Even better, installing
more hotels, shopping centers, parking also having solar for self-generation fewer moving parts than gasoline solar panels on your roof drops your
Lease pause cars. There’s no engine, transmission,
spark plugs, valves, fuel tank, tailpipe,
car’s carbon pollution close to zero.
Wouldn’t you rather get your fuel from
The Sierra Club has applauded distributor, starter, clutch, muffler, your roof than ship it on tankers from
the Biden administration announcing or catalytic converter. There are a halfway around the world?
on Jan. 27 a pause on new oil and gas lot fewer things to break down or Our addiction to imported oil has
leasing on public lands and waters, service, so there are no oil changes and huge national security implications.
which affects our Santa Barbara – maintenance costs are much lower. The U.S. spends nearly a half billion
Ventura region. Plug-in vehicles offer a quiet, dollars on foreign oil every day,
The order commences a review of smooth and powerful ride. An electric mostly for transportation. Every time
existing leases and permits and looks motor provides full torque from a you fill up your car, you’re sending a
to increase offshore wind renewable standstill and completely changes check to foreign countries to pay for
energy development. the experience of getting onto a fast- their oil.
In California, the announcement moving highway. By the way, a new California
comes just one month after the Trump Despite continued improvement, executive order requires that “by 2035,
administration’s Bureau of Land too many people in the U.S. live where all new cars and passenger trucks
Management sold over 4000 acres the air is unhealthy for them to breathe. sold in California be zero-emission
in Kern County for oil drilling and EVs have no tailpipe and therefore no vehicles.” Existing vehicles that run
fracking— the first oil and gas lease emissions – imagine how clean the air on fossil fuel would be allowed to
sale in over eight years. could be around you with everyone keep operating.
“Oil and gas development driving an EV! Find out more, browse the electric
on federal lands is already a major EVs powered by the grid cars (and hybrids) now available here:
contributor to climate change. The currently produce 54 percent less www.PlugInAmerica.org
Biden administration’s ban is an
important first step and should result
in a permanent end to federal leasing,”
said Rebecca August of Los Padres
ForestWatch and Chair of the Los
CA bills analyzed
By Kathryn Phillips to help more rapidly move away
Padres Chapter’s Arguello Group. Sierra Club California from internal combustion engines in
“It’s an exciting day!” said Jenny Another two-year legislative vehicles.
Binstock representing the National session has begun and already, just Also, we expect to see bills that
Sierra Club. “You’ll see that while this weeks in, the unpredictable has try to determine how to better prepare
halt doesn’t apply to existing permitting become the norm. for the effects of climate change,
for the parcels recently auctioned in The Capitol Building itself particularly sea level rise.
Kern County, that is characterized as is closed to most and legislative As bills are filed, our staff will
‘valid existing leases’ -- the validity of New York Times’ Veronica Penney compiled an excellent article on the future of electric hearings are conducted in a way that research and analyze them, and
which we are currently challenging in cars. That future is NOW! Read the whole article here: allows the public to call in to provide develop suggested positions for our
court.” https://tinyurl.com/NYTbestcar testimony and comment. volunteer legislative committee. By
mid-March, we will post a list of
Confronting our comfort zone
This year we expect to see
a couple of bills that will put the priority bills on our website at:
oil and gas industry on edge. A www.sierraclub.org/california
By Jon Ullman There are other examples. most Republicans continue to see handful of bills that would reduce If you want to track particular
Chapter Executive Director Actress Leah Remini left Scientology climate change as a hoax, we have the use of gas in new buildings, bills or learn more about a bill’s
By the time you read this, the and dedicated herself to exposing the a major problem. We can’t just see- including new public buildings, status, the state has an excellent bill
trial of former President Trump will abuses. Last year, insiders and family saw between dueling presidential have been introduced. The governor information system online at
be upon us. I would be elated if 17 members brought down the cult administrations and congressional has proposed funding incentives http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Senate Republicans muster enough NXIVM, and its leader is behind bars control. We don’t have the time. We
courage to convict although I realize for life. In all these cases, some sort need to build a shared reality if we’re
this is unlikely. of intervention took place. going to survive.
This may be because many While it’s important to defeat Despite living in progressive
Republican voters still believe Big Big Lies and take away power from California, there are large swaths
Lies: That Trump won the election. those who spread them, it is essential of residents in Santa Barbara and
That the virus isn’t real. That masks to reintroduce the truth to followers Ventura counties who deny climate
aren’t necessary. That the vaccine is too. In the case of climate change, change outright or by degree, and
worse than the virus. That there are that means someone who has access resist efforts to reduce carbon. It could
no racial inequities. And that climate to the disbelievers must intervene be ideologically or economically
change is a hoax. and be persistent. based. But we can’t give up on them.
Big Lies are our greatest enemy. This won’t be easy, but we can Maybe it’s through a social club.
But Climate Denial is one Big Lie do it. Talk to people outside your Maybe it’s through a family member.
that could be called an Enormous comfort zone whether online, on the Maybe it’s through a religious leader.
Lie, a lie that will harm all living phone or socially distanced. Work Maybe it’s through media. Maybe a
beings for hundreds of thousands with civic organizations to spread the personal phone call.
of years. Fighting dangerous word about climate change. Reach It’s hard, messy work. But the
disinformation requires resolve, out to your family members who may clock is ticking, and no challenge is
might and persistence. But it can be have let ideology supersede science. too great an obstacle considering the
done. This is important work. If stakes.
Several years ago, some
students at New College in Florida
decided that they would attempt
an intervention with fellow student
Derek Black, son of the founder of
the Stormfront website and godson
of former KKK Grand Wizard David
Duke. Derek himself had his own
white supremacy radio show and
nationalist website for kids. While
most students wanted to isolate and
ostracize him, others had, it turns
out, a different idea. They’d invited
him to Sabbath dinner. It took a
Our region is made for the outdoors, within January you could go kite surfing off the
lot of dinners, but he eventually
Isla Vista Bluffs (Photo by Robert Bernstein) or hike a snowy trail beyond Rose Valley
condemned and spoke out against his (Photo by Pete Scifres). It’s why our Sierra Club is so determined to protect our lands,
family’s dangerous ideology. please join us at: www.SierraClub.org/los-padres
Feb/Mar 2021 • Condor Call 6
Take a Hike!
Los Padres Chapter
UPDATES: https://www.sierraclub.org/lospadres
Panorama above Goleta by Robert Bernstein
OUTINGS NOTES rehabilitation closures.
Many of the campgrounds, day ‘People walk all over my best works’
Sierra Club Local Outings use areas and trailheads in the Lower Editor’s note, Ron Webster died
All Sierra Club local outings Santa Ynez Recreation area of the on Jan. 7; he was the prime mover
have been cancelled until further Los Padres National Forest are now
and builder of the Backbone Trail.
notice. Check the Los Padres Chapter open. These developed areas are
website for updates to this policy at: subject to a user fee, but if you are not The following are excerpts
www.SierraClub.org/LosPadres using a developed area, a fee cannot from “The Santa Monica Mountains
be collected. A new sign posted at the Power Couple: Mary Ann and Ron
You may find some private
first kiosk makes this clear, but you Webster,” by Maddy Crawford
Meet-Up hikes that have a club
must use an existing roadside turn-out printed in Southern Sierra News in
member as an organizer; check pg.
and be completely off the pavement. 2017.
3 listings in the Group News box.
These are not sanctioned by the club, See the Conditions box below, it If you’ve set foot in the Santa
however. has all the contact numbers you may Monica Mountains at least once in
A reminder that our popular need to check your outdoor plans. your life, you may have walked on
Wilderness Basics Course will Most information is at: a trail designed and created by Ron
not happen this year because of www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf Webster. In fact, it’s highly probable
pandemic restrictions. It usually Please Be Safe you have.
happens in Feb/March each year; we Please observe social spacing. Ron, 83, and the Sierra Club’s
are determined that the WBC will And if an area is too crowded, pick Santa Monica Mountains Task
spring forth again, in spring of 2022. another. And be careful with fire. Force, have worked to make the
Just like new growth would in the mountains accessible in a long circuit
Day Use Fees of different trails that come together
wilderness. Day use fees are not required
Forest Areas Reopen as the Backbone Trail. The 67-mile
for roadside parking outside of thru trail creates a nonstop route from
The Los Padres Forest is developed campgrounds or day use
open except for certain winter or Will Rogers State Park in L.A. to Pt.
areas. Mugu State Park in Ventura County.
In April (2017), Ron received
a Lifetime Volunteer Achievement
Award at the 2017 California Trails &
Greenways Conference, nominated
by officials at the Santa Monica
Mountains National Recreation Area.
Then in May he and his wife, Mary
Ann, received one of the Angeles
Chapter’s top honors, a Lifelong
Service Plaque, for their collective
work on conservation issues and decades, having received six awards as “Sundays in the Santa Monicas”
trails. from the local Chapter. and were even broadcast on TV.
“I don’t believe in a lot,” Ron Their whole married life seems With no real training but deep
says, “but one thing I believe in is to be a loving personal partnership environmental ethics, Ron has
Send trail problems [that] ‘in wildness is the preservation
of the world,’ “ he says, quoting
and a well-oiled working one as well.
Ron coordinated trail plans with task
become a legend in his field, showing
how motivation and passion can
to LP Forest Association Henry David Thoreau. The words
perfectly describe Ron’s mission and
force members; Mary Ann served as
its chair and dealt with political threats
lead to a legacy. And among all the
work Ron has done, he counts his
If you come across any bad thrives and remains safe and open his success in making wildness and to the land, issues that may be messier proudest accomplishment as having
sections of trail, downed trees or for the people to use and enjoy. LPFA accessibility his life’s work. at times than trail building. succeeded in opening the mountains
slides, take pictures and post to Hike volunteers work to keep trails open, Ron and Mary Ann have been The idea came up to create a to people.
Los Padres and email the Forest report and assess forest conditions deeply involved in the Sierra Club for Santa Monica State Park, and a task “You go through life,” Mary
Service or your favorite trail group and provide public education on how force was created in 1972 to take Ann says. “And you contribute, or
- things change so quickly across the to safely use the forest. If interested in people on hikes in the mountains to you don’t contribute, but some of
trails and any information you can becoming a member or volunteering, get them interested in protecting them. the things that Ron’s done are going
share is always appreciated! Website visit: The monthly hikes led by Ron started to last forever.”
is: www.HikeLosPadres.com www.lpforest.org
The Los Padres Forest Surprising facts about the forest:
Association’s mission is to care for there are 111 peaks throughout the
the Los Padres Forest, ensuring it LP forest, 174 springs, 206 dirt
roads, 56 off-highway vehicle trails,
CONDITIONS 293 camps, 205 hiking trails and
Campgrounds trails and roads in over a thousand cataloged locations.
Los Padres National Forest can be closed, More info is at the Hike Los Padres
have restrictions due to habitat protection, website.
repair or weather. Before you go into the
backcountry ensure you check conditions
with rangers. Numbers to call (805 area
unless noted) are:
Trips by Sierra Club
Sierra Club’s popular trips trips, modified cancellation policies,
Los Padres Forest Districts
Headquarters 968-6640 nationally and internationally has and more in our Covid-19 Travel
Ojai-Ventura 646-4348 a full 2021 trip roster ready for Update.
Mt Pinos (661) 245-3731 reservations. We’re guessing you We will continue to keep you
Santa Barbara 967-3481 might be as eager to get outside as we informed as the situation develops.
Santa Lucia 925-9538 are, and one of these itineraries could If you have any questions, please
Other Areas be the perfect way to get back into contact us. We hope that you and
Santa Monica Mtns 370-2301 traveling when it’s safe to do so. your loved ones are staying healthy
Conejo Park 381-2737 Choose from backpack, base and safe and we can’t wait to get back
Simi Valley 584-4400 They don’t call it Rattlesnake Trail for nothing, and ‘Trail-hacker’ Anthony Biegen
camp, international, lodge, service/ outdoors with you once things have has peacefully encountered some; however, the coiled rattler was spied along the
Montecito 969-3514
volunteer, snow … Go! stabilized. China Flats Trail by Pete Scifres. So yeah, they’re natives.
Forest Information https://tinyurl.com/ClubTrips2021 One of the most popular trips
For updated info, maps, news Select from hundreds of classic are Adventures With a Cause; a lower
releases, and other goodies: and brand-new itineraries ranging price for those who want to do some
http://FS.USDA.gov/LPNF
from family and lodge-based trips environmental work with plenty of
Regional Hike Info to backcountry journeys, volunteer off-time for exploring.
Lots of local info on websites that vacations, international treks, It’s all part of the largest grassroots
give you varied info on outings, trail profiles, and loads more. We also have an environmental organization in the
wildflower alerts, work opportunities and expanded selection of specialty trips country, Sierra Club Outings provides
much more.
for beginners, LGBTQ+ people, environmentally friendly outdoor
https://www.sierraclub.org/lospadres
www.LPForest.org teens, seniors, and women as well as adventures—from Tahoe to Tibet—
https://LPFW.org a variety of trips for younger adults, for people of all ages, abilities, and
www.HikeLosPadres.com which are subsidized to make joining interests. Whether you’re seeking
www.SBSierraClub.org these experiences easier than ever. lodge-based explorations or supported
www.SantaBarbaraTrailGuide.com We’re still closely monitoring treks, backpack journeys leisurely to
www.SantaBarbaraHikes.com the coronavirus pandemic and strenuous, or vacations near home or
https://SBTrails.org adapting our program to protect in far-flung destinations, you can be Yes, a praying mantis is ‘wildlife’ and Melissa Baffa often displays such photos
www.VenturaCountyTrails.org of the usually unseen critters behind the bush or in the tidepools on her
travelers and staff. Learn more about sure to find a trip that feels like it was
http://Hikes.VenturaCountyStar.com Facebook page.
trip cancellations, our plans for future designed for you.
You can also read
