July 2019 Issue
Date: 07/2019
Cover Story: Cadiz Inc Paying the Three Valleys Water District to Conduct "Independent" Research on Impacts of the Cadiz Water Project
Body:
Looking for activists to attend the Three Valleys Board meeting and email their Three Valleys Board members to hold them accountable for their decisions and ask them to stop their Cadiz-funded research designed to gain greater public confidence for a project the Sierra Club opposes.
The Water Issue
Introducing the Water Committee
The Sierra Club Angeles Chapter's Water Committee was reinstated in 2008 to address water conservation and the use of water for beneficial purposes. Since then we have worked on many water issues across Los Angeles and Orange County, including some Statewide water issues such as opposing Cadiz, the Twin Tunnels and mounting a successful "No" on Proposition 3 campaign. Locally we have worked on defeating the Poseidon Ocean Desalination Plant planned for Huntington Beach (ongoing), advocating for clean water and more water conservation incentives from local water agencies, commenting on local water projects, and always keeping an eye on what our water agencies are up to. We have advocated and pushed for funding for groundwater clean-up in the San Fernando Valley, funding for the Water Replenishment District to move to 100% recycled water for groundwater replenishment.
We still have much work to do and we do hope you'll join us. The Water Committee meets at the Chapter offices at 7 PM on the 4th Thursday of every month except during November and December when we meet on pre-arranged alternate days. See what we're up to here. You can also contact Charming Evelyn our Water Committee Chair.
Photo: Drought tolerant Garden at LA City Hall advocated for & planted by Water Committee Members
Cadiz Inc Paying the Three Valleys Water District to Conduct "Independent" Research on Cadiz Water Mining Project
Through an intermediary Cadiz Inc is funding a Pomona Valley Water District up to $1,078,000 to research the impacts of the Cadiz water mining project on the Mojave Desert. The initial study overseen by the Three Valleys Municipal Water District costing $100,000 was released in March with a follow-up $200,000 "Phase I" study announced in June. Such research is extremely unusual for a water district to conduct, especially with the funding coming from the corporation whose project is under review. The district serves the cities of Claremont, Pomona, La Verne, Glendora and Covina. Three Valleys is one of a handful of water agencies that have signed a preliminary agreement with Cadiz to purchase water.
Cadiz hopes to extract 16 billion gallons of water a year from underneath to Mojave Trails National Monument near Joshua Tree National Park, killing off springs on which desert life depends. Cadiz faces mounting evidence of the harm the project would do from recent scientific studies, the United States Geological Survey, and the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife.
We need activists to attend the Three Valleys Board meeting and email their Three Valleys Board members to hold them accountable for their decisions and ask them to stop their Cadiz-funded research designed to gain greater public confidence for a project the Sierra Club opposes.
[Background photo: Diamond Valley Lake © Bob Cates, all rights reserved]
Are We Really Out of the Drought?
Southern California received above average rainfall this winter and spring season, nearly 18 inches in Los Angeles and 16 inches in Orange County. In the last 6 of the 9 years, our Southern California cities have received below average rainfall necessary to refill the groundwater basin back to normal levels. If we continue having a few more years of above average rainfall as we did in 2019, our groundwater basin will be in much better shape to help us deal with another potential drought.
Water conservation advocates continue encouraging residents to be aware of their water usage and maintain more efficient watering practices. Conservation does not stop with ONE good rainy season!
Here are some helpful tips on things you can do this summer to improve water use efficiency in your home that can help you save money and as well help replenish our underground aquifers.
Click on image to view larger.
Energy: Draining Water and Wallets Since the Industrial Revolution
We all know enough about carbon footprints. Higher consumption of energy and resources equals a larger carbon footprint. Simple enough right? But our carbon footprints only address the byproduct of our energy consumption without considering what largely goes into producing energy: water. Water, though seemingly plentiful and limitless from the tap, is a relatively scarce resource. Water that is fresh and readily available is left to a mere 0.007 percent of all water on earth.
Have you ever thought about needing water to turn on your lights? Power plants need water, on a scale much larger than our homes. Many plants generate electricity by simply turning a turbine, doing so with running water or steam, traditionally heated with fossil fuels. The more electricity we demand the bigger these operations grow, then more water is needed to not only procure and refine more substances but also for more cleaning and maintenance.
The large consumption of electricity in our homes comes in the form of heating, air conditioning, and lighting. Just getting the water for your showers to you in Southern California requires additional energy equivalent to around a third of a household's average electricity use.
So what can we do? We can start by making informed and smarter energy decisions. Take a shorter shower or turn off those unused lights, Mother Earth and your wallet will thank you.
[Background photo: Diamond Valley Lake © Bob Cates, all rights reserved]
Did You Know that Graywater is Legal in the State of CA?
Graywater is water from showers, tubs, bathroom sinks, and clothes washers - not including sewage - and it is an ideal resource for reuse.
Landscaping irrigation accounts for up to 70% of total water urban use, particularly in warmer inland areas. Fortunately, graywater is ideal for irrigating landscaping, and can make good use of the 60% of indoor waters appropriate for graywater reuse.
For outdoor use, graywater requires no treatment, and the laundry-to-landscape systems are simple, inexpensive and to install and do not require a permit.
Homes, institutions, and businesses produce a steady stream of graywater year round. It is estimated that 37 gallons of graywater per person per day are available in Southern California's urban area. Even if only 10% of households had graywater systems, the reduction in water use could equal the output of an entire desalination plant. In the Los Angeles area, graywater reuse capacity could range from 50 to 165 million gallons per day.
Graywater is an abundant, safe and reliable local water source.
Introducing Louise Fleming as the New Volunteer Coordinator
We are pleased to announce that we are launching a new volunteer program, and Louise will be filling the newly-created position of Volunteer Coordinator. This position will support our Conservation Program's campaigns throughout the Chapter, in a concerted effort to manage new volunteers who have contacted the Angeles Chapter expressing a desire to volunteer their time in helping us to accomplish our environmental goals.
Louise has been a Front Desk Receptionist volunteer for the Angeles Chapter since August 2015, assisting our members, leaders, and the general public with various inquiries. She has also been active doing outreach activities with our environmental partners in Long Beach and Torrance. More recently, she has been supporting our Chapter Leaders with updating and modifying content on our website, scheduling events, and with maintaining membership account records and other Salesforce activities.
[Background photo: Diamond Valley Lake © Bob Cates, all rights reserved]
HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN (Replacing the Cuba trip due to ban)
NOV. 15 - 23, 2019
There's no better way to explore the Caribbean than with the Angeles Chapter Travel Adventurers aboard the Royal Caribbean Empress of the Seas. We set sail from Miami: going to Key West, Florida, Cozumel, and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico and Grand Cayman! There will be three days at sea and disembark in Miami. More info and RSVP Here
VOYAGE ALASKA ON THE WILD
MAY. 15 - 22, 2020
Travel with your Sierra Club friends to see the "wilder" side of Alaska! Come cruise aboard the Radiance of the Seas from Vancouver, B.C. to Seward, AK. Sailing though the Insinde Passage. More info and RSVP Here
California Sellers of Travel # CST 2087766-40
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Elisa Kotin's "Traveling the World Solo" July 9, 2019
As an expert traveling to over 80 countries across all 7 continents, Elisa Kotin from The World Traveled, will be speaking on solo adventures and safety while traveling the globe. Sign up and Details
Upper Arroyo. July 13, 2019
Enjoy hiking in the beautiful and historic Arroyo Seco. We'll start at the bottom of the Rose Bowl Loop and turn around just before Devils Gate Dam and hike back. Public transit accessible. Sign up and Details
James Dilley Preserve Family Walk. July 21, 2019
Join us for a 3-mile level walk from the James Dilley Parking Area to Barbara Lake, the Nix Nature Center and return. We expect to see wild flowers, birds, and the only natural lake in Orange County. Sign up and Details
PAC 2020: Countdown To a Green Future. August 11, 2019
Help keep California Green! This is the premiere fundraising event for the Sierra Club's political activities In Los Angeles and Orange County and we need your donation to support environmentally friendly candidates at the local and state level. Our Sierra Club Political Leadership award will be given to outstanding political leaders from Los Angeles and Orange Counties along with the Inland Empire. Get Your Ticket and Learn More
Whiting Ranch, Serrano Cow Trail. August 18, 2019
Join us for a 3-mile easy hike from the Glenn Ranch Parking Lot, Whiting Ranch County Wilderness Park. We expect to see wild flowers, birds, perhaps deer and other wild critters and lots of stately Oak Trees. This is one of the most beautiful walks in Orange County. Contact Mike Sappingfield, 949-633-6993 or email him at mikesapp@cox.net
Harwood Lodge Fall Festival. September 21 - 22, 2019
Enjoy clear mountain air, hiking, music, relaxation, blue skies and beautiful mountain views and celebrate the beginning of Fall at Harwood Lodge. RSVP & Details
Outings Management Committee Annual Outings Assembly October 19, 2019
Join our Annual Chapter gathering for Outings Chairs, Leaders and members. Presentations from Safety, Outings Management and Leadership Training committees bringing us up to date on all the latest developments affecting our outings program. RSVP & Details
Leadership Training Program (LTP) Seminar. October 5, 2019
Offered just twice a year! Come learn all about the best leadership practices of our outings program. This all-day event covers group management, our ratings system, rules of conduct, safety and much more, from presentations, breakout groups and scenarios. RSVP & Details
Looking for more adventures, outings and events? Check out our Schedule of Activities for the full list.
Donate Your Vehicle Online or call us at 844-6-SIERRA or 844-674-3772. Specify that you support the Angeles Chapter. We will tow your vehicle at no cost to you. Get a tax-deductible receipt and help our cause. We accept all types of vehicles.
