San Pedro Environmental Event — May 22
Helen Caldicott and Paul Watson will talk on the Bush energy policy and its environmental consequences

On May 22, the Sierra Club Harbor Vision Task Force and other Sierra Club and environmental groups are putting on a program called "Power Play: Energizing our Future for a Million Tomorrows." This will be in San Pedro at the Warner Grand Theater, on 6th Street near Pacific Ave.

There will also be some musical interludes with flute, drums and didgeridoo.

The content will focus on plans to build LNG terminals (including Long Beach and Oxnard) all around the country. Each time an LNG supertanker comes to deliver its cargo, it will be carrying the energy equivalent of 55 Hiroshima bombs. Needless to say, an accident, natural disaster or sabotage could be somewhat unpleasant (simply as a fire, this is one big fire.)

Aside from benefiting a bunch of energy companies, these plans will do a bunch of nasty things. They'll remove billions from possible investment in renewable energy. They'll increase global warming, our dependence on foreign fuels, our trade deficit, excuses to deploy our military, etc.

Bush's plans also include rolling back federal environmental standards for energy facilities, then imposing those weaker standards on the states, over their objections if needed. Many of California's coastal and other environmental protections established over the past 40 years could be trashed if he succeeds.

We could see new nuclear power plants, more off shore oil drilling, and relaxed pollution standards for oil refineries.

Caldicott is coming here from Australia. Watson from up north. You can learn more about them, the event, the street fair that comes before it, and other speakers by going to: http://www.milliontomorrows.org.

Tickets ranges for the program are $25, $35 or $100. The $100 tickets include wine, a VIP reception, book signing, munchies and such. After the event, there's a banquet with Paul Watson (which is only $35 — given at cost).

Tom Politeo, 562-618-1127

Wild Animals on the Urban Fringe

The Sierra Club will present an evening of ways to reduce conflict between humans and our wild neighbors. Participants will see live wild animals in an safe environment and learn measures to ensure that their families and pets will be protected.

The free presentation will be given at the La Habra Community Services Center on Thursday, June 2, 2005, at 7:00 pm. The Services Center is located on the northwest corner of La Habra Blvd and Euclid. Bring your family, but children under 5 should be left at home. Flash photography is not permitted during the event.

Eric Johnson, 714-524-7763

Award to Conservation Committee Newsletter

After the major awards were distributed at the May 1 Chapter Awards Banquet, Lori and Robin Ives were called up to receive a plaque for the newly created "Lori and Robin Ives Media Award for Excellence in Conservation Activism". The award was in recognition of 28 years of work on the Newsletter of the Chapter Conservation Committee. Lori and Robin Ives say "Thank You!"

California's Electronic Waste Recycling System
By Danila Oder

Televisions, computers and electronic devices look sleek and modern, but once discarded they become toxic waste. Among the array of heavy metals, the biggest offender is lead — from 4-8 pounds in each breakable TV and computer monitor. That's why in 2001 the State of California banned landfill disposal of cathode ray tubes (CRTs). The subsequent Electronic Waste Recycling Act, which set up a recycling system for these devices, went into effect January 1, 2005. (As of July 1, it will also cover plasma screens and liquid crystal displays.)

Environmentalists and Sen. Byron Sher, the sponsor of the Act, originally wanted manufacturers to take back their electronics at the end of their life. This kind of law — which is now in effect for electronics sold in the European Union — encourages manufacturers to design for recyclability. (Recyclability in turn means lower toxic ingredients and modular design for easy and fast disassembly/reuse.) But US computer manufacturers squawked, claiming producer take-back would hurt their business. (Note: this bill was written at the height of the techno-bubble.)

So instead of a simple law that puts the burden of eliminating toxics on the manufacturers, and minimizes public costs, California have a cumbersome, back-end system. The funding is also problematic — but I'll get to that later. Sadly, this is the most advanced e-waste management law in the country and has been emulated by other states.

Here's how our system works: As of January, purchasers of new TVs or monitors pay a $10 (or less) fee, which goes to the State. The State then distributes these fees to independent, usually for-profit recyclers, who have submitted paperwork showing they have recycled used CRTs.

First you have to find a recycler, and then learn its policy. As the San Jose Mercury News reported on May 5, 2005, "There's a daunting patchwork of 212 state-approved e-waste collectors out there — 25 in Santa Clara County — and nearly every one has a different policy for handling your trash. Some will take it off your hands for free; others will charge you $20 a tube. One local collector charges to take the monitor, but waives that fee if you throw in the rest of the old computer's system. Another charges piece by piece to collect the central processing unit, keyboards and mouse, but takes the monitor for free." See www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html for a list of recyclers in California (the June 2005 issue of the Southern Sierran contains a list of free local government drop-off sites).

Most thrift stores are not aware of the law and continue to take electronics donations. Most stores probably dump the unsold items in the trash illegally or sell them to exporters, rather than pay a recycler $5-$25 to take a CRT off their hands. Goodwill, however, does comply with the law and recycle its unsold items (call 800-664-6577 for info on what is accepted).

Recycling is no panacea. Breaking complex parts to their elements requires a great deal of water and energy. Heavy metals like mercury, cadmium and arsenic don't belong in the ecosystem. Brominated flame retardants are used in the plastic housings of electronic equipment and in circuit boards to prevent fires from spreading. They are potential endocrine disrupters and persist in human and animal fat and the environment. Electronics are also made with plastic mixtures that can't be recycled and must be incinerated, releasing PCBs and other chemicals.

One of the main stimuli to the Recycling Act was "Exporting Harm," a February 2002 report from Basel Action Network on electronics "recycling" in China. Untrained peasants leach gold from circuit boards without any skin protection, letting the acids drain into local waterways, melt computer plastics into food containers, incinerate parts right in the villages. You have to read the report to believe it. (For the report and more information on continuing e-waste exports to the Third World, see www.ban.org).

The US continues to be the only industrialized country that allows export of computer parts to Third World countries for "recycling."* Unfortunately, the financial reasons for offloading old California electronics onto Asia continue.

That's because the fees collected from new purchasers of CRTs in California cannot possibly offset the disassembly costs. Look: The fee went into effect January 2005. How much can the State collect? California computer users have a backlog of hundreds of thousands of electronic devices in their homes, purchased over the last 10-15 years. The State only pays recyclers for the old CRTs they receive (The State gives approved recyclers 48 cents per pound of CRT materials.) So recyclers who accept other electronic devices, like toys, hard drives, VCRs, etc., must either refurbish and sell them, or cover the cost of recycling them out of internal funds. Or, more easily, sell them for "recycling" in Asia.

In addition, ambitious politicians love to criticize this kind of involved, bureaucratic program as wasteful State involvement in a matter better handled by the private sector. If the program's funding is cut, either the new-purchaser's fee must increase, or recyclers must cut corners by illegally dumping e-waste here or abroad. A producer take-back law would be much easier and less expensive to enforce.

It seems we are stuck with recycling rather than modularity and producer take-back for the foreseeable future. As with automobiles, computer manufacturers prefer to manufacture to two different standards, and exploit US laws as much as possible. For all their claims to innovation, they are remarkably unimaginative when it comes to considering the public interest.

*Note: According to Basel Action Network, India, Russia and the US are the only three countries that have ratified NONE of the four major international toxics conventions: the Basel Convention on the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes (1989); the London Convention Protocol (1996) on forbidding most forms of ocean dumping; the Rotterdam Convention (1998) requiring prior informed consent on export of certain dangerous product chemicals; and the Stockholm Convention (2001) which will effectively move to phase-out and reduce the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). See www.ban.org/country_status/report_card.html

Arctic: It's Not Over Till It's Over

Congress narrowly passed a budget resolution — by a 214-211 vote in the House and a 52-47 vote in the Senate — that could pave the way for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. However, the budget process is far from over. Budget reconciliation will continue throughout the summer, and, as promised, we'll fight every step of the way to ensure that Congress ultimately listens to the American people. We lost some tough votes, but we're fired up and looking to every member of Congress to keep supporting a wild Arctic and a clean budget.

Planning for Highways Joining Riverside and Orange Counties
By Mike Boeck

The Riverside County to Orange County Major Investment Study (RC to OC MIS) has just completed the second round of public workshops to gather comments from the public concerning this major effort to decrease congestion along the State Route 91 corridor.

Forty eight “strategic options” for improvements in two existing and two new transportation corridors were evaluated. The result at this time is twelve combinations of options and a “no build alternative”. Proposed corridors B and C could have a seriously negative effect on the Cleveland National Forest and the canyon communities.

Four of the twelve alternatives will be chosen as preferable, probably by the end of this summer, then a cost-to-benefit analysis of each of the four alternatives will be conducted and presented to the public for more comments. At that time there will be another round of public workshops.

Jack Bohlka Resigns

The Angeles Chapter's Fundraiser and Senior Chapter Director, Jack Bohlka, has resigned effective May 31. He has purchased a studio in Upland, and will be spending full time in his photography business. His last day with the Chapter will be May 31. We wish him the best in his future endeavors and thank him for all the great work that he has accomplished for the Angeles Chapter and the Sierra Club.

Johanna Zetterberg Resigns

It is with mixed feelings that I announce Johanna Zetterberg will be leaving the Angeles Chapter. Her last day of work with be June 30, 2005. I am sad for the Chapter, but very happy for Johanna as she begins studies at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in New Haven, Connecticut.

Clearly, the Chapter is better for Johanna's presence here. She has shown tremendous passion, creativity, and commitment to environmental protection. She has recruited activists and brought new energy to our work. She has overcome obstacles with style, grace and professionalism.

We will miss her very much.

But I am also very happy that she has been accepted into a prestigious graduate degree program. Johanna will become a leader in the national and international environmental movement. It is an exciting time for Johanna, and we all wish her the very best!

Please join me in thanking Johanna for her superb work, and wishing her well in her new adventure!

Jack Bohlka

Linda Hoyer Resigns

Linda Hoyer has resigned as Chapter Coordinator effective May 13, after 9 years. The daily commute, taking several hours finally got to her. When she finds a new job, she expects to work much closer to home. We thank her for her meticulous work tracking Chapter finances, for her people skills that she used to recruit, train, and direct office volunteers and for the smooth, competent way she ran the Chapter office.

George Denny, the former Chapter treasurer, has been hired to replace Linda as Chapter Coordinator.

Citizen Environmental Suit Bill, AB 528
By Bill Magavern

Sierra Club California, along with colleague groups, is sponsoring a vitally important bill to allow personal enforcement of our state public health and environmental laws. This bill would allow suits against violators when government has not taken action. Assembly Majority Leader Dario Frommer is our very capable author. The bill passed out of Assembly Judiciary Committee on April 26 and next goes to Appropriations Comm on May 11. Opposition will be intense, so please contact your Assembly Member and let him/her know that you want a yes vote on AB 528.

Below is the letter sent by the bill's supporters to the Judiciary Committee.

April 20, 2005

The Honorable Dave Jones
Chair, Assembly Judiciary Committee
1020 N Street, Room 104
Sacramento CA 95814

Dear Assemblyman Jones,

AB 528, the Public Health and Environmental Enforcement Law (PHEEL) of 2005, seeks to fill a dangerous gap in California's environmental and public health protections by providing ordinary Californians the right to personal enforcement. Very few of the state's public health and environmental laws provide for personal enforcement against corporate polluters and other lawbreakers. In recent years public enforcement of environmental laws has suffered from severe budget cutbacks and political attacks.

For example, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2002-03, there were zero (0) criminal penalties issued by Air Resources Board, Integrated Waste Management Board, Department of Pesticides, and the State Water Board. The Department of Fish and Game has lost nearly one-third of their wardens in recent years, and the training academy has been closed due to lack of funding. That department failed to review even a single Timber Harvest Plan in the entire Sierra Nevada last year. The Department of Parks and Recreation has been so underfunded that in many areas, there is only a single Park Ranger to cover areas that are hundreds of square miles in size. And the list goes on and on. However, despite these severe shortcomings, the Administration has proposed a two (2) billion dollar decrease in funding for environmental protection activities for the FY 2005-06 budget. If passed this would be the lowest environmental protection budget since 1998-99.

Decisive action is needed to ensure protection of the health and safety of California's children, families and natural environment. Passage of AB 528 would protect public health and the environment by providing Californians the vital right to personal enforcement.

AB 528 would amend the California Civil Code to grant any person affected by pollution the ability to take legal action to protect public health or the environment through enforcing specific California laws protecting our air, water, land and wildlife. The statute is focused on stopping lawbreakers who can get away with threatening public health because of inadequate public enforcement.

The legislation provides the Attorney General, as the state's lead enforcer, a 60 day right to exclusive enforcement, and the right to intervene in any actions brought by ordinary citizens. AB 528 also grants the AG the right to review all private settlements of personal enforcement actions. Finally, the proposed statute requires that any civil penalties collected are directed to the newly created Public Health and Environmental Enforcement Fund. Funds would be allocated to the state and local government agencies that have the authority to enforce the statute and would require these penalties be used exclusively for environmental enforcement or restoration of the environment in the communities where the violation occurred.

The proposed statute has important built-in mechanisms to preserve the rights of legitimate environmental actions, while protecting against abuse. California has long been a national leader in passing measures to protect the health and safety of our children and families and our natural resources. Sixteen states and the federal government currently have laws allowing personal enforcement of public health and environmental laws. Passage of AB 528 would ensure Californians the right of personal enforcement and would again establish the state as the nation's leader in the pursuit of a clean, safe, and healthy future.”

Funding to Protect Wild Natural Lands
Ask Your Members of Congress to Support Funding to Protect Wild Natural Lands in California

Threatened wild and natural lands in California urgently need funding from Congress to make sure they are permanently protected. In California, two projects—the Goose Creek project, which would become part of the Smith River National Recreation Area, and inholdings within the Carrizo Plain National Monument—are at risk and need your help.

We have a chance, and the mechanism, to preserve some of the most beautiful and vulnerable places here and elsewhere in the country from degradation and development. But Congress must provide monies through the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Forest Legacy program for these specific places to make that happen. Please contact your Members of Congress today and ask them to request a specific funding "earmark" for these critical projects.

Pesticide Makers Liable
Supreme Court Rules That Pesticide Makers Are Liable for Damages

The US Supreme Court has acted to restore a measure of sanity to the world of pesticides and weed-killers. In the 1990s, lawyers for big chemical companies pushed a novel interpretation of the 1972 federal law governing pesticides: By submitting pesticides for approval by the US EPA, they said, companies thereby gained immunity from any future lawsuits over damage caused by the chemicals. Several lower courts fell for it, and in 2001, the Bush administration formally adopted the pro-industry position. But in a ruling on a case involving peanut farmers whose crops were wiped out by a Dow Chemical pesticide called Strongarm, the Supreme Court reversed the lower court rulings and rejected the industry's legal interpretation. In fact, Justice John Paul Stevens' majority opinion called it "particularly dubious," especially in light of the fact that the EPA relies solely on manufacturer-provided information in approving pesticides.

Auto Industry Nears Tipping Point on Clean Cars
35% of Car Buyers Live in Areas Requiring Clean Cars

The New York Times broke a story that the Governor of Oregon will administratively adopt clean car legislation, bringing the percentage of new cars sold in the United States and Canada that must meet the nation's strongest pollution standards to over 35% — pushing the auto industry a big step closer to making all of their cars clean vehicles.

"With Oregon, Washington and Canada signing up for clean cars, we are now approaching the tipping point where automakers will need to make all of their cars clean vehicles," said Dan Becker, Washington Director of the Sierra Club's Global Warming Program. "The automakers will find it financially impossible to make one clean set of cars for ten states and Canada, and a dirty set for the rest."

Oregon's action — which follows in the footsteps on similar clean car rules passed in Washington's legislature and adopted by Canada — would improve Oregon's air quality by requiring vehicles sold in the state to meet tailpipe pollution standards for smog which are more stringent than Federal standards. Under the Clean Air Act, individual states are given the option of following federal tailpipe standards or they can choose to adopt California's stronger standards in order to make greater strides to improve air quality.

"Oregon is the last piece in the West Coast clean car jigsaw puzzle," said Fred Heutte, Energy Coordinator for the Sierra Club's Oregon Chapter. "This is a huge step in cleaning up Oregon's air, protecting the health of our communities, and curbing global warming emissions."

"Washington and Oregon are going up to bat against global warming," said Holly Forrest, Legislative Chair for the Sierra Club's Washington Cascade Chapter. "They hit a home run by adopting standards that will curb global warming emissions, save people money, and protect the health of our families and communities."

State clean car rules generally follow a two step process. The first step adopts California's smog reduction provisions. The second step is the adoption of California's Pavley law — the nation's first tailpipe standards to reduce global warming pollution. Under Oregon law, the governor has the power to administratively implement these rules. These Pavley standards are currently being finalized in California. When that is completed, they will come into effect in Oregon and the other states that have adopted the California standards as well.

Oregon's adoption of these standards will mean that over 35 percent of the vehicles sold in the United States and Canada must meet the strongest pollution standards.

Currently, US auto companies are losing market share and profits to foreign competitors — like Toyota and Honda — that use better technologies and designs. Additionally, as gas prices hit record highs, consumers are shunning gas guzzling pickups and SUVs. The clean car efforts underway in Oregon, Washington, California, the Northeastern states, and Canada could be a boon for automakers — forcing them to make the hot selling hybrids and other clean cars that consumers want.

"Hybrids and other clean car technologies offer US automakers a chance to make a clean break with their gas guzzling past," continued Becker. "If they embrace clean car technology, they can staunch their bleeding market share and begin to rebuild their strength and US jobs."

Reps Allen and Weldon Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Creating Oceans Observing System
House Oceans Caucus bill to enhance “our ability to understand how sea, land, and air are interlinked”

Ocean observing is the essential first step towards improved understanding and sustainable use of US oceans and coastal waters. Natural disasters, port and coastal security, and scientific research and education affect the nearly 150 Million people who live and work in coastal counties throughout the country. US Representatives Tom Allen (D-ME) and Curt Weldon (R-PA), both founding Chairmen of the House Oceans Caucus, introduced legislation (HR 1584) to create an integrated ocean observing, monitoring, and forecasting system which is vital to protection of the 95,000 mile coastline of the United States. The tsunami disaster last December focused worldwide attention on one potential benefit to human health and safety from ocean observing systems. This system will not only collect data relevant to human safety but also for the important information we need to diagnose the health of our ocean ecosystems.

“We need to do a better job of collecting and managing marine information,” said Representative Allen. “We know far more about our atmosphere than we do about our oceans. Observing wind, waves, temperature, currents, chemistry, and other factors will help us to make more accurate predictions. The future of our state, our nation, and our planet depend on our ability to understand how sea, land, and air are interlinked.”

“Summer is just around the corner and many people are traveling to coastal areas for vacations and long weekends, to enjoy our oceans,” said Weldon. “This legislation will ensure the beautiful coastlines visited this season will be safe, healthy, and sustained until next year and the year after that. The creation of a national system, a recommendation of the US Commission on Ocean Policy, will help scientists better understand and improve health, protection, sustainability, and enjoyment of the ocean.”

HR 1584 would create an integrated network of existing ocean and coastal observation systems that would improve the safety and efficiency of marine operations, protect and restore healthy marine ecosystems, and aid the prediction of natural hazards climate change. The bill would also promote collaboration among Federal agencies and private regional associations during the development of the global and national observing systems. Data and information from the system will ensure national security, economic development, and sustainable management of marine resources.

“The groundbreaking Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System or GOMOOS is a prototype for the international network proposed by our legislation,” Representative Allen said. “GOMOOS has proven to be an invaluable source of data useful not just for academic researchers, but for Maine's commercial and sport fishing interests, conservation and recreation advocates and for other economic and public policy uses. The bill Representative Weldon and I have introduced represents a bipartisan recognition that this model holds potential for extraordinary application around the globe.”

Other co-sponsors include: Representatives Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Jay Inslee (D-WV), Sam Farr (D-CA), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jim Moran (D-VA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Ed Case (D-HI), Mike McIntyre (D-NC), Jim McDermott (D-WV), Dale Kildee (D-MI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Thelma Drake (R-VA), Luis Fortuno (Delegate for Puerto Rico), and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC).

Bruce Monroe Recovering From Bad Accident

Bruce Monroe suffered serious injuries when he fell during exercise on April 30. He smashed against a light standard and injured his entire left side from head to foot. The blow to his head caused him to pass out for 20 minutes.

He was in intensive care for several days. On Thursday, May 5, he had an operation to insert a titanium plate in his left cheek to protect his jaw bone.

He is now back at home and recovering well, except for injuries to his left shoulder. We wish him a continued recovery.

Environmental Resolutions Passed by Angeles ExComm
There were no environmental resolutions passed by the Angeles ExComm this time.

The Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, along with Save Open Space and Monte Nido Valley Community Association, opposes the proposed Malibu Valley Inn resort and development and agrees to retain Frank Angel for legal representation including representation as its lawyer in the EIR/project review process by the City of Calabasas, which serves as the CEQA lead agency for the Malibu Valley Inn project.

Background: The Malibu Valley Inn resort is a huge commercial equestrian facility, hotel timeshare, and recreational resort to be built along the Malibu Canyon-Las Virgenes corridor, east of Malibu Canyon, on the north side of Mulholland Highway. It would be a 203 room, 400,000 square foot resort that would include a conference center, signature restaurant, horse arena, day spa, winery and timeshare resort. The proposed resort is located across from the newly acquired 588-acre Soka Parkland. California State Parks and the National Park Service (SMMNRA) have criticized this proposed resort in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains because it would overshadow and impact the plans for Soka's (King Gillette Ranch) public visitor center, park headquarters, and gateway to the area's scenic parkland of the SMMNRA. The resort would be large and dense, causing congestion on park trails and scenic canyon roads and overtaxing park resources for the benefit of guests of Malibu Valley Inn.

Arguments for and against deleted from the web version.

Mary Ann Webster, Conservation Chair, WLA Group

Proposed Resolution
NFL Franchise in Pasadena's Rose Bowl — Pasadena Group

The Conservation Committee of the Angeles Chapter recommends that the Chapter Executive Committee adopt a resolution opposing a potential National Football League franchise at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena's Arroyo Seco.

Background: The Rose Bowl is one of four contenders for an NFL franchise in the Los Angeles area, which has not had an NFL team since 1995. (The other potential sites are Anaheim, Carson and the Coliseum). Under the NFL proposal, the historic Rose Bowl would be rebuilt to provide suites and improved seating, a smaller seating capacity, game store and other amenities, at an estimated cost of $400 million. An EIR this spring analyzed the impacts on recreation, trees, traffic, air quality, noise and other factors. The public comment period ended March 21, 2005. NFL team owners are to meet May 24-25, and might choose at that time among the four contenders. If the Rose Bowl is selected, and if the NFL and the City of Pasadena agree on terms, the final decision would be up to the Pasadena City Council, which took up the issue on May 9.

Arguments for and against deleted from the web version

Orange County Special Events

MAY 14-15, SAT-SUN. Trail Maintenance/Camping: San Mateo Canyon Trail: Join Santa Ana Mountains TF, Orange County Group and Sierra Sage for the 29th Annual “Backpack / Swim / Gourmet Trail Maintenance” outing in the San Mateo Wilderness. Sat morning, backpack 4 mi, 350’ gain/900’ loss to campsite near scenic San Mateo Creek. Equestrian assist with gear will make for light packs. Sat afternoon & Sun morning work on San Mateo Cyn Trail below campsite. Tools provided. Rain cancels. For details and reservation, send email or SASE with address/phone to Co-Ldr/Reserv: John Kaiser. Ldrs: Denny Bean, Bruce Boydston. Contact John Kaiser, jkai39@earthlink.net (714) 968-4677.

MAY 22, SUN, 8:50 am. Government Official Hike with California Attorney General Bill Lockyer: POSTPONED!

Contact Garen Yegparian (818) 563-3918.

MAY 22, SUN, 2:00 pm. Confronting LNG & Championing Renewable Energy. Powerplay: Energizing our Future for a Million Tomorrows. Warner Grand Theater, San Pedro, CA. Featuring special guests: Dr. Helen Caldicott, Capt. Paul Watson, and Loretta Lynch, former CA Public Utilities Commissions. Tickets available at www.warnergrand.com. For information: (562) 494-2889 or visit the web at www.milliontomorrows.org

MAY 24, TUE, 7:00 pm. Sierra Sage Program: The Best Places to Hike in Orange County presented by Mike Sappingfield. Universal/Unitarian Church, 25801 Obrero, Mission Viejo. Corner of Obrero and Jeronimo. Refreshments/Free. Contact Mike Sappingfield (949) 768-3610. Website: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/sage/

JUL 23-24, SAT-SUN Channel Islands National Park & Marine Sanctuary Cruise — Wildlife & Watersports. July is the perfect time to enjoy wildlife, hike, swim, snorkel, and kayak all on the same weekend. The islands will be alive with curious sea lions, seals, as well as dolphins and numerous species of birds. Snorkelers will delight in the pristine waters of the marine sanctuary surrounding these islands, and photographers will especially enjoy the “magic hours.” The cruise departs on the 65’ twin diesel Truth from Santa Barbara. Guests are encouraged to board the boat on Friday evening, July 22, to prepare for an early Saturday departure. The cruise is strictly informal. Each guest will have an assigned bunk equipped with a privacy curtain and a reading light. The cost, $350, includes bunk, sumptuous meals, snacks, and guide. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support Sierra Club’s political programs. To reserve space, send a check for $100 (payable "Sierra Club") to leaders, Joan Jones Holtz & Don Holtz, 11826 The Wye St, El Monte CA 91732. For more information, call Joan or Don (626) 443-0706 or email jholtzhln@aol.com; or call Gail Prothero (949) 347-1255 or e-mail gprothero@cox.net.

JUL 26, TUE, 7:00 pm. Sierra Sage Program: The Forest Service Management Plan, presented by Paul Carlton. Universal/Unitarian Church, 25801 Obrero, Mission Viejo. Corner of Obrero and Jeronimo. Refreshments/Free. Contact Mike Sappingfield (949) 768-3610. Website: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/sage/

AUG 26-30. Whales, Pinnipeds & Wildflowers: Island Hopping in Channel Islands National Park ($775). Here is your chance to join us in a visit to all five islands of Channel Islands National Park. This 5-day, 5-island trip departs from Santa Barbara on the 65’ twin diesel Truth early Friday morning, August 26, returning Tuesday afternoon, August 30. All participants are encouraged to board the boat Thursday, August 25 to facilitate an early Friday morning departure. Each island is unique and offers its own special charm. San Miguel for its white, sandy beaches & huge congregation of elephant seals; Santa Rosa for its rare Torrey Pines forest; Santa Cruz for high mountains, deep valleys & the famous Painted Cave; Anacapa for the west coast brown pelican rookery, steep cliffs, a picturesque lighthouse, and excellent snorkeling waters; tiny, but pristine, Santa Barbara Island for rocky shores home to a colony of friendly sea lions and a rolling grassy landscape shelter for a plethora of sea and land birds. All islands have rugged shorelines, dotted with sea caves, & inhabited by an abundance of wildlife. This cruise will be strictly informal. Each guest will be assigned a bunk with reading light and privacy curtains. The price, $775, includes sumptuous meals, snacks, and guided tours. A park ranger will travel with us to lead hikes & to help identify the dolphin, whales, sea lions, seals & numerous species of bird & plant life. Other activities may include kayaking, snorkeling, beachcombing, or just relaxing at sea. Proceeds will benefit the chapter political committees. To make a reservation, send a check for $100 (payable Sierra Club) and SASE to leader Joan Holtz, 11826 The Wye St, El Monte CA 91732. For more information, call Joan or Don (626) 443-0706, or e-mail jholtzhln@aol.com.

SEP 8-11, THU-SUN. Sierra Summit 2005: Sierra Club National Environmental Convention and Exposition. San Francisco Moscone Center. Three days of personal inspiration, networking, top flight speakers — including Robert Kennedy, Jr and Ariana Huffington — 60+ workshops, star-studded entertainment. Website: www.sierrasummit2005.org

SEP 15-18 THU-SUN Channels Islands National Park & Marine Sanctuary Cruise — Wildlife, Hiking, Watersports. This 4-day, 4-island fundraising cruise will visit San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa Islands aboard the 65’ twin diesel Truth, departing from Santa Barbara. Guests are encouraged to board the boats on Wednesday evening, September 14, to prepare for an early Thursday morning departure, returning Sunday afternoon about 5:00 pm. A ranger/naturalist will travel with us to lead hikes and to point out wildlife and wildflowers. Snorkelers will marvel at the diversity of life inhabiting the pristine waters of the Marine Sanctuary. Kayakers welcome. Photographers will especially enjoy the “magic hours.” The cruise is strictly informal. Each guest will have an assigned bunk equipped with a privacy curtain and a reading light. The cost, $650, includes bunk, sumptuous meals and snacks, & guide. Proceeds will benefit Sierra Club’s political programs. To reserve space, send a check for $100 (payable Sierra Club), to Joan Jones Holtz, 11826 The Wye St, El Monte CA 91732. For more information, call or e-mail Joan, (626) 443-0706; jholtzhln@aol.com; or Gail Prothero, (949) 347-1255; gprothero@cox.net.

SEP 16, FRI The 2nd Annual Indigenous Peoples Festival and Mexican Independence Day Celebration.
San Juan Capistrano. Details TBA. Contact Rebecca Robles at rrobles5@cox.net

SEP 17, SAT The 21st Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day 2005 & 9th Annual Inner-Coastal Watershed Cleanup Day

SEP 18, SUN Sierra Sale Fall Fundraiser (Details later).

SEP 22, THU, 7:15 pm OC Political Committee Meeting/South County/TBA

SEP 24, SAT. The Great Earth Walk: A fundraiser that brings together environmental groups from OC and LA to hike/walk and educate the public about the wild places we are working to protect. Participating groups include Earth Resource Foundation (host), Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment, Hills For Everyone, Bolsa Chica Land Trust, Earth Spirit Agape, Sea Shepards Conservation Society, Journey to the Heart, and Tree People. Hikes will take place at Banning Ranch in Costa Mesa (Banning Ranch TF); San Juan Loop in the Cleveland National Forest (Sierra Sage Group); 5 different sites with Hills For Everyone: Arroyo Pescadero in Whittier, Powder Canyon in La Habra Heights, Rim Crest in Yorba Linda, Coal Canyon in Anaheim Hills, Aliso Canyon in Chino Hills State Park (Chino Hills); Crystal Cove (Earth Resource & OCICE); Bolsa Chica (Bolsa Chica Land Trust). Other hikes to be announced. www.greatearthwalk.org

SEP 27, TUE, 7:00 pm. Sierra Sage Program: Forest Management Plan Update, presented by Paul Carlton, SAMTF. Universal/Unitarian Church, 25801 Obrero, Mission Viejo. Corner of Obrero and Jeronimo. Refreshments/Free. Contact Mike Sappingfield (949)768-3610. Website: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/sage/

OCT 27 THU, 7:15 pm. OC Political Committee Meeting/North County at Alex Mintzer's
NOV 17 THU, 7:15 pm. OC Political Committee Meeting/South County at TBA
DEC 22 THU, 7:15 pm. OC Political Committee Meeting/North County at Alex Mintzer's Election of 2006 Officers.

Angeles Chapter Conservation Management Committee
Gordon LaBedz/Chair (562) 494-6368, Bonnie Sharpe/Vice Chair/Grants Chair
Jay Matchett/Treasurer, Al Sattler/Secretary, Robin Ives/Newsletter
Marcia Hanscom, Faramarz Nabavi, Dean Wallraff
Lori Ives, Publisher/Webmaster/Circulation (non-voting)
Johanna Zetterberg and Rachel Myers/Conservation Coordinators (non-voting)

Angeles Chapter Grants Committee
consists of the voting members of the Conservation Management Committee plus Judy Anderson and Rudy Vietmeier.

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

AGENDA — Wednesday, May 18, 2005

7:30 Introductions
7:40 Approval of agenda
7:45 Chapter and Conservation Staffing Considerations

8:00 Restructuring Conservation Committee meetings

8:20 Joint meeting of Political and Conservation Committees (August 2005)

8:30 Update on Sierra Summit (September 2005)

8:35 Conservation Resolutions:
        A. Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
        B. Malibu Valley Inn Resort (WLA)

9:00 Short notice grants requests
        A. Emerald Necklace Bus Tour
        B. Morro Bay National Estuary

9:30 Chapter Convention Delegates

9:45 Adjourn    Next meeting: June 15

Orange County Conservation Committee

Dave Perlman/Chair    Rachel Myers/Conservation Coord (non-voting) http://angeles.sierraclub.org/ocosc/
LOCATION: Inn at the Park, 10 Marquette, Irvine. Take the 405 to Culver and go west towards the beach. Follow Culver past Michelson and University and turn right on Harvard. Take Harvard to Marquette and turn right. It's on the corner of Harvard and Marquette on the right hand side.

The meeting for May 17, 2005 is cancelled.  Next Meeting: June 21