Southern Sierran
Newsletter of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter
October 2019
Latest Updates on Wildlife
By Jim Hines
We re pleased to share some of our wins for wildlife in the past few weeks. We have been walking the halls of the state capitol of California and Nevada, speaking at public hearings, holding public rallies and giving tours of wildlife areas we would like protected to various decision makers.
Tell Newsom to Stand for California and Sign SB1 into Law
By Angelica Gonzalez (Photo by alexandrumagurean/iStock)
A couple of weeks ago, the California Legislature took bold action to uphold this promise by passing SB 1, which would ensure that California maintains the Federal standards under the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act as they existed prior to the day Drumpf took office.
Governor Newsom is threatening to veto the bill siding with private water interests and the Drumpf administration. With a President that has taken strides to dismantle common sense protections for our environment and public health, it falls to states like California to defend our clean air, water, and communities.
We need your help to remind Governor Newsom of his promise to lead California in its fight against the unsound decisions coming out of the White House. Help us fight to keep our endangered and protected flora, fauna and other species relevant in Southern California for generations to come.
Help Us Save Glendora's Foothills
By Jeff Michelsen (Photo by Jeff Michelsen)
The City of Glendora refers to itself as the “Pride of the Foothills.” Unfortunately, there is a threat to the foothills that frame of the northern edge of the community—a proposal to allow nineteen large homes of 5,000 square feet or more on a ridge that forms the back-drop to the city.
This development would destroy what little open space still remains in the foothills. There are a number of wildlife living on the preserve that depend on the open space for survival. Allowing this to happen would destroy a potential area of recreation for local residents and damage the living space for three protected species of plants and animals.
If you would like to get involved and help protect the preservation of the Gordon-Mull property in Glendora by keeping it an open space rather than a housing development, please contact Joan Licari at jlicari2013@gmail.com .
Just Compensation
By Anna Christensen (Photo by Ann Catrell)
Just Compensation in 2017, a resident saw that the tall palms along Marina Drive in Long Beach, nesting sites for the Alamitos Bay Great Blue Heron (GBH) Colony, were being cut down. His call to the Coastal Commission began a struggle by community members to protect the palms and GBHs which continues to this day. While we Stopped the Chop, it is heartbreaking that active GBH nests and nesting sites have been destroyed or abandoned -- a violation of the law.
The Los Cerritos Wetlands Task Force (LCWTF) supports the Coastal Commission’s demand for compensation. We propose that the city establish nesting sites for GBHs in the Los Cerritos Wetlands, that the over-trimming of palms in the Marina which has reduced surveyed GBH nests from 100 to 0 in a decade be halted, and that policies protecting local GBHs and shorebirds be strengthened.
The LCWTF opposes plans to massively expand industrial, retail and residential development adjacent to the LC Wetlands and Alamitos Bay which threaten the homes and health of all residents (plant, animal, mineral, and vegetable). To contact the LCW Task Force, email achris259@yahoo.com.
[Header photo: Rabbitbrush flowers at Inspiration Point along the Angeles Crest Highway, © Bob Cates, all rights reserved]
A Bright Spot in Congress for California’s Public Lands
By Jordan Giaconia
Public lands are immensely important, not only for humans to explore and enjoy, but for wild flora and fauna to thrive. California hosts some of the nation’s most precious resources and a lengthy list of wonderful species.
Today, Californians are pushing to improve the land by protecting, restoring and safeguarding natural areas all across the state. A number of protection acts, such as the Coastal Heritage Protection Act, San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act and the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act are in development to preserve the future of these iconic destinations for recreation.
By connecting people to our public lands, we can paint a brighter future for California's communities, lands, water, and wildlife. Remember: without this amazing wildlife, the great outdoors would not be so great!
[Header photo: Wildflowers, © Bob Wick, all rights reserved]
Volunteer Spotlight - Karen Buehler
By Krystal Ruiz
As a volunteer led and run organization, volunteers are at the core of every aspect of our Chapter. Among our volunteers are leaders like Karen Buehler, you may have seen her on the trail from time to time. Or maybe you’ve read about her backpacking experience on the Sierra Club’s website.
Either way, it’s possible that you may have crossed paths with Karen Buehler at some point in Southern California.
Today, Karen Buehler is known as an avid hiker, backpacker and leader, often working with the Sierra Club and Wilderness Training Committee (WTC).
The California Deal: Making it Stronger and Greener for Everyone
Sierra Club California will host its annual summit in a new one-day format in Pasadena on Saturday, October 26. This year’s theme is The California Deal.
California has been a national leader in cutting climate pollution and innovating environmental policy. How can we do even better going forward and ensure the state creates a fair and just transition to good paying jobs while we all gain access to clean air, clean water and sustainable transportation options.
Leading California activists and policy experts will guide discussions on improving the California Deal as the Green New Deal gains momentum nationally. Don’t miss this reboot of Sierra Club California’s annual summit.
Seating is limited! Register early
Where: Pasadena City College - Creveling Lounge
When: October 26 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: $20 in advance; $30 at the door
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
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]
