A BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE KERN-KAWEAH CHAPTER OF SIERRA CLUB

MARCH/APRIL, 2010

The Roadrunner
ATTORNEY BABAK NAFICY WILL ADDRESS CHAPTER ISSUES
Chair Georgette Theotig invites members to attend March 13 banquet honoring local activism
TRADITION . . .it’s a part of
our lives which provides a sense
of history, of honor, of continuity.
The Kern-Kaweah Chapter has
many traditions which have
shaped our distinguished
existence for 58 years.
You are cordially invited to
participate in our annual chapter
banquet, a tradition we look
forward to every year. This year’s
banquet will be on Saturday,
March 13, at Benji’s French-
Basque Restaurant, 4001
Rosedale Highway, in
Bakersfield.
This spring gathering is our
annual tradition to meet new
members and renew friendships.
Highlights of the evening include
honoring Chapter members with
awards, receiving updates from
Chapter activists, visiting over a
delicious Basque meal, and
enjoying a special speaker.
We are very fortunate to have as
our guest speaker, Babak Naficy,
from the Santa Lucia Chapter.
Babak has served as our Chapter
attorney and valuable legal
counsel in over 30 agreements
with developers in our efforts to
mitigate the impacts of air
pollution, greenhouse gas
emissions, and loss of prime
farmland. His presentation will
focus on “Past Accomplishments
and Future Challenges.” This is a
great opportunity to learn what
the Chapter has been working on
as well as what the future holds
for us!
A no-host bar and social hour
will be from 5:30–6:30 p.m. A
complete dinner will be served
from 6:30 –7:30 p.m., followed
by awards presentations and our
guest speaker.
The dinner includes a complete
Basque set-up: French bread,
salsa, soup, beans, green salad,
marinated tomatoes, pickled
tongue, hot vegetables, French
fries, and two entrées—roast tri
tip and baked skinless chicken
breast. For vegetarians, we offer
a garlic spaghetti entrée. A
delicious homemade cake by Eva
Nipp will be served for dessert.
The charge is $24 per person,
which includes tax and tip.
Please fill out the dinner
reservation coupon on the last
page, and mail it to: Georgette
Theotig, P.O. Box 38, Tehachapi,
CA, 93581, so it is received by
Wednesday, March 10.
IMPORTANT: We must
receive your reservation by
March 10. There can be no
payments at the door. Our dinner
policy states that if you make a
reservation and do not attend the
dinner, we cannot refund your
check. Cancellations must also be
received by March 10.
DIRECTIONS: From north or
south on Highway 99, exit west
on Rosedale Highway. Benji’s is
on the left, three lights from Hwy
99, and less than three blocks.
We urge attendees to carpool, as
parking is limited and it’s good
for the environment!
—Georgette Theotig
Chapter Chair

BLACK BEAR TASK FORCE AIMS TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF BEAR POPULATION

The newly established California Nevada
Regional Conservation Committee (CNRCC)
Black Bear Task Force will be working to
improve the management of California bears.
This year the California Fish and Game
Commission has proposed changes to mammal
hunting regulations, which is very bad news
for bears.
The California Department of Fish & Game
is proposing to increase the bear kill quota
from 1,700 to 2,500 or eliminate a cap
altogether, expand hunting into San Luis
Obispo County, expand areas where dogs can
be used, and permit the use of GPS devices on
hounds, among other changes.
This year’s priority campaign will be to try
and put a stop to the state sanctioned practice
of hounding bears with dogs. If you are
interested in working with other Sierra Club
activists to protect wildlife, you can join the
Black Bear Task Force mailing list at
richard.garcia@kernkaweah.sierraclub.org
—Richard J. Garcia
Chair Black Bear Task Force
THE ROADRUNNER
RIO BRAVO DECISION BREAKS NEW
GROUND TO MITIGATE WARMING
BAKERSFIELD—After years of
intense negotiations, officials in
the large Rio Bravo Ranch project
have agreed to take significant
steps to mitigate the project’s
contribution to global warming.
Mitigation measures include
energy-efficient construction
techniques and the installation of
solar panels on buildings in the
development, as well as
substantial investment in solar
energy to run large-scale
agricultural operations.
The Rio Bravo Ranch project is
a Nickel family project and lies at
the mouth of the Kern Canyon.
When built out, the project will
contain 4,688 residences and a
half million square feet of
commercial uses on 1,878 acres,
much of which is currently
farmland.
“This agreement is a step in the
right direction. We applaud the
Nickel family for taking
responsibility for addressing their
project’s global warming
pollution,” said Gordon Nipp,
vice-chair of the Kern-Kaweah
chapter of the Sierra Club.
"We hope this agreement sets a
new benchmark for climate
change mitigation for large
developments, which can have a
tremendous impact on global
warming."
Largely as a consequence of
Sierra Club’s past activism, the
project had already agreed to
FOR PDF VERSION OF NEWSLETTER
E-mail Lorraine Unger at lorraineunger@att.net
and ask to be taken off the hard copy list. Log on
to http://kernkaweah.sierraclub.org/email.html
and join the KERN-NEWS email list.
MARCH/APRIL, 2010
offset all of the health-related air
pollution associated with the
project and to preserve an equal
amount of agricultural land
elsewhere as farmland conversion
mitigation. However, the City had
required no mitigation whatsoever
for the 120,000 tons/year of
greenhouse gas emissions that the
project would have generated.
Negotiations between the Sierra
Club and the Nickel family about
the global climate change issue
stretched out over several years.
As a result, the Rio Bravo Ranch
project agreed to substantial green
building and extensive use of
solar technology.
With green building, residential
buildings will accumulate 90
points on the Build It Green
checklist and commercial
buildings will build to LEED
Silver standards.
Additionally, at least 25 percent
of the residences will have solar
photovoltaic panels to generate
electricity from the sun. The
Nickels will also build $1 million
worth of solar photovoltaic panels
to generate electricity for their
agricultural operations. They
will also prepare a new
Focused EIR relating to global
climate change before any
building occurs.
—Kristina Johnson/ Sierra Club
Deputy Press Secretary
Chapter sponsors
conference to inform
about protecting local
San Joaquin kit fox
The Chapter sponsored a one day
conference on Dec. 9 to discuss the
current status of the San Joaquin kit
fox, an endangered species found
mostly in the south Valley. Eight
speakers representing a variety of
expertise on the kit fox presented
data on the current population,
location, and habitat that supports the
kit fox.
The most critical part of the
presentation was what steps,
mitigation measures, and policies
need to be adopted by city and
county entities to preserve the
species and, hopefully, increase its
population.
The audience was made up of
invited representatives from city and
county government along with
biologists from regulatory agencies
and environmental consulting firms.
Over 35 people attended, along with
local Chapter volunteers who helped
to organize the event. The six hour
event resulted in most planners
agreeing that steps need to be taken
to preserve the species and one of the
best practices is to avoid
development in key areas and to
provide corridors for populations to
move.
The Chapter has taken on the role
of educating public officials. The
best way is to fund conferences, such
as this one, which bring together the
specialists and policy makers. In the
past a solar energy conference placed
together solar providers with housing
developers.
Future conferences on similar
issues will definitely occur. In my
opinion, this is one of the best ways
to spend Chapter funds.
—Harry Love
Kit Fox Conference Coordinator
 THE ROADRUNNER

MARCH/APRIL, 2010
FROM THE CHAIR

Theotig encourages participation in club activities

Spring is a symbol of
regeneration, of revitalization, of
new growth. With the green
season just around the corner, the
Chapter is growing new oppor-
tunities for your participation!
First, the annual banquet will be
on Saturday, March 13, at Benji’s
Restaurant. Don’t miss this
evening of fine dining, awards,
and a special speaker.
Second, see the article offering
scholarships to attend the Western
Wilderness Conference, to be
held April 8-11, in Berkeley.
Third, look for the annual March
appeal letter, which is a summary
of our conservation program and Last, April 21 and 22 mark John
an appeal for your financial gifts. Muir’s Birthday and Earth Day.
A big thank-you is extended to Celebrate these
Harry Love for his outstanding significant days
job of organizing the Kit Fox by joining in a
Conference on Dec. 9 for city and Chapter activity.
county planners. Make a difference
by renewing your
Also, we want to express deep commitment to reduce and
appreciation to Gordon Nipp and recycle.
Babak Naficy for their hard work By making one small change in
in successfully reaching an our lives, we can affect change on
agreement with Rio Bravo Ranch a grand scale. Be part of the
and the City of Bakersfield. solution!
This new accord has set a See you at the annual banquet!
higher standard for the mitigation
of global warming impacts. —Georgette Theotig
Chapter Chair

Ex-Com offers scholarships to attend CLAIR TAPPAAN LODGE

U.C.-Berkeley wilderness event
Most of us are familiar with Henry David Thoreau’s
profound statement, “In wildness is the preservation of the
world.” Many of us hold our treasured wilderness
experiences dear to our hearts. For those of you who care
about wilderness protection, there is a big event that you
don’t want to miss coming up this spring!
The Western Wilderness Conference 2010 on Thursday,
April 8–Sunday, April 11 will be on the campus of the
University of California, Berkeley. Nearly 50 workshops on
wilderness advocacy will be led by the nation’s most
effective wilderness advocates. Recent successes will be
celebrated, and you will be taught the tools and strategies to
strengthen wilderness campaigns.
Now for more good news. The Chapter Executive
Committee has offered five $200 scholarships for five
Chapter members to attend this important event in April.
Registration for the full conference is $160 (excluding
meals) so the $200 will cover your registration in addition to
other expenses you will incur.
If you are interested in one of the five Chapter
scholarships, please contact one of our Executive
Committee members (listed in the Roadrunner) to discuss
your participation in the Western Wilderness Conference,
before March 15. Also, learn more about the conference at:
www.westernwildernessconference.org. If you use one of
these Chapter scholarships to attend, we ask that you share
your wilderness conference experience with the Executive
Committee so we can also benefit from your attendance.
—Georgette Theotig
Chapter Chair
Group giving grants to youth groups
The Clair Tappaan Lodge Committee is proud to announce
a new scholarship fund in the Sierra Club Foundation. Its
purpose is to supplement funds needed by youth groups to
participate in the environmental education program at Clair
Tappaan Lodge in Northern California.
Proceeds from the successful Gala Anniversary
Celebration in August 2009 went into this special fund and
are earmarked for exposing young people to the beauty,
ecology, history and need for conservation of the Donner
Summit area of the Sierra Nevada.
To qualify for the funds, call the Lodge at 800.879-.6775
to obtain an application. Fill it out and send it to the
Scholarship Committee for review. The mailing address is
on the application form. The funds must include at least one
overnight stay for environmental education at Clair Tappaan
Lodge (CTL.) A grant from the CTL fund at the Sierra Club
Foundation can be used to augment funds raised by the
school or group itself.
If you would like to help youth groups learn more about
the environment, please share this information with local
school teachers, Boy or Girl Scout leaders or other youth
groups, to inform them about the Lodge and the wonderful
program available there.
Another way to help is to make a tax-deductible
contribution to the Clair Tappaan Lodge fund in the Sierra
Club Foundation. Please make your check payable to Clair
Tappaan Lodge – Sierra Club Foundation and send it to
Peter Lehmkuhl at the Lodge at PO Box 36, Norden, CA
95724.
—Olivia Diaz
Clair Tappaan Lodge Committee
THE ROADRUNNER

MARCH/APRIL, 2010

KERN KAWEAH ROUNDUP

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY IF YOU PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN SIERRA CLUB HIKES:
Everyone is welcome, Sierra Club members and non-members, to join in any of the outdoor activities. Requirements: You
must be in condition for the type of hike, equipped appropriately for the activity and prepared to sign a Sierra Club release
for liability. You must be willing to follow the leader’s directions. Be sure to bring any personal medicines you might need.
Customary appropriate equipment includes good hiking shoes, plenty of water, snack, sunglasses, suntan lotion, and layered
clothing. The following might be helpful but definitely is not required: compass, whistle, matches or lighter, and a good first
aid kit. Long paints are recommended. Unprepared for the prospective hike? It will be a no-go for you. Participation must
be leader approved. Please let the leader know ahead of time that you are intending to participate. Check individual group
listings for the desired means of communication.

Since unexpected change of plans may be necessary, it is recommended that YOU contact the hike leader the night before to
be assured that the hike is still going to happen.

New California legislation designed to protect the consumer requires us to publish this notice: CST 2087755-40. Registration as a seller of
travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. This legislation is designed to protect the user of outdoor activities that
require cash payments of more than $50 for participation.

BUENA VISTA GROUP

More info? Call Donnel Lester at 661.831.6784 or e-mail donnelc3bvg@earthlink.net or Isabel at
661.246.6195.
Tuesday conditioning hikes of 4 or 5 miles are at 7 p.m. at the corner of Highways 178 and 184. Contact Gordon
(gnipp@bak.rr.com) or Larry (661.873.8107) for more information.

Saturday, March 6— Breakfast. Gordon Nipp will present “Addressing Sprawl and Global Warming in
the General Plan Update.” Join us at 10 a.m. Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave. at the corner of
Truxtun and Westwind, just west of Oak St. Optional brunch is served for $7.50/person + tip. Info:
661.246.6195.

Saturday, March 20— Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup. Meet at 9 a.m. Old River Road and Hwy 119 (Taft Hwy). Park at the
Monte Carlo lot. We will bring equipment. Bring a hat, good hiking shoes/boots, and water to drink. Inclement weather
cancels this event. Call to confirm your attendance: 661.246.6195.

Saturday, April 3— Breakfast. “Saving domestic water in Bakersfield.” Join us at 10 a.m. at Camino Real Restaurant,
3500 Truxtun Avenue at the corner of Truxtun and Westwind, just west of Oak St. Optional brunch is served for $7.50/
person + tip. Info: 661.246.6195.

Monday, April 12— Drop-In Dinner. Join the Buena Vista Group at 6 p.m., Carrows, 922 Oak St. just south of California
Ave. Discuss conservation issues with the Ungers. Dutch treat on dinner. For more info: 661.323.5569

Saturday, April 17—Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup. Meet at 9 a.m. Old River Road and Hwy 119 (Taft Hwy). Park at the
Monte Carlo lot. We will bring equipment. Bring a hat, good hiking shoes/boots, and water to drink. Inclement weather
cancels this event. Call to confirm your attendance:
661.246.6195.

Buena-Vista Group Election Results: Glenn

Shellcross is the new chairperson; Isabel Stierle,
vice-chair; Jeff Hathorn, treasurer; Lorraine
Unger, outings chair; Donnel Lester, membership
chair; and Arthur Unger, conservation chair.
THE ROADRUNNER
MARCH/APRIL, 2010

CONDOR GROUP
More info? Mary Ann Lockhart (661.242.0432). Hikes? Dale Chitwood (661.242.1076)

Saturday, March 13—Hike. Meet at the crossroads within Windwolves at 10 a.m. (or from Frazier Park, meet at 8:30 at the
PMC parking lot). Bring lunch, etc. Special excursion day: Flowers (we hope) at Windwolves. Also attend the Chapter
banquet in the evening. Call 661.242.0432 to make reservations.

Saturday, April 10—Program. Carrizo National Monument: Memories, Today and Tomorrow? will be the program
presented by Craig Deutsch, long time supporter of this special grassland and earthquake fault area. Meet at 7 p.m. in Pine
Mountain Clubhouse.

Saturday, April 24—Carrizo Plain Trip. Hawks? Condors? Antelopes? Flowers? and Earthquake Faults for sure on a trip
to the Carrizo Plain. Approximately an hour west of Pine Mountain Club. Easy walking, bring lunch, etc. Leaving PMC at
9 a.m. More info? For sure make reservations. Call 661.242.0432

KAWEAH GROUP
More info? Call Pam Clark (559.784.4643)
or Diane Jetter (559.781.8897).

OWENS PEAK GROUP

More info? Chair Dennis Burge (760.375.7967) or
e-mail dennis93555@yahoo.com. Jim Nichols, hikes
(760.375.8161) or e-mail jnichols@ridgecrest.ca.us.
Saturday, March 20—Flower Hike. One of the best
flower sites we can find at lower altitude; details to be
announced, max elev. 3000-4000 ft, 1500 - 2000 ft elev.
gain, 4 - 8 mi RT). This year should produce a magnificent
display of flowers in a variety of hot spots. We are having a late wet winter, so we can't predict locations and abundances
just yet. We are therefore dedicating both our March and April hikes to visiting wildflower outbursts and hiking the
associated terrain. We will find the most interesting flowers, hike to that, and maybe bag a peak in the process. The hike
will be announced a week before via email or you can call the numbers below. This will be an easy/moderate hike and a
great photo opportunity. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. For more information, call Dennis Burge
at 760.375.7967 or Jim Nichols at 760.375.8161.

Sunday, April 11—Petroglyphs. Little Petroglyph Canyon on the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station max elev 5918
ft, 260 ft elev. gain, 3 mi RT). As an extra bonus this year, we are offering a guided tour to the best petroglyphs in the west!
We are limited to 20 hikers, so get your name in early if you want to go. There is a 90 mi RT car trip, but we will carpool.
We must have all the info by Mar 28 for submission to the Navy on Mar 29. We will need FULL NAME; TEL NO; DATE
OF BIRTH; PLACE OF BIRTH; AND SOC. SEC NO. At this time, only American citizens are given access to the base to
see the petroglyphs. Bring your camera with the big zoom. This is an easy hike. For more information, call Dennis Burge
at 760.375.7967 or Jim Nichols at 760.375.8161.

Saturday, April 24—Flower Hike. See March hike write-up. We want to see how the patterns develop before picking the
exact locations. The hike will be announced a week before via email or you can call the numbers below. This will be an
easy/moderate hike and a great photo opportunity. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. For more
information, call Dennis Burge at 760.375.7967 or Jim Nichols at 760.375.8161.

Monday, April 26—Maturango Museum. 7:30 p.m. program to be arranged. If you would like to be informed of the
details, please send me your email address at dennis93555@yahoo.com
THE ROADRUNNER
MARCH/APRIL, 2010

MINERAL KING
Please visit mineralking.sierraclub.org for more info.

Wednesday, March 17—Dinner/Social. Please join us at 6 p.m. for a "no host" dinner at Thai Basil Restaurant, 1423 E.
Noble Ave., Mary's Vineyard Shopping Center, Visalia. Contact Beverly for reservations at
bev.garcia@kernkaweah.sierraclub.org or at 559.624.0199.

Saturday, March 20—Marble Falls Hike. This is a moderate 6.5 mile hike with 2000 foot elevation gain. The trail
switchbacks up the side of Marble Canyon and leads to Marble Falls. Rain cancels. Call or email Dave Keller at 688.4813
or e-mail COACHK24@aol.com

Monday, March 22—Executive Committee Meeting. At 6 p.m. meet at Colima's Restaurant, 500 South Linwood
Avenue, Visalia. All members are welcome to attend.

Saturday, April 10—Annual Wildflower Hike. Come join us on our annual wildflower hike at Salt Creek in Three Rivers.
This is a moderate 5-mile round trip hike that is sure to please. Call Joanne or David at 733.2078 for details.

California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee Desert Committee Outings

For questions about, or to sign up for a particular outing, please contact the leader listed in the write-up. For questions about Desert
Committee outings in general, or to receive the outings list by e-mail, please contact Kate Allen at kj.allen@wildblue.net or
661.944.4056..

Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 27-28--Mecca Hills Carcamp. Join us as we explore the Mecca Hills Wilderness Area east of Indio, Calif. We
will hike through the gravel washes and rocky hills to several spectacular sites. Saturday we visit Hidden Springs and the Grottos, and
Sunday we will explore Painted Canyon. Carcamping will include potluck supper, and campfire Saturday night. Limit 12 participants.
Ldr: Craig Deutsche, craig.deutsche@gmail.com 310.477.6670. CNRCC Desert Committee

Saturday-Sunday, March 6-7--Death Valley National Park Exploratory Tour. Beginning in Shoshone on Saturday morning, we will
travel north on Hwy 178 with a stop at Badwater, and easy two-mile hikes at Natural Bridge and Golden Canyon. Camp at Texas Springs
($14/site). If time allows, drive to Zambriskie Point and Dante’s View. Sunday morning, visit the museum and visitor center in Furnace
Creek, see the rare pupfish at Salt Creek, and take a two-mile hike to the highest sand dune. Possible hike into Mosaic Canyon. For those
who want to stay Sunday night, camp at Stovepipe Wells ($12/site). Option of primitive camping on Friday night. For reservations,
contact leader, Carol Wiley at desertlily1@verizon.net or call 760.245.8734. CNRCC Desert Committee

Saturday-Sunday, March 13-14--Fence Removal, Hiking & Carcamp - Carrizo Plain. Come help remove fences on the Cal Dept of
Fish and Game Reserve. At this time of year, the Carrizo may be turning green, and if the winter has been wet, there should be
wildflowers. Work Saturday, camp and potluck dinner that evening. Hike Sunday. Bring leather gloves, warm clothes with long sleeves
and legs, dish for potluck on Saturday night. Leaders will be at Selby Camp on Friday night for those who want to arrive early. Leaders:
Cal and Letty French, 805.239.7338. Prefer e-mail lettyfrench@gmail.com. Santa Lucia Chapter and CNRCC Desert Committee

Saturday-Sunday, March 13-14—Ghost Town Extravaganza. Come with us to this spectacular landscape near Death Valley to visit
the desert leprechauns and explore the ruins of California's colorful past. Camp at the historic ghost town of Ballarat (flush toilets & hot
showers). On Saturday, do a very challenging hike to ghost town Lookout City with expert Hal Fowler who will regale us with tales of
this Wild West town. Later we'll return to camp for Happy Hour, a St. Patty's Day potluck feast and campfire. On Sunday, a quick visit to
the infamous Riley town site before heading home. Group size strictly limited. Send $8 per person (Sierra Club), 2 sase, H&W phones,
email, rideshare info to Ldr: Lygeia Gerard, P.O. Box 294726, Phelan, CA 92329, 760.868.2179. CNRCC Desert Committee.

Saturday-Wednesday, March 13-17--Death Valley Photo Trip. Join retired photographer & teacher Graham Stafford on a car camp
trip to Death Valley, a photographer’s wonderland. Visit Eureka Dunes, dunes at Stove Pipe Wells, dunes at Saratoga Springs, the
Racetrack, and Artist Drive. All levels of photography experience accepted---beginners encouraged. Lessons with class handouts will
cover all aspects of your digital camera and general photography. See Graham’s work at www.grahamstafford.com. Leader: Graham
Stafford (775)686-8478 graham@grahamstafford.com Great Basin Group-Toiyabe Chapter

Sunday-Saturday, March 14-20—Glen Canyon NRA, Escalante River Canyon - Service Trip/Backpack. Assist the National Park
Service in eradicating Russian Olive from the Escalante River. Working under the direction of Park Ranger Bill Wolverton, we will
gather up slash from previous service trips and burn it. Since 2000, over half of the river has been cleared. Meet in Escalante, Utah
Sunday morning, March 14, caravan out to the trailhead and hike in. Work four days, day hike one day and hike out Saturday morning
March 20. Expect knee to thigh deep river crossings, overnight lows near freezing and mild temperatures during the day. Participants will
be responsible for their own leather work gloves (highly recommended), food, and gear on the trail. Contact Leader Paul Plathe at
209.476.1498. Delta-Sierra Group (Mother Lode Chapter)
THE ROADRUNNER
MARCH/APRIL, 2010
Monday-Saturday, April 5-10-—Wildflowers and Fence Removal at Carrizo Plain National Monument.
This outing will include three and a half days of service to the monument, removing and modifying fences
to allow resident pronghorn to travel more widely. This is the spring wildflower season, and our schedule
allows at least a day for exploring, either hiking or driving back country roads. With longer daylight hours
there may also be time to visit sights in the monument after work. Because we are privileged to be staying
at one of the old ranch houses, our trip is limited to 14 participants. $30 covers five dinners. Contact leader:
Craig Deutsche, at 310.477.6670, craig.deutsche@gmail.com. CNRCC Desert Committee

Friday-Sunday, April 16-18-—Mojave National Preserve Service Trip. Come help restore an historic water feature to provide water
for wildlife. The work involves protecting several springs by earthwork, stabilization work, putting up a fence and some infrastructure in
and around a qanat. Our effort will be directed by staff from the Mojave National Preserve. A hike is planned for Friday for those arriving
in the morning, if the rains are good this year, there may be plenty of wildflowers. We will work all day Saturday and until noon on
Sunday. There will be a ranger talk about the Preserve on Saturday evening. Camping will be rustic. Email or call leader for reservation
information. Leader: Rich Juricich, rich.sac@pacbell.net, 916.4922181. CNRCC Desert Committee

Saturday-Sunday, April 24-25—Owens Valley Work Project. Project will probably be bashing tamarisk along the Owens River, but
could change. Work on Saturday and enjoy the extensive birding opportunities on Sunday. Camp at Diaz Lake just south of Lone Pine.
Group potluck on Saturday night Bring all camping gear, or stay in a motel in nearby Lone Pine. For more information, contact
leaders Cal and Letty French at lettyfrench@gmail.com Santa Lucia Chapter and CNRCC Desert Committee

Saturday-Sunday, April 24-25—Exploring the Mojave National Preserve. We

will meet Saturday morning 9 a.m. at the Teutonia Peak trailhead on Cima Road and
hike to Teutonia Peak and out on Cima Dome. Primitive car camp at Sunrise Rock.
Sunday morning, visit the museum/visitor center at Kelso Depot and then on to hike
Kelso Dunes. These dunes have various nicknames including the singing dunes and
the moaning dunes due to the sounds that they often make, but whatever you call
then, they are impressive. For those who want to spend another night, we can camp
at the Granite Mountains. For reservations contact leader: Carol Wiley at 760.245.
8734 or desertlily1@verizon.net CNRCC Desert Committee

Saturday-Sunday, April 24-25—Rock Art in Eastern California. Comfortable

spring weather is an ideal time to go exploring. On Saturday, we visit three rock art
sites in the southern Owens Valley area bordering the Coso Mountains. On Sunday
we will be escorted to (the astonishing) Little Petroglyph Canyon on the China Lake
Naval Weapons Station. As government restrictions apply here, all arrangements
and confirmations must be completed by April 1 (no joking). High clearance 2WD
sufficient, day hiking, Saturday evening potluck. Group limit, 14 participants,
Contact leader Craig Deutsche at 310.77.6670, craig.deutsche@gmail.com.
CNRCC Desert Committee
THE ROADRUNNER
BRIEFLY:
ART RECOGNITION OUTREACH: The Buena Vista Group
presented 46 green ribbons to young artists (K-12) participating
in the annual Kern Superintendent of Schools art show at a
Bakersfield Museum of Art parent/student event Jan. 30. The
special ribbons were attached to art works “representing
sensitivity to nature and the environment,” according to Maria
Polite, who helped to organize the presentations. The event gave
Sierra Club members a chance to tell young people and parents
about Sierra Club and the importance of protecting the
environment. In coming months, the committee would like to
discuss plans to sponsor an art competition with possible cash
awards for high school youth. —Marjorie Bell, Roadrunner
Editor
FARMER’S COOPERATIVE:
South Central Farmers Cooperative
representatives Tezozomoc and Ray
Galvan, spoke to a group of about
20 at the Buena Vista Group program
on Saturday, Feb. 6. Through a
Power Point presentation and a
well organized talk, they described
how the organic, community supported agricultural (CSA)
operation provides fresh, pesticide-free produce to farmer’s
markets and charitable organizations from Bakersfield to L.A.
Those who would like to sample their products locally can visit
their booth at the Saturday Farmer’s Market out at the Golden
State Plaza parking lot on “ F” Street at Golden State Highway.
The cooperative operation of the South Central Farmers (SCF)
allows one to “subscribe” to their produce by paying a monthly
or yearly subscription fee and pick up a box of whatever is
currently being grown on the farm. Over the period of a year
they produce a variety of over 100 products. If a customer
prefers, they may pick up a box of produce for $15 on a pay-as-
you-go basis without subscribing.
The SCF also has a foundation that promotes healthy food
consumption, primarily in youth. This is a non-profit that works
in partnership with schools, churches, hospitals and community
organizations to promote healthy eating habits for those who are
most heavily impacted by unhealthy foods and eating habits.
The SCF Cooperative has near future plans for brining another
80-acre plot online sometime later this year, as soon as they can
refurbish an existing well. They also are looking at growing and
processing there own bio-diesel right on the farm to become
more self-sustaining. As Tezo remarked, they see themselves as
the future of farming in California and elsewhere.
—Donnel Lester, Buena Vista Membership Chair
GREATER BAKERSFIELD GREEN EXPO: On April 17,
groups will be joining with Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall and
Greater Good for Kern County to showcase recycling and
renewable energy businesses throughout Kern County while
recognizing student talent in all 44 county high schools. An
attendance between 5,000-10,000 is expected at Yokuts Park.
Representatives from Keep America Beautiful and Keep
California Beautiful will also be present along with other state,
county and city officials. Students and vendors with the ability
to download applications for the event should check this site:
www.gbgreenexpo.org. All fees for the 85 booth spaces will go
directly to student scholarships. Fees should be sent to the Arts
Council of Kern, one of the event’s sponsors. Application
deadline is March 1
MARCH/APRIL, 2010
STATEWIDE INITIATIVE: Kern Kaweah members are
gathering signatures to support a statewide initiative for the
November 2010 ballot called the California State Parks and
Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010. The initiative is
designed to support state parks and conserve wildlife by
establishing a trust fund to be spent only on state parks, wildlife
and marine conservation and state conservancies. Funding will
come from an $18 surcharge on California vehicle registration.
Members interested in helping to gather signatures should call
Lorraine Unger at 661.323.5569 or lorraineunger@attn.net
CHANNEL ISLANDS: The Angeles Chapter Political
Committee is again extending an invitation for Sierra Club
members to explore the windswept islands of Channel Island
National Park during one or more of the upcoming sessions (May
7-9, July 16-19, August 6-10 or Sept. 10-12).
Participants will have chances to hike the windswept trails,
kayak the rugged coastline and snorkel in pristine waters.
These live-aboard, eco-tours depart from Santa Barbara aboard
the 68-foot twin diesel ship, Truth. The fee is $590 for May
and September; $785 for July and August. This includes an
assigned bunk, all meals, snacks, beverages, plus the services of
a ranger/naturalist who will travel with the group.to lead hikes
and present evening programs. For reservations, mail a $100
check, payable to Sierra Club to: Joan Jones Holtz and Don
Holtz, 11826 The Wye St., El Monte, CA 91732.
For more information: 626.443.0706: jholtzhln@aol.com
LEADERSHIP TRAINING: There is a Leadership Training
opportunity coming up on April 10, in the Eaton Canyon Nature
Center in Pasadena. The cost is $25 and the Chapter will pay the
fee. We are looking for new leaders ! If you are interested, or if
you know someone who is interested in becoming a Sierra Club
Outings leader, this is a great opportunity. The deadline is
March 27. Let the Excom know if you attend so we can support
your efforts.
VALUES OF COMPOSTING: A new Sustainable is Attainable
workgroup has formed to address the need for moving away
from biomass incineration in the Valley and towards composting.
Benefits of such a shift would range from less burning and
fewer diesel truck trips to having an effective use of manure to
returning nutrients (and carbon!) to the soil...and much more.
The workgroup came out of the December CVAQ Legislative
Summit and is now exploring drafting legislation and policy
related to this issue. Please contact me directly to join this
work group or if you know of any organizations/ individuals that
we should be in contact with. My office phone is 559.442.4771
(x 13) and cell phone is 559.281.8224.
  —Jenny Saklar, Campaign & Programs Manager
Central Valley Air Quality (CVAQ) Coalition
FONTAINE’S NEW BOOK: Retired Kern County science
teacher and past national Sierra Club president Joe Fontaine has
completed his new book about the Kern Plateau. The title is The
Kern Plateau and Gems of the Southern Sierra. All of the areas
in his book are located in Kern County.
Of particular interest to locals should be Fontaine’s history of
the campaigns and successes of the Sierra Club and especially
the Kern Kaweah Chapter. The book can be viewed at
www.AtlasBooks.com and purchased on-line for $24.95.It is
also available by contacting the author at 661-821-2055 or
fontaine@wildblue.com.
THE ROADRUNNER

MARCH/APRIL, 2010

MIDGEBUZZINGS
When we think of environmental matters, or speak of ourselves as environmentalists, we usually
refer to the natural world and to our concerns about it. Lately, though, I’ve begun to regard the word
“environment” as much in its social context as in any other. Certainly for most of us the social atmosphere is
even more in our consciousness than is the quality of the air we breathe, especially now with the invasive
effect upon our lives of constant exposure to media, particularly television and radio.
The tragedy in Haiti has inspired people all over the world to respond with sympathy for the Haitians
and to seek ways to assist them through agencies such as Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and
The Salvation Army. These people demonstrate the best in human nature, not only by their material
contributions but also with their spontaneous and ongoing empathy and concern. I like to think of such
compassion as being typical of us as human beings, and I believe it is.
At the same time, however, the Haitian nightmare has brought some of the most venomous and
monstrous comments we have ever heard oozing from their sources and contaminating the very atmosphere
that surrounds us. This response has been shocking to hear and appalling to see quoted in print. It is also
essentially unhealthful and dangerous to society as a whole.
Last Christmas I had an opportunity to join others in providing fulfillment of Christmas wishes for
children of parolees. My child was a ten-year-old girl who wished especially for books. There was a little
note to the effect that she is an “A” student. What a draw! Shopping for books was a special pleasure in this
case. Besides some pleasant reading, I wanted this child, obviously living in less than ideal circumstances, to
experience vicariously the difficulties that other children have had. I started with a history of Anne Frank
written for older children, and also with The Diary of Anne Frank. Then I purchased a book entitled
Surviving Hitler, A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps. What a mistake! I brought it home, read it, and realized
well before I finished it that I could not give her this book. Even after a lifetime of memory of those horrors,
I was chilled as if I were learning about them for the first time. Written for advanced child readers, it is
nevertheless appropriate for them only in a controlled atmosphere guided by wise adults, which was unlikely
in this case.
We cudgel our minds to try to understand how a whole nation could be gulled into silence or into
studied ignorance of Nazi atrocities. The good people of Germany have agonized over the same question
and have made amends that are dramatic and effectual. However, with what we are hearing in public
statements from hateful people in our own nation, I think the question is immediate to us here and now.
For my own part, I’ve disciplined myself to cut the names of these people out of my vocabulary. I
neither speak nor write them. That helps me, but it is hardly a solution to a growing problem in this country
arising from casual and constant access to such egregious speech. This, I believe, is becoming our number
one environmental problem, and I think so even more with every day that goes by.

—Ann Williams

Executive Committee of the Kern-Kaweah Chapter

Chair: Georgette Theotig (Tehachapi), 661.822.4371. Vice-chair: Gordon Nipp (Bksf), 661.872.2432. .
Treasurer: Lorraine Unger (Bksf), 661.323.5569. Donnel Lester (Bksf), 661.831.6784. Richard Garcia (Min
King), 559.624.0199. Ann Williams (Bksf), 661.324.1055. Arthur Unger (Bksf), 661.323.5569. Peter Clum
(Min King), 559.561.4661. Ara Marderosian (Kernville), 760.378.4574.

Chapter ExCom Meetings: All Sierra Club members are always welcome to attend these meetings. Call
661.323.822.4371 to confirm all meeting dates as well as location and time.
THE ROADRUNNER
MARCH/APRIL, 2010

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Banquet Reservation Form

Due by March 10 for the March 13 banquet

I wish to attend the 2010 annual Chapter banquet of the Kern-Kaweah Chapter, Sierra Club,
on Saturday, March 13. I include a check @ $24 per person, which includes tax and tip.

PLEASE PRINT:
NAME(S)______________________________________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER_______________________________NUMBER ATTENDING______________________

TOTAL $ AMOUNT______________________________

__________NUMBER OF VEGETARIAN ENTRÉES (GARLIC SPAGHETTI WITH THE BASQUE SET UP)

IMPORTANT: PLEASE WRITE YOUR CHECK IN BLACK INK.

WRITE CHECK OUT TO: KERN-KAWEAH CHAPTER, SIERRA CLUB

SEND CHECK TO: GEORGETTE THEOTIG, P.O. BOX 38, TEHACHAPI, CA, 93581
CHECKS MUST ARRIVE BY MARCH 10. THANK YOU!