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Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 www.ventana.sierraclub.

org

APR, MAY, JUN


OUTINGS

Build on these dunes? p. 3

Copyright (C) 2002-2009 Kenneth & Gabrielle Adelman, California Coastal Records Project, www.Californiacoastline.org

Explore, enloy, and protect the planet


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hile it is the intent of The Ventana to
print articles that reflect the position of
the Ventana Chapter, ideas expressed
Chapter Chair
in The Ventana are those of the authors and do
not necessarily reflect the position of the Sierra
Chapter fighting for still another sprawling resort in the cumulative impacts. To lose any of these
coastal dunes in Sand City. The proposed scarce beaches to development would
Club. Articles, graphics, and photographs are development on resort would also impact sensitive dune have disastrous effects on sensitive species
copyrighted by the authors and artists and may
be reprinted only with their permission. Monterey Bay dunes species, be subject to coastal erosion, and such as the federally-endangered nesting

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DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS our Chapter is highly focused on draw on the same dwindling water supply western snowy plover, disrupt natural
coastal issues this year. Several pro- in the seaside Aquifer. coastal rhythms, and siphon off water
All materials for publication must be received by
the deadlines listed below. No exceptions. jects that have been planned for In addition, the long-time presence of a supplies that exist only on paper.
the Monterey Bay shoreline for a decade sand mining plant just a little further north Protecting the Monterey Bay shoreline
SUBMISSIONS FORMAT in Marina is removing hundreds of thou- and its unique habitat and resources takes
or more may come before the California
Please limit articles to 800 words; letters to 300. Coastal Commission or other regulatory sands of cubic yards of sand that is shipped activists and money. If you have interest
All submissions may be edited for clarity and out of the county for industrial uses. in helping the Chapter with coastal issues
length. Email to dfbulger@cruzio.com. Mail hard boards this year.
copy to editor, address below. The first one the chapter faced this The Chapter has retained legal counsel or making a donation towards legal and/
year was the massive redo of Security Na- and scientists to address all of these proj- or scientific expert fees, please contact me
PHOTOS ects, both as separate entities and for their at puffin@mbay.net.
tional Guaranty’s (SNG) perpetual effort
Photos submitted to The Ventana must meet the —Rita Dalessio
following requirements: No laser copies or inkjet
to build a mega complex in the coastal
outputs. Electronic photos should be no smaller dunes at Sand City. (See story, p. 3). This
than 1200 x 1100 pixels or 300 dpi. Cover photos project consisting of 341 units, pools, spas,
must be 3000 x 2000 pixels. Film photos, slides,
or negatives are fine. Please call the editor if you
restaurants and conference facilities was
heard before the Monterey Peninsula Wa- From the Editor
have any questions.
ter Management District for approval of a
WHERE TO SEND SUBMISSIONS water distribution permit last month. The Battery assault nia and are not supposed to be thrown in

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Send submissions to Debbie Bulger, Editor, 1603 Water District denied the application and here do they come from? Do the trash. They contain a variety of harmful
King Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, dfbulger@ directed SNG to do a Subsequent EIR as they drop from the sky? I am materials including lead, nickel, mercury,
cruzio.com. required by the California Environmental speaking about batteries. and lithium—all of which can contaminate
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Quality Act. Those of you who are personally ac- soil and water, not to mention harm chil-
Do not call editor! Send address changes to: SNG and their paid consultants, Rana quainted with me know that walking is dren, pets, and wildlife.
address.changes@sierraclub.org or use the mail-in Creek, are currently working hard to get my main form of transportation. From How do these batteries get in the street?
coupon in each issue. around this decision and begin building my home on the Westside of Santa Cruz, I imagine kids dropping flashlights or toys
POSTAL NOTICE their project. The Chapter has opposed I walk 1½ miles downtown to the bank or which explode on impact leaving batteries
development on this 39-acre site for many the post office or the Sierra Club office. I behind. The batteries are not the kind for
The Ventana (015057) is published 6 times a
year, (Feb., Apr., Jun., Aug., Oct., Dec.) paid by years because of federally-listed and sensi- walk to nearby grocery stores, the drug IPods. Is it because so many of us can’t leave
subscription included in membership fee, by The tive species on site, coastal erosion concerns store, and the book shop. home without carrying a battery-powered
Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club, 1001 Center that could require seawalls to protect the On my way every week I find batteries: device or two? Can someone out there help
Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Periodical postage
structures, and the dwindling water supply Double A, Triple A, small disk batteries for me solve this mystery? Are they thrown out
paid Santa Cruz, CA and at additional mailing of car windows? When the user drops them,
offices. in the Seaside Aquifer. hearing aids or cameras, lithium batteries,
Postmaster: Send address changes to Sierra Club, What was not discussed at the hearing once a cell phone battery. Usually they are why don’t they pick them up themselves?
The Ventana, P.O. Box 604, Santa Cruz, CA before the Water Management District was in the street, often damaged by having been Readers might not be aware of what they
95061-0604. another project in the pipeline near the run over by vehicle tires. I pick them up as are supposed to do with spent batteries.
Editors: SNG property proposed by King Ventures. a dog owner might with a plastic bag and Each municipality has sites to drop them
Debbie Bulger, dfbulger@cruzio.com,
This developer is now in the process of pre- every couple of weeks deposit them in the off for recycling and proper disposal. Con-
Virginia Draper, assistant editor tact your local waste disposal service for ad-
Production: paring an EIR due to be released this spring specially-marked containers in the public
Debbie Bulger, Vivian Larkins, Dale Nutley library or at City offices. ditional drop off places, hours of service, or
Writers: If left on the street, these batteries would if your jurisdiction is not mentioned below.
Rita Dalessio, Debbie Bulger, Peter Scott, eventually wash into the storm drains and Marina: Monterey Regional Waste Man-
Gary A. Patton, Celia Scott Harriet Brown find their way into the Monterey Bay Na- agement District.
Photographers: Attorney at Law tional Marine Sanctuary. I pick them up Monterey: City Hall, Monterey Pub-
Kenneth & Gabrielle Adelman, Debbie Bulger,
Erica Crawford, Steve Zmak, Vilma Siebers, JD; LLM in Taxation because they are bad for the Bay. Batteries lic Library, Whole Foods, Casanova Oak-
John Howerton, Ventana staff are considered hazardous waste in Califor- Knoll Park Center, Hilltop Park Center,
Proofreaders:
Wolfgang Rosenberg, Eloise Graham,
•••• Thank You Ex-Com!
Monterey Senior Center.
Salinas: Crazy Horse Canyon Landfill.
Robin Drury, Virginia Draper Santa Cruz: City Hall, Public Libraries,

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Distribution: ou may not notice any difference Public Works Dept., Louden Nelson Cen-
Keith Wood, Esperanza Hernandez, • Estate Planning in this issue of The Ventana, but we ter, Resource Recovery Facility (Dimeo).
Beth Lilienthal, Debbie Bulger, Julie Hitchcock
Advertising Sales: • Trusts / Wills have made some big changes thanks Scotts Valley: The Battery Store.
Debbie Bulger • Conservatorships to the generosity of the Chapter Ex-Com. Seaside: City Hall, Seaside Public Works.
Carpentry & Software: We have changed the layout program UCSC: Battery bins on campus, check
Anonymous • Probate
we use from Quark to InDesign. We love UCSC website.
Chapter website: • Adoptions the greater ease of importing graphics from Watsonville: Waste & Recycling drop
http://ventana.sierraclub.org
• Elder Law Illustrator and Photoshop and the greater off (Harvest Dr.).
ease of lining up columns and creating Don’t throw your used batteries in the

C onsult with someone who shares “spreads”—layouts which spread across trash. Bring them to the various locations
2009 your values. For over 35 years I two pages. where they can be safely handled. Other
Ventana Publication Schedule have been helping clients protect and The change involved hours of work in- options include using rechargeable batter-
Issue Deadline Mailing Date provide for their families and resolve cluding producing a new template and ies (these eventually wear out and must be
#3 May 18 Jun. 3 conflicts through creative solutions. style sheets, writing a new program to for- taken to a hazardous waste site) and using
#4 Jul. 20 Aug. 5 mat the outings, and learning how to use devices that operate without batteries such
#5 Sep. 21 Oct. 7 • InDesign. as hand-crank flashlights and solar-pow-
#6 Nov. 30 Dec. 16 In the coming issues as we become ered calculators.
740 Front Street, Suite 200, Santa Cruz
831-427-2414; Fax: 831-427-2446
more proficient, we’ll be working to give Mother Earth will do better without be-
Articles received after deadline you an even better-looking Ventana. ing assaulted with batteries.
harrietb@sbcglobal.net
may not be published. —Debbie Bulger, Ventana Editor —Debbie Bulger
  2 The Sierra Club  1  Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 Printed on recycled paper
letters Sierra Club opposes Coastal Dunes Resort
TheVentana welcomes letters
Send to: perts to represent us in opposing the resort.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Attorney Larry Silver of CELP (California
The Ventana, 1603 King Street,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Environmental Law Project) has prepared
email: dfbulger@cruzio.com detailed responses to the flaws in the proj-
Please include a phone number ect based on water law and CEQA. Bota-
with your letter. Anonymous letters are not nist and coastal ecologist Peter Baye has
accepted. Letters may be edited for length. reviewed impacts on sensitive species and
the infeasibility of the project’s proposed
Hydro-illogical cycle mitigation and management plan.
Back in the late ‘70s and afterwards, In addition, the Monterey Dunes Coali-
I gave numerous lectures on water con- tion sent a letter to the Coastal Commis-
servation and spoke of the hydrologic sion regarding technical review of coastal
cycle, showing a slide of it, accompa- erosion predictions for the proposed resort.
nied by a slide of the “Hydro-illogical Citing the Regional Sediment Manage-
Cycle”: Drought q Awareness q ment Plan for Southern Monterey Bay that
Concern q PANIC q Rain q was released in November, 2008, the letter
Apathy q Drought. notes that the coastal dunes between the
Round and round it goes. Salinas River and Wharf II in Monterey are
Russ Beatty, Prof. Emeritus, UC Berkeley predicted to erode between 1 to 6 feet per
Bonny Doon
year over the next 50 years. Such erosion
Bigger problem in our garages would put the eight existing oceanfront fa-
Thank you for your article in the last is- cilities at risk and certainly suggests that the
sue, “Clean coal is a myth,” pointing out proposed resort site is in a hazard zone.
that so-called “clean coal” is still a major All the documents cited above were sub-
environmental problem. While the article
Steve Zmak

was generally accurate in describing the mitted to the Coastal Commission in op-
very real environmental damage coal does position to the Monterey Bay Shores Resort
(“clean” or otherwise), it may have left and are available for viewing on the Chap-
some readers with the misimpression that The huge development proposed for these Sand City dunes would impact endangered and sensitive species such ter website, www.ventana.sierraclub.org.
coal is the largest source of global warm- as the western snowy plover and the Monterey spineflower.
ing gases. Not so. Nationwide petroleum

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accounts for 44% of CO2 emissions from or over 11 years, the Ventana Chap- nificant new information about the over
energy consumption, while coal accounts ter has opposed projects planned for pumping of the Seaside basin in the last To change address by email:
for 36%. the sand dunes west of Highway 1 in eleven years made denial the only possible address.changes@sierraclub.org
When we focus on California, petroleum Sand City. These parcels were used in the decision. As a result of the denial of water
is the bigger climate change problem by an Membership inquiries:
past for mining sand and other commercial rights, SNG withdrew the resort proposal
even wider margin. Coal is burned mainly membership.services@sierraclub.org
activities. Since their closure, several plans from the Coastal Commission agenda for
for electricity generation, petroleum mainly mid-March.
for transportation. Nationwide coal gener- have been proposed that would heavily
ates about 52% of the electricity, but only impact coastal erosion, federally-listed, en- The Chapter has retained professional ex-
about 17% of the electricity we consume in dangered and sensitive species such as the
California. Looking at California’s emission
of global warming gases, the biggest share
nesting western snowy plover, Monterey
spineflower, black legless lizard and Myr-
ContaCt your representatiVes
(38%) comes from transportation, which tle’s Silverspot butterfly. President Barack Obama U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo
is virtually all petroleum, while only 25% The most aggressive plan for develop- The White House 698 Emerson Street
comes from electrical generation (even 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Palo Alto, CA 94301
ment has been the Security National Guar- Washington, D.C. 20500 408-245-2339; FAX: 650-323-3498
including electricity generated elsewhere antee (SNG) proposal for a mega mixed- Comment Line: 202-456-1111 go to website to email
and imported into California). And since
only 17% of that 25% comes from coal, use complex called Monterey Bay Shores Vice President Joe Biden State Senator Abel Maldonado
that means only about 6% of California’s Resort. The site plan designed by Rana 202-456-1414 100 Paseo De San Antonia, Suite 206
greenhouse gas emissions come from coal. Creek would incorporate 341 units of ho- San Jose, CA 95113
tel rooms and condominiums, restaurants, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger 408-277-9461
That’s 6% for coal vs. 38% for petroleum/ State Capitol Building senator.maldonado@sen.ca.gov
transportation. pools, spa, and conference facilities on 39 Sacramento, CA 95814
We are quite right to tell coal-burners, acres of beachfront property. The project 916-445-2841 State Senator Joe Simitian
mainly in the eastern half of the country, to would require removal and disposal of over FAX: 916-445-4633 State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814
http://gov.ca.gov 916-445-6747; FAX: 916-323-4529
break their coal habit. But we are ducking 400,000 cubic feet of sand and impact our Senator.Simitian@sen.ca.gov
our own responsibilities when we don’t at severely-diminishing water supply. Senator Dianne Feinstein
the same time acknowledge that we have an The project had a serious setback in 331 Hart Office Building State Senator Jeff Denham
even bigger problem parked in our own ga- Washington, D.C. 20510 369 Main Street, #208
late February when SNG came before the 202-224-3841; 415-393-0707 Salinas, CA 93901
rages. The biggest global warming problem 1 Post Street, Suite 2450 831-769-8040
in the US, and even more so in California, Monterey Peninsula Water Management
Board to request approval of an application San Francisco, CA 94104 Senator.Denham@sen.ca.gov
is our excessive dependence on motor ve- go to website to email
hicles. Reducing that dependence on mo- to exercise water rights. Following an inten- Assembly Rep. Anna Caballero
tor vehicles therefore needs to be our high- sive public relations campaign and lobby- Senator Barbara Boxer assemblymember.Caballero@assembly.ca.gov
ing efforts by the developer, Ed Ghandour, 112 Hart Office Building
est priority, if we are serious about climate Washington, D.C. 20510 Assembly Representative Bill Monning
change. and Rana Creek, the consultants for the 202-224-3553; 415-403-0100 (voice) 701 Ocean Street, Room 318-B
Paul Schoellhamer project, the Board denied SNG’s request to 1700 Montgomery Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060; 831-425-1503
Watsonville access its allotted water. The Water Board San Francisco, CA 94111 99 Pacific Street, Suite 555D
go to website to email Monterey, CA 93940
ordered Ghandour to prepare a Subsequent

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831-649-2832; FAX: 831-649-2935
Environmental Impact Report to address U. S. Representative Sam Farr assemblymember.Monning@assembly.ca.gov
all water-related concerns. 100 W. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901
831-429-1976 (Santa Cruz)
The last EIR was over 10 years old, hav- 831-424-2229 (Salinas)
CO-2 202-225-6791 (FAX, Washington, DC)
ing been circulated in 1998. Water Board
members specifically cited the fact that sig- samfarr@mail.house.gov

Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club 1 Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 3M
b b b

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Our transit district is in trouble
Debbie Bulger

Demand far exceeds supply on the popular Highway 17 route from Santa Cruz to San Jose. With global warming, we need more public transit, not less.

by Peter Scott Schwarzenegger and minority members of funds by Governor Schwarzenegger and fleet will not be efficiently and effectively

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he Highway 17 Express bus service of the State Legislature, the State budget lack of the sale of the bonds. maintained; it will also mean the elimi-
between Santa Cruz and San Jose— adopted on February 20 eliminates major The transit funds that are being cut would nation of some 325 jobs in 2009.
a service that began following the support for public transit systems state- have gone primarily toward completing the Without funding, progress toward
1989 earthquake and has been consistently wide. The result is a loss for the Santa Cruz MetroBase maintenance, storage and ad- complying with statewide global warm-
improved since then—provides the essen- County Transit District (METRO) of ap- ministrative facility ($22 million) and re- ing laws—AB 32 and SB 375—will just
tial public transportation link to the out- proximately $46 million over the years placing 30 diesel buses ($15 million) with not happen.
side world for Santa Cruz County. If you 2009 through 2013, an amount that is far cleaner compressed natural gas vehicles. What you can do
want to go to San Jose, or San Francisco, or from being offset by the expected $5 mil- Additional maintenance and improvement • Write to State Senator Joe Simitian
their airports, or for that matter, anywhere lion in Federal Economic Stimulus funds. projects make up the remainder. and Assemblymember Bill Monning.
else in the world, this is your bus. Providing Particularly egregious is that the State Tran- METRO is currently under order from Urge them to work to ensure the sale of
26 round trips on every weekday and 15 sit Assistance Program, which would have the California Air Resources Board to re- the Transit Bonds as soon as possible, so
round trips on weekends and holidays, the provided approximately $24 million to place its diesel buses with less-polluting that work can continue on the Metro-
Highway 17 Express is increasingly popu- METRO, is being phased out statewide. compressed natural gas buses by 2012. Base facility and that our aging and pol-
lar. It’s so popular, in fact, that on many In addition, METRO will not receive However, unless that deadline is extended, luting diesel buses can be replaced. Also
trips there are more passengers than seats $22 million from the Public Transportation METRO will have to reduce its fleet from urge them to advocate for effective long-
on the bus, so riders must either stand or Modernization, Improvement and Service the current 83 buses to 52 buses, which term State funding for public transit.
sit on the floor for the 50-minute ride to Enhancement Account, which derives would mean a 38% decrease in METRO • Keep up to date regarding devel-
San Jose. from Proposition 1B, a $3.6 billion bond bus service and the loss of jobs for 150 opments on this issue. For updates visit
But don’t expect this service to improve measure passed in 2006 to benefit public METRO employees. http://sensibletransportation.org.
any time soon. transit, but which has yet to provide any Halting construction of the MetroBase
As a result of demands by Governor money to public transit owing to diversion facility will not only mean that our bus

Septic tanks affect coastal water quality

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alifornia Sea Grant* researchers is widely recognized for both marine and because their fieldwork was conducted in Stinson Beach in Marin County because
have strong evidence that sep- freshwater ecosystems. summertime when, they say, groundwater of the community’s interest in protecting
tic tanks in Northern Califor- “Our project is one of the first in Califor- is the only source of freshwater to the coast. its beach water quality. “We don’t think
nia are leaking nitrogen and phosphate nia to show definitively that septic tanks can Fertilizers spread on lawns and crops our findings are unique to Stinson Beach,”
into coastal waters that can trigger algal affect coastal water quality through subma- could also potentially be sources of the de Sieyes says.
blooms. rine groundwater discharge,” says Alexan- nutrients they detected. Again, however, In recognition of the potential environ-
Reporting in the journal Limnology and dria Boehm, a professor in the Department scientists rule out this possibility because mental implications for beach, ocean and
Oceanography, they report finding elevat- of Civil and Environmental Engineering at of the concomitantly high levels of human river ecosystems, the California legislature
ed levels of these “nutrients” in the surf Stanford University. Most research on sep- fecal indicator bacteria detected in ground- has directed the State Water Resources
zone during periods of high groundwater tic systems has focused on effects on terres- water samples collected between the septic Control Board to establish regulations on
flows to the beach. trial ecosystems, Boehm explains. The value systems and shoreline. septic systems. California and Michigan
Following one of these freshwater puls- of this project is that it shows septic systems Interestingly, bacteria counts in beach are the nation’s only two states without
es, they observed a four-day elevation in also can impact marine ecosystems via pol- water samples did not rise and fall with statewide regulations on septic systems.
chlorophyll-a levels—a proxy for phy- luted groundwater discharging directly to changes in groundwater fluxes, suggesting
toplankton concentrations. Though it is the ocean. the beach aquifer removes pathogens, says *The National Sea Grant College Program
extremely difficult to attribute any single In theory, the nutrient spikes detected in Stanford doctoral student Nicholas de Si- is part of the National Oceanic and Atmo-
algal bloom to the presence of higher than Northern California could have come from eyes, the lead author of the journal article. spheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. De-
normal nutrient levels, the general link polluted creeks or runoff. This, however, is All of the fieldwork, which will continue partment of Commerce.
between nutrification and algal blooms not what the scientists believe is happening into the summer of 2009, was conducted at
4 The Sierra Club 1 Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 Printed on recycled paper
The Santa Cruz side of the Bay
by Gary A. Patton satiempo, and the UCSC campus. Some To the contrary, the City Council is now
In The Ventana last month, Julie Engell North Coast farmers are also dependent on leading the charge for a major expansion of
provided a disturbing picture of the water City water. On March 10, the City Coun- the City’s Water Service Area, by applying
problems facing North Monterey County cil adopted a “Water Shortage Contingency to the Local Agency Formation Commis-
(“Straight talk needed about North County Plan,” which outlines how water rationing sion (LAFCO) for permission to provide
water supply”). There are real water prob- will proceed in the case of a drought. water for UCSC’s proposed expansion into
lems on the Santa Cruz County side of the Recent rains have made things better, but its “north campus” area, now largely a natu-
Bay as well. this is still, officially, a “critically dry” year, ral resource reserve. The City’s application,
so some mandatory water cutbacks can be if approved, would commit at least half,

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n Santa Cruz County, critical ground- and maybe all, of the City’s remaining wa-
water overdraft exists throughout the ter capacity.
Pajaro Valley. There are also ground- The City’s application, if Currently, UCSC uses about 132 million
water overdraft problems in central Santa approved, would commit at gallons of water each year. The City’s ap-
Cruz County, and there are very significant plication would allow the University an ad-
water supply constraints (mostly involving least half, and maybe all, of ditional 152 million gallons of water (more
surface water) in the City of Santa Cruz the City’s remaining water than half of the City’s remaining supplies).
water service area. capacity. This water would allow the University to
The City provides water not only to build over 3,000,000 square feet of new
residents and businesses within Santa Cruz buildings.
itself, but also to Live Oak, portions of Pa- predicted, starting in late spring or early In November 2006, 80% of Santa Cruz
summer. This is, of course, to be expected; voters adopted a measure that said: “In or-
it may even become normal. der to preserve the limited remaining water
Global warming is likely to reduce sur- capacity that is available to current utility
What happened to face water supplies, and convert what used users . . . the Council shall not initiate an
Freedom Lake? to be “dry” years into “normal” water years, expansion of the City’s water service area .

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so that rationing becomes “normal,” too. . . unless authorized to do so by majority mine what happens. Reading between the
s you make your way down Freedom With this likelihood, it’s clear that the City vote . . . .” The University sued and over- lines, the City is counting on a highly con-
Boulevard west of Five Mile Corner, should be very cautious about committing turned this mandate, and the City Council troversial desalination proposal to deal with
a once rich and beautiful lake looks its scarce remaining water capacity to sup- was thus not legally bound to follow its re- the water crisis that the University expan-
now like a brown meadow. This 25-acre port new development. Unfortunately, the quirements. sion will almost certainly cause.
lake is completely covered by invasive water Council does not seem to be taking such a The LAFCO proceedings that will take You’ll see more on this story in future
hyacinth, (one of the fastest growing plants precautionary approach. place later this year will ultimately deter- editions of The Ventana.
in the world).
Freedom Lake, known also as Corralitos
Lagoon and Scott Lake, has been a popular Volunteers needed
fishing spot and home to over 130 species for water testing

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of birds. The lake is unusable for boating
or fishing, be you bird or mammal. This n May 2 volunteers from all over
infestation also poses increased danger to the Central Coast will descend on
area homes from flooding, and the stagnant local creeks and streams to test the
water could cause a spike in the mosquito water. The event, called “Snapshot Day”
population. because it provides a snapshot of water
Freedom Lake and the adjacent Scott quality in over 100 streams spanning more
Park land was given to the County of Santa than 300 miles of our coastline, is spon-
Cruz in 1971 by Bert Scott, former CEO sored by the Coastal Watershed Council
of Granite Construction. He wanted this and the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Citizen
valuable resource maintained as a pub- Watershed Monitoring Network.
lic park and wildlife habitat. The bequest The water quality information collected
also included the Scott’s home on 35 acres is used by resource and local government
across Freedom Boulevard from the lake. agencies and community groups to assist
The water hyacinth growth has gone un- in protecting and improving local streams.
checked for over 4 years. The cost to reme- Last year nearly 200 volunteers participated Water Quality and Quantity Studies
diate the lake was bid at close to $1 million in water quality monitoring at more than Groundwater and Wells
by a reputable Sacramento firm. That kind 180 sites along the California Coast.
Volunteers may be of any age and should Water System Design
of money is not easy to find and the County
staff has been in search of grants and other sign up for one of the training classes listed
agency funding to cover the expense. below. To sign up visit www.coastalwater-
A group of Friends of Freedom Lake has shed.org.
come together to advocate for the lake and Santa Cruz County: Frederick A. Yukic, MS, PE
support County staff in restoring the lake. Saturday, April 25, 9:00-12:00 p.m., Natu-
If you would like to help bring the recre- ral Bridges State Beach Interpretive Center.
ational and wildlife value back to Freedom Monterey County:
Lake, contact the group at 724-5526, 426- Sunday, April 26, 12:00-3:00 p.m. MBNMS
9777, or nitahertel@gmail.com.
P.O. Box 1260, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 831-426-1440
Main Office, 299 Foam Street, Monterey.
Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club 1 Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 5M
Calendar

Sierra Club Events


Friday, April 10 Spring and Summer April 18 Earth Day activities
Potluck & Slides: India Channel Islands trips will be solar powered

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Nancy will present this slide show from her Planning a vacation this May or during the arth Day Santa Cruz 2009 will be
travel to India. The potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. summer? Consider a trip to the Channel Islands celebrated on Saturday, April 18,
Bring food to share and your own washable with a ranger/naturalist who will lead hikes and from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at
plate, cup, utensils, and serving utensils. We give talks. Fundraising event for Sierra Club
love home cooked meals or dessert, but store-
San Lorenzo Park. A fun environmental
political programs in California. Dates are May
bought items (minimum value $5) make great 1-4, July 17-20, August 7-10, and September celebration for the whole family is planned
contributions too. For directions call Nancy, 11-14. Cost is $950 which includes bunk and with tons of cool activities for kids, live mu-
423-6373 or George, 335-7748. all meals. For more info contact Joan Jones sic, food, eco-friendly vendors, workshops,
Holtz, 11826 The Wye Street, El Monte, CA master composting contest, clean-up
Friday, May 8 91732, jholtzhln@aol.com. events, e-waste collection, and much more.
Potluck & Slides: Argentina The event will be solar powered and aims
Friday, June 12 to create no waste. Food packaging will be
“Argentina - Tango and High Mountains” is a
slide show by world traveler Vilma Siebers. The Potluck & Slides compostable or recyclable.
potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. Bring food to share The topic of this slide show could not be The Sierra Club will be participating
and your own washable plate, cup, utensils and determined at press time. Please check our with a booth. If you want to help staff it,
serving utensils. We love home cooked meals or website for details. The potluck begins at 6:30 call Dennis Davie, 566-7447.
dessert, but store-bought items (minimum value p.m. Bring food to share and your own washable Walk, bike, bus, or carpool in a hybrid/
$5) make great contributions too. For directions plate, cup, utensils and serving utensils. We electric or biodiesel vehicle to show your

;
call George, 335-7748. love home cooked meals or dessert, but store- support for our Planet Earth. Valet bike
bought items (minimum value $5) make great parking. The event is sponsored by the
contributions too. For directions call George, County of Santa Cruz, the City of Santa
335-7748. Cruz, Ecology Action of Santa Cruz, and
Save Our Shores. For more information
visit www.ecocruz.org.

Non–Sierra Club Events of Interest


The following activities are not sponsored or administered by the Sierra Club. The Club makes no representations or warranties about the safety,
supervision, or management of such activities. They are published only as a reader service.
Saturday, April 18 May 12 – 17 Santa Cruz CNPS
Vilma Siebers

Earth Day Santa Cruz Spring Bike Week Habitat restoration


Food, fun, music, workshops, and more. Solar Group rides, bike to work and school, races, Volunteer to restore native habitat in State
powered and waste free. 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 safety events, and more in both Monterey and Parks in Santa Cruz Co. Wear layered work
p.m., San Lorenzo Park Benchlands, Santa Santa Cruz Counties. For more information clothes. Bring water & gloves. Tools provided.
Cruz. Sponsored by the County of Santa Cruz, visit bike2work.com. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We work rain or

; the City of Santa Cruz, Ecology Action of


Santa Cruz, and Save Our Shores. For more
information visit www.ecocruz.org.

Wednesday, April 22
FREE Wormshops
Learn how worms can eat your food scraps and
make beautiful compost for your garden. Master
composters will teach you everything you
shine, but if things get particularly unpleasant,
we call it a day. Contact Linda Brodman,
redwdrn@pac bell.net, 462-4041. Website:
www.cruz cnps.org.
April 4, Twin Lakes State Park
Voting Integrity Talk need to know. Pre-registration required. Free April 18, Quail Hollow Ranch County Park
Are California voting systems secure, accurate, and below wholesale worm bins for residents May 2, Sunset Beach State Park
recountable, and accessible? Secretary of State of unincorporated Santa Cruz Co. and Scotts
Debra Bowen will speak followed by a Q & A Valley. $50 charge for residents of Capitola, City Monterey CNPS
session. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Monterey, 7:30 – of Santa Cruz, and Watsonville. Call 427-3452
9 p.m. FREE. Sponsored by League of Women to register. Sponsored by S.C. Co. Board of Habitat restoration
Voters, Monterey Peninsula. Call 484-2451 for Supervisors; produced by County Public Works Volunteer to restore native habitat in State
more info. Recycling and Solid Waste Services. Parks in Monterey Co. Wear layered work
clothes. Bring water & snacks. Tools & gloves
Saturday, May 2 Sunday, April 26, 1-3 p.m. Quail Hollow provided. Carpools meet at Rio Rd. Park and
County Park, 800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton. Ride. Rain or shine. Contact Jan Shriner,
Growing Food and Fuel jshriner@mbay.net, 236-0905. Website: www.
The Reel Work Labor Film Festival will feature Saturday, May 30, 1-3 p.m. Cabrillo College montereybay cnps.org.
films and speakers on a host of green topics. Horticulture Center, Room 5110.
Volunteers needed Afternoon program at 3:00 p.m. Vegetarian
Saturday, June 20, 1-3 p.m. Grey Bears
Fourth Saturday
potluck at 6:00 p.m. Evening program at 7:00
for Sierra Club p.m. FREE. Films include “My Backyard Recycling Center, 2710 Chanticleer, SC. Habitat restoration -
Earth Day booth Bounty” and “Growing Awareness.” Speakers Saturdays
Watsonville
include Peter Beckmann, Ray Newkirk, and Sponsored by Watsonville Wetlands Watch.
Saturday, April 18, 11-4.
David Blume. Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Garland Ranch Hikes 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Meet at the Fitz
Serve a 2-hour shift and meet new Wetlands Educ. Resource Ctr. at Pajaro Valley
Avenue, Santa Cruz. Bring plate, cup, and The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District
friends. Talk to people about the Club HS. Gloves, tools, and snack provided. Call
serving utensils for potluck. For more info, call docents lead hikes at Garland Ranch every
and hand out literature. To volunteer call 335-3342. Jonathan Pilch, 728-4106, for more info. No
Saturday. An updated list of all hikes may be
Dennis Davie, 566-7447. found on their website: www.mprpd.org. experience necessary.

  6 The Sierra Club  1  Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 Printed on recycled paper
Catching some rays Please
Patronize our advertisers
Tell them you saw their ad in

The Ventana
Contributed photos

T
he City of Santa Cruz completed year. This project is expected to offset about
the installation of a 127.53 kW 223,000 lbs. of CO2 emissions each year.
photovoltaic array on its Graham Also in 2008, the City installed a 73.6
Hill Water Treatment Plant in November, kW solar array on the roof of the former
2008. The project, funded by the City Wa- Georgiana Kirby School building in down-
ter Department, cost $1,373,900. The City town Santa Cruz. This building now hous-
is expecting an estimated $338,000 rebate es City Water Department and Library
from PG&E over the first five years of sys- staff. The remodel project earned a LEED
tem operation. Gold certification. The cost of the solar ar-
The array consists of 420 flush-mounted ray was $593,180 with an expected rebate
and 234 tilt-mounted solar panels and will of $130,000. Annual CO2 emissions offset
generate about180,000 kWh of electricity/ is estimated at 155,000 lbs.

County changes policy on instream wood


I
n a victory for fish, the Santa Cruz ing a consultation with a geomorphologist, will also document, including photos, the
County Supervisors unanimously fishery biologist, Department of Fish & large wood that is modified or removed
agreed at their March 3 meeting to Game, and/or NOAA Fisheries. and that which is retained as is.
change the County policy of removing logs Private property owners will need per- Thanks to everyone who contacted the
that fall into area streams. As reported in mits from the Department of Fish & Game Supervisors and worked to make this pol-
our last Ventana, fallen logs create fish habi- to remove or modify large insteam wood. icy change happen.
tat and stabilize stream banks. The County will disseminate information
Under the amended program, “County to the public on the value of LWM for
staff will not remove, cut-up or otherwise habitat and natural stream function and Moving?
modify accumulations of large woody the terms of the county policy. The county
material (LWM) in county streams that Please fill out and mail the change of
support salmonids or other special status address form on p.15 or email
species unless it is determined that such address.changes@sierraclub.org
accumulations pose a clear and immediate To change address by email: The post office charges us 70¢ each if
threat to public safety, public infrastructure address.changes@sierraclub.org they handle the address change.
or aquatic habitat.” Any modification or re- Membership inquiries: Please help the Club by handling
moval of LWM will be carried out only as membership.services@sierraclub.org address changes in a timely fashion.
directed by a state or federal agency or by
Water Resources Division Director follow- Thanks!

Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club 1 Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 7M
Unique farmland within city limits may be paved
by Celia Scott ings before the City Planning Commission increased in the draft 2030 General Plan. modates both the needs of the current

D
o you think that agricultural land and the City Council are anticipated later The potential number of residential units property owners and the need for a sustain-
should be protected and preserved in 2009, with no firm dates yet. ultimately allowed in the 17-20 acre Golf able community.
within the City of Santa Cruz to The Golf Club Drive area off Highway 9 Club Drive area has been raised from 100 Many communities in California and
encourage and support local food produc- is a semi-rural sanctuary on the edge of the (maximum) permitted in the current Gen- elsewhere are now recognizing that protect-
tion close to home? Do you think that City and serves as an important gateway eral Plan to 200 plus in the proposed 2030 ing suitable lands for local food production,
dense housing development should be en- to the Pogonip Greenbelt with its many General Plan. At present, there are four whether in backyards, community gardens,
couraged on the borders of the Pogonip hiking trails. The productive agricultural residential units in the area. or on agricultural land suitable for small-
Greenbelt lands in the Golf Club Drive soils of the gateway lands are designated In addition, the area to be protected for scale commercial farming, is an essential
Area? Or should it be located instead on by the State Department of Conservation open space, community gardens, and buf- part of planning for a sustainable future.
major transportation corridors? as unique farmland, and have, in fact, been fer to the Pogonip Greenbelt has been re- The City of San Francisco, for example, has
If you care about these choices, it is time commercially farmed until this year by lo- duced from seven acres (current General had a Sustainability Plan for over 10 years,
to pay attention. These questions and many cal farmers who lease land from the prop- Plan) to five acres (proposed General Plan) with detailed provisions on food and agri-
other local planning issues are up for com- erty owners. Other natural resources in the in any future plans for increased residential culture, including a goal of maximizing lo-
munity decisions as the draft 2030 Gen- gateway area include a high water table, ri- development in the Golf Club Drive area. cal food production within the city limits.
eral Plan for the City of Santa Cruz finally parian lands along adjacent Pogonip Creek, The questions facing the Santa Cruz Unfortunately, the City of Santa Cruz,
moves forward again. An Environmental and wildlife habitat connected to the Pogo- community are 2030 General Plan does not focus on local
Impact Report on the proposed General nip Greenbelt. 1. whether this increased residential food production and has dropped (com-
Plan revision of our existing 1990-2005 The risk of these productive agricultural development in a highly sensitive environ- pared with the current General Plan) any
General Plan is now underway. Public hear- soils being paved and/or surrounded by ment is a good idea, and detailed policies or programs for encourag-
dense residential development has been 2. how to reach a solution that accom- ing community gardens, and is silent on
the question of local food production with
no inventory of our local agricultural re-
sources.
Investing in the future. To follow these issues as the planning
process evolves and become familiar with
the draft 2030 City General Plan, visit
the City of Santa Cruz website at www.
ci.santa-cruz.ca.us and click on General
Plan Update 2030. Two local groups focus-
ing on food and agriculture issues include
Transition Santa Cruz (www.transitionsc.
org) and the Open Space Alliance (www.
santacruzosa.org).

Labor and enviros join forces

A
ndrew Christie, Chapter
Director for the Santa Lu-
cia Chapter, was one of
250 Sierra Club members who at-
tended the Blue-Green Alliance’s
Good Jobs/Green Jobs national

Andrew Christie
conference in Washington, D.C.
in February. More than 2000 busi-
ness, labor, and environmental ad-
vocates gathered to bring national Kansas Governor,
attention to the policies and invest- Kathleen Sebelius
ments needed to accelerate growth keynotes
of the green economy, illustrate the
job growth potential of global warming solutions, and
highlight the potential of the coalition to lift Americans
out of poverty.
Debbie Bulger

The Blue-Green Alliance is a national partnership be-


tween labor unions and environmental organizations in-
cluding the Sierra Club.
Pictured from L to R are attorney Marsha Shanle, office manager Linda Williams, attorney Nick Wyckoff, and attorney Jack Ritchey.
During conference sessions author Robert Pollin not-
ed that “. . . the transition to a clean energy economy has

T
the capacity to merge the aims of environmental protec-
hree Santa Cruz attorneys are not Oak will need no summer water once it is
tion and social justice to a degree that is unprecedented.”
waiting for other people to do established. “It’s the perfect choice for us,
Rich Trumka, Secretary–Treasurer of the AFL-CIO re-
something about global warming. because we are lousy gardeners,” quipped
marked, “We reject the notion that you have to choose
Law partners Nick Wyckoff, Marsha Shan- Nick Wyckoff, who is also a Sierra Club
between good jobs and a green environment.” Teamster
le, and Jack Ritchey have planted a young outings leader. As the tree grows it will
President, James Hoffa, said, “We are no longer in favor
oak tree in front of their building on Water beautify the street and sequester carbon for
of drilling in ANWR.”
Street in Santa Cruz. The native Coast Live generations to come.
Closing speaker, Van Jones, observed, “This is a pro-
found movement, a noble movement; something that’s
been torn apart too long coming back together.”
8 The Sierra Club 1 Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 Printed on recycled paper
All the ground was covered with radiant corollas

Photographed in the Central


Valley by Ventana staff.

Fiddle Neck’s many small trumpet flowers are coiled in a shepherd’s crook.

“W
 
hen I first saw this central
garden . . . it seemed all
one sheet of plant gold,
hazy and vanishing in the distance
. . . . I at length waded out into
the midst of it. All the ground was
covered . . . with radiant corollas,
about ankle deep next to the foothills,
knee-deep or more five or six miles
out . . . . Sauntering in any direction,
hundreds of these happy sun-plants
brushed against my feet at every step,
and closed over them as if I were
wading in liquid gold.”
—John Muir, 1869

Popcorn flowers under oaks.

Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club 1 Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 9M
Kirk Smith, 1916 - 2009
Throughout his life, Kirk had a deep con-
nection to the Sierra. As a child he spent
neWsClips
summers at Lake Tahoe. Family vacations
included backpacking and hiking with Pat
Foam ban expands rity, mitigate global warming, and reduce
deaths caused by air pollution. Mark Z. Ja-
and his three daughters. The city of Monterey has joined the
cobson recommends against nuclear, coal,
Kirk is remembered fondly as an enthusi- growing list of jurisdictions that have
and both corn and cellulosic ethanol. For
astic and fun hike leader. Gabrielle Stocker banned polystyrene take-out containers.
details check out www.rsc.org/delivery/_
recalls a backpack trip to Miter Basin with The ordinance will go into effect in late Au-
ArticleLinking/DisplayHTMLArticlefor
him and others just one month before Kirk’s gust. As we go to press, the City of Watson-
free.
80th birthday! “Kirk was a master fire build- ville was working to follow suit. This effort,
however, is encountering opposition from
er,” Gabrielle remembers. “Years before,
the American Chemistry Council and the
Reducing waste
Kirk encouraged me to become a local hike
Plastics Food Packaging Group who have The City of Toronto, Canada has banned
leader and also to serve on Ex-Com.”
written letters to Watsonville against the the sale of bottled water on city premises
Nick Wyckoff was lucky having Kirk as
ban. Other local jurisdictions which have such as golf courses by 2011. Other waste
his leadership mentor:
already banned Styrofoam are Capitola, reduction measures enacted by their City
“I knew Kirk through the outings he led
Santa Cruz, Pacific Grove, Scotts Valley, Council include a 5¢ charge on plastic bags
for the Ventana Chapter. We first met in
from grocery and retail stores starting in
Contributed family photo

the 1990s on his annual Long Ridge hike and the County of Santa Cruz.
June and a ban on biodegradable and com-
near Saratoga Gap. After I returned for a
couple of years, he asked me to co-lead it On the edge postable plastic bags. Cities across Canada
are planning restrictions on bottled water.
thereafter because he wanted to be sure it A Pinnacles condor is in intensive care in
remained in the Ventana inventory after he the Los Angeles Zoo after suffering from
retired from leading. Kirk always liked tell- lead poisoning and also having been shot.
Top lop must stop
ing the story of two of his participants who Condor #286 was approaching maturity Film star Ashley Judd has teamed up
Kirk Smith in his late 80s near Tuolumne Meadows. met one year on the hike and returned the and starting to make courtship displays be- with the Sierra Club to fight mountain-
following year to announce their marriage. fore the incident which is seen as a major top removal coal mining. Judd, who grew

L
ongtime hike leader and former San- “He had a longstanding friendship with setback to the plan of establishing breeding up in Kentucky, said, “Our mountains are
ta Cruz Group Executive Committee Bud McCrary of Big Creek Lumber. Be- pairs in the wild. our heritage and our legacy to future gen-
member Kirk Smith passed away on cause of that relationship, Bud allowed erations. But big coal companies are using
March 1 at the age of 92. Alan Kirkham Ventana members to go on an annual hike Spy on eagles explosives to literally blow the tops off the
Smith was born on September 14, 1916 in led by Bud and Kirk on the Big Creek and mountains, extract the coal and destroy Ap-
Caltrans has set up an “eagle-cam” near
Portland, Oregon and grew up in San Ra- adjacent Lockheed properties. We not only palachia.”
Redding focused on a Bald Eagle nest,
fael and Marin County. experienced the forest, multiple creek cross- hopefully containing chicks by the time you
After retiring in 1973 and then serving ings and double waterfalls at the confluence read this. To take a peek visit turtlebay.org.
Coordinating change
in the Peace Corps in Ghana, Kirk and of Boyer and Big Creeks, but also learned of How will changes in stream temperatures
his wife Pat moved to Santa Cruz in 1975 the family history of the four generations affect fish populations? What will sea level
where he became active in the local Sier- of McCrarys who have made that Swanton rise do to endangered species? To address
ra Club. Kirk served as Vice Chair of the property their home. Those who were able and coordinate the answers to these and
Group Executive Committee in 1976 and to participate will always remember what a other questions, the U.S. Geological Sur-
1977 and was Group Chair from 1978- unique and special event it was. vey (USGS) has established a new National
1980. Later he was Chair of the Group “Kirk also worked with Tony Look and Climate Change and Wildlife Science
State Parks Committee and served on the Verle Claussen of Sempervirens Fund and Center to better understand the effects of
Group Nominating Committee. His affa- as President of the Waddell Creek Associa- climate change on fish and wildlife and to
bility and good nature served him well and tion in conservation efforts in that critical help agencies adapt management strategies.
earned him many friends. area of Big Basin Redwoods State Park.” To learn more visit http://nccw.usgs.gov.

Restore Hetch Hetchy moves HQ to San Francisco Dumping coal


Governors are changing their minds
Restore Hetch Hetchy, the national advo- ply—not Hetch Hetchy Valley. We simply
Wind, water, and sun best about coal. New coal power plants planned
cacy group dedicated to restoring the Hetch use the valley as one big storage locker. We
for South Carolina, Michigan, and Wis-
Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National park to can meet San Francisco’s water needs and A Stanford University researcher has consin have been opposed by officials.
its original natural splendor, has moved its restore this national treasure.” conducted the first quantitative, scientific States, businesses and local officials are in-
headquarters from Sonora to San Francisco The mission of Restore Hetch Hetchy is evaluation of various energy sources and creasingly focusing on newer, cleaner, more
and has hired a professional political strate- to return the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yo- has determined that wind, water, and sun efficient technologies that can help both
gist, Mike Marshall, to lead its efforts. semite National Park to its original splen- are the best ways to improve energy secu- our economy and our climate.
Marshall explained, “The Tuolumne Riv- dor without disrupting water delivery.
er is the source of San Francisco’s water sup-

10 The Sierra Club 1 Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 Printed on recycled paper
Outings
Outings Ratings In the interest of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants
make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling
and binoculars. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Pamela
Burnham, 915-2475.

General information: arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ridesharing, or anything Saturday, April 11
similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the Wildflower Walk: Point Lobos Ranch
All outings begin and end at the trail- risks associated with this travel.
head. Carpooling to and from the trailhead This easy 3-mile walk will give us a sneak peek of a
is strictly a private arrangement between CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State future state park. There should be an amazing dis-
the driver and the riders. Carpool drivers of California. play of poppies and other wildflowers. Arrive early;
we leave at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park
are not agents or employees of the Sierra Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver. To read it before choosing to & Ride. Bring water. Call for a reservation. Leader:
Club. participate on an outing go to www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms. Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.
Explanation of ratings:
riparian, oak woodlands, and grassy meadows. We Easter Sunday, April 12
The outings described vary in difficulty
from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes. The April especially love the huge bay laurel tree and the large
bobcat that roams the trails and usually shows himself
Wildflower Walk: Point Lobos RAnch
following explanation is a general guideline. See Saturday, April 11 for details.
Saturday, April 4
at some point in the hike. We’ll hike through the Deer
(For more information about the difficulty Hollow Farm and along the Rogue Valley Trail to the
Hike: Ft. Ord Open Space Sunday, April 12
of a particular outing, call the leader). Upper Meadow Trail. Views of the entire bay area are Hike: Pinnacles
Walk: Between 2-5 miles, leisurely pace. There may be some early wildflowers on this walk great from Vista Point before we finish our 9-mile
Easy: No more than 5 miles; slight eleva- starting from the Reservation Rd. entrance to this hike going down the PG&E Trail. Bring lunch and Join me for the fourth not-so-annual Easter hike and
tion gain; easy pace. park. It won’t be difficult with 7 miles and 900' eleva- water. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. to carpool potluck (mostly veggie). Always a favorite hiking
tion gain. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Mar Monte exit in ($5), or at the park parking lot near the restrooms at locale, should be perfect for wildflowers and lighter
Moderate: 5-10 miles; up to 2000’ gain; clothing. 12 miles, 1500' elevation gain. Call me for
boots; better than average fitness required. Aptos to carpool. Call Nick for additional informa- 10:00 a.m. Leader: Diane Cornell, 423-5925.
tion. Leader: Nick Wyckoff 462-3101. food and carpool options. Leader: John Howerton,
Strenuous: May involve off-trail hiking; 476-4253.
Saturday, April 11
demanding pace; for experienced hikers in Saturday, April 4 Hike: Coastal hikes
good condition only. Walk: Pebble Beach/Asilomar Tuesday, April 14
This is a series of shorter hikes to take in the beauty Senior Hike: Paradise Park / Rincon
A 4-mile loop, starting on neighborhood streets, of our coast. First, we’ll drive up to Pescadero Marsh
Meeting Places then thru dunes between fairways out to Point Joe
and back along the beach boardwalk. Quiet neigh-
and walk the trails looking for birds, then drive down
to Wilbur’s Watch for a hike up the hill for great
Enjoy many spring flowers. We’ll walk a fire road
to Hwy.9, cross over to the Rincon Trail and then
borhood, beach wildflowers, possible wildlife. Meet views of the coast. (We may see grey whales!) Fol- downhill to the river. About 4 miles. Steep uphill on
Directions: fire road and river. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears
across from the Fishwife Restaurant on Sunset Dr. lowed by a walk out to Franklin Point where the Sir
Rio Road Park & Ride: This parking lot and Asilomar Blvd., Pacific Grove. Call to reserve a John Franklin shipwrecked in the 1850s. Depending 41st Ave. To go direct, take Hwy. 9 to Paradise Park
is on Rio Road in Carmel. place. Bring snack and water. Leader: Martha Saylor, on time, we’ll head to the northern end of Año Nue- entrance, follow signs 1 mile to picnic grounds.
Save-Mart / Bagel Bakery: (formerly 372-9215. vo. 8 miles. Meet at the Santa Cruz County Govern- Lunch at picnic area. Restrooms. Bring water, lunch,
ment Center at 9:30 a.m. to carpool. Bring lunch $2 carpool. Leader: Pat Herzog, 458-9841.
Albertson’s) South of Monterey on Hwy. 1.
Sunday, April 5
One mile past Ocean Ave., turn L on Carm-
Hike: Soberanes Creek/Rocky Ridge
el Valley Rd. Almost immediately, turn R at
the light. Save-Mart/ Bagel Bakery on the R. We’ll follow the Soberanes Creek Trail into a beauti-
Santa Cruz County Government Center: ful redwood grove, then climb steeply to grassy knolls
The large grey building at the corner of Ocean for great views at lunch. Flowers should be out! We’ll
descend Rocky Ridge with more fine views. 5-mile
& Water in Santa Cruz. We meet at the corner loop with 1700' elevation gain. Boots recommended;
of the parking lot nearest to the intersection. hiking poles helpful. Bring water and lunch. Meet at
Felton Faire: The shopping center at the Rio Road Park & Ride at 9:00 a.m. to carpool. Call
junction of Graham Hill and Mt. Hermon for reservation. Leader: DJ Goehring, 277-9908.
Rds. in Felton. We meet at the edge of the
Safeway parking lot nearest Graham Hill Rd. Sunday, April 5
41st Avenue / Sears: From Hwy. 1 in Hike: East Garland to Kahn Ranch Built by Sierra Club members in 1934, this rustic, hostel-
Capitola take the 41st Ave. exit. Go to- This strenuous 10-mile hike with 2000' elevation style lodge stands atop historic Donner Pass, just an hour
ward the ocean on 41st Ave. Pass the main gain will start from the Little League ball fields in and a half from Sacramento.
Mall entrance and turn right into the next Carmel Valley Village. Car shuttle. We’ll ascend Lau-
entrance near Sears. We meet behind the reles, Vasques and Cougar Ridge Trails into the Kahn
bank located at 41st and Capitola Road. Ranch to do the Hitchcock loop. Wear light long Springtime in the Sierra is a magical time. In early spring
MPC parking lot: Monterey Peninsula pants and a shirt in case of poison oak; bring two you can take advantage of longer and warmer days with
College Parking Lot. From Hwy. 1 take hiking poles. Bring enough water and lunch, sun hat, extended ski and snowshoe tours or using the Lodge’s
and sun protection. Meet at Save Mart at 8:00 a.m.
the Fisherman’s Wharf exit, go straight (no leader) or in Mid Valley shopping center near own groomed trails. Later in the spring you can
one block, turn L and L again into the first WaMu at 8:15 a.m. to carpool. Call to make sure the experience the explosion of wildflowers as you hike
parking lot: A. This is the site of the Thurs. hike is on. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.
Farmers Mkt. Plenty of parking with no fee
miles of trails behind the Lodge or on the Pacific Crest
on weekends. Tuesday, April 7 trail just 1.5 miles from the Lodge.
Hike: Point Lobos
Our 6-mile grand loop with minimal elevation gain Guests enjoy excellent family style meals, a friendly staff
takes us along tree-clad headland trails with magnifi- and a casual and communal atmosphere.
cent views. We are certain to see a variety of wild-
flowers and possibly baby sea lions. Bring water &
lunch. Arrive early; we leave at 9:30 a.m. sharp from See you on Donner Summit...
Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reservation. Lead-
er: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.
For more information about our special programs
Wednesday, April 8 or to receive a full schedule and description of Clair
Hike: Rancho San Antonio Co. Park Tappaan programs please visit our website at
This county park adjoins the 3800-acre open space www.ctl.sierraclub.org or call (800) 679-6775.
preserve and has diverse environments including
Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club  1  Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 11M
Outings
Tuesday, April 14 Rd. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot on the left 41st Ave. or at the corner of King and Mission at Tuesday, April 28
Hike: Silver Peak’s Lion’s Den after crossing the bridge. (Do not take Potrero Rd. 9:20 a.m. Leader: Diane Cornell, 423-5925. Senior Hike: Wilder /
Silver Peak Wilderness is as beautiful as the Ventana to the wrong parking lot!) 8 flat miles. Rain cancels. Enchanted Forest
Wilderness. Please join me on this strenuous 12-mile Leader: Eugene Sobka, 449-0873. Wednesday, April 22 We’ll begin at Wilder Ranch parking area on right
hike. Requires a very early start, so if you are not an Senior Hike: Toro Park side of Hwy. 1 just past “Quilted Fish” sign, about
early bird, please do not call. $5 for a very long car- Tuesday, April 21 THIS IS ON A WEDNESDAY. We’ll walk the Olia- 2 miles past Wilder entrance. Steep climb up thru
pool. Must call a week in advance to leave message, Hike: Veeder Pond son Trail and hopefully see wildflowers. 3+ miles with Enchanted Forest Canyon and then back. 3+ miles.
or your call will not be returned. Leader: Esperanza We’ll hike up to the pond for lunch then back along one uphill section. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at Shen’s
Hernandez, 678-1968. the Terrace Trail. Expect a stunning display of wild- 41st Ave. or at Toro Park at the next to last parking Gallery at Mission & King St. at 9:50 a.m. Lunch
flowers. 5 miles with 1300' elevation gain. Easy pace. lot near restroom at about 10:40 a.m. Bring water, mid hike. Bring water, lunch, sit upon, $3 carpool.
Thursday, April 16 Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we depart at 10:00 lunch, sit upon, and $4 carpool. Toro Park is off East Leader: Brooke Ewoldsen, 475-6188.
Hike: Toro County Park a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a Hwy. 68 between Monterey and Salinas. Leader: Bev
This 5½ mile hike with 800' elevation gain takes reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777. Meschi, 475-4185. Tuesday, April 28
us through a forested valley then up to oak-dotted Hike: Point Lobos
grasslands. We hope to see a beautiful display of lu- Wednesday, April 22 Saturday, April 25 See Tuesday, April 7 for details.
pine. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we leave at Hike: Pescadero Creek County Park Hike: Toro County Park
9:45 a.m. sharp from the dirt parking area outside This is the largest of the 3 county parks in the stream- We’ll start the wildflower season in this warm area of Wednesday, April 29
Toro Park. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bom- and redwood-studded canyons south of La Honda. Monterey County. 8 miles with 1200' elevation gain. Hike: Sanborn Skyline County Park
berger, 375-7777. We’ll hike a 9-mile loop with a 1000' elevation I think we’ll do Harper’s Canyon. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Sanborn Skyline County park is on the steep east
gain on the Pomponio Trail and Old Haul Rd. The at the Mar Monte exit in Aptos to carpool. Call for side of the coastal range and has scenic trails, camp-
Sunday, April 19 amount of old-growth trees is surprising, perhaps be- more information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101. grounds, one of the best hostels (the historic Welch-
Hike: Salinas River State Beach cause the loggers found it too difficult to haul the Hurst House built 1908 as a hunting lodge), and an
We’ll hike 4 miles south along the pristine Salinas logs out. The Granger’s Bridge crosses Jones Gulch, Sunday, April 26 interpretative nature center. We’ll start this downhill
River State Beach to the mouth of the river in the but if the seasonal bridge is not in at Pescadero Creek Hike: Wildcat Canyon/Toro Park 9-mile hike from the Castle Rock Parking lot, go
Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge. After a short we may get cold ankles making the crossing. Not to This climb up a narrow path takes us to the Toyon across Skyline Blvd. to the Skyline Trail, then down
break, we’ll hike back for an optional lunch at Phil’s worry, it’s a beautiful park to hike in with fern-filled Trail, where we’ll find a sunny spot for lunch and the Sanborn Trail, and then circle back up after walk-
seafood restaurant in Moss Landing. Excellent op- canyons, meadows, and open ridges with views. We great views as we circle back down to the park en- ing to the park headquarters in the urban section of
portunities to view shorebirds and marine mammals. may make a quick stop at the end of the day to buy trance. The trails are steep in spots, but we’ll take the park near Saratoga. Walking sticks will be help-
From Hwy. 1, take Moss Landing Rd. to Sandholdt artichoke bread at Pescadero Market. Bring lunch an easy pace. Not to exceed 5 miles. Dress in layers ful. Bring lunch and water. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Sears
and water, $5 carpool. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Sears (chilly in the morning, windy up on top), wear shoes 41st Ave. to carpool ($5), or at Castle Rock parking
with good tread, and take optional hiking stick. Bring lot at 10:10 a.m. Leader: Diane Cornell, 423-5925.
lunch and water. Meet outside the entrance to Toro
County Park (just off Hwy. 68 at Portola Drive exit)
at 9:45 a.m. Rain cancels. For detailed directions, call
early in week. Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.
May
Sunday, April 26 Friday, May 1
Hike: Garland Ramble
HIKE: BIG BASIN TO THE SEA
“Peace begins We’ll explore several of Garland Park’s wildflower-
For a slightly delayed celebration of John Muir's studded (we hope) trails. The leisurely loop will in-
Well Within” 171st birthday and Earth Day, please join us for this
popular all-day, car-free hike. We'll take advantage
clude Waterfall, Oak View and Maple Canyon, with
stops at Mesa Pond and Fern Pond. 5 miles with 500'
of the special Big Basin Bus to get us to the starting elevation gain. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Rio
point, so meet at the Santa Cruz Metro Center to Road Park and Ride at 10:00 a.m. to carpool, or at
catch the 8:30 a.m. bus for Big Basin. (The bus will Garland Park Visitor Center on Carmel Valley Road
NOT wait for stragglers). Please bring your favor- at 10:20 a.m. Leaders: Cath Farrant and Mary Dain-
ite John Muir story or quote to share during lunch. ton, 372 7427.
We'll end up at the mouth of Waddell Creek to catch
the No. 40 bus, arriving back in Santa Cruz at 5:55 Saturday, May 2
P R I V A T E SP A S & S A U N A S O V E R L O O K I N G p.m. The total distance is 13 miles, but it is a moder- Hike: McNee Ranch
A JA P A N E S E G A R D E N ate hike, what Muir would have called a "saunter." A fairly steep hike to the top of Montara Mtn. will
Bring a good lunch, water, $3 for bus fare, and boots reward us with spectacular views of the ocean to the
that don't give you blisters. Please call leader, Peter west, Mt. Diablo to the east, and possibly a bobcat or
Scott, 423-0796 or drip@ucsc.edu to reserve a space. two. If the weather is clear, views of the Golden Gate,
Limited to 20 people. NOTE: Do NOT bring your Mt. Tam and the Point Reyes Peninsula are possible.
car. It will only be an encumbrance. 7.5 miles; close to 2000' gain. Meet at the Santa Cruz
u Massage Therapy County Government Center at 9:00 a.m. to carpool.

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  12 The Sierra Club  1  Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 Printed on recycled paper
Outings
Bring lunch, water, comfortable shoes. Heavy rain Sunday, May 10 Saturday, May 16 option of a Poppy Hills sandwich. 6½ miles, 750'
cancels. Leader: Pamela Burnham, 915-2475. Hike: Garzas Canyon Hike: East Garland, Garzas Creek elevation gain, moderate pace with flora & fauna
The Terrace Trail at Garland Ranch should have This is another wildflower effort, 4½ miles, but quite stops. Arrive early; we depart at 10:00 a.m. sharp
Saturday, May 2 good flowers now. We’ll climb from the trailhead to steep with 1500' gain. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Mar from the Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a reserva-
Hike: Mitteldorf Preserve a nicely-contoured walk above the creek, then drop Monte exit in Aptos to carpool. Call Nick for addi- tion. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.
Join me on this wonderful hike around the Mit- steeply to the creek, walk downstream, and finally a tional info. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101.
teldorf Preserve, administered by the Big Sur Land steep climb back out. Short distance and slow pace.
Trust. This is the grand loop. 9 miles and 2000' el- Bring lunch, water, good footgear, and a stick if you Sunday, May 17
evation gain. Expect great views, gorgeous old trees need steadying on steep hills. Meet at the Garland Hike: Salinas River State Beach
(the largest redwood in Monterey County), and Ranch parking lot on Carmel Valley Road at 9:30 See April 19 for details.
masses of wildflowers. Bring lunch and water, wear a a.m. Hike starts from Garzas Road trailhead at 10:00
hat and bring sun protection. Meet at the San Carlos a.m. More info: Leader Mary Gale, 626-3565. Sunday, May 17
Ranch Gate, 1 mile off Carmel Valley Road at 8:30 Hike: Big Basin
a.m. Call me for a reservation. Leader: Anneliese Sunday, May 10
Suter, 624-1467. Hike: Soberanes Creek/Rocky Ridge Time for the Sea to Tree Trail again. The wildflow-
ers of this unique ecosystem and the varied terrain
The wildflowers should be great for this 5-mile loop make for a diverse display. We’ll take the bus from
Sunday, May 3 with 1700' elevation gain. We’ll follow the Sober-
Walk: Point Lobos downtown Santa Cruz to park headquarters and take
anes Creek Trail into the verdant redwood grove a return bus from the coast. Always a great, mostly
We’ll start this 4-mile hike around beautiful Point then climb steeply to grassy knolls for the spectacular downhill hike to the sea, through the redwoods to
Lobos at the highway, to Whaler’s Cove, out to the view at lunch. We’ll descend Rock Ridge with more the waterfalls. Meet at the Santa Cruz Metro Center
Pit and back, to the top of Whaler’s Knoll, and re- fine views. Boots recommended; hiking poles help- at 8:20 a.m. You will need exact change for bus fare.
turn via southern trails. There are usually wildflowers ful. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Rio Road Park Bring water and food. Call for details. Leader: John
out and some wildlife to see. Meet at the Rio Road & Ride at 9:00 a.m. to carpool. Call for reservation. Howerton: 476-4253.
Park & Ride to carpool. Call leader to reserve a space
and for meeting time. Bring snack, water, and op-
Leader: DJ Goehring, 277-9908.
Tuesday, May 19 ATTENTION:
Potential
tional binoculars. Leader: Martha Saylor, 372-9215. Tuesday, May 12 Hike: Carmel to Pebble Beach
Senior Walk: Bean Hollow/Pigeon pt
This nice lollypop loop begins in Carmel and leads to
Sunday, May 3
Hike and Bike: Big Basin
A blooming paradise on this 2-mile hike south of
Pescadero. Over 25 species of coastal wildflowers.
the quiet forest of Pebble Beach. Lunch gives us the Advertisers!
Starting at Waddell Beach, we’ll ride 5 miles to near The walk can be extended. Restrooms. Meet before
Berry Creek Falls. Then hike the Sunset Trail to park 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at Shen’s Gallery at
headquarters and return to our bikes on the Sky- Mission & King at 9:50 a.m. Bring water, lunch, $3 Sierra Club Member
line to Sea Trail. Expect varied weather, good views, carpool. Leader: Janet Schwind, 425-3845. Profile
awesome wildflowers and a great workout! 10 mile Advertising in this newsletter packs
ride, 10 mile hike. Meet at the Santa Cruz County Tuesday, May 12
Government Center at 8:00 a.m. to carpool. Call for Hike: Mount Madonna more clout into your advertising dol-
more info. Leader: John Howerton, 476-4253. lars. Sierra Club members are one of the
This 6-mile loop with 900' elevation gain includes a most valuable audiences in America.
lovely redwood forest and lunch with a view. Mod-
Tuesday, May 5 erate pace with stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring They are “opinion leaders” and “influ-
Senior Hike: Big Basin/Slippery Rock water & lunch. Arrive early; we depart at 8:45 a.m. entials;” by any name they are some of
5-mile hike down Slippery Rock to Sempervirens Falls sharp from Shell station by Home Depot in Seaside America’s most sought-after advertising
& Sequoia Tr. Lunch at top of Slippery Rock. Meet or from the east parking area of Mount Madonna at targets. Their own purchasing activity is
before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at Felton Faire 9:40 a.m. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bom- substantial. But, more important, they
at 9:50 a.m. To go direct, use main entrance to Big berger, 375-7777. influence others—in everything from
Basin. Restrooms. Bring water, lunch, $5 carpool and opinion and outlook to choice of prod-
share of entrance $. Leader: Joan Brohmer, 462-3803. Tuesday, May 12 ucts. They are not only consumers, but
Hike: Gloria Road also doers and leaders.
Tuesday, May 5 Car shuttle will be needed for this beautiful, 12-mile,
Hike: Mitteldorf Preserve narrow, winding, mostly downhill, country road. Club Members are among the most
This 4½ mile loop with 900' elevation gain has 8 Lots of wildflowers grow here along with spectacular active, affluent audiences of adventure
bridged creek crossings, a redwood forest and spec- views of the Salinas Valley, south county cities, Santa travelers and year-round outdoor
tacular views. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy Lucia Mountains, including a peek into the Ventana sports enthusiasts your advertising dol-
flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; Wilderness. Bring a bag to pick up trash along the
we depart at 9:30 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park way. Must call a week in advance to leave message lars can buy. It’s an unduplicated audi-
& Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomb- or your call will not be answered. Leader: Esperanza ence with the power to buy your prod-
erger, 375-7777. Hernandez, 678-1968. ucts and services.

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Male/Female: 63% / 37%

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For your remodel, addition, kitchen or bath For Rate Information, Contact:
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Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club  1  Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 13M
outings
Saturday, May 23 Falls. Some agility is required. Moderate pace with
Hike: ucsc to poGonip stops to enjoy flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch.
Walk thru UCSC, with its great variety of habitat, Arrive early; we depart at 8:45 a.m. sharp from Shell
checking out The Farm enroute, then head over to station by Home Depot in Seaside or from parking
Pogonip. We’ll trek down to the San Lorenzo River lot behind Aptos Station at 9:30 a.m. Call for a reser-
for lunch. 9 miles. Meet at the Santa Cruz County vation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.
Government Center at 9:00 a.m. to carpool. Bring
lunch, water, comfortable shoes. Heavy rain cancels. Friday - Sunday, May 29 - 31
Leader: Pamela Burnham, 915-2475. service trip: DeatH valley np
Work project in Middle Park/South Park area of the
Saturday, May 23 Panamint Mountains. We’ll help repair vehicle tres-
Hike: east GarlanD loop pass damage by installing wilderness restoration signs
We’ll start from Garzas Rd., up the canyon, Veeder, and using rock or vertical mulch. If there are enough
East Ridge, and Saddle Trails to the highest point participants, we might also help clear up trash and
(Vasques Knob, 2000') for great views all around. Af- debris from the vicinity of a couple of the old cabins
ter lunch, down Vasques, Spring, Gabilan, and River in the area. Requires 4WD; possibility of carpool-
Trails. I hope there still will be many wildflowers. ing at trailhead. Meet Friday afternoon and drive up
8-mile loop with 1800' elevation gain. Bring water, Pleasant Canyon to campsite. Work Saturday and
lunch, optional hiking poles for steep parts. Wear sun Sunday. Happy hour/potluck on Saturday night.
hat and sunscreen. Meet at SaveMart at 8:00 a.m. (no Contact leader for more information. Kate Allen,
leader) or in Mid Valley shopping center near WaMu kj.allen@wildblue.net, 661-944-4056.
at 8:20 a.m. to carpool. Call me to make sure the hike

John Howerton
is on. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467. Saturday, May 30
Hike: sunol reGional WilDerness
Tuesday, May 26 Mariposa lilies (calochortus) and other wildflowers
senior Walk & picnic: Henry coWell will be our focus in this hike of McGuire Loop. 7
Our 3-mile loop hike is along the river and through miles with 1000' elevation gain. It’s a 1-hour ride to
the start. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Cruz Coun- Hikers descend into the Bear Gulch Cave on a February 8 hike to the Pinnacles led by John Howerton.
the redwood forest. Slight uphill. After hike, we’ll
have our annual picnic. BRING YOUR FAVORITE ty Government Center to carpool. Call for more in-
DISH. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or formation. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101. Saturday, June 6 serve a space and for meeting time. Leader: Martha
at Felton Faire by 9:50 a.m. To go direct, use Cowell Hike: mt. maDonna county park Saylor, 372-9215.
entrance on Hwy. 9, turn right past the pay station Find more mariposas in our local foothills behind
to the first picnic area. Bring water, potluck dish, $2
carpool and share of entrance fee. Leader: Helena
June Watsonville. 6 miles with 1200' elevation gain. Meet
at 9:30 a.m. at the Mar Monte exit in Aptos to car-
Tuesday, June 9
Hike: mittelDorf preserve
Cantin, 438-4253. Tuesday, June 2 pool. Call Nick for additional information. Leader: On this 7-mile loop with 2000' elevation gain we
Hike: mill creek reDWooD preserve Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101. hope to see the unusual “Golden Ear Drops.” We’ll
Tuesday, May 26 take our strenuous hike at an easy pace into a red-
Hike: nisene marks This 5½ mile hike with 250' elevation gain takes Sunday, June 7 wood forest along a lovely creek up to vistas over-
This 6-mile hike with 700' elevation gain takes us us along a beautifully terraced trail to a spectacular Hike: pinnacles by moonliGHt looking the rugged Garrapata and Big Sur coastlines.
along beautiful creeks and eventually to serene Maple coastal overlook. Moderate pace with stops to enjoy Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we depart at 8:30
flora & fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early; we Hiking Pinnacles by the light of the moon is a very
euphoric experience, like being on another planet. a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & Ride. Call for a
depart at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.
Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomb- It is therapeutic for the mind and soul. It is mes-
ClassiFied erger, 375-7777. merizing. The weather will be perfect for an ancient
volcano hike. Call a week in advance, so your call
Rates: $6 per line for Sierra Club members.
Payment must accompany all ads. Make checks Friday, June 5 can be answered. 10-12 miles. Leader: Esperanza
Hernandez, 678-1968.
July
payable to: Sierra Club. Approx. 35 characters Hike: West molera
per line. Spaces and punctuation count as We’ll hike up Hidden Trail and Ridge Trail, enjoying Thursday - Sunday, July 16 - 19
Sunday, June 7
characters. Typewritten or computer generated
views of Pico Blanco and Post Summit. After lunch backpack: yosemite national park
copy only. Walk: carmel river beacH
we descend via the Panorama and Bluff Trails with Experience the amazing Cathedral Lakes region,
views of the ocean and Point Sur. Bring lunch, wa- How about an early morning walk from Carmel Riv-
HAVE YOU DISCOVERED SHAVER LAKE er Beach to Monastery Beach via the hill and back via among the most sublime high-country areas in the
yet? www.shaverlakelogcabin.com. ter, and a windbreaker as the ocean breeze can be park. This three-night, base camp outing is suitable
cold even at this time of year. Optional: bring san- the Bluff Trail. Enjoy views of Point Lobos and lis-
ten to the surf. 3 miles. Wear comfortable shoes and for first timers as well as experienced backpackers.
ARE YOU GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD? dals or aqua shoes for possible river crossing. Meet Individual commissary. Space for 8 only. Contact
Do you have a few tomato plants on your at the Rio Road Park and Ride at 9:30 a.m. 8 miles dress for the weather; wind breaker recommended.
patio? Some chard in the flower beds? We Bring water and a snack. Meet at the parking lot at leader for details. Leader: DJ Goehring, 277-9908,
are interested in hearing from folks who are with 1200’ elevation gain. Leaders: Cath Farrant and djgoehring@yahoo.com.
Mary Dainton, 372 7427. Carmel River Beach at the lagoon. Call leader to re-
harvesting really local food. Contact the editor,
dfbulger@cruzio.com.

Doors, Windows, & More


Enhance energy and sound efficiencies
The more includes plumbing, electrical
and other remodel/addition work
Years of experience
Contractors license
Bruce Kishler
831-476-8044 408-472-4478
Kishler@sbcglobal.net

14 The Sierra Club 1 Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 Printed on recycled paper
Ventana Chapter
Mailing Address—The Ventana Chapter, P.O. Box 5667, Carmel, CA, 93921
Phone: 624-8032 (Santa Cruz Group Phone: 426-4453) Website: www.ventana.sierraclub.org

Chapter Executive Committee


Chapter Chair Rita Dalessio 16 Via Las Encinas Carmel Valley, CA 93924 659-7046
Treasurer Joel Weinstein 140 Carmel Riviera Dr. Carmel, CA 93923 625-5586
Other Members Julie Engell 15040 Charter Oak Blvd. Prunedale, CA 93907 633-8709
George Jammal 601 Manzanita Ave. Felton, CA 95018 706-4233
Susan Van Stirum 26140 Zdan Road Carmel Valley, CA 93924 659-2091
Steve Zmak 3200 Crescent Ave. Marina, CA 93933 883-4459
Ed Thornton 402 Watson Street #4 Monterey, CA 93940 224-4178
Nicole Charles 2936 Yorktown Court, Marina, CA 93933 925-381-1982
Dale Agron 26122 Carmel Knolls Dr. Carmel, CA 93923 624-3038
Admin Chair/Sec Mary Gale 25430 Telarana Way Carmel, CA 93923 626-3565
Coastal Chair
Conservation Committee
Co-chairs Gudrun Beck 23765 Spectacular Bid Monterey, CA 93940 655-8586
Gillian Taylor 52 La Rancheria Carmel Valley, CA 93924 659-0298
Local Wilderness Committee
Chair Mike Splain P.O. Box 66882, Scotts Valley, CA 95067 359-2489
Computer Database
Stephanie Kearns 740 30th Ave. #67 Santa Cruz, CA 95062 475-1308
NC/NRCC Reps
George Jammal 601 Manzanita Ave. Felton, CA 95018 706-4233
Patricia Matejcek P.O. Box 2067 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 761-3263
Population Committee
Chair Harriet Mitteldorf 942 Coral Dr. Pebble Beach, CA 93953 373-3694
Political Chair
Terry Hallock P.O. Box 22993 Carmel, CA 93922 915-0266
Sierra Club Council
Delegate George Jammal 601 Manzanita Ave. Felton, CA 95018 706-4233
Alternate Rita Dalessio 16 Via Las Encinas Carmel Valley, CA 93924 659-7046
Transportation Committee
Chair Neil Agron 26122 Carmel Knolls Dr. Carmel, CA 93923 624-3038
Outings Chair
Anneliese Suter 9500 Center St. #53 Carmel, CA 93923 624-1467
Membership Chair
Judy Karas 60 Boronda Lane #7 Monterey, CA 93940 372-5762
Ventana Editor
Debbie Bulger 1603 King Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 457-1036
Pajaro River Committee
JoAnn Baumgartner P.O. Box 1766 Watsonville, CA 95077 722-5556
Forestry Chair
Jodi Frediani 1015 Smith Grade Santa Cruz, CA 95060 426-1697

Santa Cruz County Group of the Ventana Chapter


Office: 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz, next to Actors’ Theatre Website: www.ventana.sierraclub.org
Mailing Address: Sierra Club, Santa Cruz Group, P.O. Box 604, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0604
Phone: 831-426-HIKE (426-4453), Fax: 831-426-LEAD (426-5323), email: scscrg@cruzio.com

Executive Committee
Chair Aldo Giacchino 1005 Pelton Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 460-1538
Vice Chair Kevin Collins P.O. Box 722 Felton, CA 95018 335-4196
Secretary
Other members Kristen Raugust 454 Swanton Road Davenport, CA 95017 423-8566
Charles Paulden 415 Palisades Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062 462-3423
Paul Elerick 1960 Jennifer Dr. Aptos, CA 95003 688-2304
Dennis Davie P.O. Box 651 Capitola, CA 95010 427-2626
David Kossack P.O. Box 268 Davenport, CA 95017 427-3733
Patricia Matejcek P.O. Box 2067 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 761-3263
Mark Sullivan 500 Chestnut,Ste 200 Santa Cruz, 95060 576-2619
Treasurer Aldo Giacchino 1005 Pelton Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 460-1538
Conservation Chair
Patricia Matejcek P.O. Box 2067 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 761-3263
Forestry Chair
Jodi Frediani 1015 Smith Grade Santa Cruz, CA 95060 426-1697
Outings Chair
George Jammal 601 Manzanita Ave. Felton, CA 95018 706-4233
Transportation Chair
Paul Elerick 1960 Jennifer Dr. Aptos, CA 95003 688-2304
Political Chair
Gary Lasky 2635 Portola Dr. #16 Santa Cruz, CA 95062 332-9310
Coastal Chair
Patricia Matejcek P.O. Box 2067 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 761-3263
Water Chair
Ken Reiller 990 Hecker Pass Rd. Watsonville, CA 95076 728-4046
Meeting Schedule
Ventana Chapter (Monterey County) Santa Cruz Regional Group
Information: 624-8032 Information: 426-4453
Executive Committee: Meeting place: Sierra Club Office, 1001
Last Thursday of the month; Center Street, Santa Cruz, Suite 11
Call for meeting place and time Executive Committee:
Conservation Committee: Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m.
For dates and times, call 655-8586. Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Conservation Committee: Call for
meeting times and dates, 761-3263.

Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club  1  Ventana Chapter, Volume 48, Number 2, 2009 15M
“W hat bees ask of us is simple: a world
free from poisons and other stressors, with
places where they can nest and a sweet,
season-long supply of flowering plants. In
return, they offer to teach us their deepest
lesson yet. Much as a honeybee belongs to
her colony, so we humans belong to the
living community of the Earth.”
—Candace Savage,
BEES: NATURE’S LITTLE WONDERS
Erica Crawford

A bumblebee searches for nectar in a Flannel Bush blossom.

Explore, enloy, and protect the planet


www.ventana.sierraclub.org

seedpod of a spokepod (Thysanocarpus radians)

Periodical Postage

and at additional
Post Offices
Santa Cruz
APR, MAY,

OUTINGS

Paid at
JUN

Explore, enloy, and protect the planet


More flowers
Volume 48, Number 2, 2009

p. 9

Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0604


P.O. Box 604
Sierra Club

Ventana staff

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