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Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 www.ventana.sierraclub.

org

MAGAZINE OF THE VENTANA CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB

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@

@
Trouble in
Davenport

New State
Wilderness

DEC, JAN,
FEB
OUTINGS
Ventana staff photo

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet


W hile it is the intent of The Ventana
to print articles that reflect the po-
sition of the Ventana Chapter, ideas
CHAPTER CHAIR

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expressed in The Ventana are those of the au-
thors and do not necessarily reflect the position Commission to stop the Pebble Beach 1 in Sand City. North Monterey County
Company’s golf course and housing plans residents are working on the Moss Land-
of the Sierra Club. Articles, graphics, and pho-
Budget cuts threaten
tographs are copyrighted by the authors and coastal protection in Del Monte Forest. There have been ing Local Coastal Plan.
artists and may be reprinted only with their per- he sinking economy in California many other efforts to curtail development Members continue to work on coastal
mission. is hurting our environment, espe- and degradation of coastal resources trail opportunities and general develop-
DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS cially in the coastal zone. Upcom- through the years. ment issues in both Santa Cruz and Mon-
All materials for publication must be received ing state budget cuts for 2008-09 will Currently, the Group is studying the terey Counties. Drastic budget cuts that
by the deadlines listed below. No exceptions. reduce funding for the Coastal Manage- toxins at the Cemex plant in Davenport affect the Coastal Management Program
SUBMISSIONS FORMAT ment Program of the California Coastal and is pressuring Caltrans to replace the can impact the outcome of the work we
Please limit articles to 800 words; letters to 300. Commission by $956,000 and have elimi- single span bridge at Waddell Creek with and the Coastal Commission do. We need
All submissions may be edited for clarity and nated over 17 Coastal Commission staff a more fish-friendly full-span bridge. The your help to do whatever you can to en-
length. Email to dfbulger@cruzio.com. Mail positions so far this year. (There will be a Chapter will be weighing in on the sure that efforts to protect the coastline
hard copy to editor, address below.
final report after January 10, 2009). These Cemex plant in Marina and plans for a are not diminished by these budget cuts.
PHOTOS cuts will make our coastline even more mega-resort in the dunes west of Highway —Rita Dalessio
Photos submitted to The Ventana must meet the vulnerable to development and pollution.
following requirements: No laser copies or Some of the Coastal Management Pro-
inkjet outputs. Electronic photos should be no
smaller than 1200 x 1100 pixels or 300 dpi. gram activities and objectives include:
Cover photos must be 3000 x 2000 pixels. Film 1. Review and approval of Local
photos, slides, or negatives are fine. Please call Coastal Plans, port master plans, univer-

A
the editor if you have any questions. sity long range development plans, and FROM THE EDITOR
WHERE TO SEND SUBMISSIONS any amendments to such plans for consis-
Send submissions to Debbie Bulger, Editor, 1603 tency with the Coastal Act. few reflect on what that word really
2. Monitoring and enforcement of
A sustainable economy
King Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Email:
t a public meeting I recently at- means. A sustainable economy is one
dfbulger@cruzio.com. coastal development permits. tended there was a discussion of which has reached a state of equilibrium,
CHANGE OF ADDRESS 3. Protecting and expanding opportu- that is, a state of balance. It is neither con-
building new parking garages in
Do not call editor! Send address changes to: ad- nities for public coastal access and recre- downtown Santa Cruz. Those opposed to tinually growing or shrinking. It is stable.
dress.changes@sierraclub.org or use the mail in ation. new garages spoke about climate change A sustainable economy is one which
coupon in each issue. 4. Implementing a coastal water quality and the need to switch to non-polluting does not use more resources per year than
POSTAL NOTICE protection program. forms of transportation. Those in favor of the earth can provide. It exists in a world
The Ventana (015057) is published 6 times a year, 5. Providing technical information and building more garages said that people in which the seas are not overfished, the
(Feb., Apr., Jun., Aug., Oct., Dec.) paid by sub- assistance to support effective coastal man- will still be using cars in the future, but forests are not overlogged, and the stan-
scription included in membership fee, by The
Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club, 1001 Cen-
agement. they will be powered by clean electricity dard of living of the inhabitants does not
ter Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Periodical 6. Implementing a coastal and ocean re- and other clean energy sources. reflect consumption run wild.
postage paid Santa Cruz, CA and at additional source public education plan. While I have no crystal ball to see into
mailing offices. As a coastal chapter we have focused on the future, I feel this discussion is symp-
Postmaster: Send address changes to Sierra Club, coastal resources as a priority for our legal tomatic of the lack of understanding of
The Ventana, P.O. Box 604, Santa Cruz, CA
95061-0604.
battles. Recently, the Santa Cruz Group the enormity of climate change. It is also,
Editors: successfully sued and stopped the expan- in my opinion, a measure of the lack of
Debbie Bulger, dfbulger@cruzio.com, sion of Luers Barn near Davenport, and imagination and creativity framing the en-
Virginia Draper, assistant editor the Chapter won an appeal to the Coastal tire discussion about global warming.
Production:
Debbie Bulger, Vivian Larkins, Like it or not, climate change is hap- Which brings us back to the discussion
Dale Nutley pening. Its effects will be so profound as about more parking garages. I am old
Writers: to change our entire way of life. Experts enough to remember when most families
Rita Dalessio, Debbie Bulger, Laurel Hopwood,
in the know do not simply predict busi- had only one car, not two or three as is
Virginia Draper, Mari & Klaus Kloeppel,
ness as usual but powered by clean sources now the case. Children had to get them-
Jim Metropulos, Kristen Raugust
Jodi Frediani, Gillian Taylor of energy. What is being talked about will selves to school. Husbands and wives had
Photographers: shake our way of living to its very roots. to plan their schedules to share the single
Peter Selig, Jodi Frediani, Steve Zmak Currently much of the world economy automobile. People took the bus or the
Jeff Barnes, Debbie Bulger, Ventana staff
operates on a model of perpetual growth. train or walked to where they were going.
Proofreaders
The economy is seen as ever expanding. And for the most part, families did not
Wolfgang Rosenberg, Eloise Graham,
Robin Drury, Jeff Alford Population will ever grow. Businesses feel deprived by having only one vehicle.
Distribution: must ever enlarge. For a business to be vi- Can we imagine a way of life where we
Keith Wood, Esperanza Hernandez, able, it must sell more than the year be- are happy yet have less? It is not just cars
Beth Lilienthal, Debbie Bulger
fore. Forever and ever. we are talking about, but every aspect of
Advertising Sales:
Contrast that with a sustainable model. our lives. It means smaller houses, less
Debbie Bulger
Carpentry & Software: Many of us talk about sustainability, but packaging, fewer material possessions, and
Anonymous fewer children.
Chapter website: And fewer parking spaces.
http://ventana.sierraclub.org —Debbie Bulger
2009
Moving?
Ventana Publication Schedule
Issue Deadline Mailing Date Please fill out and mail the change
#1 Jan. 19 Feb. 4 of address form on p. 13 or email:
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#3 May 18 Jun. 3 Please patronize our
The post office charges us 70¢ each
address.changes@sierraclub.org
#4 Jul. 20 Aug. 5 advertisers
if they handle the address change.
Let them know you have
#5 Sep. 21 Oct. 7
#6 Nov. 30 Dec. 16 Please help the club by using the
coupon on p. 13. seen their ad in
Articles received after deadline may
not be published Thank you! The Ventana

2 The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 Printed on recycled paper
Wilderness designated within Limekiln State Park
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alifornia got 413 acres of new spawning stream, and shares a boundary
wilderness in 2008, in Limekiln with the US Forest Service’s Cone Peak
State Park on the southern Big Sur Gradient Research Natural Area. The
coast. This was the first new legislatively- most distinctive feature in this valuable
designated wilderness in the state system ecosystem is the high number of plant as-
in more than 30 years. sociations in one small drainage. The
AB 2945, introduced by Assembly- plant communities of coastal scrub, red-
member John Laird and signed by Gov- wood forests, coastal live oak woodland,
ernor Schwarzenegger, also amends the valley grassland, and chaparral that coex-
1974 California Wilderness Act to au- ist here provide a high level of biological
thorize temporary roads and motorized diversity in a relatively small area.
equipment within a wilderness area when The Ventana Chapter worked with the
necessary in an emergency or if it is the Ventana Wilderness Alliance, the Califor-
minimum tool necessary to meet mini- nia Wilderness Coalition and the Califor-
mum management requirements. nia Wilderness Project on this bill with
Limekiln State Wilderness is 23 miles John Laird. An objective was to help pro-
south of the town of Big Sur on the South vide a way for Sierra Club California to
Coast in Limekiln State Park and is cur- go to the State Parks and Recreation
rently closed due to the Chalk Fire. The Commission and the Parks Department
non-wilderness portion of the park, and work on getting more wilderness des-
which opened in 1994, has 33 campsites, ignated by administrative action.
picnic facilities, historic limekilns from John Laird summed it up best:
California’s early days, old growth red- “AB2945 will link state park lands as
woods, and several short hiking trails. wilderness to federal lands in similar des-
Limekiln is adjacent to the Ventana ignation. The bill also gives the Parks De-
Wilderness of over 240,000 acres of rugged partment the process to do this in other
terrain in Los Padres National Forest. areas around the state. Hopefully the des-
This newly designated area includes about ignation for Limekiln State Park —a text-
a mile and a half of the West Fork of book example of a strikingly beautiful
Limekiln Creek, an important steelhead wilderness— will just be the first in many
new state wilderness areas.”

Patented seeds violate farmers’ rights


Steve Zmak

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by Laurel Hopwood, Sierra Club lieves that, just as the nations of the world The newly-designated Limekiln State Wilderness, 23 miles south of the town of Big Sur,
Genetic Engineering Committee Chair have agreed that there should be no slav- consists of 413 acres especially rich in biological diversity.
he genetic diversity of our planet ery and that a contract which calls for
and the genetic resources which are slavery would be unenforceable, there CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
the fruit of 100 centuries of human should be no patents on the genetic ma-
agriculture are a shared common treasure chinery of life and that all contracts based President George W. Bush (831) 424-2229 (Salinas)
of mankind. Transgenic agriculture— on such an idea should be null and void. The White House (202) 225-6791 (FAX, Washington, DC)
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW samfarr@mail.house.gov
using modern genetic engineering tech- That would be to the advantage of every Washington, D.C. 20500
niques to splice genes from one species man, woman and child on this planet. We Comment Line: (202) 456-1111 U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo
into another—involves many risks which are the heirs to this planet’s genetic diver- FAX: (202) 456-2461 698 Emerson Street
president@whitehouse.gov Palo Alto, CA 94301
are yet to be fully evaluated, but one dan- sity and shouldn’t let that heritage be (408) 245-2339; FAX: (650) 323-3498
ger in clear sight is the use of patent pro- claimed by corporate greed. Vice President Dick Cheney go to website to email
tections to shift equity from the global One way to put the brakes on GMO (202) 456-1414
vice.president@whitehouse.gov State Senator Abel Maldonado
genetic commons into private hands. This agriculture that will soon be available is 100 Paseo De San Antonia, Suite 206
is theft in broad daylight. the Biosafety Protocol (Cartagena Proto- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger San Jose, CA 95113
The principle argument in favor of life col) of the Convention on Biological Di- State Capitol Building (408) 277-9461
Sacramento, CA 95814 senator.maldonado@sen.ca.gov
patents is that they spur innovation. Yet versity. Although the U.S. hasn’t ratified (916) 445-2841
genetic engineering in plants has so far either the Convention or its Protocol, the FAX: (916) 445-4633 State Senator Joe Simitian
consisted only of splicing genes from one Biosafety Protocol has obtained ratifica- www.governor.ca.gov State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-6747; FAX: (916) 323-4529
species into another with no significant in- tions from over 50 nations and has en- Senator Dianne Feinstein Senator.Simitian@sen.ca.gov
creases in yields or benefits to consumers. tered into force. As part of international 331 Hart Office Building
This rewriting of the genetic code has suf- treaty law, it allows nations to invoke the Washington, D.C. 20510 State Senator Jeff Denham
(202) 224-3841; (415) 393-0707 369 Main Street, #208
ficed to win patents. This is not techno- Precautionary Principle in order to stop 1 Post Street, Suite 2450 Salinas, CA 93901
logical progress, but the veneer of imports of GMOs. We urge farmers in the San Francisco, CA 94104 (831) 769-8040
technology being used for theft. The U.S., and likewise the farmers and nations go to website to email Senator.Denham@sen.ca.gov
patents allow seed companies to impose of the world, to defend their rights to save Senator Barbara Boxer Assembly Rep. Anna Caballero
new conditions in contracts with farmers. seeds. We urge them to work for the abo- 112 Hart Office Building assemblymember.Caballero@assembly.ca.gov
The actual “innovation” is a loss of farm- lition of patents on the molecular ma- Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3553; (415) 403-0100 (voice) Assembly Representative Bill Monning
ers’ rights. In the United States and chinery of life. While changes in U.S. 1700 Montgomery Street 701 Ocean Street, Room 318-B
Canada, farmers are being sued for plant- patent laws may be slow in coming, our San Francisco, CA 94111 Santa Cruz, CA 95060; (831) 425-1503
ing their own seeds (saving seeds) without position is that if farmers use their own go to website to email 99 Pacific Street, Suite 555D
Monterey, CA 93940
paying a fee. seed or sell seed crops intended as food, U. S. Representative Sam Farr (831) 649-2832; FAX: (831) 649-2935
The U.S. has pushed life patents and ge- they shouldn’t have to pay licensing fees 100 W. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901 assemblymember.Monning@assembly.ca.gov
netic patents on the world. Sierra Club be- twice. (831) 429-1976 (Santa Cruz)
Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 3
North Monterey County development
threatens Elkhorn Slough

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by Mari and Klaus Kloeppel ect in North Monterey County, called Slough as a thriving ecosystem. resources of Elkhorn Slough are also
Rancho Los Robles. There is no sustain- On October 29, despite the staff rec- threatened by the 26-unit Rancho Roberto
hapter members and Friends,
able water supply for this project as this ommendation to approve, a majority of development now on appeal before the
Artists and Neighbors of Elkhorn
area suffers from a severely overdrafted the Monterey County Planning Commis- California Coastal Commission and 185
Slough (FANS) are working to
groundwater aquifer. This aquifer has sion voted to recommend denial to the new houses proposed by the Pajaro Valley
stop a proposed 103-unit housing proj-
been so heavily drawn down that saltwa- Board of Supervisors. At press time the Golf Course. FANS has been working for
ter from the ocean is contaminating water project was slated to go before the Board nine years to stop the destructive cumula-
quality, further restricting water supplies on December 9, but there is a high likeli- tive impacts of these projects.
for agriculture and domestic use. hood that the issue will be continued to To help or learn more contact the
Some local wells in this aquifer have January. Kloeppels, mkkloeppel@earthlink.net.
gone permanently dry necessitating truck- The fragile watershed and rare natural
ing in water for many families for over a
year. Yet, the Monterey County Planning
Department has recommended approval Legislation needed to increase amount of
based on “overriding considerations.”

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Opponents have reviewed and re-
renewable energy
sponded to the Environmental Impact Re- RPS goal and to make reforms in the pro-
by Jim Metropulos, Sierra Club California gram failed this year, Sierra Club Cali-
port for Rancho Los Robles and have
attended County public hearings on this alifornia once led the world in re- fornia continues to lobby for more
project. The project would be built only a newable energy. We have the renewable power.
few hundred yards from Carneros Creek, power to take back the lead. In upgrading California’s RPS law we
which drains directly into the Elkhorn Our state’s three investor-owned utili- must guard against efforts to undermine it
Slough only one mile away. Carneros ties, PG&E, Southern Edison, and San in the name of reform. We oppose chang-
Creek provides approximately 75% of the Diego Electric & Gas, probably will fall ing the definition to allow more hy-
Slough’s fresh water, making its protec- short of the state’s renewables target— dropower to be considered as renewable.
tion critical to the viability of Elkhorn 20% by 2010. That’s why Sierra Club Cal- We do not think utilities should get re-
ifornia believes the state should reform newable power credit for their energy ef-
our renewable energy portfolio standard ficiency efforts. While we have always
(RPS) law. Improving this law will help supported energy efficiency, we believe
meet AB 32 climate protection goals, im- the RPS should instead encourage invest-
prove the quality of the air we breathe, ment in new sources of clean renewable
and reduce our reliance on depleted fossil power while other programs focus on en-
fuel resources. ergy efficiency.
Other states have made significant Not all energy sources labeled under
strides in building renewable energy. In current law as “renewable” are equally
2007, Texas reached a total installed wind sustainable in terms of environmental im-
capacity of over 5,000 megawatts. That pacts or energy supply. Even renewable
same year, California only built about 60 energy can have adverse impacts; poor en-
megawatts of wind turbines. Although vironmental practices at the Altamont
efforts to pass legislation to boost the wind site in Northern California, for ex-
ample, have resulted in excessive bird
kills. The impact and sources of biofuels,
Moving? large-scale development of solar power in
the desert, toxic materials in certain types
Please fill out and mail the change of solar panels, and other issues should be
of address form on p. 13 or email: addressed, and standards developed for
proper use of resources.
The post office charges us 70¢ each As we power up California’s stan-
address.changes@sierraclub.org
dards, we need to ensure we do not lose
if they handle the address change.
valuable resources, and that we do noth-
Please help the club by using the ing to harm the environment we are
coupon on p. 13. striving to protect.
Thank you!

4 2
4 2

4 The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 Printed on recycled paper
Toxic trouble in Davenport
by Kristen Raugust
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and one on the playground. New
On October 3, 2008, the testing began November 1. This
County announced that monitoring system should provide
chromium-6 (Hexavalent more accurate testing and will in-
chromium) had been detected clude surface wipe sampling.
in Davenport, 10 times the al- Other tests taken before
lowable amount, along with Copeland was hired showed a fur-
the worrisome news that this ther drop in chromium-6 from ear-
toxin may have been emitted lier October results. Even though
for a number of years. The these preliminary tests have indi-
Monterey Bay Unified Air cated a general drop in chromium-6,
Pollution Control District some days have spiked dramatically
had decided to conduct unan- and need to be studied and investi-
nounced tests in June, July, gated as to the exact cause.
and August 2008 after high Nationally-known environmen-
chromium-6 levels were de- tal investigator Erin Brockovich
tected at a cement plant in came to Davenport on November
Riverside, California. The re- 3 and met with residents. She ex-
sults of this testing required plained that she wanted to share
the Monterey Bay Unified her expertise about chromium-6
Air Pollution Control Dis- and expressed her concern about all
trict to issue a Prop. 65 noti- the other toxins that emanate from
Jodi Frediani

fication to the Board of the plant. Brockovich, however,


Supervisors and the County believes, as do many scientists and
Health Officer. A Public Ten times the allowable amount of chromium-6 in Davenport from the Cemex plant brought Erin Brockovich environmentalists, that there are no
Health Advisory for the Dav- to town. The environmental investigator believes there are no safe levels of chromium-6. safe levels of chromium-6.
enport Area was issued the Brockovich noted discrepancies in the
same day. head of manufacturing on the U.S. west movement of the contaminated, stored ce- reporting of toxic emissions and was
The cement plant in Davenport was coast for Cemex, said the plant would ment and cement kiln dust cease until somewhat skeptical of the data since
built by Portland Cement Company in cease using mill scale and steel slag in the more data was gathered. Cemex oversees the testing. She encour-
1905. Many companies have owned it future, since these by-products of steel The day after the meeting, Santa Cruz aged residents to talk to each other and
over the years since then, with its current manufacture, in use since 2001, are sus- County Environmental Health represen- compile information about their experi-
owner being Cemex Corp of Mexico. In pected to be the source of the tatives went door to door in Davenport ences with dust, smell, and their health.
1905, little was known about environ- chromium-6. to issue a Health Advisory until test re- She also provided health questionnaires to
mental health problems resulting from ce- Ironically, it was the Air Pollution sults showed air quality had returned to be filled out and returned.
ment plant emissions. We now know that Control District that had repeatedly as- safe levels. On a path to restarting the plant,
cement plants emit dust and substances sured the community of Davenport that At the October 21 Board of Supervi- Cemex was granted a temporary 48-hour
that can cause cancer and other health the introduction of slag was safe, despite sors meeting many residents complained permit on November 12 to carry out a
problems. numerous concerns. Sheth said Cemex that real data was not yet available. They test grinding of the contaminated clinker.
Many environmental groups, including would replace the mill scale and steel slag also strongly urged that shipping opera- (Clinker is hardened cement as it comes
the Sierra Club, have been battling such with iron ore when manufacturing re- tions at the plant cease until test results out of the heated manufacturing process
plants over emissions, including mercury, sumed. He also said Cemex would imple- were available and procedures to reduce and is ground into cement dust. Reduc-
which can cause birth defects and neuro- ment strict fugitive dust control chromium-6 contamination were in ing agents ferrous sulfate and stannous
logical problems in small children. The procedures. Fugitive dust from loading place. The Supervisors assured the resi- sulfate were added to reduce chromium-
Davenport Cemex plant was already on operations and the cement kiln dust pile is dents that information would be avail- 6 emissions.)
environmentalists’ radar screen for its se- believed to be responsible for the spread able within days. The Board also The test-grinding results came back
riously high mercury emissions. In 2005 of chromium-6 in Davenport. indicated that a competent contractor for with levels of chromium-6 safe enough
(the most recent year for which a report Santa Cruz County Environmental the air testing, Copeland Consultants, (according to the Air District) for Cemex
was made), the Cemex plant emitted 170 Health confirmed at the October 7 Board had been retained. This choice has since to plan a full-scale production test. After
pounds of mercury, making it one of the of Supervisors meeting that tests of drink- raised concern about the firm’s impar- the test the plant will shut down as the
biggest emitters of mercury nationwide. ing water showed a non-detect of tiality because of the prior associations of monitoring data are evaluated. Cemex
Under pressure from Miriam Rotkin-Ell- chromium-6, although the last water test one of its consultants. plans to restart the plant in January if test
man of the Natural Resources Defense was done on August 28, 2007, leading to Despite residents’ very real concerns re- results are positive.
Council, the Environmental Protection the belief that the problem is possibly just garding fugitive dust, the Board did not re- Residents and parents of school chil-
Agency conducted tests for mercury in airborne. Additional water samples, taken quire Cemex to halt shipping. However, dren continue to urge the County not to
Davenport last summer. from Mill Creek, San Vincente Creek, Cemex voluntarily suspended shipping let production begin until the exact source
Cement-making operations were al- and Pacific Elementary School on Octo- until test results were available. Data from of the chromium-6 can be pinpointed and

h
ready shut down in Davenport at the time ber 7, also showed a non-detect level at a continued air testing by the Air District absolute assurances can be made for their
of the health advisory, due to low sales. limit ten times less than the California before Copeland was hired, was finally and their children’s safety.
The Cemex plant was advised by the Drinking Water Standard. available on October 25, showing the
County to remain shut until better un- Attending the Supervisors meeting chromium-6 level had dropped below the
derstanding of the extent and control of were parents of children from Pacific Ele- allowed standard. This finding may have
the chromium-6 emissions was achieved. mentary School which is right in the been due to Cemex’s suspension of ship-
At a Board of Supervisors meeting on plume path of Cemex’s smoke stack. ping of the contaminated cement.
October 7, the public was assured that it Many concerned residents urged medical The new contractor set up testing sta-
would be apprised of any new data as testing to find out human exposure po- tions in and around Davenport including
soon as it became available. Satish Sheth, tential. Others urged that trucking and a 24-hour air monitor inside the school
Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 5
C A L E N D A R

Sierra Club Events


Friday, January 9 Friday, February 13

Costa Rica —a nature Photographer’s par-


Potluck & Slides: On the Edge— Potluck & Slides: Costa Rica

This presentation is by Jeff Barnes, a adise— is a slide show by world traveler


Species at Risk

widely-traveled wildlife photographer and Vilma Siebers. The potluck begins at 6:30
an interpreter for the California State p.m. Bring food to share and your own
Parks. The potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. washable plate, cup, utensils, and serving
Bring food to share and your own wash- utensils. We love home cooked meals or
able plate, cup, utensils, and serving uten- dessert, but store-bought items (minimum
sils. We love home cooked meals or value $5) make great contributions too.
dessert, but store-bought items (minimum For directions call George, 335-7748.
value $5) make great contributions too.
This event will be hosted by Randy and
Carin Chapin at 612 Arroyo Seco, Santa Spring and Summer
Cruz. For directions call the Chapins,
425-1749 or George, 335-7748.

I
Planning a vacation this May or during
Channel Islands trips

Erin Brockovich meeting on the summer? Consider a trip to the Chan-


nel Islands with a ranger/naturalist who
Community TV will lead hikes and give talks. Fundraising
f you missed the Town Hall meeting event for Sierra Club political programs in
in November at Pacific Elementary California. Dates are May 1-4, July 17-20,
School in Davenport at which famed August 7-10, and September 11-14. Cost is
Jeff Barnes

environmental activist Erin Brockovich $950 which includes bunk and all meals.
spoke, you can catch the video on Com- For more info contact Joan Jones Holtz,
munity TV (Comcast 25/Charter 71). A Point Barrow, Alaska, polar bear struggles for survival. 11826 The Wye Street, El Monte, CA
The two-hour show is scheduled for the 91732, jholtzhln@aol.com.
following times:
Friday, December, 19 @ 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, December, 21 @ 12:00 p.m. Non-Sierra Club Events of Interest
Monday, December, 22 @ 7:30 p.m. 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.

FREE Wormshops Saturdays Watsonville Wetlands Watch


Public has until January to

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comment on new
General Plan Learn how worms can eat your food
scraps and make beautiful compost for The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park Enrollment for new docents now open.
Garland Ranch Hikes Docent Training
ue to an outpouring of letters your garden. Master composters will teach District docents lead hikes at Garland Attend a 6-week training course starting
from the public regarding the un- you everything you need to know. Pre- Ranch every Saturday. An updated list of February 18 on Wednesday evenings and
availability of documents associ- registration required. Free and below all hikes may be found on their website: Saturday mornings. Enrollees will be
ated with the fifth version of Monterey wholesale worm bins for residents of un- www.mprpd.org. treated to an inside look at the Pajaro Val-
County’s General Plan Update, the com- incorporated Santa Cruz Co. and Scotts ley and its wetlands. Training covers ecol-
ment period has been extended to no Valley. $50 charge for residents of Capi-
sooner than January, 2009. As a result, the tola, City of Santa Cruz, and Watsonville.
Call 427-3452 to register. Sponsored by Santa Cruz CNPS
rush to approval before the end of 2008
S.C. Co. Board of Supervisors; produced
has been stopped. by County Public Works Recycling and
Other problems with the process in- Volunteer to restore native habitat in State
Habitat restoration
Solid Waste Services.
cluded a failure by the County to send the Parks in Santa Cruz Co. Wear layered
complete Draft EIR to state agencies and Saturday, January 31, 1-3 p.m., Grey work clothes. Bring water & gloves. Tools
a failure to send the Draft EIR to the State Bears Recycling Facility, 2710 Chanti- provided. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We
Water Resources Control Board’s division cleer, Santa Cruz. work rain or shine, but if things get partic-
of water rights (the key entity that rules ularly unpleasant, we call it a day. Contact
over our water supply. Linda Brodman, redwdrn@pac bell.net, ogy, history, and wetlands restoration.
462-4041. Website: www.cruz cnps.org. Docents will learn to assist teachers during
Members of the public who com-
mented on these and other problems in- January 10, Laguna Creek Watershed, field trips and will lead walks. Cost: $40.
cluded The Ventana Chapter, The Open Coast Dairies Contact Kathy Fieberling, 427-0654 or
kathyfieb@yahoo.com.
Monterey Project, the Carmel Valley As-
sociation, Prunedale Neighbors Group, Monterey CNPS
Prunedale Preservation Alliance, Friends Fourth Saturday
& Neighbors of Elkhorn Slough, and
other groups and individuals. Volunteer to restore native habitat in State
Habitat restoration
Chapter members are hard at work an- Parks in Monterey Co. Wear layered Sponsored by Watsonville Wetlands
Habitat restoration - Watsonville
alyzing the plan’s impacts to the environ- work clothes. Bring water & snacks. Tools Watch. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Meet at the
ment, in particular its biological Composting with worms is & gloves provided. Carpools meet at Rio Fitz Wetlands Educ. Resource Ctr. at Pa-
resources, water quality, and water sup- fascinating for both children
and adults.
Rd. Park and Ride. Rain or shine. Contact jaro Valley HS. Gloves, tools, and snack
ply. Once final, these comments will be Jan Shriner, jshriner@mbay.net, 236-0905. provided. Call Jonathan Pilch, 728-4106,
posted to the Chapter website. Website: www.montereybay cnps.org. for more info. No experience necessary.
6 The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 Printed on recycled paper
NEWSCLIPS Recycling alone is not the answer

B
Incinerator trashed
by Virginia Draper concerns about the disposal of haz-
In November the Santa Cruz County ardous wastes. The Board is asking
Supervisors voted down the proposed y 2000, most California com- local agencies to increase public aware-
plasma arc incinerator covered in the Au- munities diverted at least 50% ness about what constitutes household
gust Ventana. While the proponents of solid waste from landfills, a hazardous waste, to provide more con-
claimed that the facility had no emissions, goal mandated in 1989 by AB 939. venient disposal sites, and to better in-
the data did not support the claim. The But we need to do much better than form the public about when and where
Pajaro Valley Coalition for Environmen- that. To figure out where to focus residents can drop off materials.
tal Justice was joined by Greenaction for public outreach, in 2007 the Cali- A final recommendation of the sur-
Health and Environmental Justice, Sierra fornia Integrated Waste Manage- vey urges local entities to “continue to
Club, Natural Resources Defense Coun- ment Board commissioned a survey support efforts to make recycling serv-
cil, and the Brown Berets in defeating the of residents’ attitudes towards waste ices available to multi-family house-
project. management and their habits re- holds.” To address this challenge,
garding reducing, reusing, and re- Brantley said that her agency in Mon-
Simitian scores cycling, the 3Rs of Zero Waste. terey has recently received two large
State Senator Joe Simitian, who rep- The survey results suggest that grants from the California Department
resents many of our readers, was named the public may not understand the of Conservation, one focused on low-
chair of the Senate Environmental Qual- concern about landfills. When income housing.
ity Committee for the new legislative asked about environmental pri- In 2007, the City of Monterey kept
session. orities, less than one in five iden- 67% of the waste generated out of the
tified landfill waste, toxic waste, landfill. Manager Kolassa estimates
Saving Sequoia or the extinction of plants and Santa Cruz County kept 65% out.
Representative Anna Eshoo animals as concerns. Neverthe-

Debbie Bulger
Both want to do much better. The
has introduced a bill in Con- less, the majority surveyed regu- Waste Management Board survey sug-
gress which would transfer larly recycle key household gests that to increase percentages, these
the Giant Sequoia National items, though only one quarter are Shopping at yard sales not only saves money, it helps the agencies need to educate people about
Monument from the Na- recycling as much as they could, environment. the limits and dangers of landfills and to
tional Forest Service to and few are regularly recycling plas- provide more information and encour-
the National Park Serv- tic bags. Vista Landfill and Ben Lomond Transfer agement, especially about ways to reuse
ice. The bill, HR 7090, Respondents were far less knowledge- Station, a program run by Kasey Kolassa, products and reduce waste overall.
would protect national able about ways to reuse and reduce: manager of the county’s Recycling and In November former State Assembly-
forests and other federal “Only about one-third of California resi- Solid Waste Services, gives away materials member John Laird and former State Sen-
lands from aggressive log- dents regularly reuse food containers or dropped off from construction and dem- ator Sheila Kuehl were appointed to the
ging. drink water from sources other than small olition projects. Residents can also pick California Integrated Waste Management
plastic water bottles. Less than one-in-five up free household paint which, according Board. Both Laird and Kuehl have been
Sunny Hawaii consistently buy products in bulk or to Kolassa, makes up more than 80% of honored as Recycling Legislators of the
All single family homes built in Hawaii items with less packaging.” Fewer than the hazardous waste brought in. Year by Californians Against Waste.
after 2009 must have solar hot water 10% compost. The recent decline in commodity
heaters. What a great idea. Let’s get a sim- Thus the first recommendation of the prices for recycled paper, metals, and plas-
ilar law passed in our own state. report is “to increase efforts to promote tic heightens the need to encourage peo-
waste reduction and reuse, which lag be- ple to choose reusable and secondhand
High score hind recycling in public awareness and items rather than those that can be recy-
The new scoreboard for the Giants practice.” Angela Brantley, Solid Waste cled, especially plastics. Most plastics end
baseball games at AT&T park is powered Program Manager for the City of Mon- up in the landfill after one cycle because
by the sun. Almost 600 solar panels make terey, welcomes this focus: “We know they can be turned into only one other
it flash and glow. That’s a home run in that recycling alone is not the answer.” product.
any book. Brantley works with Monterey busi- Some find ways to reuse materials
nesses to develop reuse practices. For in- closer to home, rather than ship them to
How clean is my valley? stance, she suggests setting aside office China or out of state. The Grey Bears, a

Resources
In October 87 volunteers hauled over space where employees can put items they Santa Cruz nonprofit, sells rolled news-
2,400 pounds of trash and 800 pounds of no longer use, but that others may want. papers to local floral industries for ship-
recyclable materials out of the San And she makes sure everyone is aware of ping insulation. They also refurbish
Lorenzo River and nearby areas. This the Last Chance Mercantile in nearby Ma- computers and other goods for sale in California Zero Waste web site:
yearly event is managed by the Valley rina, a reuse depot operated by the Mon- their Santa Cruz Thrift Store. www.zerowaste.ca.gov
Women’s Club with help from the San terey Regional Waste Management In addition to reuse, the California Information about all types of waste
Lorenzo Valley Water District and the District. Here people can leave and buy at Waste Management Board survey raised including ways to reduce household
County of Santa Cruz. “affordable prices” things that might oth- waste, strategies and sites supporting
erwise go into the landfill, such as sport- reuse, Zero Waste business and school
Bag fees in the future? ing goods, furniture, automotive parts, Moving? programs, information about hazardous
The California Ocean Protection and accessories. wastes, and links to local agencies and
Council, a state agency, has proposed not In Santa Cruz County at the Buena Please fill out and mail the change drop-off sites.
only a ban on polystyrene food contain- of address form on p. 13 or email: For a complete copy of the survey,
ers, but also a fee for plastic bags as a way “General Attitude and Behavior Survey
to cut down on marine debris. When Ire- Please patronize our Baseline Findings November 2007,” by
The post office charges us 70¢ each
address.changes@sierraclub.org
land imposed a tax on plastic bags in 2002, advertisers Gomez Research, commissioned by the
if they handle the address change.
use dropped 95%. Look for state legisla- Let them know you have Please help the club by using the
California Integrated Waste Manage-
seen their ad in
tion in the future. ment Board visit
coupon on p. 13. www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Publications/
The Ventana Thank you! General/53008001.pdf.

Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 7


Jodi Frediani

Healthy streams need an intact riparian canopy, well-vegetated soils, and large trees alongside the stream banks.

Healthy streams are good for people and wildlife

W
by Jodi Frediani canopy to keep water cool for fish. Creeks
e all know that hardening of the and rivers need “breathing room”— well-
arteries is damaging to human vegetated soils for proper infiltration of
health and that arterial blockages rain. Riparian corridors should be kept
can lead to death. We also know that toxic free of development and impervious sur-
substances in the bloodstream can cause faces. Large trees along creek banks
cancer and other serious problems. Not should be retained for canopy and their
surprisingly, our streams and rivers —the strong root systems which stabilize
circulatory system of our environment— stream banks, retard erosion, and, where
must be protected from similar threats. exposed, provide hiding places for fish.
We need to treat our creeks and When such trees fall into the creek, the It took two months of complaints before the
County red-tagged this illegal cistern in a coho
streams as the lifeblood of our environ- downed logs help regulate the flow of stream in Bonny Doon.
ment and not as drainage ditches. Taking water and sediment downstream and con-
tinue to provide essential cover for fish. Excessive logging or cutting of trees
better care of our streams is not only good along a stream bank eliminates the leafy
for us and our drinking water, but essen- Downed wood also helps create deep cool-
water pools needed by fish. canopy which shades the water and pro-
tial for several local threatened or endan- vides fish habitat. An extreme example of
gered species—coho salmon, steelhead Development along stream banks can
result in an unhealthy waterway. When canopy removal is the clearcutting of trees
trout, and California red-legged frogs. within the channel of the Pajaro River
we allow buildings in the natural stream
What do healthy streams need? flood plain or along stream banks, for ex- after the floods of 1995. The levees con-
Healthy streams need an intact riparian ample, we create problems. Flooding is a strain the natural flood waters, turning
natural stream process which replenishes the river into a flood control channel. The
soil nutrients. A better use of flood plains trees, which provided many functions in-
and banks is for parks and greenways cluding significant bird habitat, were con-
which can be flooded occasionally with- sidered a threat because they took up
out threatening homes and businesses. room in the flood channel.
Channelization (straightening of the
What harms waterways? stream course) increases the velocity of
Dams and culverts restrict water flow the water as it runs downstream. An ex-
and impede fish passage. Excessive sedi- treme example is the channelization of
ment generated from dirt roads, landslides Branciforte Creek where it flows into the
and bank erosion clogs spawning gravels San Lorenzo River (also channelized be-
and reduces survival of hatching fish. Or- tween levees) in Santa Cruz. Less extreme
ganic matter which accompanies sediment channelization techniques are applied to
entering streams interacts with chlorinat- protect poorly-sited houses and roads ad-
ing products to produce cancer-causing
compounds in drinking water. Continued on p. 9.
8 The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 Printed on recycled paper
Continued from p. 8. Poor policies and enforcement
Santa Cruz County has a history of
jacent to creeks and streams. Such retain-
granting riparian exceptions, allowing for
ing walls restrict or change natural flows,
additions to existing non-conforming
do not provide useful habitat, and other-
structures within the 50’ riparian buffer
wise degrade the health of the waterway.
zone. A recent project proposes reducing
It would be better to enforce existing set-
the riparian setback from 50’ to 20’ along
backs from the riparian corridor and es-
Aptos Creek and running storm water cul-
tablish appropriate setbacks in
verts directly into Aptos Creek for a
communities where there are none.
Planned Unit Development. Another proj-
Storm drains laden with oil, tire dust,
ect redirects flows into Rodeo Gulch by
and other road pollutants are directed to
building 1500’ of new drainage pipe and
creeks and ultimately the Monterey Bay
bypassing a wetlands. Rather than remov-
National Marine Sanctuary. Instead, we
ing culverts as Berkeley is doing (a process
should be captur-
called
ing this runoff on
“day-light-
land and letting it
ing”),
filter through con- “We need to treat our creeks S a n t a
structed wetlands and streams as the lifeblood C r u z
and soil before
County is
naturally flowing of our environment and not creating
to the water table
m o r e
or into streams as drainage ditches.”
runoff
once adequately
into more
filtered. This can
drainage
be accomplished in many ways including
ditches and installing more culverts.
constructing French drains, using perme-
Code enforcement needs to take stream
able surfaces for driveways and sidewalks,
protection seriously as well. When an ille-
and directing runoff toward green areas
gal concrete cistern was constructed re-
for biofiltration instead of directly into
cently in a tributary of Laguna Creek in
storm drains.
Bonny Doon, a coho stream, it took two
Additionally, creeks and rivers are pol-
months of complaints from multiple
luted from leaking septic tanks, sewage
neighbors including photographs circu-
leaks, farm and garden pesticides and
lated far and wide before the County red-
poorly maintained dirt roads. Most of our
tagged the structure. At press time the
local streams and rivers are listed as im-
partially-dismantled cistern was still in
paired for sediment under the Clean
place and causing bank erosion and water-
Water Act, and some are also adversely
quality degradation. If removal is not done
impacted by pesticides, septic runoff and
in a timely fashion, the county road adja-
other pollutants.
cent to this cistern could actually fail, send-
The National Marine Fisheries Service
ing tons of soil into the creek channel.
(NMFS) will be releasing their draft Coho
Often the need for affordable housing
Recovery Plan in early 2009. This plan
is cited as a reason to allow building in ri-
A little bird told me . . .
identifies a number of areas where Santa
parian corridors. Housing is an important
Cruz County riparian policies are defi-
need, and it must be sited in less environ- 10 ways to save money and help the earth
cient and detrimental to the survival of
mentally-sensitive areas. It harms every-
our nearly extinct coho salmon popula-
one to build in areas prone to flooding, 1. Use a clothes rack or line to dry more of
tions. These policies are in need of a major
most especially the residents themselves. your laundry.
overhaul. For years, the County has been
We need to learn to respect our local 2. Get to work without your car one day
removing fallen trees from stream chan-
creeks and rivers and remember that they (or one more day) a week.
nels often at the request of concerned
all flow into the Monterey Bay National
landowners. NMFS wants those trees to 3. Buy more bulk groceries instead of packaged.
Marine Sanctuary. Our creeks and rivers
remain. Property owners need to be edu- 4. Eat less meat.
are the lifeblood of our communities.
cated about the importance of these es- 5. Turn off the light when you leave a room.
sential elements in a healthy stream 6. Walk or bike to school with your kids.
How to help keep our
system. More culverts need to be retrofit- 7. Install fluorescent bulbs.

water clean
ted for fish passage or better yet, replaced 8. Buy fruit in season.
by bridges to allow fish into currently in- 9. Shop at yard sales.
accessible stream reaches. New construc- 10. Reuse gift wrap.
tion should be kept out of riparian • Use only organic lawn and garden
corridors to limit septic leakage and input treatments. Pesticides and fertilizers find
of pesticides, herbicides and household their way into our waterways.
chemicals. • Keep dirt roads in good repair.
• Check culverts regularly and keep
unplugged.
• Call your Santa Cruz County Su-
pervisor and ask that the County en-
force riparian setbacks, even for
additions to existing structures.
• If you have run off from your
property, consult a professional to see
how you can retain that water on the
Jodi Frediani

property or biofilter it before it leaves.

Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 9
O U T I N G S
Monday, January 5
In the interest of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that HIKE: SILVER PEAK’S LION’S DEN
OUTINGS RATINGS participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have in-
surance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Car- Requires a very early start and $10 for a very
GENERAL INFORMATION:
pooling, ridesharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement long carpool. Silver Peak Wilderness is as beau-
All outings begin and end at the trailhead. tiful as the Ventana Wilderness, so please come
among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel. and join me on this strenuous 12-mile hike.
Carpooling to and from the trailhead is strictly CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval Must call leader a week in advance for meeting
a private arrangement between the driver and by the State of California. place and time or call will not be returned.
the riders. Carpool drivers are not agents or Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver. To read it before choos- Leader: Esperanza Hernandez, 678-1968.
employees of the Sierra Club. ing to participate on an outing go to
www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms/. Tuesday, January 6
EXPLANATION OF RATINGS: HIKE: GLEN DEVEN RANCH
The outings described vary in difficulty Our 7-mile hike with 800' elevation gain takes
DECEMBER
from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes. The to Holt Road and back. But wait, you are all us into a lovely canyon and along redwood-
following explanation is a general guideline. invited to Kaffee und Kuchen at my condo, Mid lined Garrapata Creek. After lunch, we’ll ex-
(For more information about the difficulty of a Valley Garden Homes #53, to celebrate the plore the ranch house, a writer’s studio, and
particular outing, call the leader). Sunday, December 21 New Year. 8 miles and 1500' elevation gain. then go out onto a ridge for spectacular views.
Walk: Between 2-5 miles, leisurely pace. HIKE: WADDELL CREEK/BIG BASIN Bring water and lunch, optional hiking poles, Arrive early, leave at 9:30 a.m. sharp from Rio
and wear sturdy shoes. Moderate pace. Meet at Road Park & Ride. Bring water & lunch. Call
Easy: No more than 5 miles; slight elevation Starting at Hwy. 1 we’ll hike the Skyline to the Mid Valley parking lot opposite WaMu at
gain; easy pace. Sea Trail and McCrary Ridge to the Mt. for a reservation. Leader: Lynn Bomberger,
10:00 a.m. Call for a space. Leader: Anneliese 375-7777.
Moderate: 5-10 miles; up to 2000' gain; McAbee overlook and return via the Howard Suter, 624-1467.
boots; better than average fitness required. King and Skyline to the Sea Trails with a short Wednesday, January 7
Strenuous: May involve off-trail hiking; side trip to Berry Creek Falls. 12 Miles, 1700' Saturday, January 3 HIKE: NISENE MARKS
demanding pace; for experienced hikers in good elevation gain. Dress in layers, bring lunch and HIKE: MT. MADONNA PARK
plenty of water. Meet at the Santa Cruz Floods, earthquakes, wildfires and logging with
condition only. We’ll look for fetid adders tongue from the mills and railroads have shaped the history of
County Government Center at 8:30 a.m. to
carpool. Leader: John Howerton, 476-4253. Sprig Lake entrance off Hwy. 152. 7 miles and this 10,000 acre park created in 1963. We’ll
1200' elevation gain. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the enter the park from a trail in back of Aptos on
Mar Monte exit off Hwy. 1 in La Selva Beach a private road to the Old Growth Loop and the
MEETING PLACES
Tuesday, December 23
HIKE: GARZAS CREEK to carpool. Call Nick if you need additional in- Oak Ridge Trail. Bring water and lunch for a
DIRECTIONS: formation. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, 462-3101. stop along Aptos Creek mid-day. 8 miles with
Our 4-1/2 mile loop with 900' elevation gain
Rio Road Park & Ride: This parking lot is takes us through a redwood canyon and along downhill at the beginning of the day and uphill
on Rio Road in Carmel. Garzas Creek with six picturesque crossings. at the end. Meet at Sears 41st Ave to carpool
Save-Mart / Bagel Bakery: (formerly Al- Moderate pace with stops to enjoy flora & ($1) or call for directions to the trailhead.
bertson’s) South of Monterey on Hwy. 1. One fauna. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early, leave Leader: Diane Cornell, 423-5925.
mile past Ocean Ave., turn L on Carmel Valley at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park &
Rd. Almost immediately, turn R at the light. Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn
Save-Mart/ Bagel Bakery on the R. Bomberger, 375-7777.
Santa Cruz County Government Center:
The large grey building at the corner of Ocean Saturday, December 27
HIKE: RUSSIAN RIDGE
& Water in Santa Cruz. We meet at the corner
of the parking lot nearest to the intersection. This Preserve is off Skyline Blvd. above Palo
Felton Faire: The shopping center at the Alto. We’ll walk on the westerly side of Sky-
junction of Graham Hill and Mt. Hermon Rds line in open and hopefully sunny grasslands. 7
in Felton. We meet at the edge of the Safeway miles with 1000' elevation gain. You’ll see an
ancient seamount (marine volcano). Meet at
parking lot nearest Graham Hill Rd. 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Cruz County Govern-
41st Avenue / Sears: From Hwy. 1 in Capi- ment Center to carpool. Call Nick for addi-
tola take the 41st Ave. exit. Go toward the
Built by Sierra Club members in 1934, this rustic, hostel-
tional information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff,
ocean on 41st Ave. Pass the main Mall entrance 462-3101.
style lodge stands atop historic Donner Pass, just an
and turn right into the next entrance near
hour and a half from Sacramento.
Sears. We meet behind the bank located at 41st Tuesday, December 30
and Capitola Road. SENIOR WALK: WATSONVILLE
MPC Parking lot: Monterey Peninsula WETLANDS
The Lodge grooms its own cross country ski and

College Parking Lot. From Hwy. 1 take the Let’s say goodbye to 2008 by enjoying a 3-1/2
snowshoe trails, rents equipment for these activities
Fisherman’s Wharf exit, go straight one block, mile mostly level walk around the Watsonville
and offers cross country ski lessons. The unbeatable
turn L and L again into the first parking lot— & Struve Sloughs. There are egrets, herons, location of the Lodge provides quick and easy access
A. This is the site of the Thurs. Farmers Mkt. mallards, mud hens, etc. to enjoy. Meet before
9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. or at the Nature
to the legendary Donner Summit backcountry ski
Plenty of parking with no fee on weekends.
Center, 30 Harkens Slough Rd. at 9:50 a.m.
terrain or any of its downhill or cross country ski
Lunch at Ramsey Park. Bring lunch, water, $2 resorts.
carpool. No facilities. Rain cancels. Leader:
Beverly Meschi, 475-4185.

JANUARY
Guests enjoy excellent family style meals, a friendly
staff and a casual and communal atmosphere.

Thursday, January 1
See you on Donner Summit...
NEW YEAR’S HIKE: GARLAND TO
MY PLACE
From Safeway Mid Valley, we’ll carpool to
For more information about our special programs

Garland Ranch and climb up all the way to


or to receive a full schedule and description of Clair

Snively’s Ridge for a sunny lunch spot. Then


Tappaan programs please visit our website at
Home Depot Seaside
we’ll turn west through Carmel Valley, down
www.ctl.sierraclub.org or call (800) 679-6775.

10 The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 Printed on recycled paper
O U T I N G S
Saturday, January 10 Since we are on the top of the ridge, we’ll pass Cruz County Government center at 9:00 a.m. Ridge Trail. Lunch at Hoffman’s Historic Site.
HIKE: WILDER RANCH over deep ravines and riparian corridors with Only the heaviest of rain cancels! Leader: John Return by the Loma Prieta Grade. 8-mile loop,
Our hike takes us through open meadows and seasonal or year-round water flow. We’ll hike Howerton, 476-4253. 900' gain. Meet at Sears 41st Ave. at 9:30 a.m.
several beautiful forested areas. Lunch at the out to Mt. El Sombroso and return on the same or the lot behind Aptos Station at 9:45 a.m.
top of the Eucalyptus Loop with a sweeping trail for a 10-mile hike from the end of Hicks Tuesday, January 20 Bring water, lunch, and $2 carpool. Heavy rain
ocean view. 10-mile loop, 900' elevation gain. Road in Almaden. Meet at Sears 41st Ave. at SENIOR WALK: WEST CLIFF cancels. Leader: Pamela Burnham, 915-2475.
Meet at the Santa Cruz County Government 9:00 a.m. or park at the trailhead at the top of We’ll walk from Lighthouse Field to Natural
Center parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Bring water, Hicks Road at 10:00 a.m. Carpool: $4. Leader: Bridges to visit the monarchs in the eucalyptus Sunday, January 25
lunch, and $1 carpool. Heavy rain cancels. Diane Cornell, 423-5925. grove, then take the Nature Trail to Moore HIKE: SALINAS RIVER STATE BEACH
Leader: Pamela Burnham, 915-2475. Creek Lagoon returning for lunch at Visitors We’ll hike 4 miles south along the pristine Sali-
Saturday, January 17 Center. Easy 4 miles. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at nas River State Beach to the mouth of the river
Saturday, January 10 HIKE: CARMEL VALLEY TO JACK’S PEAK Sears 41st Ave. or at 9:50 a.m. at Lighthouse in the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge.
HIKE: FORT ORD DUNES A short but interesting hike up Roach Canyon Field parking lot across from Surfing Museum. After a short break, we’ll hike back for an op-
Finally, the Dunes west of the Highway are in Carmel Valley, up a moderate incline to Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Leader: Jean tional lunch at Phil’s seafood restaurant in
open and ready to be explored by us. We’ll Jack’s Peak. Let’s try to work off a little of that Harrison, 425-5447. Moss Landing. Excellent opportunities to view
walk up the steep dunes through sand and over remaining holiday excess. 6 miles, with 1000' shorebirds and marine mammals. From Hwy.
ice plant to the former site of the Fort Ord Of- elevation gain. Possible return via Martin Tuesday, January 20 1, take Moss Landing Rd. to Sandholdt Rd.
ficer’s Club, then move south and eventually Canyon if brush isn’t too overgrown. Possible HIKE: NISENE MARKS Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot on the left
down to the beach. We‘ll look for a space be- short car shuttle. Meet at Save Mart/Bagel Bak- Join us on the West Ridge Trail loop. 7 miles after crossing the bridge. (Do not take Potrero
tween the dunes and come back on one of the ery at 10:00 a.m. to carpool. Leader: Larry Par- with 1000' elevation gain through a lovely, Rd. to the wrong parking lot!) 8 flat miles. Rain
old military roads. 6 miles (or longer if you rish, 622-7455. shaded forest. We might even spot the fetid cancels. Leader: Eugene Sobka, 449-0873.
want) with some struggling up and down the adders tongue, one of our earliest wildflowers.
dunes. Bring water and lunch, hiking sticks, Saturday, January 17 Arrive early, leave at 8:45 a.m. sharp from Shell
binoculars, and wear layers; it may be windy HIKE: LICK OBSERVATORY AND JOSEPH station by Home Depot in Seaside or leave
GRANT PARK
by the ocean. Heavy rain cancels. Meet in Sea- from parking lot behind Aptos Station at 9:30
side at Home Depot near the gas station at This will be a tour of UC’s Mt. Hamilton site a.m. Bring water & lunch. Call for a reserva-
10:00 a.m. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467. (elevation 4200') and observatories, including tion. Leader: Lynn Bomberger, 375-7777.
wonderful views of the Bay Area, Central Val-
Tuesday, January 13 ley, and possibly the Sierra Nevada. We’ll also Saturday, January 24
SENIOR HIKE: UPPER UCSC see the 36" refractor installed in 1888. A walk HIKE: NISENE MARKS
This is a newer hike on new trails at UCSC. into the upper reaches of Joseph Grant Park Hike begins at George’s Picnic Area and up
About 3 miles. Call leader for full description. will be included, time allowing. Because of the through the beautiful redwoods along West
Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave. To go long and windy drive, the carpool is $6 so driv-
direct, call leader. Bring lunch, water, $2 car- ers won’t be discouraged. Carsick-prone peo-
pool. Leader: Xavier Ballard, 430-8292. ple may want to drive themselves. 1000'
elevation gain and 8 miles. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at
Tuesday, January 13 the Santa Cruz County Government Center to
HIKE: CARMEL TO PEBBLE BEACH carpool. Call Nick to confirm. Leader: Nick
Wyckoff, 462-3101.
This nice lollypop loop begins in Carmel and
leads into the quiet forest of Pebble Beach. Sunday, January 18
Lunch gives us the option of a sandwich at WALK: POINT LOBOS
Poppy Hills Golf Course. We’ll hike 6-1/2
“Peace begins
miles with 750' elevation gain. Arrive early, we Let’s hope for a clear day to enjoy a mosey
leave at 10:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park round Whaler’s Cove exploring the human and
Well Within”
& Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn natural history of this gorgeous place. Easy-
Bomberger, 375-7777. paced mile or so with spectacular views. Bring
a snack, water, optional binoculars, and dress
Wednesday, January 14 in layers. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Rio Road
HIKE: SIERRA AZUL MT. UMUNHUM Park and Ride. Leader: Mary Gale, 626-3565.
AREA
Sunday, January 18
We’ll be hiking right below 3,486' Mt. HIKE: WILDER RANCH
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
Umunhum (considered a sacred mountain by
the Ohlone) along the Bay Area Ridge Trail We’ll hike through the green meadows with A JA P A N E S E G A R D E N
which will eventually circle all of the bay area. great views and plenty of sun in this cooler part
The preserve has more than 17,000 acres of un- of the year. 8-10 mile loop to the top of Wilder
spoiled rugged, steep terrain. We’ll hike along Ranch with 1000' elevation gain. Bring food
a wide trail with scenic views of the south bay. and water. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at Santa
u Massage Therapy
u Skin & Body Care
u All Natural Skin Care
Products

4 1 7 C e d a r St . , S a n ta C r u z 8 31- 4 58 - W E L L .
Visit our web site at www.wellwithinspa.com
Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 11
O U T I N G S
Tuesday, January 27 Bluff Camp. Bring water & lunch. Arrive early, Monday, February 2 water, lunch, and $2 carpool. Heavy rain can-
SENIOR WALK: RIO DEL MAR/ leave at 9:00 a.m. sharp from Rio Road Park & HIKE: TORO PARK cels. Leader: Pamela Burnham, 915-2475.
SEACLIFF BEACH Ride. Call for a reservation. Leader: Lynn A good time to hike this park. It is one that is
Hiker’s choice of a level 4-mile walk along Sea- Bomberger, 375-7777. a sizzler in the summer. It will be a long chal- Saturday, February 7
cliff and Rio Del Mar or up Cliff Dr. along a lenging and beautiful hike. Early start and plan HIKE: JACK’S PEAK
neighborhood for 1 mile and back down to the Wednesday, January 28 to spend the whole day. You must call me a We’ll walk around Jack’s Peak clockwise, start-
beach along a little-known path. Meet before HIKE: CASTLE ROCK week in advance for meeting place and time or ing at the elementary school on Olmstead Road
9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st Ave or at Rio Del Mar It’s a drive up Hwy. 9 to this park on Skyline call will not be returned. Leader: Esperanza (near Monterey airport). 6 miles with less than
by Rio Cafe at 9:50 a.m. Dress for weather. Blvd. but well worth it for the views of Mon- Hernandez, 678-1968. 1000' elevation gain. Beautiful views of Mon-
Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool. Rain cancels. terey Bay and spectacular rock outcroppings. terey and Point Lobos. Bring water and lunch.
Leader: Beverly Meschi, 475-4185. This park and its Goat Rock are well known Tuesday, February 3 Heavy rain cancels, dribble doesn’t count.
by rock climbers. Our 9-mile hike takes us HIKE: NISENE MARKS Dress for winter weather. Confirm by calling.
Tuesday, January 27 down to Castle Rock Falls and to the camp- See Tuesday, January 20 for details. Leader: Anneliese Suter, 624-1467.
HIKE: BLUFF CAMP ground for lunch. We’ll return through
This lovely 8-mile hike with 600' elevation gain madrone and oak chaparral on the Ridge Trail. Wednesday, February 4 Sunday, February 8
takes us behind the Los Padres reservoir and The weathering of the sandstone gives it a hon- HIKE: POGONIP HIKE: PINNACLES
along the upper Carmel River with one un- eycomb texture called “tafoni” which is found Now that the weather has cooled is the best
in only a few places in the world. Bring lunch Pogonip Creek and Redwood Creek run right
bridged crossing. Lunch beside the river at through an area of redwoods and remnants of time to visit my favorite place to hike! Always
and water. Meet at Sears 41st Ave. at 9:00 a.m. wonderful views, amazing geologic formations,
(carpool $4.) or in the parking lot of the park at the coastal prairie between the commercial area
off Hwy. 9 and the UCSC campus. It is a habi- and usually dryer than the coast. 10 miles with
10:00 a.m. Leader: Diane Cornell, 423-5925. 1200' elevation gain. Bring food and water. Call
tat of special value given its proximity to the
urban center of Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz leader for carpool information. No rain can-
Saturday, January 31 cellation! Leader: John Howerton, 476-4253.
HIKE: WINDY HILL Mission brought settlers to the area in 1791,
and was controlled by Mexico in the early
ATTENTION: Windy Hill is west of Palo Alto. We’ll do a 1800s. Only 3 virgin redwoods remain in Pogo- Tuesday, February 10
perimeter loop of 10-11 miles with 1700' eleva- nip today. Limestone quarries and limekilns are SENIOR WALK: SUNSET BEACH
Potential tion gain (up and down Skyline Ridge). Meet still intact, and we will hike on the roadbed We’ll walk both the bluffs and the beach. Mod-
at 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Cruz County Govern- connecting them. We’ll start hiking where the erate 4-mile walk with little steep hills. Dress
Advertisers! ment Center to carpool. Call Nick for addi- Casa del Rey Golf Club was located in 1912 for weather. Meet before 9:30 a.m. at Sears 41st
tional information. Leader: Nick Wyckoff, which became a famous polo field in the 1930s. Ave. or at Sunset Beach at the kiosk parking lot
462-3101. Bring lunch and water for our 8-mile hike. at 9:50 a.m. Bring lunch, water, $2 carpool.
Meet at Sears 41st Ave. at 9:00 a.m. or at the Rain cancels. Leader: Joan Brohmer, 462-3803.
FEBRUARY
Sierra Club Member
end of Golf Club Drive off Hwy. 9 at 9:20 a.m.
Carpool $1. Leader: Diane Cornell, 423-5925. SERVICE
Profile
Advertising in this newsletter packs
Sunday, February 1
more clout into your advertising dol- Friday, February 6
HIKE: SOBERANES CREEK/ROCKY RIDGE Sunday - Friday, April 5 - 10
lars. Sierra Club members are one of the HIKE: PINNACLES
We’ll follow the Soberanes Creek Trail into a SERVICE TRIP: CARRIZO PLAIN
Starting on the west side, we’ll hike an 8-mile
most valuable audiences in America.
verdant redwood grove, then climb steeply to circle that takes in the highlights of this fasci- This National Monument is famous for open
grassy knolls for great views at lunch. We’ll de-
They are “opinion leaders” and “influ-
nating National Monument: Juniper Canyon, spaces, for abundant wildlife, and for its spring-
scend Rocky Ridge with more fine views. 5-
entials;” by any name they are some of
High Peaks, Balconies and Caves. Expect won- time wildflowers. Fences significantly restrict
mile loop with 1700' elevation gain. Boots
America’s most sought-after advertising
derful views and moderately strenuous terrain the movement of the resident pronghorn ante-
recommended; hiking poles helpful. Bring lope, and we will modify and remove fences for
targets. Their own purchasing activity is
that includes narrow, steep and maybe wet
water and lunch. Meet at Rio Road Park & their benefit. Welcome hike on April 5, three
substantial. But, more important, they
stretches. Leisurely pace. Bring lunch, water,
Ride at 9:00 a.m. to carpool. Call for reserva- and a half days of service, and a full day for ex-
influence others—in everything from
sturdy shoes and a flashlight for the caves. Meet
tion. Leader: DJ Goehring, 277-9908. at MPC parking lot A at 8:30 a.m. (bring ploring the monument. Use of accommoda-
opinion and outlook to choice of prod-
change for parking) or Chaparral parking lot, tions at Goodwin Ranch included. Limited to
ucts. They are not only consumers, but
West Pinnacles, at 10:00 a.m. (National Park 12 participants; $30 covers 5 dinners. For more
also doers and leaders.
Service entrance fee). Rain Cancels. Leaders: information, contact leader: Craig Deutsche,
Club Members are among the most
Cath Farrant and Mary Dainton 372 7427. deutsche@earthlink.net, or co-leader leader
active, affluent audiences of adventure Melinda Goodwater, 408-774-1257, email:
travelers and year-round outdoor Saturday, February 7 mgoodwater@sbcglobal.net.
sports enthusiasts your advertising dol- HIKE: FALL CREEK
Enjoy the wintry beauty of Fall Creek. 9-mile

i
lars can buy. It’s an unduplicated audi-
ence with the power to buy your prod- loop, 1200' elevation gain. Meet at the Santa
ucts and services. Cruz County Government Center parking lot
at 9:30 a.m. or at Felton Faire at 9:50 a.m. Bring
Median Age: 41
Sierra Club Members are Great Prospects
Male/Female: 63% / 37%

Doors, Windows, & More


Median Household Income: $56,227
Attended/Graduated College: 81%
Professional/Technical/Managerial: 36%
Enhance energy and sound efficiencies
The more includes plumbing, electrical
Outdoor Sports Enthusiasts
Backpacking/Hiking 4 times more active
than the average adult and other remodel/addition work
Mountain Biking 5 times more active Years of experience
Cross-Country Skiing 5 times more active
Whitewater Rafting 5.5 times more active Contractors license
Source: 1996 MRI Doublebase Bruce Kishler
For Rate Information, Contact: 831-476-8044 408-472-4478
Debbie Bulger - 457-1036 Kishler@sbcglobal.net

12 The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 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 ELECTIONS 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
Ventana Chapter Candidates Other Members Julie Engell
George Jammal
15040 Charter Oak Blvd.
601 Manzanita Ave.
Prunedale, CA 93907
Felton, CA 95018
633-8709
706-4233
of the Central California region due to 31 Beverly Bean 39 Calera Cyn Rd. Salinas, CA 93908 484-2451
Steve Zmak 3200 Crescent Ave. Marina, CA 93933 883-4459
years of experience on the executive Heather Zissler 615 Lobos Ave. #B Pac. Grove, CA 93950 541-337-7511
boards of environmental and service or- Nicole Charles 2936 Yorktown Court, Marina, CA 93933 (915) 381-1982
ganizations. As secretary of the Monterey Admin Chair/Sec Mary Gale 25430 Telarana Way Carmel, CA 93923 626-3565
Coastal Chair
Bay Chapter of the California Native Conservation Committee
Plant Society, I campaigned for the for- Co-chairs Gudrun Beck 23765 Spectacular Bid Monterey, CA 93940 655-8586
mation of the California Coastal Com- Gillian Taylor 52 La Rancheria Carmel Valley, CA 93924 659-0298
Local Wilderness Committee
mission. I have been a member of the Chair Mike Splain P.O. Box 66882, Scotts Valley, CA 95067 359-2489
Ventana Chapter for over 40 years and Computer Database

C
was an active member of the Transporta- 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
tion Committee which successfully Patricia Matejcek P.O. Box 2067 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 768-8187
Susan Van Stirum fought the infamous Hatton Canyon Population Committee
hildhood explorations in the Freeway through Carmel. 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
Catskill Mountains taught me to After retiring from teaching, I served Sierra Club Council
value the wilderness and its magi- two terms as secretary of the Rising Leaf Delegate George Jammal 601 Manzanita Ave. Felton, CA 95018 706-4233
cal power to heal what ails one and lift Watershed Arts Board and worked educat- Alternate Rita Dalessio 16 Via Las Encinas Carmel Valley, CA 93924 659-7046
Transportation Committee
one’s spirit. Later I joined the clean air ing the public on watershed preservation. Chair Neil Agron 26122 Carmel Knolls Dr. Carmel, CA 93923 624-3038
movement, energized by youthful enthu- It would be an honor to serve on the Outings Chair Anneliese Suter 9500 Center St. #53 Carmel, CA 93923 624-1467
siasm and the start of both the EPA and Ex-Com working for the residents and en- Membership Chair Judy Karas, 60 Boronda Lane #7, Monterey, CA 93940, 372-5762
Ventana Editor Debbie Bulger 1603 King St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 457-1036
Citizens for Clean Air. Our campaign to vironment of Monterey County. Pajaro River Committee
convert New York City building inciner- Co-chairs Lois Robin 4701 Nova Dr. Santa Cruz, CA 95062 464-1184
JoAnn Baumgartner P.O. Box 1766 Watsonville, CA 95077 722-5556
ators to compactors resulted in legislation Forestry Chair Jodi Frediani 1015 Smith Grade Santa Cruz, CA 95060 426-1697
mandating this change.
From this endeavor I learned that Santa Cruz County Group of the Ventana Chapter
change is both possible and slow, as many Group Office: 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz, next to Actorsʼ Theatre Website: www.ventana.sierraclub.org
Mailing Address: Sierra Club, Santa Cruz Group, P.O. Box 604, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0604
who talk of environmental progress are Phone: 831-426-HIKE (426-4453), Fax: 831-426-LEAD (426-5323), email: scscrg@cruzio.com
not ready to act. Though proud of our ac-
complishment, I was ready to move on to Executive Committee
Chair Aldo Giacchino 1005 Pelton Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 460-1538
an eclectic career in non-profits and in Vice Chair Kevin Collins P.O. Box 722 Felton, CA 95018 335-4196
nursing, and am now a Health and Well- Secretary

I
ness Coach. Other members Kristen Raugust 454 Swanton Road Davenport, CA 95017 423-8566
Charles Paulden 415 Palisades Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062 462-3423
Moving to the Monterey Peninsula in Paul Elerick 1960 Jennifer Dr. Aptos, CA 95003 688-2304
1980, I have delighted in the awe-inspiring Ed Thornton Dennis Davie P.O. Box 651 Capitola, CA 95010 427-2626
natural beauty which surrounds us here. am a Distinguished Professor Emeritus
David Kossack P.O. Box 268 Davenport, CA 95017 427-3733
Patricia Matejcek P.O. Box 2067 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 768-8187
I find I cannot promote human wellness at the Naval Postgraduate School in Treasurer Aldo Giacchino 1005 Pelton Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 460-1538
without working for the health of the en- the Oceanography Department where Conservation Chair Patricia Matejcek P.O. Box 2067 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 761-3263
vironment which sustains us. I have taught and researched for the past
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
This is why I would be honored to 40 years. My expertise is the physical Transportation Chair
work with the Sierra Club’s Ventana processes in the nearshore ocean, which Paul Elerick 1960 Jennifer Dr. Aptos, CA 95003 688-2304
Chapter to help protect the land. air, and includes societal problems such as beach
Political Chair Gary Lasky 2350 Felt Street Santa Cruz, CA 95062 476-5702
Coastal Chair Patricia Matejcek P.O. Box 2067 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 768-8187
water which give us so much. Thank you erosion, ocean pollution and beach safety. Water Chair Ken Reiller 990 Hecker Pass Rd. Watsonville, CA 95076 728-4046
so much for your consideration. I have studied beaches throughout the
world, and I am the recognized expert on
the physical aspects of beaches in south-
ern Monterey Bay and Carmel.
I was an author of the Regional Sedi-
ment Management Plan for southern
Monterey Bay that was just adopted by Please patronize our
AMBAG (The Association of Monterey advertisers
Let them know you have
Bay Area Governments) this month. I
Lynnelle Wing

have been recognized by my peers by re-


seen their ad in

I
ceiving the International Coastal Engi-
neering Award for 2007, which is the
highest award accorded in my profession,
The Ventana
Dale M. Agron
treasure this region and its wealth of and the Citizen of the Year Award for
biological resources. I have lived in 2007 by the Monterey Bay National Ma-
Monterey County for 43 years and rine Sanctuary.
have worked as a registered nurse and I have been a member of the Sierra
later as an elementary school teacher. I Club for 40 years. I have followed the
have a B.A. in Liberal Studies, a teaching local issues and support the environmen-
credential from San Jose State University, tal efforts of the Ventana Chapter. I
and a Master’s Degree in Special Educa- would work to support the broad general
tion from Chapman University. goals of the chapter and bring focus to
My daily commutes have given me a solving problems confronting beaches,
deep appreciation of the beauty of this di- dunes, estuaries and wetlands in the Ven-
verse county. I bring a broad perspective tana Chapter area.
Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 13
T
Hazardous chemicals
to be kept out of toys CHAPTER ELECTIONS
ense budget negotiations and fric-
tion in the State Capitol made 2008 Santa Cruz Group Candidates
a tough year for environmental so-
lutions. A few bipartisan measures were fish and took our family camping often.
enacted to protect California families, but In YMCA, Boy Scouts and Camp Un-
many other worthy bills were either alayee I hiked in the Sierra, Trinity Alps
stopped short of enactment or vetoed by and the Cascades. As part of the Stanford
the Governor. Alpine Club, I rock climbed in Yosemite
Bills passed Valley and did extensive mountaineering
AB 1879 grants the Department of throughout the West. I continue to cross-
country ski and hike with my sons and

I
Toxic Substances Control sweeping new

F
authority to keep hazardous chemicals friends.
out of toys, packaging, furniture, and Mark Sullivan I have a BS in Geology and a BA in En- Charles Paulden
other consumer products. vironmental Studies from UCSC. My col-
appreciate the leadership that the Ex- lege internship was at Yosemite NP where
AB 2347 requires manufacturers to es- ecutive Committee provides regarding rom the first time I went camping in
tablish and fund a program to recycle I wrote an environmental impact report Yosemite to the last time I went
a wide range of environmental issues on snowmobile use (and abuse).
thermostats containing mercury, a potent confronting the Central Coast. I believe surfing, I have had an intimate rela-
neurotoxin. I present a weekly environmental news tionship with the Natural World and a
that prioritizing and addressing these im- show on Free Radio Santa Cruz (101.1
AB 2911, responding to the Cosco portant issues create the basis for devel- commitment to preserving and enhancing
Busan oil spill, promises to shore up the FM and www.freakradio.org) Thursday it.
oping and implementing an evenings at 9:00 p.m.
State’s prevention, response and mitiga- environmentally -and socially- sustainable In college I promoted preservation of
tion of future spills, and to improve the future. open spaces, farmland, and living easy on
number and training of volunteers used in As an avid outdoor sports enthusiast, I the Earth to offset the pressures towards
rescuing oiled wildlife. have always been interested in a wide va- war.
Bills vetoed riety of environmental issues. I am a resi- I have worked with the Sierra Club Ex-
AB 2447 would have required a city or dent of Capitola, where my wife Kristin ecutive Committee, the Growth Com-
county to make a finding of adequate fire and I constructed a straw-bale home run mittee, ORCA, TFTF, People for the
protection before approving subdivisions. by the sun. We have regular home tours Preservation of Pleasure Point, Live Oak
SB 974 would have assessed a fee on that focus on educating the public about Neighbors, Save Lighthouse Field, No
shipping containers and used the revenues the principles of green building and sus- Wingspread, Save Porter Gulch, Nisene
to fund improvements in air quality and tainable design. To date, we have had over to the Sea, No on J, People Power, Stop
transportation around the mega-ports of 5,000 people tour our home. the Seawall, Save The Windbreak, Save

I
Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland. Professionally, I am an environmental the Roadhouse, and Rail Trail advocates.
SB 1113 would have given environ- attorney, and I represent clients involved Kevin Collins I support pro-environment leaders who
mental and consumer attorneys who sue in matters such as land use issues, envi- promote environmentally-focused land
polluters more power to hire expert wit- ronmental justice litigation, and contami- have served two terms on the Execu- use, where the health of the natural envi-
nesses by allowing recovery of those costs nated properties. I also teach tive Committee and am running for re- ronment is the primary focus of planning.
when they win cases important to the environmental law courses at De Anza election. My personal work centers on Good planning follows the General Plan,
public interest. Community College. County Planning review, water resources, preserves waterways as parks and open
Thank you for your consideration, and forest conservation, and salmon recovery. space, directs storm water into retaining

M
let me know if you are interested in a I joined the Sierra Club Forestry Com- areas to be cleaned and filtered through
Sierra Club California report
home tour! mittee in 1997. My life-long fascination the soil micro-organisms to recharge our
card rates State legislators with nature motivates my involvement. water tables.
ost California Democratic legis- The reason I wish to continue on the I support Sierra Club’s Growth Guide-
lators voted consistently to pro- Sierra Club Santa Cruz Group Executive lines: higher density urban centers close
tect our air, water and wild Committee is to strengthen the Sierra to civic amenities along transportation
places, while the vast majority of their Re- Club’s diverse efforts and to solve prob- networks while protecting farmland and
publican counterparts continued to be ob- lems facing our forests, streams, and the open space.
stacles to environmental progress. wildlife dependent on them. The fate of I am a landscape contractor and Yoga
Sierra Club California tracked the the myriad wildlife and plants native to therapist.
votes of California’s Assemblymembers these mountains determines ecosystem
Matt Fitt

and Senators, recording each Earth- health for us all.

I
friendly vote as a positive score. From We face major difficulties with local Please note
toxics prevention to water conservation Dennis P. Davie planning and zoning decisions, and we
to environmental education, the measures
Ventana Chapter Candidate
need new solutions to cope with ever-in-
addressed many of California’s most ur- have served on the Santa Cruz Group creasing demands for basic resources like
bios are on page 13.
gent 2008 environmental priorities. Executive Committee for the past clean water. I am the Board President of


Statewide, 15 senators and 27 assem- three years. I have been a member of the Lompico Watershed Conservancy, an
blymembers scored 100% green, all of the Santa Cruz Group Forestry Task incorporated nonprofit. The Conser-
them Democrats. Senator Joe Simitian Force since 2003. I am serving as the Ven- vancy has been very effective and coordi-
and Assemblymember John Laird each re- tana Chapter representative on the Light nates with the Sierra Club. I bring a
ceived a 100% score. Brown Apple Moth Environmental Ad- statewide perspective from work with
Republican Senator Abel Maldonado visory Committee. In this role I was in- conservation activists across Northern
Jr. voted with the environment only 4 out fluential in requiring the California California. My position on the County To change address by email:
of 7 times, making him the highest-scor- Department of Food and Agriculture to Fish and Game Advisory Commission address.changes@sierraclub.org
ing Republican in the California Senate. write an Environmental Impact Report and experience with advocacy and review Membership inquiries:
Senator Jeff Denham received an eco zero. on pheromone spraying. of the State Resources Agencies and State membership.services@sierraclub.org
To see the complete scorecard visit My love of the wild woods and streams Water Board decisions also benefit the
www.sierraclubcalifornia.org. began at an early age. My father loved to Sierra Club.
14 The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 Printed on recycled paper
Voting Instructions and
Executive Committee Ballot
Review candidate statements on pages 13 and 14 and mark your ballot below.
Mail THIS ENTIRE PAGE using a recycled envelope from junk mail with a new
label you affix. (Be sure to mark out the computer code on the envelope bottom.)
The ballot must be postmarked by January 2.
For joint memberships, mark a vote in both columns.
After you mark your ballot, TEAR OFF THIS ENTIRE PAGE and mail to Sierra
Club, Ex-Com Elections, c/o The Mattersons, 212 1st Street, Pacific Grove, CA
93950. The mailing label on the back of this page ensures that the vote has come
from a valid member of the Club. Ballots and mailing labels will be separated to en-
sure a secret ballot.

Ventana Chapter
Both Santa Cruz and Monterey members may vote for these
Write ups on p. 13   Vote for up to 3

candidate individual or 1st 2nd joint


joint member member
Susan Van Stirum
Dale M. Agron
Ed Thornton

Santa Cruz Group


VEGAN SHOES
Only Santa Cruz members may vote for these
Write ups on p. 14   Vote for up to 3

candidate individual or 1st 2nd joint


joint member member
Mark Sullivan
Dennis P. Davie
Kevin Collins

Charles Paulden

What does the Executive Committee do?


The members of the Executive Committee make Chapter and Group policy for
the Club. These representatives meet each month to discuss issues and hear reports
from subcommittees such as the Conservation Committee, Transportation Commit-
tee, and the Forestry Committee. Executive Committee members make financial
decisions and supervise local Club operations such as budget and fundraising.

MEETING SCHEDULE
Ventana Chaper (Monterey Co.) Santa Cruz Regional Group
Information: 624-8032 Information: 426-4453
Meeting Place: Sierra Club Office, 1001
Executive Committee: Center St., Santa Cruz, Suite 11.
Last Thursday of the month; Call for
meeting place & time. Executive Committee:
Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Conservation Committee: Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m.
As needed.
For dates and times call 655-8586 Conservation Committee:
Call Conservation Chair for meeting
times and dates: 768-8187

Please recycle this paper again The Sierra Club/Ventana Chapter, Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 15
Ventana staff photo
Volume 47, Number 6, 2008 www.ventana.sierraclub.org

MAGAZINE OF THE VENTANA CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB


Belted Kingfisher

New State Wilderness

The giants of Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove dwarf the snowshoer.


DEC - FEB
OUTINGS

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet

Peter Selig
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet

Sierra Club Periodical Postage


P.O. Box 604 Paid at
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0604
and at additional
Post Offices
ful and majestic on earth.”
—John Muir,THE MOUNTAINS OF CALIFORNIA
any time of year and you will
say they are the most beauti-
MAGAZINE OF THE VENTANA CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB

“Walk the Sequoia woods at

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