Sprawl-Ridden L.A. Cleans Up Its Act - or At Least Acts Like It's Cleaning Up

Undoing poor planning and fixing urban environmental problems is going to cost local taxpayers billions of dollars. Or it could pay for itself.

James C. Lesperance, former longtime leader in the Angeles Chapter Basic Mountaineering Course, died Jan. 20 following an extended battle with cancer.

Born in Chicago, Ill., Lesperance graduated from the University of Illinois and CSU Los Angeles. Lesperance was a long-time resident of Arcadia and Mammoth Lakes, Calif. and was very active in the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a Group Leader for the Sierra Club's Basic Mountaineering Training Program in the San Gabriel Valley for nearly 20 years.

Interim Editor, Southern Sierran

In September 2005, biologists from the U.S. Geological Survey found 11 endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs in City Creek in San Bernardino County. The species had disappeared from the area more than two years earlier.

Photo courtesy Adam Backlin, U.S. Geological Survey

Conservation Program Coordinator

As spring arrives, members enjoying their explorations may notice that wild species are also more abundant. In Southern California, there are several common wildlife species we should be aware of during excursions.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are the only venomous reptiles native to California. They can be recognized by their broad heads, light colored bodies with brown blotches and the notorious rattle bringing up the rear. Younger rattlesnakes may have a button, rather than a full rattle.