Southern Sierran
Newsletter of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter
September 2019
Words of the Wild
By building and mobilizing the next generation of environmental stewards, we can achieve our goal of a National Recreation Area in the San Gabriels and help the next generation achieve a sustainable world that is free of carbon emissions in addition to supporting 100% green renewable energy.
Yes, There is a Climate Emergency! (And Here is What You Can Do)
By Richard Rollins, Rebecca Franke, and Jim Stewart
You can make a big difference in the climate by pushing your city and county on Climate Action.California’s goal is net-zero emissions by 2045. California’s municipalities, all 482, can be the leading edge of an effort to rise up and act immediately, even in the face of denial and backtracking by some national elected leaders.
Many California cities and counties are declaring Climate Emergencies and have begun to act. You can make a big difference by talking to your Councilmember and Supervisor and showing up at meetings.
To help cities act, the Sierra Club California Energy Committee has started a “toolbox” of actions that cities and local agencies have undertaken to accelerate efforts to knock down GHG emissions. To help stimulate local action, look at the Energy Committee’s toolbox show up at Council meetings, attend the California Conservation Committee Statewide.
Raise Your Hands for L.A.'s Kids
By Sybil Azur (Photo by Mike Coeyman)
We must fulfill our greatest charge as parents, educators, community members, and leaders, to do everything in our power to ensure a livable future for our children. This, Angelenos, is a call to action like no other. The whole world is on the front-line and under-served neighborhoods are bearing the brunt of our unsustainable development and consumption.
That’s why we at Climate Reality Los Angeles in partnership with Sierra Club Climate Parents have formed 100% Green Schools L.A., a coalition of concerned citizens across L.A. who are urging the Los Angeles Unified School District to transition to 100% clean, renewable energy by 2030, and away from natural gas by 2040. LAUSD holds the largest amount of real estate in the city, making it the largest energy consumer in Los Angeles.
Join us as we raise our voices to call the LAUSD Board of Education to the table to make good on their mandate to serve L.A.’s children and plan for their future. Let your Board Member know you want them to lead on climate!
[Header photo: Rabbitbrush flowers at Inspiration Point along the Angeles Crest Highway, © Bob Cates, all rights reserved]
LA County Sustainability Plan
By Helen Graham (Photo by John Nilsson)
Share the good news! Last month, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unveiled its first-ever sustainability plan, a bold regional outline that envisions a future with pressing environmental and equity-based issues in mind. Proposed with the help of researchers, engineers, and consultants, the plan asserts twelve connected goals that the county will be required to meet over the coming years.
One goal, for example, gears toward a fossil fuel-less Los Angeles by expressing a clear commitment to eliminating all fossil fuel production within the region. This falls in line perfectly with the Sierra Club’s Ready For 100 and Beyond Coal campaigns, and also matches much of the work our very own Clean Break Team has been fighting for locally.
However, this plan can only map so well without the support of environmentally-conscious Angelenos like you! Visit the plan’s sleek website to read about the plan and to stay updated on all things implementation, and spread the good news with their easy-to-use social media toolkit!
The Road to Clean Transportation
By Krystal Ruiz
It is not news that the climate of our home planet has been changing with temperatures rising significantly, especially in the last few decades. Increased greenhouse gases have already caused the ocean to warm, snow and ice to diminish, the sea level to rise, and weather to become more extreme.
Today, transportation is the largest source of damaging greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., poisoning our air, water, and land. Although other factors such as agriculture and industry also contribute to greenhouse gases, transportation takes the lead on emissions with a staggering 41%.
The future of clean transportation is upon us and the solutions are becoming more affordable and accessible to metropolitan communities.Do your part to help lower greenhouse gas emissions and consider your future transportation options.
[Header photo: Meanderthals hike up the Devil’s Backbone Trail, © Bob Cates, all rights reserved]
HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN
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 through the Inside Passage. More info and RSVP Here
DENALI - THE LAST FRONTIER IX
MAY. 22 - 30, 2020
You can extend your Voyage Alaska Cruise (May 15-22, 2020) or meet us in Anchorage. Experience the Call of the Wild on a seven night/eight day fully escorted charter coach trip from Anchorage to Talkeetna, Denali National Park and back to Anchorage for a fun slice of urban life, Alaska style. More info and RSVP Here
CANADIAN ROCKIES NATIONAL PARKS AND FIREWORKS
AUGUST. 22 - 30, 2020
Join us for a grand tour of four National Parks in the Canadian Rockies, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho on our expanded trip with eight nights in Canada. On the last night, you will see the Fireworks Finale of the Calgary Globalfest 2020 International Fireworks. More info and RSVP Here
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Endangered Species Act Defense Virtual Townhall | September 5, 2019
We’re fighting the Department of Interior in court -- now we need your help to fight these attacks on wildlife all across the country. Register here
Reducing your Transportation Footprint | September 14, 2019
Did you know that transportation is now the largest source of carbon emissions in the United States? Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a low carbon alternative to gasoline powered vehicles. Bring your family and join us at this years National Drive Electric event. Test drive an electric vehicle and learn about EV incentive programs. RSVP & Details
Climate Strike | September 20, 2019
This September 20th people across the world will walk out of their schools and workplaces to join the youth climate strikers in the streets. Details
Coastal Cleanup Day at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Base Site | September 21, 2019
Please come join us! Together we'll make a big dent in removing trash and debris from one of the major inlets to Santa Monica Bay -- Ballona Creek. Details
Santa Ana River Marsh Cleanup | September 21, 2019
Join us as we partner with other local grassroots environmental groups and the Army Corp of Engineers to remove trash from the Santa Ana River Marsh as part of the California Coastal Clean-up Day. Details
How To Do CEQA in LA Workshop Part II | October 19, 2019
Please join us for this continuation in understanding the California Environmental Quality Act. RSVP & Details
Net Zero 2019 | October 2 - 4, 2019
Registration is now open for NZ19, the world's largest net zero building conference and expo. Join experts in energy, water, waste, transit, policy, engineering, architecture, utilities, government, and sustainable design. Get your Ticket and Learn More
Angeles Chapter Awards Nominations | Due November 1, 2019
Everyone loves an award and now is the time to take a look around for that special person who volunteers tirelessly in service to the Club through conservation, outings, activism, advocacy and leadership. Details
Moonlight Hike - Discover LA Waterfront | November 15, 2019
Easy 1-2 mile non-traditional tourist walk (minimal elevation gain) exploration of a truly unique slice of Los Angeles, where the past meets the present at the doorstep of America's largest trade gateway. RSVP & Details
Mammoth Eastern Sierra Bus Trip | September 12 - September 15, 2019
Join us for three days of hiking in the spectacular Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, land of towering pines, pristine alpine lakes, and on the last day visiting Manzanar and Fossil Falls. RSVP & Details
For more trips view our Featured Outings
Looking for more adventures, outings and events? Check out our Schedule of Activities or 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.
[Header photo: Autumn colors of buckwheat and bunchgrass on Pinyon Ridge, © Bob Cates, all rights reserved]
