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Vol. 21, No. 3 of 6 June - July 2021
Journal of Los Padres Chapter Sierra Club
Serving Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties
© Photo by Alicia Marie Keys
Foothills … Wildlife Champ … Climate jobs … Wind … Outings
Pg 1 Pg 3 Pg 4 Pg 5 Pgs 6, 7
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Journal of Los Padres Chapter Sierra Club
Serving Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties June - July 2021
Saving SB foothills likely
It looks like an upswell of But the list of other supporters youth, with many young allies,
support is likely to save the is exceptionally long, such as led the successful effort to
100-acre oak savannah west of The Land Trust of SB County, literally halt the bulldozers,
Ventura Mayor Sofia Rubalcava speaks to citizens at Kellogg Park on April 24 who the San Marcos Foothills. SB Museum of Natural History which led to negotiations with
then marched a short way to Olive Street to protest SoCal Gas proposal to expand a A June 1 deadline was and Botanic Garden, Wildling the landowner and developer,
compressor site across from an elementary school, on grounds it is too dangerous there. extended to June 9 to gain Museum, SB Audubon, who gave the Save San Marcos
(Photo by John Hankins) $18.6 million, and the Lotusland, The Fund for Santa Foothills coalition three
campaign is close. Barbara and more, along with months to raise $18.6 million
Ve n t u r a n s i n s i s t Donations are still open
(see website below) and hopes
hundreds of individual donors.
Due to the grassland's
to buy the land.
To donate, go to:
on gas plan review are high that the parcel will be
saved as a preserve instead of
a luxury home development.
cultural significance, Chumash www.foothillsforever.org
By Jon Ullman more who spoke from their own
The site would be added to an
The Ventura City Council computers at home.
adjoining 200-acre preserve if
passed a resolution to ask the state Several speakers spoke
successful.
to do more environmental study Spanish and had their speeches
By virtue of its easy
of the SoCalGas cleanup and translated.
accessibility by both bus and
expansion proposal located at 1555 Many of the speakers were
bike, this natural space is
N. Olive St. on Ventura’s west side. parents of children at EP Foster,
also an invaluable resource
Although the May 10 item which is across the street from the
for people and a diversity of
was on the “consent agenda” -- a compressor site.
wildlife including rabbits,
blanket vote where things usually One speaker, Laura Gulovsen,
hawks, owls, and bobcats.
are not even talked about -- it was 89 years old, is a retired teacher
Also, band of coyotes can be
by far the most commented on and from the school from the 1960s
regularly seen and heard.
visible issue of the night. through the 1990s who had
Donations to the
There were hundreds of responded to one of our Sierra
Foothills Forever Campaign
written comments. Club emails. She testified publicly
is run through Santa Barbara
There were about a dozen that she and her students and co-
Foundation. If the funds fell
speakers who commented from a teachers commonly smelled and
short, donations over $250
computer and camera set up at Bell inhaled the fumes.
would be returned; under $250
Arts Factory in Ventura. Another was the Patagonia
would be used for the adjacent
There were about a dozen continued on page 2 preserve.
Supporters who gave over
Coastal Appointment a million dollars included
the Allemall Foundation and
The empty seat on the Oxnard city council, Santa Judy and Jack Stapelmann,
California Coastal Commission that Barbara County Supervisor anonymous and another
is reserved for an elected official in
the south-central coast region was
Das Williams, Vianey Lopez,
Oxnard city council member
anonymous donation of $5
million near the deadline
Kudos to Ojai, Conejo
given to Meagan Harmon, a Santa and district manager to State – from a long-time local Our Conservation Chair Management Plan which the
Barbara city council member, via Sen. Monique Limón, and Linda businesswoman – brought it Jim Hines sent an email shout- Sierra Club supports. A vote
an appointment by Gov. Gavin Parks, Ventura Supervisor. close. out to our Conejo Group and is expected in June. The Earth
Newsom. Harmon was first appointed to Our Sierra Club donated, Ojai Valley activist teams. Friendly concept may also
Harmon, 34, has served on the fill a council vacancy in 2019. On as did individual members. “They tackle issues with become a county issue, thanks
city council since 2019 and works the commission, she will represent lightning speed, stay laser to Supervisor Linda Parks who
as an Associate at Hepner & Myers San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara focused on the issues and build has a similar plan supported by
LLP since 2020. and Ventura counties. EAVESDROPS passionate support among their our club.
There were four others She grew up in Lompoc, “An utterly crushing day teams. Great achievements over ~ Conejo Valley: Rim of
vying for the post: Gabriela Basua, went to college at Wellesley, for Big Oil: Chevron investors the past year even with Covid the Valley Corridor advocacy,
Harvard and New York University. demand emission cuts, Dutch shut down,” Hines writes, listing safe wildlife migration routes,
“Hard knock” education followed court tells Shell to cut these issues: National Park Service land
in Afghanistan for a German emissions by half and Exxon ~ Ojai Valley: pesticide acquisition, mountain lion
emergency aid non-profit. shareholders buck the company limits, native American sacred habitat protection and many
She met her husband Nick and elect directors demanding site protections, climate change more.
in New York and came to Los climate action.” issues, Los Padres National “So, a BIG thank you to our
Angeles and then Santa Barbara ~ Bill McKibben, founder Forest issues and many more, Conejo Group and Ojai Valley
with their daughter Maura. Her of 350.org, tweeting on May including major work done activist teams for the great work
27 about “game changing” news. they do,” Hines concluded.
mentor became Dave Davis of by the Ojai Valley Land
On Rachel Maddow’s show that
Santa Barbara when they met Conservancy for opening trails
night, he noted, “A decade of
during Earth Day 2019. Davis was
battering away by activists is
and reviving lands for public COVER PHOTO
impressed with her background, finally, finally taking a real toll recreation and conservation. San Marcos Foothills campaign used
work ethic and democratic politics. … an awfully good sign that we The activists were on hand this photo to illustrate the beauty of the
Meagan Harmon Davis is active with the Santa
Barbara EDC and CEC.
need to keep fighting.” May 25 as the Ojai City Council
discussed the Earth Friendly
site. © Photo by Alicia Marie Keys
With your help we’ll reach the 30 x 30 goal post
The eminent biologist E.O. 1 - Without your support, Deb Haaland, Tom Vilsack, Meanwhile, Plains Pipeline powered by the sun, and other
Wilson has argued that to preserve critical federal, state, and local and others to reverse Trump (which was convicted of felony renewables like wind supported by
biodiversity, we need to set aside legislation will not be passed, Administration environmental negligence) seeks to build an oil the chapter in the Lompoc area.
half the planet for wild nature. leaving our wildlands vulnerable rollbacks and move forward pipeline across sensitive rivers, 6 - From bike lanes to
Now, conservation groups, to destruction, neglect, and with increased environmental parks, and public lands. Ventura preserving local lands, Chapter
including the Sierra Club, are development. Examples are protection. After four million acres oil interests are working to drill volunteers and staff are advocating
laying out a road map to reach that plentiful via legislation put of California burned in 2020, we new wells using old oil permits at city and county meetings to
“half Earth” goal, demanding that forward by our local leaders and need climate action now! without modern environmental create opportunities for all of us to
governments protect 30 percent of lobbied by the Sierra Club, like 3 - Stop Big Oil! Your review. get outside safely.
landscapes and seascapes by 2030. the California Land Protection contribution provides vital 4 - Your dollars go directly 7 - Your donation directly
Donate today to support our Act and Central Coast Heritage resources to Chapter staff and to securing endangered species protects our precious local
30x30 conservation work in Santa Protection Act, both sponsored by volunteers who are working protections for mountain lions, wildlands and wildlife. We also
Barbara and Ventura counties. local Rep. Salud Carbajal. diligently to ensure that oil condors, whales, and other favor social justice and working
We can do our part locally 2 - The urgency of climate companies are not allowed to precious wild life. toward opportunities for all of us
to support the Sierra Club 30x30 change is glaring. Chapter increase local oil production, 5 - Santa Barbara and other to enjoy the outdoors.
Conservation Agenda. advocates are in regular such as Exxon trying to restart local cities are considering shifting Please donate whatever you
Here are seven reasons your conversation with the Biden oil drilling and sending 70 trucks to clean energy homes through can here:
donation makes all the difference: Administration, urging Secretary of oil per day on the 101 freeway. all-electric buildings, vehicles www.sierraclub.org/donate/1000
June/July 2021 • Condor Call 2
Venturans insist... highly explosive and dangerous.”
Other excerpts include:
continued from page 1 “This site was a methane
environmental chief, Hans Cole, super-emitter in 2017, which could
who testified against the expansion. have caused a mass incineration
No one spoke in favor of event. Further, they will not commit
SoCalGas. to an outdoor methane detector for
Later, local activists, social their new plant that would catch a
and environmental groups met similar leak in the future! Nor do
separately with representatives they have plans for alerting the
of the state’s Public Utility neighborhood of gas releases.”
Commission and Toxic cleanup “We also encourage the
agency, who have given the green Ventura City Council to schedule
light to this project with minimal consideration of an all-electric
oversight and public awareness. building reach code as over 40 cities
This fight seems like it’s about in California have already done
to get much bigger. At issue is the and Santa Barbara is about to do
future of gas in California, how gas and Ventura County will be doing
facilities are sited and regulated, soon as well. It is less expensive
how people are given public notice to build without gas lines, and less
and if environmental justice and expensive and healthier to live in While other oil companies plan to remove oil platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel, Exxon is still fighting to reopen three of its platforms
climate justice are just words on a a home with new, efficient, all- shut down after the Refugio oil spill on May 19, 2015 from a Plains pipeline. Since a pipeline is not available, Exxon wants permission to use
paper or policies practiced by the electric appliances.” trucks, a proposal strongly opposed by the Sierra Club, eco-groups, cities and counties. (c) Drew Bird Photography, www.DrewBirdPhoto.com
state. Sierra Club’s chapter chair,
I have no idea how this will Katie Davis and Ventura Sierra
play out, but this journey has just Club’s Liz Lamar were leaders
ENERGY RAP
begun. on this issue, while Condor John
The Sierra Club sent a attended the April 24 rally and took
letter supporting further review, pictures.
Net zero future depends on...
asserting “this is a major, heavy For those who want to hear the By Katie Davis All-electric construction is Control and as a methane gas
industrial project -- building a new meeting, go to: a win-win -- more affordable, “super-emitter” by NASA in 2017,
Global Reckoning
compressor station with twice the https://tinyurl.com/VtaGasHearing healthier to live in, and essential locals are fed up. Sierra Club
The world needs to stop
horsepower of the existing plant The first speaker after the city to meet climate goals. Other Los Padres Chapter is part of the
approving new coal plants and oil
and removing the old plant -- next presentation is Laura Gulovsen, jurisdictions in Santa Barbara Westside Clean Air Coalition, a
and gas fields immediately, shift to
to an elementary school and in a Sierra Club member and retired and Ventura counties are eyeing a group demanding environmental
electric heat pumps in buildings by
residential area. Methane gas is teacher mentioned above. similar move, and the statewide review of the expansion project
2025, and phase out sales of new gas
building code is edging in that and consideration of clean energy
cars by 2035 to meet international
direction as well. alternatives.
climate goals. That’s the latest
word from the International Energy Ventura Compressor Mess Oily-versary
Agency in a May report finding A decline in natural gas use May 19 marked the 6-year
that it’s a “narrow” but possible in local buildings and power anniversary of the 2015 Refugio
pathway to a net zero future for plants can’t come soon enough for oil spill. While the spill shut down
greenhouse gases. the city of Ventura, which voted our beaches and caused the deaths
unanimously on May 10 to ask of hundreds of marine animals, the
Gas-Free Buildings
state regulators to take another look unusably corroded pipeline also
It’s happening, as 44 cities in
at SoCalGas’s plans to expand a shut down ExxonMobil’s offshore
California have passed all-electric
potentially explosive compressor oil production and oil processing
building codes to phase out gas in
station next to an elementary school facilities on the Gaviota coast ever
new buildings. Santa Barbara could
in West Ventura. since.
be number 45, with a City Council
Identified as a polluted site As these facilities had been the
vote expected in June.
by the Dept of Toxic Substances largest source of greenhouse gases,
Travelling music, families and numerous residents of Ventura’s West Side rallied from harmful PM2.5 and smog-forming
Kellogg Park to 1555 N. Olive Street where SoCal Gas proposes an expanded compressor
station near an elementary school. Residents formed the Westside Clean Air Coalition of
Stop solar grab AB-1139 VOCs in Santa Barbara County,
we’ve all been breathing cleaner
which the chapter is part. (Photo by John Hankins) To keep apprised of the issue, go to: Sierra Club California and change,” commented Kent Bullard
www.westsidecleanair.org air ever since. Exxon doesn’t want
Earthjustice is opposing AB 1139 our chapter’s Transportation Chair
us to get too used to it. Hearings
(Gonzalez), as it fears the efforts and member of EV Advocates of
on restarting their oil rigs in the
Condor Call to reform Net Energy Metering
(NEM) lack the balance necessary
Ventura County. “If enacted it will
remove the incentives to install
channel and trucking the oil on
www.sierraclub.org/lospadres ~ All phone numbers 1-805 area code Highway 101 are scheduled for
to continue growing rooftop solar solar on residential, commercial
EDITOR: ‘Condor’ John Hankins, 452-2885 August 11 and 13. The extra hearing
260 Pacos St. Ventura CA 93001 • John@gnusman.com while addressing the issues with the and educational facilities.”
seems designed to accommodate all
ADVERTISING: Contact Editor (above) existing NEM program. For more information and an
DEADLINES FOR ALL ISSUES: the expected opposition.
Copy Deadline: 20th — Advertising Deadline: 22nd of month preceding publication.
While the organizations action toolkit, go to:
recognize the need to modify the www.SaveCaliforniaSolar.org continued on page 3
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
February/March, April/May, June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan NEM program to reduce cost
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Free to members impacts on nonparticipants, and
Non-members, $15 per year. Contact Editor John Hankins
to provide the direct benefits of
Photos, news, tips always welcome! renewable energy to more low- and
Sierra Club
SierraClub.org/Los-Padres
moderate-income households, the
bill’s approach is too drastic.
It will severely impact the
• LOS PADRES CHAPTER •
Post Office Box 31241, Santa Barbara, Ca 93130-1241 rooftop solar industry by proposing
https://www.sierraclub.org/lospadres compensation that severely
Santa Barbara 617-3106 • Ventura 988-0339
Change of Address: address.changes@sierraclub.org or (415) 977-5653
undervalues established benefits of
distributed generation, and eroding
NATIONAL OFFICE & MEMBER SERVICES: (415) 977-5500
2101 Webster St. Suite 1300, Oakland CA 94612
customer confidence in California’s
WASHINGTON LEGISLATIVE OFFICE: (202) 547-1141 energy programs. Changes to
50 F Street, NWW, 8th Floor Washington, D.C., 20001
NEM should look to promote
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR electrification and energy storage.
Jonathan.Ullman@SierraClub.org
• EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • This bill fails to seriously advance
Katie Davis (Chair): 451-4574, kdavis2468@gmail.com equity and environmental benefits.
Jim Hines (Vice- Chair): 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com
Gerry Ching (Secretary): 964-5411, gching@cox.net Meanwhile, the California
Richard Hunt (Treasurer), 966-4157, richardhunt@cox.net Public Utilities Commission
Alex Pujo (at large): 962-3578, alex@pujo.net
David Gold (at-large): 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com
is poised to create a balanced
Elisabeth Lamar (at large): 667-7617, elisabethlamar@hotmail.com NEM program through a robust
Rebecca August (Arguello Group Rep): 350-0629, rebeccaaugust@mac.com
Hugh Warren (Conejo Group Rep): 341-6295, mail@hkwarren.net
stakeholder process. The CPUC
Martha Sadler (Santa Barbara Group Rep): 636-9194, marthasadler@yahoo.com proceeding is currently poised to
balance the competing objectives
• GROUP CHAIRS •
Arguello: Rebecca August 350-0629, rebeccaaugust@mac.com and tradeoffs at issue in the NEM
Conejo: Hugh Warren, 341-6295, mail@hkwarren.net program, and the legislature
Santa Barbara: Katie Davis, 451-4574, kdavis2468@gmail.com
Ventura Network: Elisabeth Lamar, 667-7617, elisabethlamar@hotmail.com should review the outcome of that
proceeding before advancing a
• CLUB SERVICES •
Forest issues: Jim Hines, 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com NEM bill.
Wilderness Basics Course: Teresa Norris, 524-7170, lospadreswbc@gmail.com “This legislation will devastate
Air Quality: Michael Stubblefield, 216-2630, motodata@roadrunner.com
Conservation SB: Kate Mullin, mullin@shelter-vet.com
the solar community and industry
Conservation Vta: Jim Hines, 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com and we need to work to prevent
Legal: David Gold, 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com
Outings: Maureen Hernandez, moenandez@gmail.com
approval of this disastrous bill. It
Political SB: Alex Pujo, 962-3578, alex@pujo.net will not only hurt solar users, but
Political Vta: David Gold, 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com it will also slow down our move to Our chapter chair Katie Davis and her family noted how they are “running on solar” during
Transportation: Kent Bullard, 218-6945, KentBullard@yahoo.com
reduce carbon and mitigate climate a blackout. The top circle shows the solar power, then into the house on the right while the
Typography and production by Dan Fuller bottom circle shows the battery backup is 65% full. (Photo by Katie Davis)
June/July 2021 • Condor Call 3
Dan Pearson, wildlife protector -
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Editor’s note: Many thanks to the Vietnam.” area for South Oxnard, Oxnard and the
Friends of Ormond Beach for alerting Dan grew up experiencing larger region.”
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us to Dan Pearson’s death. A true Ormond Beach in its pristine condition The Coastal Conservancy,
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champion for Ormond Beach. back in the 1950s. Being an area of the City of Oxnard and The Nature ',-* (-',1
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global significance for bird migration, Conservancy have been working to
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affected by toxic pollution, smog, that balances habitat restoration and
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quietly in April. #,1( 0'*
Beach continues to be an area that species with improved and increased
Born in Oxnard, Dan spent his
public officials have not been able to public access. To view the plan, *&(' !(('
childhood on Ormond Beach, learning #, * + û
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address effectively, given the multiple updated in 2019, go here:
SCC
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1 Ormond Lagoon, inc. beach, dunes, and channels
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about the wetlands and its unique û
2 Ormond Lagoon Waterway
City of Oxnard
interests that are held in the area. https://tinyurl.com/OrmondPlan û
7 Beach and dune south of 3
habitat, before serving in the Vietnam û
3a South-of-Railway, near Halaco slag
û
8 Beach and dune south of 5
Listen to Dan reflect on this In years past, the Sierra Club û
3b South-of-Railway, near power plant
War as a medevac pilot. û
9 Beach and dune south of 6
piece of the California coast. In paid a part-time advocate, Al Sanders,
0 2,000
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4 Agriculture
Janet Bridgers said, “Dan worked
Feet
January 2021, Dan recounted his to help the Friends monitor the beach, SOURCE: ESRI 7/19/2016, City of Oxnard, Ventura County
Ormond Beach Restoration and Public Access Plan
for decades to save injured marine #!-*
memories of Ormond Beach in all notably during the snowy plover Project Area and Site Areas
mammals, to establish new areas for
its pristine glory in the 1950s. @ nesting season.
sea otters and to protect nesting sites Layout of the Ormond Beach area shows urban and industrial encroachment around the beach
westsidestorytellers Jayrol San Jose
of California least terns and Western
Snowy Plovers at Ormond Beach.
and Ben Camacho documented Dan’s Ocean archives area yet hope springs eternal that eventually it could become a conservation area due to its
importance. Coastal Conservancy, The Land Trust, city of Oxnard and others are working it.
memories before he passed here: “What is the West End Master
He acted with the fury of personal
insult when, as he referred to them,
‘scofflaws’ would dump rubbish at
https://tinyurl.com/OrmondStory
In the video, he says:
“This could become a nature
Plan?” asks a Santa Barbara City
employee. “Where do I find the Questa
Study?” says another. “What is the
Help Forest watchers
Ormond.” Over the last fourteen years, features hand-curated gifts and
preserve, like an eco-tourist spot.” Questa Study?” asks another. Ojai WILD! has become a mainstay adventures produced locally and beyond.
“Dan would go through trash,
That dream is slowly in the works. Does anyone know where I can fundraiser for the nonprofit Los Padres Place a bid, receive a notification when
find an envelope with an address, then
According to the California Coastal find the Goleta Potable Reuse Study? ForestWatch and for the community someone has outbid you, buy an item
take the trash back to the dumper’s
Conservancy, “Ormond Beach is The Braemar conceptual sewer plan? to come together to celebrate its instantly, or contribute to our fund-a-
front yard. Dan was willing to brave
considered by wetland experts to be Santa Ynez Community Plan? accomplishments. need. Bidding begins June 11.
threats and intimidation of fishermen
one of the most important wetland In recent years, Heal the Ocean The June 17 event is from 6:30 to ~ ForestWatch is partnering with
to attend sea otter hearings when the
restoration opportunities in southern has been approached numerous times 7:30pm as a live streaming celebration, HELP of Ojai to lend a hand to those in
fishermen greatly outnumbered the
California. It is also an important for help in finding these pieces of because the pandemic has prevented need. Sponsor the event and a portion
otter advocates. That didn’t bother
public access and beach recreation information. As many city, county, and the usual in-person celebration. All will provide a month’s worth of food
Dan, a helicopter pilot who served in
state officials have retired, taking their proceeds support efforts to protect and deliveries to a local food-insecure
institutional knowledge with them, we defend our region’s public lands. Details family.
have recognized how critical it is to here: ~ A lineup of special guests brings
preserve their work and knowledge for https://ojaiwild.org us together for a worthwhile cause—
future use. As a result, Heal the Ocean Anyone who visits the Los protecting our region’s public lands,
has created a new website with a digital Padres National Forest should help wildlife, and outdoor recreation. From
research library of these and other ForestWatch as Congress does not give local elected officials to community
documents – important works that need the U.S. Forest Service enough funds to leaders, they include, Filmmaker
to be preserved and accessed by all. do its job; thus, volunteers and donations Eric Goode, Congress member Julia
The website will highlight Heal are key and ForestWatch is one of our Brownley, Chumash Elder Julie
the Ocean’s work, but also to access region’s most effective conservation Tumamait, ForestWatch’s director of
the archives of important research forces. youth Graciela Cabello and Executive
materials and studies by the City, Highlights include: Director Jeff Kuyper. Geoff Green is the
County, and State. This work was done ~ The popular online auction Emcee.
during the pandemic lockdown by
Wendy Pelayo and Alison Thompson.
You will also find daily surf
forecasts and water quality test results.
Who can replace Dan Pearson, an Ormond Beach champion? All of us. Join the This you got to see!
Friends of Ormond Beach via its Facebook page to keep up. (Photo by the WestSide www.HealTheOcean.org
Story Tellers, Jayrol San Jose and Ben Camacho)
A swell deal for solar and battery Catch Currents at:
The Sierra Club’s “Rooftop Hundreds of people in or March alone brought in $2,500 to www.sierraclub.org/lospadres
Revolution” campaign to add more near the Los Padres Sierra Club the chapter. Those homeowners are
solar power is continuing with an have requested a solar quote and also getting $1k discounts.
offer of a free solar evaluation for actual installations nationwide are “You can lock in your
All physical meetings
your home with discounts. A Tesla growing by the thousands. electricity rate for the next 20 suspended - we’re online
Powerwall is also available. Already, the checks are years, free yourself from dirty
“We continue to be amazed
by the number of people interested
coming in, noted Chapter Chair
Katie Davis about the money
energy, and do it all with no
upfront investment,” said the club’s
Group News
www.SBSierraClub.org
in going solar with Sierra Club,” coming into the chapter from Swell. executive Director Michael Brune, The public is welcome to our programs
according to the campaign. Five homeowners in February and who had a system installed on his
home, as did Condor John, editor of
Net zero future...
CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Condor Call. ~ Meets 4th Thursday 7pm of every month, via internet for now.
Swell Energy is the company Email Secretary Gerry Ching for the agenda: gching@cox.net
continued from page 1 lease near Orcutt-Garey Road and the that will assess and install the ~ Chapter website and blog at:
system using local contractors, www.SierraClub.org/LosPadres
Cat Canyon Spotlight Dierberg Vineyard.
While the last of the oil and it has a leasing program. The SANTA BARBARA GROUP
Solar All Over program, in most cases, will fund ~ We meet 1st Tuesdays, noon to 1:30pm of each month. For details
expansion projects proposed in Cat If you asked me to predict what the installation of a Tesla Powerwall and to follow the South Coast area, contact:
Canyon near Santa Maria withdrew battles we’d be fighting this year, I home battery system that can keep http://www.sbsierraclub.org
last November, our celebrations are wouldn’t have guessed rooftop solar. https://www.FACEBOOK.com/SBSierraclub
muted by the narrow failure of SB your medical equipment and other https://TWITTER.com/SBSierraClub
Such an obvious good in our
467, a bill that would have phased parts of your house operating https://www.INSTAGRAM.com/SierraClubSantaBarbara
efforts to reach 100% renewable
out cyclic steaming and permanently during the outages for a limited https://www.MEETUP.com/SierraClub-SantaBarbara
energy! Such an economic bright
protected our county from this risky time. https://tinyurl.com/SBGroupBlog
spot and job generator! Such a nice
process. Be a part of a local solution ARGUELLO GROUP
way to power an all-electric house
The vote in the Natural to reduce our dependence on Our North County Group will keep you informed on our Facebook
and electric vehicle!
Resources Committee was 4-3 in fossil fuels by installing a Tesla page:
Yet, it is a universal truth that www.facebook.com/SierraClubArguelloGroup ~Volunteers needed;
favor of the bill. However, it needed the big utilities don’t like rooftop Powerwall to provide backup power
five votes to pass out of committee and participate in the distributed your talents could make a difference. Call 350-0629 or:
solar, considering solar customers RebeccaAugust@mac.com
so was one vote shy. We are also, as lost customers. After all, utilities clean energy grid of the future.
sadly, still fighting the Cat Canyon VENTURA NETWORK
make money from building utility- You’ll get $1,000 for participating ~ For board meeting dates, times and location email:
aquifer exemption the oil companies scale energy and transmission lines. and Swell Energy will donate $500 sierraclubventura@gmail.com
requested to drill through the Santa They are pushing AB1139, a bad bill to the Sierra Club. In addition, ~ Get latest info about the western Ventura County group via Facebook
Maria groundwater basin. Sierra Club California says, “will there are state cash-back rebates and a blog:
On our behalf, the Environmental severely impact the rooftop solar and federal tax incentives available http://tinyurl.com/VenturaSierraClubFB
Defense Center has submitted three that may cover up to 100% of the https://tinyurl.com/VenturaSierraClubBlog
industry by proposing compensation ~New MEETUP site for hikes, outings etc:
expert reports documenting the risks that severely undervalues established system’s cost.
to our drinking water, but the state www.meetup.com/SierraClubVentura
benefits of distributed generation.” Get a free quote from Swell
still seems poised to rubberstamp the Energy that will detail your solar CONEJO GROUP
It’s linked to tug-of-war going
application. We are also reminded of ~ Events, outings and meetings will be sent to you if you sign up at
on at the Public Utilities Commission options, show you what your home
the existing oil drilling in Cat Canyon ConejoGroup@gmail.com
over Net Energy Metering, the way would look like, and how much Otherwise, get all information on this eastern Ventura County Group
by the frequent fires they start. The solar homeowners are credited for you would save at: from Hugh Warren, 341-6295 mail@hkwarren.net
last one, dubbed the Dominion fire, the solar energy they supply to the http://www.swellenergy.com/ www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/conejo
was reported on May 12 and was grid. A vote is expected soon. www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/conejo/outings
SierraClub
caused by a power surge at an oil
June/July 2021 • Condor Call 4
SIGHTINGS
We’re acting up
By John Hankins Sierra Club is a member) invited us
Jobs and Climate connect
It’s going to happen, having to participate in the formation of a
our normal free, local public SB County Green New Deal via the
outings and in-person meetings Junta Grande virtual celebration,
By Leah C. Stokes they did this was over a decade final package. after the pandemic. The latest word which spent over a year gathering
Last year, President Biden ago, during the debates over the Cleaning up the transportation is local outings may open in July, information via face-to-face
and Vice President Harris ran Waxman-Markey bill in 2009. sector is particularly important but that’s only tentative and past meetings.
and won on the boldest climate Although we have lost so much for California, as it is our largest our deadline to announce for sure.
Presidential platform in history: time in the interim, there are still source of carbon pollution by May 10: Call to Action at Ventura
But open is the club’s
pledging to spend at least $2 reasons to hope that this new far, since we have already made City Council to protest expansion of
Adventures With a Cause which
trillion on climate investments, climate bill will be ambitious. good progress on clean power. SoCalGas compressor station that is
provide environmentally friendly
target 100% clean electricity by To cut carbon pollution Policies may include rebates next to an elementary school. Sierra
outdoor adventures—from Tahoe
2035, and to ensure that 40% across our economy, we need to help everyday Americans Club advocates phasing it out or at
to Tibet—for people of all ages,
of the benefits flowed towards Congress to target changes in buy an electric vehicle, and big the minimum a full environmental
abilities, and interests. Prices
disadvantaged communities to three big sectors: electricity, investments in charging stations review. See story pg 1.
are great, with big discounts for
advance environmental justice. transportation, and homes. from coast to coast. We should ‘working vacations’ which combine May 7: Mt. Pinos logging plan
The Biden Administration Together, they account for almost also expect lots of funding to conservation work with lots of free opposed by our chapter, which
has made it clear that climate 70% of our total emissions, so electrify everything from school time to roam. Check out these trips signed a letter by Los Padres
change is a top priority, following cleaning them up would go a long buses to public transit, and our at: ForestWatch asserting it is being
up with the American Jobs Plan, way towards stopping the climate postal service fleet. https://tinyurl.com/SClubOutings proposed without an environmental
a proposal to spend between $2-3 crisis. Finally, buildings are a Please join our activities and analysis. Details here:
trillion on climate action. We now The power sector is critical to critical area where we must activism; see Group News box www.LPFW.org
.
have an opportunity for Congress making progress. If we have clean remove fossil fuels. For those on page 3 for contacts and links May 5: Regional workshop on the
to put these plans into law. electricity, we can use it to power living in Santa Barbara, you where you can get involved. We initial steps to implement Governor
The January elections in our cars, homes and even parts may have been following efforts encourage all to go outside on your Newsom’s Executive Order to
Georgia—when two Democrats of heavy industry. Right now, to require that new buildings do own or by MeetUp. protect 30 percent of California
won seats in the Senate, giving the US power system is around not install fossil gas. This is a If you’d like to donate (it helps lands, waters, and oceans by 2030.
the Democrats an even number 40% clean. We need Congress to critical local fight, which mirrors a lot and the money stays here Sierra Club sent out a notice to
of senators with VP Harris a pass a Clean Electricity Standard changes we need to be making at home), do not pass go, but go members noting we are uniquely
tie-breaker—were a profoundly that would ensure we double our nationally. directly to: positioned to provide input. So, we
positive outcome for the climate clean power this decade, hitting Congress has an opportunity www.sierraclub.org/donate/1000 did.
movement. Senate Majority 80% by 2030. to make it more affordable to Here’s what we’ve been up to
Leader Chuck Schumer has made We also need long-term everyone to remove gas from since our last issue: April 30: Luz Reyes-Martin of
it clear that climate change is his extensions of key policies that their homes, through rebates for our Santa Barbara Chapter and
top priority. have driven renewable energy everything from heat pumps to May 27: Camarillo Airport Barbara Ben-Horin were honored
In the coming months, progress today, including the induction stoves. These changes extension is opposed by our
Chapter Executive Committee continued to page 7
Congress will likely take up the Investment Tax Credit and the will not just cut pollution, they
on grounds that it would threaten
American Jobs Plan, negotiating
a major climate bill. The last time
Production Tax Credit. Both
policies must be included in the
will make our homes safer. More
and more research is coming out air quality, expand fossil fuels EVENTS
that shows that cooking over a consumption and cause the loss
of valuable farmland in Ventura June 6: Wilderness Spirit award
gas stove is very harmful to our
county, especially on top of the this year goes to Richard Salas,
health, similar to secondhand
proposal to expand the Port of highlighting his amazing photography
smoke in the home.
Hueneme and the new Amazon career under water and his advocacy
The American Jobs Plan is
the biggest opportunity we have Distribution Center Warehouse a for the ocean and its inhabitants.
ever had to act on the climate half-mile from the airport. Given by the Wildling Museum, this
crisis. If you agree, get involved, May 25: All-electric building virtual event, also a fundraiser, will be
and plug into Sierra Club efforts code for city of Santa Barbara was held at 4pm. Check it out at:
to ensure that Americans across examined by Ordinance Committee www.WildlingMuseum.org
the country are reaching out to to forward to city council in June. June 12-20: Santa Cruz Trail
Congress to let them know that Our chapter urged members to working vacation with Los Padres
we must pass this law. support. Forest Assn. Details at:
~ Leah C. Stokes is an May 24: Earth Friendly www.LPForest.org
assistant professor working on Management Policy for Ojai is
June 13: Renew Part 2, a Ventura
climate and energy policy at UC supported by our Sierra Club
Santa Barbara
Sierra Club Benefit e ncourages the
chapter in a letter drafted by
public to attend and paint your own
Conservation Chair Jim Hines
that read: “It is time for the city custom design (under an artist’s
Fun Fact to stop the use of toxic, synthetic guidance) on a t-shirt, bag or any
pesticide and herbicide products other fabric. This will be an online
Fun Fact from the newly which endanger the health of Ojai zoom at 3pm, register here:
organized Conejo Climate residents.” Check it out: www.Meetup.com/SierraClubVentura
Coalition: https://tinyurl.com/OjaiEcoOrdinance June 17: Capping ocean oil wells
www.conejoclimate.org May 15: Climate Justice Network in Summerland, a zoom webinar
“Ventura County’s average of the Central Coast (of which the presentation with filmmaker Harry
1 4 TH A N N U A L temperature has already increased Rabin, noting the long history of
4.7F degrees (2.6C) since 1895, leaking wellheads. Free, sponsored
making ours the fastest warming by Marie Morrisroe, but donations
county in the continental United
welcome. Presented by the SB
States. That average is projected to
A BENEFIT FOR LOS PADRES FORESTWATCH Maritime Museum, register here:
climb 3-5F degrees more in inland
www.SBMM.org
areas, including Thousand Oaks,
over the next 20 years according Jun 17: Ojai Wild! Is the signature
JUNE 17, 2021
to the Western Regional Climate event and fundraiser for the Los
6:30-7:30PM Center.” Padres ForestWatch, an overachiever
WWW.OJAIWILD.ORG ”We must act now to mitigate in protecting the Los Padres National
the worst effects of increased Forest.
Join us for a virtual event to TH IS YEA R’ S V IRTUA L EVENT temperatures.” The pandemic requires it be a virtual
benefit our region’s public IN CLUDES New Conejo Climate Coalition is up and
You can sign up for the CCC’s event, complete with a live-stream
lands and wildlife in the Exciting Online Silent and Live Auction running at:
Los Padres National Forest Packed Full of Unique Products newsletter on the website. www.ConejoClimate.org celebration, live and silent auctions
and Experiences
Video Presentations Featuring an Engaging
with a number of important speakers
Over the years, Ojai WILD! Line Up of Speakers (see story pg 3). It will also give a
has become a mainstay for our
community. It’s the longest-
Musical Performances on the Ojai Wild!
Digital Stage
portion to HELP of Ojai providing
running conservation benefit in
Sponsorship Opportunities for All food to those in need. All details here:
Ventura County. Levels of Giving
https://ojaiwild.org
In the spirit of this tradition, Every Sponsor Feeds a Family
Los Padres ForestWatch is proud to
for One Month
Food Deliveries Provided by our friends at
June 27: Looking Forward award
bring everyone together for a virtual HELP of Ojai celebration and fundraiser by the
event again this year. Join us online
as we raise support for one of our
Every Sponsor Receives a Free Digital
Download of the Music from Ojai Wild 2021!
SB County Action Network (SBCAN)
region’s most effective conservation
Delicious Food Prepared by
online at 4pm. The progressive group
forces and help us lend a hand to
local businesses and families in need.
Seasons Catering along with Local Wine & Beer
Available at Certain Sponsor Levels
advocates a holistic approach to
sustainable community planning.
Learn more or purchase tickets at:
OJAIWILD.ORG
www.SBCAN.org
June/July 2021 • Condor Call 5
Blowing in the wind
By John Hankins coast, fisheries, marine life, and
The Biden Administration Tribal and cultural resources we
announced an agreement to allow value so much as Californians.”
for offshore wind development When shut down, the Diablo
miles off the Northern and Central Canyon Power Plant would end
coasts of California, affecting the California’s reliance on nuclear
Morro Bay and Humboldt areas. energy. However, the existing
These initial areas for offshore transmission infrastructure on the
wind development could bring up Central Coast “would be available
to 4.6 GW of clean energy to the to reliably deliver the output of
grid, enough to power 1.6 million both the Diablo Canyon Power
homes, noted Interior Secretary Plant and the retired Morro Bay
Deb Haaland, who said “a clean Power Plant,” said Morro Bay
energy future is within our grasp.” Mayor John Headding.
Compare that to the current output The proposal would make it
of the Diablo Nuclear Power Plant the largest floating offshore wind
at 2.2 GW, which is scheduled to project in the United States. Too,
shut down beginning in 2024. Rep. Carbajal noted that offshore
Of course, the Sierra Club is wind is one component of a multi-
The Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant is expected to shut down in a few years, but it’s power may be replaced by energized. “As we look forward to pronged strategy to transform the
floating wind turbines (some examples below) which can tap into the existing power grid. (Courtesy photo) a 100% renewable energy future, Central Coast into a renewable
it’s great to see progress in our energy hub.
EAVESDROPS region, both from the Lompoc The Central Coast is already
“We’ve spent all this time, onshore wind project under home to the California Valley
energy and political will battling to construction, and major strides Solar Ranch and Morro Bay could
secure public access on our beaches, being made toward ambitious soon host the largest battery plant
and now that access might literally
offshore wind energy,” said our in the world. With the addition
be underwater in coming decades.”
Chapter Chair, Katie Davis. of an offshore wind project, the
~ Charles Lester, former
Local Rep. Salud Carbajal Central Coast is positioned to lead
executive director of the
said “offshore wind holds the country in renewable energy
California Coastal Commission, is
revitalizing UC Santa Barbara’s incredible promise as a means to construction and output.
Ocean and Coastal Policy Center tackle climate change while also The plans favor floating wind
to carry forward work on pressing creating economic opportunity, turbines to avoid impacts to the
coastal management issues. Read and the Central Coast is uniquely ocean floor and both areas would
the story here: poised to reap the benefits … the likely require major onshore
https://tinyurl.com/CoastsFuture future is in renewable energy, and investments in expanding port
the Central Coast is leading the facilities for construction and
Climate nothing like Covid way.”
The agreement, which
identifies an area of development
assembly. That would create
numerous, well-paying jobs.
The federal Bureau of Ocean
By Jon Ullman to enjoy our work and homes, free from public lands and provide protections
about 17-40 miles offshore of Energy Management (BOEM)
Rush hour traffic. Indoor dining. the gridlock, pollution and stress that for the ones we have on the coasts,
Family road trips and exotic vacations. defined our old lives. foothills and mountains so we can northern San Luis Obispo County, in partnership with California,
Shopping in person. Dinner parties. In Ventura and Santa Barbara achieve 30 percent protection (or more) is the product of negotiations will hold an Intergovernmental
Baseball stadiums. Commercial real counties, we are trying to establish a by 2030 (or sooner), and we anticipate conducted by Rep. Carbajal’s Renewable Energy Task Force
estate ventures. We’re back to normal. better normal. We are fighting to keep leading amazing hikes to wonderful Offshore Wind Working Group, meeting on June 24 to discuss
A world of motion. A world of oil companies from erasing the progress natural places once again through our created in 2019. the identified areas off the north
smiling faces. A world of seeing loved the Ventura Board of Supervisors made free Outings. `For years a long-running and central coasts. It is moving
ones. protecting our air and water in the last We are lucky to have many local stalemate with the Department fast with a lease sale targeted for
This new world, just like the one two years. governments in our region taking of Defense hampered efforts mid-2022 after an environmental
before it, however, is brought to you by We are fighting for all-electric climate and justice seriously during and allowing offshore structures, on analysis and consultation among
coal, oil and gas. new buildings to be powered primarily after the pandemic, but it’s not enough. grounds that they might conflict stakeholders.
Don’t get me wrong. We’re by renewable power in the City of Climate is not like COVID. It never
with the military’s training A commercial fishing industry
happy to see normal. We need it. Santa Barbara and across our area. was. It’s as the International Energy
Agency said in its report recently: and strategic operations. But a spokesman, Mike Conroy said,
Still, something’s still wrong, and it’s We are joining grassroots and
not just the variants and lower-than- allies in fighting the environmental “perhaps the greatest challenge compromise to identify a 399 “the fishing industry has been told
expected vaccination percentages. injustice of SoCalGas’s compressor humankind has ever faced.” square mile area off Morro Bay these areas work best for offshore
Anxiety looms. We’re disoriented. expansion and fast-tracked toxic and a section off of Northern wind developers, but no one has
We know that getting back to normal soil remediation in Ventura’s long- EAVESDROPS California was a breakthrough. asked us what areas would work
means continuing the trend lines of overburdened Westside neighborhood. “We were young, we were Defense now supports the idea. for us.”
climate change and income inequality. We are fighting ExxonMobil from foolish, we were arrogant, but we Colin Kahl, undersecretary of More information on
Can we take what we’ve expanding offshore drilling in Santa were right.” defense for policy, said “It’s our offshore wind development and
experienced during COVID to change Barbara Channel. We are fighting land- ~ Abbie Hoffman, one view that the world faces a grave other clean energy sources is
our planetary fate? based drillers, which want permission of the Chicago 7 defendants and growing climate crisis.”
arrested for antiwar and anti- available at: http://www.doi.
In some respects, COVID mirrors from the state and federal government “Developing offshore wind to
climate change. Both are global to slice through our drought-parched racist protests in 1968 during gov/priorities/clean-energy-
the Democratic National produce clean, renewable energy
problems that can sicken and kill aquifers. future
We are fighting to buy more Convention in Chicago. could be a game changer to
millions and if left unchecked grind https://tinyurl.com/
society to a halt. Both can be solved, achieving California’s clean energy
DOIcleanEnergy
See SB wind webinar
or at least mitigated, by changes in goals and addressing climate
For a local perspective, go
behavior and technology. Both have change – all while bolstering the
to the Environmental Defense
people who believe or deny their economy and creating new jobs,”
The Environmental Defense possible, which the webinar Center’s recent workshop on
existence and support or oppose their Governor Gavin Newsom said.
Center hosted a special webinar in addresses. offshore wind energy by its
remedies. “This historic announcement
But in greater respects, Climate April about offshore wind being Here’s the link to the webinar; Marine Conservation Program
… represents the innovative
is nothing like COVID. A fire, a mega- installed along the central coast, feel free to share it: Director, Kristen Hislop:
approach we need for a clean
hurricane or global temperature record with EDC’s Marine Conservation https://tinyurl.com/WindOnOcean https://tinyurl.com/WindOnOcean
energy economy that protects the
cannot spur the COVID-like reflex- Program Director, Kristen Hislop
like response in early April 2020. and you can still view the short
Climate change is not tracked daily by video.
the number of ICU beds and morgue As Kristen emphasized, “we
trailers (at least now.) Just viewing the want really aggressive renewable
endlessly upward Mauna Loa carbon energy” as the time is now to
graph will not make billions of people transition from dirty fossil fuel
one day stop everything and say, OMG,
extraction to clean renewable
we have to do something immediately!
energy sources.
Last year’s response to COVID
gives us hope and terror. She walked us through the
We want a Green New Deal, current push to include floating
called by its name or not. We want a offshore wind in California’s
new view of work that gives us the renewable energy portfolio,
flexibility to use (hopefully, in the discussing the basic functionality
future) carbon-free video or travel to of floating offshore wind turbines,
carbon-free buildings in carbon free impacts to marine life and other
vehicles. We want President Biden ocean users, and EDC’s ongoing
and his cabinet to write new rules and work to ensure projects are sited
spend money to decouple our economy and designed to minimize these
from fossil fuels. We want fossil fuel-
impacts.
friendly Senator Manchin (D-WV)
to be offered multiple bridges and Environmental concerns
buildings named after him or whatever include collisions, entanglements,
he pleases in return for his earth- noise, displacement, ship strike,
surviving single swing vote. We want habitat impacts and onshore
development. Mitigations are
June/July 2021 • Condor Call 6
Take a Hike!
Los Padres Chapter
UPDATES: https://www.sierraclub.org/lospadres
Panorama above Goleta by Robert Bernstein
OUTINGS NOTES
Sierra Club Local Outings
Los Padres National Forest are now
open. These developed areas are
subject to a user fee, but if you are not
New Pothole trailhead opens
All Sierra Club local outings using a developed area, a fee cannot By Stephen Bryne
The Forest Service opened
have been cancelled until further be collected. A new sign posted at the
the new Pothole Trailhead on
notice. Check the Los Padres Chapter first kiosk makes this clear, but you
must use an existing roadside turn-out March 1, marking the official
website for updates to this policy at: beginning of the Condor Trail,
www.SierraClub.org/LosPadres and be completely off the pavement.
See the Conditions box below. complete with plenty of paved
You may find some private parking and a pit toilet.
Meet-Up hikes that have a club Most information is at:
www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf Caution, the actual trail
member as an organizer; check pg. is about ¼-mile north of the
3 listings in the Group News box. Please Be Safe trailhead/parking. A sign is not
These are not sanctioned by the club, Please observe social spacing. yet up that will direct people to
however. And if an area is too crowded, pick the trail.*
Forest Areas Reopen another. And be careful with fire. The trail is shown on the
The Los Padres Forest is open
Day Use Fees USGS Cobblestone Mountain
except for rehabilitation closures.
Day use fees are not required 7.5-Minute quadrangle map
for roadside parking outside of (1995) and on Tom Harrison’s
Many of the campgrounds, day
developed campgrounds or day use excellent Sespe Wilderness Trail
use areas and trailheads in the Lower
areas. Map.
Santa Ynez Recreation area of the
This area was the home of
Send trail problems Juan Fustero, reported to be the
last Piru Indian, and a historical The historic Whitaker Cabin along the Pothole Trail. (Photo by Stephen Bryne),
to LP Forest Association marker to him is alongside the
main road.
and Stephen inside. (Photo by Catherine Rossbach)
If you come across any bad volunteers work to keep trails open, The general area was the Condor, the Condor Trail is more
sections of trail, downed trees or report and assess forest conditions and homeland of the Fernandeño of a concept than an actual trail
slides, take pictures and post to Hike provide public education on how to Tataviam Band of Mission at this writing. In the southern
Los Padres and email the Forest safely use the forest. If interested in Indians. The present-day Band Los Padres, the route follows
Service or your favorite trail group - becoming a member or volunteering, originated in the lineages, existing trails. That said, some
things change so quickly across the visit: villages, and culture of the of the trails, including the Agua
trails and any information you can www.lpforest.org pre-Mission period and is an Blanca Trail, are in somewhat
share is always appreciated! Website Surprising facts about the forest: independent nation, exercising desperate need of clearing and
is: www.HikeLosPadres.com there are 111 peaks throughout the LP its inherent sovereign authority re-establishment.
The Los Padres Forest forest, 174 springs, 206 dirt roads, 56 over its tribal citizens and From the Pothole Trail’s
Association’s mission is to care for off-highway vehicle trails, 293 camps, territory. For more information, start, the trail ascends a steep
the Los Padres Forest, ensuring it 205 hiking trails and over a thousand ridge, from 1120 feet above
go to:
thrives and remains safe and open cataloged locations. More info is at the sea level to over 3000 feet.
www.tataviam-nsn.us
for the people to use and enjoy. LPFA Hike Los Padres website.
The word ‘Piru’ comes from The views of the Piru Creek
Fire danger alert
the Tataviam word for the tule watershed and mountains to the
reed plant that they used for northeast, including Whitaker
basket making which still grows Peak, are outstanding. Be warned
In response to the increasing or designated Campfire Use Sites, along the shore of Lake Piru. that climbing some 2000 feet on
potential for a wildland fire, Los even with a valid California Campfire The Pothole Trail an exposed slope is not an easy This peak was named for the
Padres National Forest officials Permit. (Forest Service Trail # 18W04) task. I would not recommend this bluish color of its rocks. To the
announced that fire restrictions will be Lanterns and portable stoves is about 400-miles long, winding hike during the summertime or northwest looms Cobblestone
raised throughout the Forest, affecting using gas, jellied petroleum or its way west and north to its anytime the temperatures are in Mountain (elev. 6733), a peak
the use of campfires, stoves, smoking pressurized liquid fuel will be terminus at Botchers Gap in the 80s or higher. that dominates the northeastern
and internal combustion engines. permitted, but only with a valid Monterey County. Check out When I say ‘exposed’ I part of Ventura County.
The increased restrictions will California Campfire Permit, which are the trail’s website at: mean there is no shade, none. A Near the high point, the
remain in effect until the end of fire available free-of-charge on the Forest www.condortrail.com. nearby rocky peak, called Blue route crosses into the Sespe
season in late autumn. Details include: website. Forest visitors must clear all Named after the California Point (elev. 2097) is to the north. Wilderness. While motorcycles
~ No open fires, campfires flammable material for five feet in all are allowed on the trail up to
or charcoal fires will be permitted directions from their camp stove. this point, they appear to be
outside of developed recreation sites ~ Smoking is prohibited, except venturing into the wilderness
within an enclosed vehicle, building, all the way to the Agua Blanca
or a designated Campfire Use Site, Trail and beyond. I am hopeful
CONDITIONS or while stopped in an area at least that more foot traffic on this
Campgrounds trails and roads in three feet in diameter that is barren or
Los Padres National Forest can be closed, trail might lessen the motorcycle
have restrictions due to habitat protection, cleared of all flammable material. traffic. Hope springs eternal.
repair or weather. Before you go into the ~ Internal combustion engines Another cautionary note:
backcountry ensure you check conditions may be operated only on roads or
with rangers. Numbers to call (805 area since the trail is somewhat
designated trails year- round. overgrown with brush in the
unless noted) are:
Los Padres Forest Districts
~ Fireworks – even the “safe and Wilderness, there are ticks that
Headquarters 865-0416 sane” variety – are not permitted at cling to the brush and may cling
Ojai-Ventura 646-4348 any time or in any location within the on to you. It’s best to knock them
Mt Pinos (661) 245-3731 Forest. off your clothes or body before
Santa Barbara 967-3481 ~ Recreational target shooting
Santa Lucia 925-9538 they get embedded. Also check
remains prohibited except for the when you get home to make sure
Other Areas two areas under special use permit:
Santa Monica Mtns 370-2301 that none snuck by your initial
Conejo Park 381-2737 Winchester Canyon Gun Club and the defenses. Poison oak is also
Simi Valley 584-4400 Ojai Valley Gun Club. present but not terribly so.
Montecito 969-3514 For a list of Developed After crossing the divide, the
Forest Information Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Pothole Trail descends toward
For updated info, maps, news Sites or further information visit: the features that give the trail its
releases, and other goodies: https://tinyurl.com/LPNFinfo name: The Pothole, the Devils
http://FS.USDA.gov/LPNF
Potrero, and Pothole Spring.
Regional Hike Info EAVESDROPS Local author James Wapotich
Lots of local info on websites that “It seems, if you drive to a wrote about this trail in 2013
give you varied info on outings, trail profiles, hiking spot, your drive may be
wildflower alerts, work opportunities and
and he stated the Pothole area
more dangerous than your hike.” was formed by a large landslide
much more.
https://www.sierraclub.org/lospadres ~ David Goldstein writing that piled debris across the
www.LPForest.org in the Ventura County Star canyon, forming a large basin.
https://LPFW.org about the dangers of being He observed that the basin looks
www.HikeLosPadres.com in the backcountry, noting like a dry lakebed with some
www.SBSierraClub.org that during a recent year, six
www.SantaBarbaraTrailGuide.com trees and willows. Indeed, the
people died of snake bites, bright green vegetation of the
www.SantaBarbaraHikes.com
https://SBTrails.org seven by spider bites, 54 from cottonwood trees are in stark
www.VenturaCountyTrails.org lightning strikes … but 37,600 contrast to the surrounding dry
http://Hikes.VenturaCountyStar.com died from vehicle accidents. Devil’s Gateway along the Pothole Trail. (Photo by Stephen Bryne) and brown chaparral.
You can also read
