page 11 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran

FRIDAY, APRIL 18TH, 2003, 7:30 PMSOUTH AFRICA AND VICTORIA FALLS.Victoria Falls, seasonably the largest waterfall onthe planet, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders ofthe World and divides Zimbabwe from Zambia insouthern Africa. Mist rising from its 100-meterplunge can be seen from miles away. Tonightsslide show will present the magnificent Falls andthe abundant wildlife in the surrounding region ofZimbabwe. Accompany a group on safari in searchof the Big 5 near Kruger National Park in SouthAfrica. Enjoy the feeling of being completely sur-rounded by 600 mean-looking Cape Buffalo justbefore nightfall.

Via the slides, visit a museum inCapetown, South Africa, that memorializes District6, a vibrant community of 60,000 non-whites thatwas bulldozed during Apartheid. Gain inspirationwhen viewing the Black residents of the oldestTownship in South Africa who are currently gain-ing post-Apartheid dignity and prosperitythrough, of all things, their active recycling center.

Reena Deutsch, Ph.D., was invited tospeak at a conference in South Africa and had lim-

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in theworld, and the most distant large landmass relativeto San Diegos position on the globe. The 1000-mile-long island, off the east coast of Africa, issometimes referred to as the Eighth Continentfor its marvelously diverse flora and faunasome

THE CHAPTERS MONTHLY PROGRAMS FOR MARCH & APRIL ARE FRIDAY, MARCH. 21, & FRIDAY, APRIL 18.THEY ARE AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOOS OTTO CENTER, LOCATED OUTSIDE THE ZOO, 100 METERS TO THE LEFT

OF THE ENTRANCE. PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. MANNY KUGLER IS PROGRAM CHAIRMonthly Programs

ited expectations and informationabout the region prior to her trip.She found the experience powerfuland exciting and will share herobservations about the wonderfulpeople, fabulous places, and dis-turbing politics in South Africa andZimbabwe. Dr. Deutsch is a volun-teer outings leader for the SierraClub and other organizations, aninstructor in the Sierra Clubs

80 percent of which is endemic tothe island (found nowhere else butin Madagascar).

In June 2001, local hikerand outdoor writer Jerry Schad vis-ited Madagascar for two weeks, see-ing the capital (the crowded metrop-olis of Antananarivo, population 4million), touring natural habitatsranging from tropical jungle tospiny desert, and viewing and pho-tographing the first total solareclipse of the current millennium.

An accomplished photog-rapher of Natures beauty, both onEarth and in the sky, Mr. Schadexposed approximately 20 rolls offilm during his trip. The result, dis-tilled into a 50-minute slide presen-tation, will be presented Friday,March 21 at the Sierra Club SanDiego Chapter monthly meeting atOtto Center outside the San DiegoZoo.

Come see wildlife rangingfrom hyperactive lemurs to languidchameleons, and flora ranging fromperfectly symmetrical traveler

PHOTO BY JERRY SCHAD

Mad about Madagascar! a slideshowby Jerry Schad, will be held in theAuditorium of the San Diego Zoos OttoEducation Center on Friday, March 21stat 7:30pm.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2003, 7:30 PMMAD ABOUT MADAGASCAR!

palms to ungainly baobab trees.Admire the Malagasy people ofthe island, who trace their ances-try more from Indonesia andMalaysia than from nearby Africa.Finally, enjoy the finale of thesolar eclipse itselfcomplete witha shot of the diamond-ring sunand its reflected glow in theIndian Ocean.

Wilderness Basics Course, and shelast presented a slide show for theSierra Club two years ago aboutThe Impossible Railroadthrough Carrizo Gorge.South Africa and Victoria Falls, a lec-ture/slideshow to be presented by ReenaDeutsch at the Auditorium of the SanDiego Zoos Otto Educational Center onFriday, April 18th at 7:30pm. HS

HS

PHOTO BY JERRY SCHAD

PHOTO BY REENA DEUTSCHPHOTO BY REENA DEUTSCH

page 12 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran

VISITOR/NEW MEMBER SIERRA CLUB ORIENTATIONMarch 12 and April 9, 7 pm (2nd Wednesdays)Meet at the Tierrasanta Recreation Center, 11220 ClairemontMesa Blvd. (building on the left.) Presentations start at 7 pm fea-turing Singles, Bike, Photo, Ski, Focus on Youth, 20/30s SingleSierrans sections, North County, conservation and chapter activ-ities, including over 1,000 outings during the year. Refreshmentsserved. Call Jerry Ratajesak at 619-316-2220 for more info.

FOSTER LODGE FUN-FILLED WORK PARTY!Mar. 15-16, Sat. (10 am) - Sun. (2 pm)One of the best ways you can spend your time is to enjoy thebeautiful atmosphere in our local mountains working at theLodge. Well feed you great food while you work - lunch anddinner on Sat. and breakfast and lunch on Sun. Directions toLodge can be found in this issues Foster Lodge page. ContactPatrick Jones 619-469-1608 or Bob Spahle 619-224-8990 for moreinfo. or sign-up.

SIERRA SINGLES EVENT OF THE MONTHVERNAL EQUINOX BONFIRE & POTLUCKSHELTER ISLANDMar. 21, Friday, 6 pmHost: Carol Branch 858-452-1539 wonderwoman@san.rr.comMagic fire, magic night! Lets have another bonfire. Bring warmclothing, beach blankets, chairs, tables, cook-stoves, POTLUCKDINNER TO SHARE, firewood if you can, and funny stories totell. Bring your own beverages, music tapes and something toplay them on, flashlights, anything else you can think of thatsfun and not dangerous. No reservations necessary. Bring afriend if you like. Non-members welcome. Adults only.

MONTHLY CHAPTER PROGRAM*March 21 and April 18, 7 pm (3rd Fridays)A free lecture/slide show at the San Diego Zoos Otto Centerauditorium. * See p. 11 for details.

GAY AND LESBIAN SIERRANS (GLBT) EVENT OFTHE MONTHSAN ELIJO LAGOON NATURE WALKMar. 23, Sunday, 9 amHost: Robert Bettinger 760-944-1439 robertbettinger@yahoo.comDocent led hike at San Elijo Lagoon Reserve. Meet at the ReserveNature Center at 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff by the Sea. Aftersome interesting information provided by the docent, the hikewill proceed from North Rios Rd. in Solana Beach to RanchoSante Fe entrance and back down Manchester Ave. (about 5miles) Hike is followed by a picnic lunch at Robert's (residentcaretaker) trailer on the premises. Bring lunch, water, good hik-ing shoes and binoculars if you're a birdwatcher. Easy, sea level.

ACTIVITIESMARCH AND APRIL ACTIVITIES CALENDAR

SIERRA SINGLES EVENT OF THE MONTHFULL MOON EASTER BONFIRE & POTLUCKSHELTER ISLANDApr. 19, Saturday, 6:30 pmHost: Carol Branch 858-452-1539 wonderwoman@san.rr.com Lets have another bonfire. If we need an excuse, what couldbe better than TGIF with a full moon? Bring chairs, tables, fire-wood, food to share, beverages, music and something to playit on. Bring warm clothing too. Enjoy another beautifulevening in paradise. Well probably even see some fireworksif you stay 'til after dark. Meet at first available fire pit after theboat ramp on Shelter Island across from Humphreys (ThomasBros. 1288 C-3). No reservation needed. Just come as you are,bring your friends or your family if you like, adults only.

FOSTER LODGE FUN-FILLED WORK PARTY!Apr. 19-20, Sat. (10 am)-Sun. (2 pm)One of the best ways you can spend your time is to enjoy thebeautiful atmosphere in our local mountains working at theLodge. Well feed you great food while you work - lunch anddinner on Sat. and breakfast and lunch on Sun. Directions toLodge can be found in this issues Foster Lodge page. ContactPatrick Jones 619-469-1608 or Bob Spahle 619-224-8990 formore info. or sign-up.

FOSTER LODGE HOLISTIC WEEKEND FUNDRAISERMay 2-4, Fri. (7 pm)-Sun. (2 pm)Includes great workshops, prepared meals, bonfire and more.Fee is only $85. Early bird special rate is $75 if registered byApril 10. See our ad on page 22 for complete details and reg-istration information.

FOSTER LODGE HOST TRAININGMay 10, Sat., 10 am-1 pmHost Refresher and New Host Training Class, to maintainyour current host status or if you are interested in becoming anew Lodge host. Bring lunch. Call Susan Parrish at 619-478-5188 for more info.

GLS: THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDERSIERRANS GLS continues! The contact person is Robert Bettinger, 760-944-1439 or robertbettinger@yahoo.com. Membership activi-ties will be reported in the Hi Sierran and e-mailed via GLSListServe. Membership fees are your annual membership inthe Sierra Club. An attempt will be made to have two hikes amonth and four group activities each year, including ourannual Bonfire and a weekend at Foster Lodge. For furtherinformation and/or to help out, contact Robert Bettinger. HS

Deadline to submit Activities information to the Hi Sierran for the May/June 2003 issue is April 1.Send to: hisierranactivitieseditor@sierraclubsandiego.org or call Shelley Warnick at

(858)695-3552 between 8am and 8pm.

MeetingsMARCH AND APRIL MEETINGS CALENDAR

POLITICAL COMMITTEE Mar. 4 and Apr. 1 (1st Tuesdays) 6:30 pmNOTICE: The Political Committee maymake endorsement recommendations atmeetings. All Sierra Club members areencouraged to attend.

WILDLANDS FORUM-FOREST COMMITTEEMar. 5 and Apr. 2 (1st Wednesdays) 7 pmLocal and regional forest managementissues and Wild Heritage Campaign coor-dination. Contact Jack Paxton at 760-744-3282 or jpaxton@sierraclubsandiego.org toconfirm meeting time.

ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEEMar. 6 and Apr. 3 (1st Thursdays) 7 pmChapter fund raising Programs.Ken Smokoska, 760-738-6041 or ksmokos-ka@sierraclubsandiego.org.

POPULATION COMMITTEE Mar. 10 and Apr. 14 (2nd Mondays) 5:15 pmThis Conservation sub-committee meets atCocos at 2644 El Cajon Blvd. in NorthPark. Contact Vice Chair J. Jones at jna-jones@yahoo.com or 619-640-0780 for moreinformation.

HI SIERRAN COMMITTEE Mar. 10 and Apr. 14 (2nd Mondays) 6 pmMore volunteers needed. Please attend tofind out how you can help!

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Mar. 11 and Apr. 8 (2nd Tue) 6:30 pmContact 619-299-1741 or conservation@sier-raclubsandiego.org for info. All conserva-tion activists welcome.

SKI SECTION Mar. 13 & Apr. 10 (2nd Th. Nov.-April) 6-9 pmAt Clairemont Community Room, 4731Clairemont Dr. on Lakehurst Lane,Clairemont Town Square, between Vonsand Big Lots (old Pic n Save.) 6 pm introlecture on x-c skiing, or dinner in foodcourt near movie theatre. 7 pm upcomingtrip descriptions, 7:30 pm program (detailsto be announced.) Apr 10, 6:30 PM, PotLuck Dinner and Planning Meeting. Bringfood and photos to share.

DESERT COMMITTEE Mar. 15-16, Sat.-Sun.For further details, including time and

location, contact Greg Moll at 619-516-1711or sandiegokayaker@cox.netor Edie Harmon at 619-299-1744 ext. 8111 oreharmon@sierraclubsandiego.org.SIERRA SINGLES SECTION BOARD Mar. 17 and Apr. 21, 6:30 pm (3rd Mondays)Cocos at 5955 Balboa Ave. Come at 5:45 pmand bring $$ if you wish to dine. All mem-bers welcome. Call first to confirm date andtime. For more info. contact Wanda Jacksonat 858-689-4039 or sc9chair@aol.com.

BORDER ISSUES SUBCOMMITTEE Mar. 17 and Apr. 21 (3rd Mondays) 6:30-8 pm

CAN MEETINGMar. 17 and Apr. 21 (3rd Mondays) 7 pmTwiggs Coffee House, 4590 Park Boulevard(Corner of Park and Madison), North Park.This is the Conservation Action Networksteering committee for our chapters conser-vation alerts. Visitors welcome.

FOSTER LODGE COMMITTEE Mar. 18 and Apr. 15 (3rd Tuesdays) 6 pmContact Mary Eggen at 858-453-1615 or mar-yarc1949@aol.com for info. Meeting location:North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421Bannock Ave. To receive the Foster LodgeQuarterly Newsletter, contact Carol Ray, atBeachsearay@yahoo.com (highly preferred)or 858-573-2689.

PHOTO SECTIONMar. 18 and Apr. 15 (3rd Tuesdays) 7 pmTierrasanta Recreation Center, 11220Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Call us at 619-299-1744 ext. 2070. Visit http://sandiego.sierra-club.org/photoclub/ for current info.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMar. 19 and Apr. 16 (3rd Wednesdays) 6:30 pmCall 619-299-1743 for info.

INNER CITY OUTINGS (ICO)Mar. 20 and Apr. 17 (3rd Thursdays) 7:30 pm

URBAN ENVIRONMENT FORUMMar. 24 and Apr. 28 (4th Mondays) 7 pmJoint meetings of Air, Energy, Land Use,Park, Recycling, Transportation and WaterCommittees. Contact Fred Lorenzen at 619-435-6046 or email fred directly at:florenzen@sierraclubsandiego.org.

COASTAL COMMITTEE Mar. 26 and Apr. 23 (4th Wednesdays) 7 pmWell meet at North Park SC office in March

(and all odd-numbered months), and inNorth County in April (and all even-num-bered months). North County location:Scott and Sheelagh Williams beautifulhome at 638 W. Circle Dr. in Solana Beach.Directions: From I-5, exit at Lomas SantaFe Dr. Go west to Old Highway 101. Turnright (north). Turn left at Solana Vista Dr.(first and only light, next to Roberto's). Goup the hill and turn right on Pacific Ave.After one block, Pacific Ave. turns intoCircle Dr. Number 638 is on the right sideon corner. Contact Eric at 619-284-9399 orsavewetlands@compuserve.com to join thecommittee or for agenda and other info.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Mar. 27 and Apr. 24 (4th Thursdays) 6:30 pmWe need new and more members. Getinvolved!

WILDLIFE COMMITTEEMar. 27 and Apr. 24 (4th Thursdays) 7 pmHelp us save wildlife and habitat.

DESERT COMMITTEE Apr. 5-6, Sat.-Sun.Rehab Service ProjectYuha Basin ACECLeader: Greg Moll 619-516-1711 orsandiegokayaker@cox.netAssistant: neededPlease join the Desert Subcommittee in arehab project with Student ConservationAssociation (SCA), the BLM and the U.S.Border Patrol in the Yuha Basin, an Area ofCritical Environmental Concern (ACEC).The weekend will begin with a demonstra-tion of rehab techniques for visual camou-flage. We will work removing 2 routes pre-viously used by Border Patrol. Rehab toolssupplied by the BLM. We will car campSaturday night. Sunday day hike withdesert specialists (SCA) and Border Patrolin nearby Jacumba Mountains Wildernessor Yuha Basin Badlands. Camp in wilder-ness or selected site in ACEC. MeetSaturday morning at 76 Station in Ocotillo.Contact leader for sign-up and more infor-mation.

GLS (GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL,TRANSGENDER SECTION)See Activities page for information. HS

Unless noted in following meeting descriptions, all meetings are held at the Sierra Club office, 3820 Ray St., North Park. Forfurther information on any meetings, contact the Committee Chair listed on back page of the Hi Sierran. Or, for more meeting

schedules and info, visit the web calendar www.activistsandiego.org/environment.

page 13 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran

page 14 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran

North county GroupMEETINGSMEETINGS FOR THE NORTH COUNTY GROUP OF THE SIERRA CLUB ARE HELD THE SECOND MONDAY OF EACH MONTH (EXCEPT JULY ANDAUGUST), AT 7:30PM, AT THE JOSLYN CENTER, LOCATED AT 18402 WEST BERNARDO DRIVE, RANCHO BERNARDO.

DIRECTIONSTAKE I-15 TO WEST BERNARDO DRIVE. AT THE STOP SIGN, HEAD WEST (LEFT) TO THE FIRST STOPLIGHT. TURN RIGHT AND GO TO THE TENNISCOURTS; THE SMALL BUILDING IS JOSLYN CENTER. CALL DAVID BUTLER 760-489-8842 IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION.

Letter from the ChairIt's never too early to think about theNorth County Groups election of offi-cers. We don't have term limits, but wemust have elections each year. This isdone at the December NCG meeting.This year's election of four board mem-bers will be for 2004 through 2006.Some of us have served for numerousyears, but are ready to step aside toallow the many willing Sierra ClubMembers to enjoy this fulfilling experi-ence.

With the inclusion of the nowdefunct Coastal North County CoastalGroup entourage, NCG membershipnumbers 6000 plus. Should not behard to fill four positions. Don't waityou don't want to miss your chance!Just step forward. You can help. Thisexuberant group meets monthly.Contact David 760-489-8842/8822 orvia email at: davangie2@msn.com

PROGRAMSMONDAY, MARCH 10THMARK JORGENSON, SUPERINTENDENTANZA-BORREGO OUR LARGEST STATEPARK, AND STILL GROWINGAnza-Borrego's 600,000 acres make itthe largest state park in the contiguousUnited States. It encompasses half ofthe California State Park System andthrough an active land acquisition pro-gram, is getting larger every year.Several recent purchases have beenmade to maintain "wildlife corridors"and "habitat connectivity" with sur-rounding lands. Tonight's programwill feature the natural and culturalhighlights of this amazing park andintroduce the newly acquired lands tothe North County Group.

MONDAY, APRIL 14THWILDERNESS SURVIVALA stimulating hour of WildernessSurvival will be presented by TomBeasley of the Coyote Youth Project.Tom is a professional teacher withmore than 30 years of experience inbackpacking, mountaineering and out-door education. He is a graduate ofNOLS (National Outdoor LeadershipSchool) and the Tracker School in NewJersey. Tom is a specialist in NatureObservation, Awareness, Philosophy,Mentoring and Tracking ResourceTechniques for Search and Rescue. Hehas been teaching these skills since1995,initially as a lead instructor forSusan Connirys Native Skills Schooland for the Backyard Tourist inLakeside. He and Susan have beeninvolved in numerous community out-reach programs including UrbanSurvival, a popular program just priorto the onset of the new millennium.Tom has been featured in several docu-mentaries focusing on outdoor educa-tion and wilderness survival andawareness. He is co-author of FirstResponse Survival and received theChannel 10 Leadership Award. Helikes to say that wilderness survival issimple. It is knowledge that may saveyour life or that of a loved one. It isbased on the simple premise that theEarth provides all that you need. Comeand enjoy. You will develop a uniquesense of respect for Mother Earth.

FRIENDS OF DALEY RANCHAIMING AT FURTHER LANDACQUISITIONSThe Friends of Daley Ranch inEscondido is seeking funding toacquire lands adjacent to the Dixon

Lake/Daley Ranch preservations.Following publication of a recentnewsletter, they received a pledge of$1000 to get the land acquisition fundrolling. The donor is wildly enthusias-tic about the project and thinks weshould expand to a much greatervision: i.e. "Escondido LandConservancy" and buy up ALL theopen space we possibly can aroundtown, and all North County! EmeraldHills comes to mind as do Sager Ranchand a few other choice pieces soon tofall under the dozer blade. For moreinformation, please call Sally Thomas,760-480-1917.

Random ThoughtsOn Vernal Pools and Newts

In 1967, in backwoods Oregon, threehunters were found dead by theirbreakfast campfire. There were nosigns of foul play or intentional self-destruction. However, one anomalywas found a dead newt was residentin the now-cold coffee pot. EdmundBrodie, a graduate biology student spe-cializing in herpetology, was dis-patched by his mentor to investigateany possible relation between thehunters demise and that of the boilednewt. He found plenty. For starters hefound that the skin of this particularnewt, Taricha granulose, commonlyknown as the rough skinned or Oregonnewt, could excrete enough toxin tokill 12 hunters. The newts poison is

(cont. next page)

North county Group (cont)(continued from previous page)

tetrodotoxin, which is one of the mostpotent toxins found in nature.

Curiously, though huntersmust not eat newts, garter snakes lovethem. Well, the evolutionary arms racesometimes results in a morbid coexis-tence sometimes referred to by biolo-gists as adaptation and escalation orcoevolution, resulting in genetic vari-ants. Here the garter snake has gradu-ally developed a resistance to the toxinwhile the newt has developed evermore toxic flavorings. You can handlenewts with relative impunity but if thecritters skin gets sticky, smells slightlyacidic and foul or appears milky foam-like, you best put it back in the waterand dont scratch anything sensitiveuntil you sanitize your hands.

But about Vernal Pools.. andnewts. We have spectacular vernal pools onthe Santa Rosa Plateau just west of LakeElsinore. They patiently await a decentrainy season to fill and bring to life the har-boring species within. Not far from theboardwalk spanning the pools is a perenni-al stream with newts boldly swimmingabout taunting the native garter snake pop-ulation. They are Pacific Giants and aptlynamed. You dont have to wait for a down-pour to visit and enjoy this lovely preserve.Go now. Dont eat the newts.

Coaster NewsJanuary 16th was a great day for NorthCounty with a celebration for theacquisition of almost 100 acres in thecenter of the Calavera area of north-eastern Carlsbad. The property wasowned by Lucia (Kelly) Sippel whoagreed to sell it for conservation. Itwas purchased by the state's WildlifeConservation Fund and will be man-aged by the Department of Fish andGame. This was of particular signifi-cance because most conservation landcomes from mitigation, while this par-cel was acquired just for conservation,so it is a real net increase to our pro-tected habitat. The celebration includ-ed wild fennel cookies, a letter from the

governor thanking Preserve Calaveraand the city of Carlsbad, and storiesfrom Lucia about what this land waslike 70 years ago.

Special Hike Saturday March 15, 9-11 am Mt. CalaveraThis hike, sponsored by PreserveCalavera, will include visits to a ripar-ian area, lake, and an extinct volcano.We will also see views of bulldozerson hills that were coastal sage scruband will soon be 700 more homes atCalavera Hills. Meet in the parking lotat Oak Riparian Park on Lake Blvd. inOceanside. This is a 5-mile moderatehike with some elevation gain. Wearsturdy shoes and bring water. Formore information call 760-724-3887.This is not an official Sierra Club hike(unless a COL will agree to lead). Thistrip is not included in the hike section.Call Sue Denner at 760-942-2375 to reserve a placeor e-mail sdenner@ix.netcom.com

COME OUT AND HELP!Every month, on the third Saturday,from 9 am to noon, we conduct volun-teer work parties at San Elijo Lagoonand could always use more hardyhands and limber backs. The projectand location are listed ahead of timeon our website, www.sanelijo.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:Maryanne BacheSan Elijo Lagoon ConservancyP. O. Box 230634Encinitas, CA 92023-0634Phone: 760-436-3944Fax: 760-944-9606Buena Vista Lagoon

Everest International Consultants, Inc.has been selected to do the restorationanalysis study to determine the long-range future of the Buena VistaLagoon. They have appointed anadvisory committee composed of rep-resentatives from CaliforniaDepartment of Fish and Game, U.S.Dept of Fish and Wildlife, the CoastalConservancy, and Buena Vista LagoonFoundation Executive Director RonWooton.

page 15 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran

There are 4 possible options which arebeing reviewed:

1) Leaving it alone to become a meadow.2) Dredging it and leaving it a fresh waterlagoon (it is one of very few, maybe theonly, fresh water lagoons with coastal prox-imity).3) Flushing with salt water to obtain apartially brackish condition.4) Dredging and opening it to the oceanto allow it to become entirely salt water.

The first public meeting was held inOceanside on January 14th. Two moremeetings are scheduled to obtain publicinput, tentatively April 23rd, andSeptember 7th, location to be deter-mined.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:Ron Wooton, DirectorBuena Vista Lagoon Foundation2098 Buena Creek RoadVista, California 92085-0520wootland@webcc.net760-727-3866

Hikes and Walks

COASTERS HIKES AND WALKSMarch 5: Gower Preserve, SE ofRamonaMarch 22: Torrey Pines ExtensionApril 2: Pine RidgeTBA: Carlsbad Beach Walk HS

page 16 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran

Thanks to your support, the San Diego Chapterwas able to accomplish great things in its on-going work during 2002.

This Review and Action plan on this and thefollowing page outlines last years campaignsand projects and lays out our plans for facingthe challenges of the current year. It is our hopethat you will find this information helpful asyou decide how much of your time and moneyyou can personally invest in these endeavors byyour local Sierra Club Chapter.

March, 2003

Dear San Diego Chapter Members,2002 held unprecedented challenges for the San Diego Chapter.The economic downturn, population swells in the County, areduction in the Chapter's conservation staff time and the currentpolitical climate made carrying out our important work daunting.

It was only with your continued financial support andwillingness to help out that we pulled out of a serious budgetdeficit while maintaining our strong presence in the community.

It is now the time of year for the Chapter's annual fundappeal, and we must ask again for your help to continue to makeour voices for environmental advocacy heard from the oceans anddeserts to the mountains and canyons of this great region.

The growing assault on the environment creates a majorchallenge for all those who care about the preservation, protectionand enjoyment of our planet. Here are only a few examples:

The military is requesting exemptions from environmentallaws.

The Clean Air Act is being weakened on many fronts.

Endangered species are being threatened.

Our forests are being overlogged and opened to roads.

Sprawl is encroaching into the backcountrys natural places.

Resistance to renewable energy sources persists.

War tactics prevail to protect oil and gas interests.

Multinational corporations are being favored.

The Chapter can play a vital role in this region given adequateresources from within our own membership. We can meet ourfinancial and priority issue goals if each of us carries a share of theload. Heres how:

Think about the many activities in which we areinvolved: Outings, Education, Political Endorsements,

Conservation Issues, Media statements, Surveys and more.Take a close look at our 2003 Action Plan below, and think

about what you might be able to do, as a volunteer and as a financialcontributor. Our only limitation is the financial and volunteer supportprovided by our members. In lieu of a March Fund Appeal mailer toyou, the Chapter has included this and the next pages as our requestfor financial support from you.

Please respond to our call for help by giving of your time,your talents and your financial contributions. Reach into your heart,and your pockets. Every donation counts, regardless of the amount!

Thank you... for a better world,

Ken Smokoska, Fundraising Chair

2002 YEAR IN REVIEW & 2003 ACTION PLAN FOR SAN DIEGO ANDIMPERIAL COUNTY, and our Annual March Fund Appeal

Ken Smokoska

PRESERVE AND PROTECT....

PROPOSED HAUSER WILDERNESS ADDITION AND BARRETT LAKE - PART OF THE WILDERNESSBILL THAT THE CHAPTER HELPED GET INTO CONGRESS IN 2002, PHOTO BY GLENN TORBETT

a) Stop Sprawl (as GP 2020 watchdog). b) Create liveable, sustainable Communities.c) Develop bi-national, regional perspectiveson Conservation issues. d) Demand cleanand recycled water. e) Protect Wildlands. f) Develop public outreach and education. g) Support Conservation of Resources. h) Strengthen Canyons Campaign.

2003 ACTION PLAN, IN A NUTSHELL!

page 17 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran

JANUARY1. Saved El Corazon Parkland Initiative.2. Opposed Trade Promotion Authority "Fast Track. 3. Joined the San Diego River Coalition as a founding member. 4. Established six new Canyon Friends groups and organized over adozen clean up and restoration events throughout the year.

FEBRUARY1. Supported maximum conservation of MHCP Area. 2. Supported Housing Coalition and Inclusionary Housing.3. Opposed citys Sewer Discharge renewal permit. 4. Developed and supported adoption of Sewer/Canyon Access rec-ommendations.

MARCH1. Approved Calavaras Hills Project Amicus brief.2. Opposed AB 2095 for a San Diego Regional Agency. 3. Opposed the Border Triple Fence proposal.4. Supported a redistricting for County Board of Supervisors.

APRIL1. Wrote letter to Mayor of San Diego urging water conservation poli-cy and disapproving of water rate increase by the City of San Diego0. 2. Developedthe Wilderness Bill, which went to Congress as CaliforniaWild Heritage Act.

JUNE1. Approved Mesquite Land Exchange Lawsuit. 2. Approved lawsuit requesting EIS/EIR on the Salton Sea.

JULY1. Approved funds from Box Canyon settlement for NCC HabitatPreservation campaign.

Name

Address

City State Zip

Contributions and gifts to the Sierra Club are not tax-deductible as charitable contribu-tions, as they support our effective citizen-based advocacy and lobbying programs

Yes!Payment Method

Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa)

Name on Card

Card Number

Signature

Exp Date

Check (payable to Sierra Club)

Phone Email

* Please Send Completed Coupon in the envelope provided in this issue of the Hi Sierran.

2. Approved qualified support for the city of San DiegoStrategic Framework Element. 3. Approved Sierra Club statement on GP 2020 draft map. 4. Supported Torrey Pines Bridge replacement to Del Mar.

AUGUST1. Supported Tijuana MasterPlan to address water and waste-water deficiencies.

SEPTEMBER1. Supported the Strategic Growth Resolution and reject theCitys current proposal. 2. Contested EPAs approval of a renewed discharge permitfor the City of San Diego. 3. Established "Friends of the San Diego Chapter" for donorsover $100 to Annual Fund Appeal.OCTOBER1. Negotiated "Old Coach Settlement Agreement" in Poway. 2. Negotiated terms in Pt. Loma Wastewater Treatment Plantwaiver. 3. Opposed applications to float river waters from central CAto San Diego.NOVEMBER1. Evaluated the water and wastewater improvement projectson the US-Mexico border. 2. Supported a court challenge to the City of Villages EIR. DECEMBER1. Approved Solar energy Initiative Begin plans to make thisa statewide initiative. 2. Fought Allegretti Farms permit extension in ImperialCounty.

Sierra Club, San Diego Chapter 2002 Year in Review

I do care about this importantwork, and would like to con-tribute to your 2003 Annual

March Fund Appeal....

I would like to volunteer my time for the following:Canyons protection Energy campaignGeneral County Plan 2020Desert IssuesForest and Wildlands

Border IssuesPolitical committee Foster LodgeInformation TechnologyOther (please specify)

Dear Ken,

As a Thank You for your financial contributions, weare offering a tier of premiums.

Abalone ($50) - Sierra Club logo cap.Coreopsis ($100) - Sierra Club logo tote bag andmembership in "Friends of the San Diego Chapter."*Roadrunner ($250) - Sierra Club logo excursion bagand membership in "Friends....*Live Oak ($500) - Sierra Club logo shirt (M, L, XL),and a pass to either the Nature Knowledge Workshop orthe Holistic Health Weekend at Foster Lodge and mem-bership in "Friends...."*Milky Way ($1000) - Sierra Club Calender andEngagement book for 2004, Sierra Club photo-essayillustrated book and membership in "Friends....*

Friends of the San Diego Chapter" members contribute at or abovethe $100 mark during our Annual Fund Appeal. Members will notonly receive premiums for their contribution, but will be invited to cer-tain chapter activities throughout the year as guests.

OUR SAN DIEGO REGION!