THE CHAIR'S CORNER

BY DARRELL CLARKE

Chair, Angeles Chapter Executive Committee

Welcome to my first column since being elected Angeles Chapter Chair by the Executive Committee in January, fittingly in the Earth Day issue!

I remember the first Earth Day in 1970. I was in high school, already concerned about environmental issues, largely from reading my parents' Sierra Club Bulletins.

Here we are, nearly four decades later. We've addressed some problems like air and water pollution, but now face the most critical issue of all: seeking to move to sustainable energy as quickly as possible to stop climate change.

California led the country with AB 32, mandating reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and now the new Obama administration in Washington D.C. gives us leverage to move an environmental agenda forward. But we need greater action, and fast, which is where our local actions can make a difference.

In my new role I want the Angeles Chapter to be relevant to you, from campaigning for clean energy to supporting the many other things the Chapter does for our members. I look forward to visiting our Groups' meetings and hearing directly from you.

I especially want to focus on our communications with you via the Southern Sierran and our website angeles.sierraclub.org. And I would like to find meaningful roles for more of you - nearly 50,000 in Los Angeles and Orange Counties - to take personal action.

Finally, a plug for money: We know times are tight financially, and the national Sierra Club's donations are down, making it even more important for you to support the Chapter directly via our annual fundraising letter appeal, in whatever amount is comfortable. Thanks!