The Newsletter of the Conservation Committee of the Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club. The Conservation Committees provide forums for Club members to discuss impending conservation issues and to coordinate efforts of conservation subcommittees with groups and sections. They meet monthly every third Tuesday (Orange County) and third Wednesday (Angeles Chapter). Contact the Conservation Committee Chairs by the end of the previous month for a place on the agenda. Deadline for newsletter articles is 10 days before meeting. Email items or articles to Robin Ives, Editor ivesico@earthlink.net


Quote of the Month

The environment is the one exception to the rule of politics... By the time we all wake up, by the time the media starts doing their job and by the time the public sees what is happening, it may be too late to reverse it. That's what science is telling us. That's what the Earth is telling us. That's what burns in my consciousness.          Bill Moyers


 

 

 

Special Statewide Election Tuesday, October 7

The question of recalling Governor Gray Davis is slated for a statewide special election to be held on October 7, 2003. The Sierra Club officially opposes the recall and urges a NO vote. The Sierra Club endorses Cruz Bustamante for Governor in the case that the recall passes.

 

Two ballot measures will also appear on that ballot: Proposition 53, a legislative constitutional amendment about infrastructure finance, and Proposition 54, an initiative constitutional amendment titled Classification by Race, Ethnicity, Color or National Origin and called the Racial Privacy Initiative by its proponents. The Sierra Club opposes BOTH!

 

VOTE AGAINST THE COSTLY RECALL

 

     Vote NO on the Recall,

YES on Bustamante,     

                       NO on Prop 53

                                                      NO on Prop 54

 


     

DEBUNKING THE MYTHS
BEHIND THE RECALL

 

Index — September 2003

 

Bush Energy Plan

Conservation Grants Deadline

CNRCC Endorsement and Resolution

Cruz Bustamante

Forest Committees Combined Meeting

Les Reid's Passing

National Park Service Wholesale Privatization

Orange County Events

Reasons to Oppose Proposition 53

River-Front Park Environmental Resolution

Special Statewide Election

Sue the Bad Guys

The Myths Behind the Recall

Wilderness Committee Meeting

 

 

Angeles Chapter Conservation Committee Agenda

Angeles Chapter Conservation Mgmt Committee
Orange County Conservation Committee

Orange County Conservation Committee Agenda
Conservation Committee Calendar

 

 

Useful Information:
   Action Directory

   Chapter Office Parking

   Conservation Newsletter Distribution

   Email Discussion Lists

   AOL Subscribers Please Note

   Electronic RedBook03 and GreenBook Available

   National's Gold Book

 


  

 

Is our economy worse than those of other states? "California has tracked the national economy over the last several years," according to UC Berkeley professor John Ellwood. In terms of attracting jobs, California has "done a little bit better than the rest of the country," says Kenneth Rosen, from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Total civilian employment in our state actually hit an all-time high in August, something that you won't hear from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom McClintock and other recall advocates.

All states are suffering from the Bush recession, and the facts show California right in line with the national average. According to the Wall Street Journal, California's 2.5% economic growth in the 12 months ending in June exactly matches the figure for the whole US California did slightly better than average in percentage of jobs lost and budget deficit as a percentage of gross domestic product, and slightly worse in unemployment rate and growth in personal income.

California does have a fiscal crisis. The gap between revenues and spending leaves a structural deficit of $9 - 15 billion. In the past, such gaps have been bridged through a combination of increased revenues and spending cuts, and Governor Davis proposed such a mix this year. Presently, though, the requirement for a 2/3 majority in both houses of the Legislature to pass either an annual budget or a tax increase has allowed a minority of lawmakers who categorically oppose all revenue increases to block such a balanced approach. The Budget Accountability Act, which will be on the ballot in March, would make the fiscal process more democratic, opening the door to a balanced approach.

Are Californians overtaxed? No one likes to pay taxes, but experts say that our state and local tax burden is 14th in the nation calculated as a percentage of income, and sixth-highest when calculated on a per capita basis. Interestingly, "the bottom 80% of California households by income (those earning $80,000 or less) have a combined state and local tax burden that is below the national average for their income group," says Prof. Ellwood. In other words, our progressive tax structure compared to other states puts more of the burden on the wealthiest fifth of Californians —those who have received the lion's share of the tax cuts enacted by the Bush Administration.

Do environmental regulations cause businesses to flee California? On the contrary, California is still considered an attractive place to live and work, in part because of the beautiful coast and mountains that we seek to safeguard. Furthermore, Americans are more and more aware of the importance of clean air and water. What business executives would want to move to a region where their children would be likelier to contract asthma? What tourists would want to vacation at a beach so polluted that they might get sick from swimming in the water?

Return to Index


Environmental Record of Cruz Bustamante

Below is material supplied by the Bustamante campaign.

As Speaker of the Assembly, he:

  • Fired former-Speaker Curt Pringle's destructive appointments to the California Coastal Commission, and replaced them with four appointments that made the Commission the most pro-environmental in its 20-year history. (Bustamante's Appointees: Christine Kehoe, Dave Potter, Andrea Tuttle and Pedro Nava).

  • Helped increase environmental protection in our state budget by 19%, including:
  • $15 million to increase coastal access, acquire coastal lands and to stabilize technical staffing levels to provide local communities assistance in complying with the California Coastal Act
  • Creation of the Resources Trust Fund that increased the allocation of Tidelands Oil Revenues for natural resource protection, which included $30 million for salmon and steelhead restoration, habitat acquisition, non-point source pollution abatement and a number of local park and community projects.
  • Augmented local assistance for wastewater treatment and water recycling.
  • $6.3 million for wetland preservation and recovery.

As Lt. Governor and Chair of State Lands Commission (CSLC), he:

  • Effectively used the Chair position to require the CSLC to strengthen its commitment to ecological protection and incorporate environmental effects into every land-use decision concerning our sovereign tide and submerged lands.
  • Approved the acquisition of salt ponds in the South San Diego Bay to help create the San Diego South Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Ordered a 1999 inspection of all facilities on public trust land that had the potential to leak MTBE into state waters, and required all deficiencies to be promptly corrected.
  • Became the only person in the history of the CSLC to exercise the power of the Chair to order an oil platform shut-down, when he forced Venoco's Platform Holly to not reopen until critical repairs were made after a toxic emission of hydrogen sulfide.
  • Actively sought to phase out offshore drilling activities off California's coast—including advocating for the cancellation of 36 undeveloped federal leases and the banning future offshore drilling.
  • Called for the creation and adoption of a written CSLC public trust policy. Fought to ensure that the ancillary uses allowed on public trust lands are not expanded to unprecedented uses.
  • Spearheaded the adoption of a new CSLC policy on shoreline protective structures and sea walls that are constructed on public tidelands, for the first time requiring rent and mitigation for any adverse impacts the structures have on public trust uses.
  • Pushed for a CSLC policy to ensure that Environmental Justice is an essential consideration in the Commission's processes, decisions and programs. Under his direction, CSLC became one of the first state agencies to adopt and implement an environmental justice policy.
  • Legislatively, he:

  • Actively opposed and worked to defeat SB 1— Rigs to Reef — which would have allowed oil companies to abandon oil rigs, toxic shell mounds and other drilling related debris on our oceans

    • Co-sponsored SJR 15 (O'Connell), which called for the continued moratorium on offshore oil drilling off of California's coast and introduced a similar resolution to the State Lands and Coastal Commissions.

    • Co-sponsored SB 72 (Kuehl), which established minimum monitoring requirements for Storm Water Permits.

    • Co-sponsored SB 5x (Sher), a comprehensive measure that encourages energy conservation.

    • Actively supported and worked to pass SB 497 (Sher), which closed a loophole that was being used by real estate speculators to drive up the cost of coastal lands that were being acquired for preservation.

    • Supported SB 196 - to place the Park Bond Measure on the March ballot—and has endorsed it as Proposition 40.

    As a UC Regent, he:

  • Intervened on behalf of Waterkeepers in their lawsuit against UC Davis, which sought to force the University to stop polluting a nearby waterway. The case was settled with a pro-environmental outcome.
  • Recognition and Endorsements:

  • Earned 100% voting record from the California League of Conservation Voters in 1997 and 1998.
  • Won Vote the Coast, CLCV and Sierra Club endorsements for 1998 and 2002 Lt. Governor's Races.
  • Return to Index


    Les Reid's Passing

    My step-father Les Reid passed away on Sunday, August 24th. He died peacefully in his sleep in San Francisco of congestive heart failure. Les was a long time Sierra Club member who served on the Clubs Board of Directors.

    Les an was organizer with the early labor union movement in the 1930's and 40's, and served on a destroyer in the navy during W.W.II. As a long-time Hundred Peaks member, Les hiked and led hikes throughout southern California. His conservation activism grew, and more and more weekends were devoted to "meetings" rather than hikes.

    I remember intense debates between Les and my mother, Sally Reid, as they became involved in land use issues, including the fight for Glen Canyon and later for Mineral King. Les became interested in toxics, including use of DDT after the Rachel Carson book, "Silent Spring." In recent years, he was involved with the environmental consequences of herbicides and dioxin.

    Relying on his labor background, Les founded the Sierra Club Labor Committee. His idea was that labor unions were frequently opposed to environmental issues due to job concerns, and he attempted to provide labor with a bigger picture. At the same time he worked to broaden the Club's interest to include workplace environmental issues.

    Les had strong opinions and a very direct way of presenting his ideas. This was refreshing to some, irritating to others. Les was aware of his limitations, and told me that my mother was more politically effective in the Sierra Club than he was. My mother told me that she couldn't have done what she did without him. Together they made a formidable team, and the wildlands in Alaska benefited from their interest. When presenting programs on Alaska, as they did dozens of times, Sally spoke initially and showed the slides. But it was up to Les at the end to persuade the audience to get involved and take action much as he did decades earlier as a labor organizer. He was a powerful speaker.

    Les was a major influence in our lives. We will miss him.

    For those who wish to give gifts in his memory, Les and his family request that donations be given to the Sierra Club. E-mail comments may be sent to jnowell@ix.netcom.com. Any cards should be sent to Jeff Nowell, 2215-R Market St. #700, San Francisco CA 94114

    Return to Index


    Endorsement and Resolution Summary

    September 6-7, 2003 CNRCC Meeting

    By Harlo Lenning, hlenning@ix.netcom.com, 650-625-8825

    The California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee (CNRCC) passed resolutions recommending the SCC ExComm take the following actions:

  • Endorse Cruz Bustamante for the second portion of the October 7, 2003 Special Election (recall) ballot.
  • Oppose Proposition 53 on the October 7, 2003 ballot.
  • Request that the administration of the Giant Sequoia National Monument be transferred from the US Forest Service to the National Parks Service.
  • Request that the protection of the Giant Sequoia National Monument be a key part of the national Club's Wildlands Protection Campaign.
  • Oppose efforts by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Water District to pump more water from the Pinto Basin near Joshua Tree National Park than is replenished by natural processes.
  • The following CNRCC Officers were elected for the year 2004

        Chair: John Monsen

        California Conservation Chair: Eric Parfrey

        Vice Chair (North): Allan Eberhart

        Vice Chair (South): Robin Ives

        Vice Chair (Nevada): Lois Snedden

        Secretary: David Underwood

        Treasurer: Dan Sullivan

        Fifth Officer: Kevin Finney
     


     

     

     

     

    Background On Resolution To Oppose Proposition 53

    The Sierra Club California Legislative Committee Recommends That the CNRCC Oppose Proposition 53 on the October 2003 Ballot.

    (This recommendation was passed by the CNRCC on September 6)

     

    Although Sierra Club California recognizes the importance of upgrading the quality and maintenance levels of public goods and services infrastructure, we have some fundamental disagreements with the approach taken by Prop. 53, which would:

    Prop 53 is a constitutional requirement that an annually increasing percentage of the CA general fund be earmarked for infrastructure acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, modernization or renovation, with half of the money going to state projects, and half to local government infrastructure, excluding school and community college districts. Since only about 25-30% or so of the current budget is discretionary, anything which locks up more money means that there is less remaining for already notoriously under-funded state Environmental programs. So SCC should oppose Prop. 53, because:

    By requiring the Legislature, in subsequent legislation, to set forth the approach and method to be used in the annual allocation of the Infrastructure Fund for local government infrastructure projects, it's also saying just accept our gamble about how we'll go about it.

    Remember the maxim about high per capita American consumption levels—that could be applied to infrastructure and its use of material resources, and the lands displaced, sometimes unnecessarily.

    THE SIERRA CLUB OPPOSES PROPOSITION 53!

    Return to Index


    Stop Wholesale Privatization of the National Park Service!

    by David Czamanske

    As may you know, a Bush administration mandate is attempting to hand over jobs in the National Park Service and other Interior Department agencies to private contractors. For example, under this government-wide initiative, up to 60 percent of all National Park Service jobs could be handed over to the lowest bidder. As a result, our national parks would lose scientists, archaeologists, maintenance workers, educators, and many others who protect park resources and provide visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience. (See article in Sept-Oct issue of Sierra magazine.)

     

    During the debate on the House Interior Appropriations Bill, Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) filed, then withdrew an amendment that would strike language from the bill designed to prevent any new outsourcing studies at the Park Service and other Interior Department agencies during the coming fiscal year. Despite a presidential veto threat and pressure from the House Republican leadership, it became clear to the sponsors that they did not have the votes to pass this amendment. Separately, Reps. Doug Bereuter (R-NE) and Allan Boyd (D-FL) offered an amendment that blocks implementation of a competitive sourcing study at the Midwest Archaeological Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the Southeast Archaeological Center in Florida. It passed overwhelmingly — 362 to 57.

    Both votes drew many Democrats and Republicans to speak during the debates of the professionalism and dedication of National Park Service employees.

    The next step is to ensure that the Senate also protects dedicated Park Service staff and that the language regarding privatization remains in the final Interior Department Appropriations bill throughout the House-Senate conference committee. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) intends to offer an amendment on the Senate floor that would include park protective language similar to that included in the House bill.

    Take Action NOW – The Senate will take up this bill in early/mid September!

    Please help protect the dedicated staff of the National Park Service and our national parks by sending a letter, e-mail message, or telephoning your senators to voice your alarm at plans to privatize Park Service jobs. Urge them to support language in the Senate Interior Department Appropriations bill that prevents the National Park Service from privatizing thousands of critical jobs. You can also send a letter to the editor of your local paper in support of protecting Park Service employees from this blatant attempt to diminish.

    Senator Barbara Boxer, Hart Senate Office Building, Room 112 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
    (202) 224-3553; LA: (213) 894-5000   senator@boxer.senate.gov

    Senator Dianne Feinstein, Hart Senate Office Building, Room 331, Washington, DC 20510
    (202) 224-3841; LA: (310) 914-7300 
    www.feinstein.senate.gov

    Return to Index


    September 13 Southern California Forests Committee
    and Angeles Chapter Forest Task Force Meeting

    Saturday, September 13, 2003
    Angeles Chapter Office
    3435 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 320, Los Angeles

    We are having two very important guests at our September 13 Joint Southern California Forests Committee and Angeles Chapter Forest Task Force meeting: Angeles Forest Supervisor Jody Cook in the morning and Sierra Club Regional Representative Bill Corcoran in the afternoon.

     

    9:00 am Introductions, Announcements, Minutes

    1. Introduction of Angeles Chapter Forest Task Force (John Monsen) and
      introduction of SoCal Forests Committee (Joyce Burk)

    2. RCC Meeting (Fred Hoeptner & John Monsen)

    3. Memoriam for Les and Sally Reid—What do you remember best about this lovely couple?
               How did they get the SoCal Forests Committee started?

    4. California Wild Heritage Campaign (Tim Allyn)

    10 am Committee Guest: Angeles NF Supervisor, Jody Cook

    12:00 pm Lunch

    Please either bring a sack lunch or make a quick trip to a local take-out restaurant. The SoCal Forests Committee will provide dessert.

    1:00 pm Mountain Summit/San Bernardino National Forest (Tim Allyn and Joyce Burk)

    1:15 pm Emergency Forest Items

    1:30 pm Forest Plan Revision Outreach Grant (Bill Corcoran)

    3:00 pm Adjourn

    Return to Index


    California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee Wilderness Meeting Notice September 27-28

    The Sierra Cub's California/Nevada Regional Wilderness Committee will hold its next meeting the last weekend of September, Saturday, Sept. 27,2003 and Sunday Sept. 28. We'll meet on Saturday, in Ukiah, California, from 10 am to 5 pm, at the Ukiah office of the Bureau of Land Management, 2550 North State Street.

    On Sunday, Ryan Henson, policy director of the California Wilderness Coalition and renowned outings leader, will take us on a hike to an area proposed for Wilderness in Senator Barbara Boxer's California Wild Heritage Act, as well as in Rep. Mike Thompson's Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Act.

    Return to Index


    Derail the Bush Energy Plan

    As Congress returns from the August recess, both the House and Senate on Friday, September 5, are beginning negotiations over the flawed Bush energy plan. Republican leaders in both the House and Senate have announced that they intend to put an energy bill on President Bush's desk by the end of the month. Using the recent blackout as political cover, Bush and Congressional Republicans are claiming that their destructive energy bill is necessary to prevent future blackouts. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bush energy plan takes us backwards and threatens our environment while ignoring solutions at hand today to decrease our dependence on polluting, unsafe, and outdated energy systems. The energy bill does not save a drop of oil and does nothing to significantly increase our use of clean, renewable energy. It almost overlooks completely the importance of increasing efficiency in our buildings, homes, and appliances. In addition, it wouldn't adequately prevent against further power outages.

    With the energy bill conference beginning this week, help us derail the destructive Bush energy plan by sending in a letter to the editor to your local paper.

    Return to Index

     


    Deadline for grant application submission is close of business day, Friday, Sept 26. This grants cycle covers the period Nov 2003 to Feb 2004. To request an application form or handbook, contact Johanna Zetterberg (213-387-4287 x204), Johanna.Zetterberg@sierraclub.org or Rachel Myers at rachel.myers@sierraclub.org


    Sierra Club Activist Training Workshop:
    How to Sue the Bad Guys.

    Saturday, September 13, 1:30-4 pm

     

    Please RSVP or send questions to Gordon LaBedz: GLaBedzMD@aol.com.

     

    Workshop facilitators

        Dr Gordon LaBedz, Chair of Angeles Chapter Conservation Committee

        Charlotte Hadley, Planning and Environmental Consultant.

     

    Please join us at Acorn Naturalists, 155 El Camino Real, Tustin and learn about

     

    DIRECTIONS TO ACORN NATURALISTS:

    From the South: North on I-5, exit on Redhill (one exit before the 55), turn right then immediate left on El Camino Real, drive several blocks through Old Town Tustin. After you pass Main, watch for 155 El Camino Real on the right side. Just before First Street you will see Acorn Naturalists, a large two story, wood and glass, craftsman style nature store.
    From the North: South on I-5, exit on Newport and turn left, then left on First, and left on El Camino Real.

    Return to Index


    Environmental Resolution Passed by ExComm

    August 24, 2003

    The Executive Committee of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club endorses the Angeles Chapter joining with North East Trees in submitting a proposal to the City of El Monte to develop a river-front park along the River Hondo, and include a $15,000 grant for community organizing by Amigos de los Rios.

    Return to Index


    Orange County Events

    Sat-Sun, Sep 13-14 — Doheny Days Music Festival includes environmental exhibits and sponsor display, Omega Events, 262-2662 www.omegaevents.com

    Wed, Sep 17, 7-9 pm — Hobo Aliso Ridge TF Educational Forum: "Re-Visioning Laguna Beach"
    Guest speakers Mark Massara, Chris Koontz, Penny Elia will address the California Coastal Commission's role in approval or denial of Driftwood Estates proposed subdivision, ballot initiatives, and other upcoming coastal impacts in Laguna Beach. Aliso Creek Inn, 31106 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Contact Penny Elia (949) 499-4499. Also, please join our task force on Sep 20 at 9 am for Coastal Clean Up Day at Main Beach in Laguna Beach.

    Wed, Sep 17, 7:30 pm — Banning Ranch Park & Preserve TF Meeting, home of Terry Welsh, 831 Darrell St., Costa Mesa. We will discuss our Vision Board with architectural landscape artist Ann Leishman from Briza Landscape. Ann will review our preliminary plans and discuss what she can do to help us. Ann worked on the impressive Bolsa Chica "Vision Board". Also, please join our task force on Sep 20 for Coastal Clean Up Day at two locations — Vista Park and Newport Terrace — along the Santa Ana River. We need volunteers to sit at tables for this four hour event on Sat, Sep 20. Contact Terry Welsh at terrymwelsh@hotmail.com

    Sat, Sep 20, 9 am - Noon — Coastal Clean Up Day. For more info check out the website at www.coastforyou.org

    Sat, Sep 20, 11 am-3 pm — Rally for the Headlands. The Dana Point Headlands Task Force will hold Rally for the Headlands 2 with an old-fashioned hot dog BBQ at Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor. From Pacific Coast Hwy, take Dana Point Harbor Drive to the pier parking lot and look for "Rally 2" signs. Please RSVP to dphc@cox.net by Sep 15. The Coastal Commission's hearing on the Dana Point Headlands Development and Conservation Plan is expected to be October 8 or 9 in San Diego. The Task Force will charter a bus from south Orange County to the hearing. Contact dphc@cox.net for date and location.

    Sat, Sep 20, 4-8 pm — Silent Art Auction, home of Ricardo Duffy, 31372 Guadalupe St, San Juan Capistrano. Benefit to Save Putiidhem. Sponsored by OC Native American Sacred Sites TF and CCRPA. Artwork by Native American, Mexican, and other artists including Kathy Sandoval, Ernesto De La Loza, Roberto Moya, Luis Arturo Guevara, Ricardo Duffy, L Frank Manriques, Teeter Romero, Susan Dysinger, Linda Vallejo, Mary Vonn and Marian Walkingstick. Music by Native American flute prodigy, Evran Ozan, and others. Contact Rebecca Robles rrobles5@cox.net for an electronic flyer.

    Sun, Sep 21, 1- 5 pm — SUSTAINABLE FOOD FESTIVAL!!! Sierra Sage, the South Orange County group of the Sierra Club, and San Juan Capistrano organic farmer, George Kibby, are hosting a Sustainable Food Festival at South Coast Farms, San Juan Capistrano's Organic Farm and Farmstand. The organic foodfest, a benefit event for Sierra Sage, will celebrate sustainable farming. Fun festivities will include lively music by Conjunto Jardin, a farm tour, an heirloom tomato tasting, environmental art show, auction, and a gourmet vegetarian buffet prepared by Executive Chef Mark Cleveland of Laguna Culinary Arts. Mark your calendar for a wonderful afternoon on one of the last remaining farms in the area. The price of admission is $25.00 per adult and $12.50 per child twelve and under. Reservations can be made by sending a check (payable to Sierra Sage)  to reservationist Gail Prothero, 29302 Sandalwood Ct, San Juan Capistrano CA 92675.  Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. For further info, contact Gail Prothero at (949)347-1255. Proceeds will benefit Sierra Club conservation and political programs in Orange County.

    Tue, Sep 23, 7 pm — FINAL City Council Hearing on Hobo Aliso Ridge/ Driftwood Estates, Laguna Beach. The City Council will need to make some very important Sepisions this evening that will impact quality of life, open space, water quality and the Laguna Beach we will leave for our children.  For more information and all the details on the latest 11-lot tract map, please plan on attending our Task Force/Neighborhood Association Meeting on September 11. September 23 will be your final chance to make a difference — please let your voice be heard! Contact Penny Elia at trademarkmg@juno.com.

    Fri, Sep 26, 7 pm — California State Treasurer Phil Angelides will be the keynote speaker at an FOF sponsored program on smart growth vs urban sprawl, San Juan Capistrano Community Center. Directions: I-5 exit Ortega Hwy, turn west towards the Mission, left on Del Obispo, left on Del Avion, pass the junior high school and turn left into Community Center parking lot. Contact Brittany McKee (949) 361-7534.

    Tue, Sep 30, 7 pm — Task Force Tabling Opportunity! Annual Sierra Sage Group Newcomers/Open House Meeting, Unitarian Universalist Church, 25801 Obrero, Mission Viejo. Conservation Task Forces are invited to bring tabling displays. RSVP to reserve table space. Contact Mike Sappingfield at mikesapp@cox.net.

    Sat, Oct 4, 7:30 am - All day — Join the OC Native American Sacred Sites Task Force and Acjachemen/Tongva people for the 7th Annual Prayer Pilgrimage Honoring our Ancestors.

    Carpooling is encouraged. For a flyer and directions, contact Rhonda Robles at rhrobles@earthlink.net.
    Info: Rebecca Robles at (949) 369-0361 

     

     

    Sat, Oct 18 — FOF/National EPEC Campaign Door-to-Door Outreach Day. Contact Contact Brittany McKee at (949) 361-7534 to volunteer.

    Mon, Oct 20, 7 pm — Dr Wayne Spencer, Conservation Biology Institute, will be the keynote speaker at an FOF sponsored community briefing on the Habitat and Biology of Rancho Mission Viejo and the biological impacts of the 241 South Toll Road. San Clemente Community Center Auditorium, 100 N Calle Seville, San Clemente (corner of Del Mar/Calle Seville) . Contact Brittany McKee (949) 361-7534.

    Fri-Sun, Oct 24-26 — Sierra Club Nat'l Political Training Program, Chevy Chase, Maryland. This is a great training opportunity for volunteer leaders looking to boost their political campaign skills. Call Alex Mintzer (714) 288-2829 or Aimee Tavares at (202) 675-7902 for info.

    Return to Index


    USEFUL INFORMATION

    Action Directory

    Sierra Club Legislative Hotline: (202) 675-2394
    Sierra Club National: (415) 977-5500
    Sierra Club Sacramento Legislative Office: (916)  557-1100; fax (916) 227-9669
    Sierra Club World Wide Web: http://www.sierraclub.org
    Sierra Club Vote Watch Website: http://www.sierraclub.org/votewatch/
    White House Comment Line: (202) 456-1111
    White House Fax Line (202) 456-2461
      President George W Bush president@whitehouse.gov
      Vice President Dick Cheney: vice-president@whitehouse.gov
    White House Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC 20500
    US Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
    To contact your senators: Senate Office Bldg, Washington DC 20510 http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index.cfm
    To contact your representative: House Office Bldg, Washington DC 20515 http://www.house.gov/writerep
    California Capitol Switchboard: (916) 322-9900

     

    The Newsletter (without upcoming resolutions) is available on the Chapter website at http://angeles.sierraclub.org/home.html

    The Conservation Committee Newsletter, now electronic, is sent automatically and free electronically to all activists who hold any of the following positions in the Angeles Chapter or its entities (and on email):

    If we do not have your email address - please let us know.
    It may be tagged "private" and not printed or given out.

    If you no longer hold the Club office with the automatic pull and wish to continue to receive it, email ivesico@earthlink.net.

    Paper postal copy is available (for a fee) for those who are technically challenged or simply don’t want to be bothered. To receive The Newsletter by first class mail, send a donation of $20/year to (almost) cover printing/mailing costs (payable Angeles Chapter) to Conservation Newsletter, 112 Harvard Ave PMB 297, Claremont CA 91711. 

    AOL Subscribers Please Note

    Some aol.com subscribers have reported difficulty receiving the full text of the Conservation Newsletter. The following message was distributed by the Sierra Club list serves: "Due to recent spam filter changes by AOL, "some" (by no means all) messages to "some" (again "not all") AOL subscribers were not delivered by AOL. Lists with only a few dozens subscribers were mostly unaffected." National is in the process of reconfiguring their systems and lists in a way that they hope will prevent AOL from incorrectly considering our messages to be spam. The best way to determine if you have not received messages is to have a look at the "web archives" of your list at : http://lists.sierraclub.org/archives/index.html. Complaints should be addressed to aol.com.

    National's GoldBook provides information to chapters and groups on

      •the differences between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) funds,

      •how to utilize and access charitable 501(c)(3) funds,

      •how to get a project approved,

      •fundraising

      •plus much, much, more material on the Sierra Club.

    It is now available at the Clubhouse website. Go to  http://www.clubhouse.sierraclub.org; follow the instructions for obtaining the password. The GoldBook can be found by clicking on A - Z List of Materials box, then on "G" under A-Z List of Documents, then on GoldBook, Educational Project Guidelines.

     

    California/Nevada Regional Directory (RedBook03) is now available free in electronic form (html), with extensive linking of information. The paper edition ($15 each) is available on special order. The electronic version is updated continuously, and will be re-distributed on demand. Both hard and electronic copy are available only from Lori Ives. Contact her for details at ivesico@earthlink.net.

    Sierra Club California's GreenBook , the handbook of bylaws and standing rules, is available (in Word). Contact Lori for this also.

    Chapter Office Parking

    Weeknights: You may park free inside the building after 5:30 pm. Be prepared to show your membership card or one of our parking passes, available at the front desk in the Chapter office. Take a ticket when you enter through the gate; present it at the parking office near the elevators, and sign it. The ticket machine at the front gate may be turned off after 6 pm. If so, buzz the attendant and say you are going to a Sierra Club meeting. There is no entry after 8 pm.

    Visitor parking on Saturday is limited to 8 am to 4 pm inside the building with attendant on duty. Arrangement for Sunday parking inside for Sierra Club meetings is pending at press time.  Linda Hoyer 

    E-Mail Lists

    Subscribe to California Activists: calif-activists-request@lists.sierraclub.org

    Subscribe to California Activists Forum: calif-activists-forum-request@lists.sierraclub.org

    For both lists, send

    Subscription is processed by one of the list owners, usually the same day.

     

    Subscribe to Angeles-Alerts:

    email listserv@lists.sierraclub.org with the message “subscribe angeles-conservation” or “subscribe calif-activists”

    or "subscribe angeles-alerts" Note: it's "listserv," not "listserve."

     

    To leave a list, send an e-mail to listserv@lists.sierraclub.org In the text of your message (not the subject line), write: “signoff calif-activists” or “signoff angeles-conservation” or "signoff angeles-alerts"  

     

    The Angeles Chapter’s website is www.angeles.sierraclub.org

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    Angeles Chapter Conservation Management Committee

    Angeles Chapter Grants Committee

    Gordon LaBedz/Chair 562-494-6368 GlaBedzMD@aol.com

     Bonnie Sharpe/Vice Chair/Grants Chair, Jay Matchett/Treasurer, Jeff Yann/Secretary, Robin Ives/Newsletter
    Judy Anderson, John Monsen, Lynne Plambeck, Rudy Vietmeier
    Lori Ives, Publisher/Webmaster/Circulation (Non-voting)

    Johanna Zetterberg and Rachel Myers, Conservation Coordinators (Non-voting)

     

    Motions should be submitted in advance, together with objective background material and supporting and opposing arguments, both to the Committee Chair and Newsletter Editor, for distribution with the agenda. Other motions will be postponed for action at a later meeting unless the motion is submitted in writing and unless the Committee votes an exception to ordinary procedure. Motions needing further action by the Angeles Chapter ExComm or some higher level of the Sierra Club should start out: “The Angeles Chapter Conservation Committee recommends that the Sierra Club...”

     

    Agenda — September 17, 2003 — 7:30 pm

    3435 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 320, Los Angeles CA 90010-1904

    To find out more about voting requirements and representatives, consult the Angeles Chapter website Conservation Committee

     

      7:30  Introductions/Announcements
      7:40  Review of Agenda
      7:45  Conservation Staff Report
      8:00  Proposed Resolution: Malibu Law Suit
      8:15  Proposed Free Trade Legislation (Dan Seligman)
      8:45  Authorize Grant Request — San Gabriel River Campaign
      8:50 CNRCC Meeting Report (John Monsen, Gordon LaBedz)
              Discussion — State-wide anti-sprawl campaign — What is the next step? —
              Proposed legislation — From mapping Committee
      9:45 Discussion of Next Year’s Conservation Committee
    10:00 Adjourn

     

        Next meeting is October 15

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    Orange County Conservation Committee

    Gail Prothero, Chair 949-347-1255, Vice Chair: Bob Siebert; Secretary: Chuck Buck;

    Rachel Myers, Conservation Coordinator (*non voting)

    Location: Inn at the Park in Irvine
    From the north, come down 405 to 73 and off at University. Turn left and pass Campus and turn right on Harvard. Follow Harvard as it bends; look for Marquette. The Inn is at 10 Marquette, on the corner of Harvard and Marquette behind a steel fence.
    From the south, get off 405 at Culver and go left. Follow Culver past Michelson and University and turn right on Harvard. Take Harvard to Marquette. It's on your right.

     

    Agenda — September 16, 2003

    7:00    Welcome, Introductions, Approval of Agenda

    7:10    Approval of Minutes for August 19. 

    7:20    Announcements/Old Business

    Kudos! to Brittany McKee for facilitating a great FOF community briefing on "Smart Choices for Growth and Transportation" in San Clemente with Alan Hoffman.

    7:25     Roundtable discussion on Vision Boards
                If you have one, please bring it to display at the meeting and we'll discuss Vision Board creation and use.

    7:45  Staff report (Rachel Myers)

    7:55  OCCC Treasurer Update (Jay Matchett)

    8:00  Friends of the Foothills (Bill Holmes or Brittany McKee)

    8:10  Banning Ranch Park & Preserve TF (Task force rep)

    8:20  Save Coyote Hills (Angela Lindstrom) 

    8:30  Hobo Aliso TF (Penny Elia)

    8:40  Dana Point Headlands (Celia Kutcher)

    8:50  SAMTF (Paul Carlton)

    9:00  OC Native American Sacred Sites TF (Rebecca Robles)

    9:10  Saddleback Canyons TF (Rich Gomez or Gloria Sefton)

    9:20 Adjourn

    Next OCCC Meeting is Tuesday, October 21.

    Return to Index

     

    Conservation Committees Calendar

    Send correction or additions about your calendar dates to the editor, preferably by email: ivesico@earthlink.net
    SEPTEMBER 2003
    Thu, Sep 11, 6 pm

    Save Hobo Aliso Task Force Meeting. Final planning meeting prior to final City Council hearing on Sept 17. Laguna Ocean Vista Clubhouse, end of Ocean Vista Drive, free parking in cul de sac or guest parking spaces. From Coast Hwy, turn onto Wesley Dr, left on Driftwood Dr, right on Ocean Vista. Go to end and watch for signage for our meeting. Contact Penny Elia (949) 499-4499.

    Sat Sep 13

         9:15 am to 3 pm

    Combined meeting of Forest Task Force and the Southern California Forests Committee. Chapter Office
    Sun Sep 14, 2:45 pm Harbor Vision Task Force, 2nd Sun, San Pedro Public Library, 9th and Gaff
    Sat-Sun Sep 13-14 Doheny Days Music Festivalenvironmental exhibits and sponsor display, Omega Events,

    262-2662 www.omegaevents.com

    Tues Sep 16, 7:00 pm Orange County Conservation Committee, 3rd Tue, Gail Prothero, gprothero@cox.net .
    Wed Sep 17, 7:30 pm Chapter Conservation Committee, 3rd Wed, Gordon LaBedz, GLaBedzMD@aol.com .
    Wed Sep 17, 7:15 pm Santa Ana River Estuary and Bluffs Task Force, 3rd Wed, Terry (949) 548-5636
    Wed Sep 17, 7-9 pm Hobo Aliso Ridge TF Educational Forum: Re-Visioning Laguna Beach Guest speakers will address the California Coastal Commission's role in approval or denial of Driftwood Estates proposed subdivision, ballot initiatives, and other upcoming coastal impacts in Laguna Beach. Aliso Creek Inn, 31106 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Contact Penny Elia (949) 499-4499.
    Thu Sep 18 Last day to receive reservations for the Sustainable Food Festival on Sep 21. Fabulous food & great music while raising funds for Orange County conservation. Announce the event via your task force e-mail list, website, e-newsletter
    Sat Sep 20

    Annual Sierra Club Banquet & Awards Ceremony, San Francisco. Exact location TBA. Contact gene.coan@sierraclub.org or jarrett.mason@sierraclub.org

    Sat Sep 20, 9:30 pm Friends of the Foothills Planning Meeting (949) 361-7534
    Sat Sep 20, 9 am-Noon Coastal Clean Up Day
    Sun Sep 21 1-5 pm Sustainable Food Festival, San Juan Capistrano (see story)
    Wed Sep 24   Meeting to coordinate media/Orange County Open Space campaign. Details soon.

    Contact Rachel Myers: rachel.myers@sierraclub.org

    Wed Sep 24, 7:30 pm Forest Task Force, alt 4th Wed (odd months), Chapter Office Cancelled   See September 13
    Fri Sep 26, 7 pm State Treasurer Phil Angeledes will be keynote speaker at an FOF sponsored program on urban sprawl, San Juan Capistrano Community Center. Brittany McKee (949) 361-7534.
    Fri Sep 26

    Deadline for submission for a grant application is close of business day. This grants cycle covers the period Nov 2003 to Feb 2004To request an application form or handbook, contact Johanna Zetterberg at Johanna.Zetterberg@sierraclub.org or (213) 387-4287x204 or Rachel Myers at rachel.myers@sierraclub.org

    Sat, Sep 27, 3 pm-5 pm  Santa Ana Mountains Task Force (SAMTF) Steering Committee Meeting, Unitarian/Universalist Church, 25801 Obrero, Mission Viejo. Contact Paul Carlton at pfcsage@cox.net 
    Sun Sep 28, 1:00 pm Chapter ExComm, Chapter Office.  Contact Chair: virgil.shields@angeles.sierraclub.org
    Mon Sep 29, 7:30 pm Conservation Committee Management Meeting, Chapter Office (date may change, call chair)
    Tue Sep 30, 7 pm   Task Force tabling opportunity! Sierra Sage Newcomer's/Open House. RSVP to reserve a table. Contact Mike Sappingfield: mikesapp@cox.net
    OCTOBER 2003  
    Wed, Oct 1 Deadline for articles in the November Southern Sierran. Write up what you're doing, attach a digital photo, e-mail to Dominique at
    Thu, Oct 2, 5:15 pm

    Note early meeting time!

      Orange County Political Committee Meeting & Mexican Dinner, Olamendi's Restaurant, Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point. At 7 pm we'll attend the Great Coastal Places Meeting. Alex Mintzer amintzer@socal.rr.com
    Thu Oct 2, 7-9 pm   Save the Coast! Great Coastal Places Campaign Meeting, Dana Point Community Center, Room B, 34052 Del Obispo, Dana Point. Guest speakers:  Mark Massara, Sierra Club Coastal Program Director, and Mike Lewis, Surfrider. Contact: Brittany McKee (949) 361-7534. Visit the Great Coastal Places Campaign website at: www.sierraclub.org/ca/coasts/
    Tue Oct 7 VOTE IN SPECIAL ELECTION
    Sat Oct 11, 9:30 am Friends of the Foothills Planning Meeting (949) 361-7534
    Sun Oct 12, 2:45 pm Harbor Vision Task Force, 2nd Sun, San Pedro Public Library, 9th and Gaff
    Mon Oct 13 OC Native American Sacred Sites TF 2nd Mon, Rebecca Robles (949) 369-0361
    Mon Oct 13, 7:15 pm Orange Hills TF, 2nd Mon, 217 E Chapman Ave, Orange, Chris (714) 606-0453, ckoontz@usc.edu)
    Mon Oct 13, 7:30 pm Transportation Subcommittee, 2nd Mon, Chapter Office
    Mon Oct 13, 7:30 pm Santa Monica Mountains TF,  2nd Mon, Chair Mary Ann Webster (310) 559-3126
    Wed Oct 15, 7:00 pm Friends of the Foothills Steering Committee (949) 361-7534
    Wed Oct 15, 7:15 pm Santa Ana River Estuary and Bluffs Task Force, 3rd Wed, Terry (949) 548-5636
    Wed Oct 15, 7:30 pm Chapter Conservation Committee, 3rd Wed, Chapter Office
    Tue Oct 21 , 7:00 pm  Orange County Conservation Committee, 3rd Tue
    Wed Oct 22, 7:00 pm Friends of the Foothills Steering Committee (949) 361-7534
    Fri-Sun, Oct 24-26 Sierra Club National Political Training Program, Chevy Chase, Maryland. This is a great training opportunity for volunteer leaders looking to boost their political campaign skills. Call Aimee Tavares at (202) 675-7902.
    Sun Oct 26 , 1:00 pm Chapter ExComm, Chapter Office
    NOVEMBER 2003
    Sat, Nov 1 9:30 am-Noon  FOF Quarterly Planning Meeting, San Clemente. Contact Brittany McKee (949) 361-7534.
    Sun, Nov 2 Deadline for articles in the December Southern Sierran
    Mon Nov 3, 7:30 pm Conservation Committee Management Meeting, Chapter Office (date may change, call chair)
    Thu Nov 6, 7:10 pm OC Political Com, 1st Thu, Unitarian-Universalist Church, 25801 Obrero, Mission Viejo,
    Alex Mintzer (714) 288-2829
    Sat Nov 8, 9:30 pm Friends of the Foothills Planning Meeting (949) 361-7534
    Sun Nov 9, 2.45 pm Harbor Vision Task Force, 2nd Sun, San Pedro Public Library, 9th and Gaff
    Mon Nov 10 OC Native American Sacred Sites TF 2nd Mon (Feb, May, Aug, Nov) Rebecca Robles (949) 369-0361
    Mon Nov 10. 7:15 pm Orange Hills TF, 2nd Mon, 217 E Chapman Ave, Orange, Chris (714) 606-0453, ckoontz@usc.edu
    Mon Nov 10, 7:30 pm Transportation Subcommittee, 2nd Mon, Chapter Office
    Mon Nov 10, 7:30 pm Santa Monica Mountains TF, 2nd Mon, call Chair Mary Ann Webster  (310) 559-3126
    Tues Nov 18, 7:00 pm Orange County Conservation Committee, 3rd Tue
    Wed Nov 19, 7:30 pm Chapter Conservation Committee, 3rd Wed, Chapter Office
    Wed Nov 19, 7:15 pm Santa Ana River Estuary and Bluffs Task Force, 3rd Wed, Terry (949) 548-5636
    Sun Nov 23, 1:00 pm Chapter ExComm, Chapter Office
    Wed Nov 26, 7:30 pm Forest Task Force, alt 4th Wed (odd months), Chapter Office
    DECEMBER 2003
    Wed Dec 17, 7:00 pm Friends of the Foothills Steering Committee (949) 361-7534

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