EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE *voting officer

Group & Political Chair, Alt Chapter Rep

Al Sattler* 310-831-0032

Vice Chair

Bob Beach* 310-375-0898

Secretary

Diane Wood* 310-245-8965

Treasurer

Sandy Graham* 714-282-5661

Chapter Rep.

Hersh Kelley* 310-832-0013

Conservation Co-Chair

Dave Wiggins* 310-372-7864

Conservation Co-Chair

& Foggy View Editor

Eva Cicoria* 310-648-9784

Outings & Safety Chair

Keith Martin* 310-530-1268

Programs & Social Chair

Joyce White* 310-383-5247

Special Projects

John Wessel* 310-377-8047

Membership Chair

Bill Lavoie* 310-378-8723

Website Coordinator

Terry Bass 310-539-8227

Webmaster

Michael Moore 310-398-8219

Publicity

Paul Rosenberger 310-545-3531

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Since 1976 Sierra Club Palos Verdes – South Bay Group / Angeles Chapter July-Aug 2012

From the Editor In recent issues of this publication, we’ve talked about the desire of many residents of Redondo Beach and other South Bay communities to tear down the AES power plant and replace it with parkland, rather than a new power plant and desalination plant.

In this issue, Al Sattler discusses concerns residents of Carson and nearby communities have raised with the prospect of new oil wells being drilled there, possibly using hydraulic fracturing to enhance oil recovery.

The pollutants generated by these types of systems are just one reason to look to cleaner power generation and the more we the people adopt clean energy practices the less persuasive arguments for new power plants and oil wells will be.

One way we can show our commitment to clean energy is by installing home solar panels. The Sierra Club is presently partnering with Sungevity, a solar panel installation company. They offer options to lease or purchase solar panels to greatly reduce electric bills. For information go to: http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/take_action/blog/2012/05/go_solar_sierra_club_and_sungevity .

BUS TRIPS HELP! By Sandy Graham

We just returned from Donna Lauck's last bus trip as a leader--last as in not the latest but, after over 25 years leading six or seven trips annually, her final lead. It was a wonderful trip to Zion and Bryce National Parks.

On the trip, one person asked if there was anyone else in PV-SB "coming up" to do what Donna had done. It is an interesting question. Linda Werk & Judy Share are coming close, leading two to three trips a year.

Once I returned home from the trip, I pulled up the leaders list for PV-SB. There are 57 leaders listed, but only about 12 of those leaders are actively leading right now and it takes at least four to do a bus trip. So what does that mean for the future of bus trips led from PV-SB? We could use your help!

One of the things you must be in order to lead a bus trip is certifiable—no, I mean a certified leader for the Sierra Club. If you have the lack of mind, or out of your mind—no, really, if you might want to get more involved with the Sierra Club and perhaps help out on trips, you can by attending the Leadership Training Class offered Saturday, October 6. For more information and an application go to: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/ltc/transfers/ltp_application.pdf .

Hollywood Bowl

July 13

Quarterly Meeting:

Explore the Sierra Club!

July 25

Details on Page 4.

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FRACKING? IN THE SOUTH BAY? NOBODY KNOWS!

By Al Sattler

"Fracking," hydraulic fracturing of underground rock structures to release natural gas and oil, is being done in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Wyoming, and, it turns out, California. To do fracking, drilling companies combine undisclosed mixes of chemicals with water and pump it underground at high pressure. Some of the fracking water comes up to the surface with the natural gas and needs to be disposed of. Fracking apparently has caused contamination of well water in some areas, although oil and gas companies dispute this.

Here in California, apparently nobody knows how much fracking is being done. Currently, there is no requirement that it be reported. The Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, DOGGR (pronounced "dogger") regulates oil drilling in California, but according to their website, "California’s regulations do not require notification to the Division when hydraulic fracturing occurs." Drilling companies have said that their fracking liquids are trade secrets, which must not be publicly disclosed. And the 2005 Bush-Cheney Energy Policy Act has a loophole which exempts fracking from the Safe Drinking Water Act. In response to growing public outcry, DOGGR requested oil and gas drilling companies to voluntarily provide information about fracking, but they are not required to do so.

DOGGR is currently holding public "workshops" in various parts of the State to gather public input for what should be included in regulations governing fracking. A recent workshop in Culver City (near the Baldwin Hills oilfield) had an overflow crowd, with an estimated 300 people. Almost all speakers spoke against fracking.

If you would like to comment to DOGGR about what should be in new fracking regulations, send them an email at comments@conservation.ca.gov by July 31, 2012.

SB 1054, a bill to require public notice to nearby property owners in advance of fracking, recently was voted down in the California Legislature. Senator Rod Wright, who represents Carson and much of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, voted against this bill, voting against the interests of his constituents, who would very much like to know if fracking is happening in their community.

The current (July/August 2012) issue of Sierra magazine has a lengthy article on fracking. Find the Sierra Club’s Policy on Natural Gas and Facking at http://www.sierraclub.org/policy/conservation/NaturalGasFracking.pdf .

Go to http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html to get information about this or any bill in the state legislature.

Palos Verdes Nature Preserve HOTLINE: The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has announced the

establishment of a Ranger Hotline at 310-491-5775, available 24/7 for reporting misuse of the Preserve. For more information go to http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/planning/Palos-Verdes-Nature-Preserve/ranger_hotline.pdf .

FRACKING IN CARSON? By Al Sattler

In May, I read a news article that Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) was holding two public meetings in Carson to gather public support for a plan to drill new oil wells east of Cal State University Dominguez Hills. Oxy was requesting permission from Carson to use hydraulic fracturing (fracking) at some time in the future if it would help increase recovery. Since Carson is in our Regional Group area, I attended the meeting to observe.

Oxy had laid out some tables with food for the people present and had a flashy slide show about how wonderful their project would be for Carson. After the slide show, they planned for people to quietly circulate between seven information tables.

The audience didn't play along. Between 100 and 200 people were present and they insisted on having a chance to speak into a microphone and ask questions of the Oxy people, and they insisted on having a chance to hear what each other was saying. After 15 or 20 minutes, the Oxy officials gave in and a microphone was set up. The people present were very vocally opposed to having fracking in their community, voicing concerns about groundwater and drinking water safety.

At the second night's meeting, Oxy announced that they no longer were asking to do fracking, but community members will remain vigilant. A Draft Environmental Impact Report is being prepared. More information is available at http://ci.carson.ca.us/content/department/eco_dev_service/oxyproject.asp .

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PV-SB MEMBERS RECEIVE ANGELES CHAPTER AWARDS By Terry Bass (with photos by Scott Graham)

Each year the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club gives out awards to members nominated by groups within the Chapter for service to the Club in various categories. This year five members of the Palos Verdes-South Bay Group were chosen to receive awards which were given out at the Annual Awards Banquet held at the Brookside Country Club in Pasadena on May 6.

The Chester Versteeg Outings Award was given to Phil Wheeler who was singled out for his extensive service to the Chapter Safety Committee and the Leadership Training Committee as well as his decades of service to the entire Chapter outings program. Phil has overseen completion of a new Chapter Safety Policy and spearheaded implementation of quick turnaround outings approval and associated website publishing. He was instrumental in the launch of the Chapter’s new Outdoor Activity Registration System (OARS). Phil also served on the PV-SB Group ExCom for many years.

Conservation Service: As Chair of the PV-SB Conservation Committee since 2007, Dave Wiggins has organized and spoken articulately and compellingly on behalf of the Club on numerous land use and development issues in our area. These issues included the Public Use Master Plan (PUMP) for the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, the “landfill gas to energy” facility on the Palos Verdes Landfill, and the effort to phase out the aging AES power plant in Redondo Beach and replace it with parkland.

Outings Service: Jerry Trager and Lois Vile

had been actively helping in the PV-SB outings program long before becoming certified leaders in 2003. They played a valuable, active role assisting in four to six bus trips a year. They also lead local conditioning hikes, day hikes and brunch hikes.

Special Service: Bill Lavoie has been a membership recruiter, working at Sierra Club tables at various Earth Day and Energy Fair events in the South Bay, since 2006. A member of the PV-SB Executive Committee since 2007 and Membership Chair since 2009, Bill has also been an Outings leader since 2006, and specializing in leading weekly Monday night conditioning hikes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Phil Wheeler (right), with Hersh Kelley.

Dave Wiggins (left), with Ron Silverman.

Lois Vile, Hersh Kelley, Jerry Trager and Ron Silverman.

Bill Lavoie (center), with Hersh Kelley and Ron Silverman.

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Weekly Activities

Conditioning Hikes: Wear lug sole boots. Arrive early. Rain cancels. Bring red lens flashlight.

Monday Nights O: Rancho Palos Verdes: Slow mod. 2 hr, 4-6 mi hike. Not for beginners. Leave 6:30 PM at Del Cerro Park. Rain cancels. Ldrs: Bill Lavoie, Jacques Monier, Zoltan Stroll.

Tuesday Nights O: San Pedro/PV: Strenuous 2 hr, 5-8 mi hike. Not for beginners. Leave 6:30 PM from 8th and Averill. Ldrs: Brooks Chadwick, Barry Bonnickson, Joyce White, Dorie Chadwick, Jacques Monier.

Tuesday Nights O: Hermosa/Manhattan Beach: Mod. 1½ hr, 4 mi hike on greenbelt and hilly streets. Good for beginners. Leave 7:00 PM from far end of parking lot of Hermosa Valley School (1645 Valley Dr). Ldrs: Sharon Brossier, Alix Benson, Susan Johnson.

Thursday Nights O: Palos Verdes Peninsula: Strenuous 2 hr, 5-8 mi hike, flat/hilly streets/trails. Up to 5 hiking groups: slow, slow mod, mod, fast mod, fast. Not for beginners. Leave 6:30 PM from parking lot near Rite Aid Drugs at Hawthorne & Silver Spur. Ldrs: Linda Werk, Brooks Chadwick, Joyce White, Jacques Monier, Bill Lavoie, Judy Shane, Dorie Chadwick, Jerry Trager, Lois Vile, Zoltan Stroll.

Saturday Hikes: Details in PV-SB Group Activities.

Monthly Activities

Executive Committee Meeting. First Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM the PVSB Group Executive Committee meets to discuss matters relevant to the Group. Meeting open to all Sierra Club members. Call secretary for meeting location.

Moonlit Hikes in Palos Verdes O. Friday before or on full moon. Meet 7:30 PM Easy to moderate 1.5-2 hr hike in Palos Verdes hills. Go for pizza afterwards. Coordinator: Hugh Pendleton. See website for details.

Manhattan Beach Hike & Brunch O. First Sunday of every month at 9 AM. Easy 4-5 mi, 300' gain, 2 hr hike on streets, trails, ocean strand. Restrooms available. Optional brunch at local restaurant after hike. Meet by police memorial (1901 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach, under giant oak tree by tennis courts). Bring water, walking shoes, sun hat. Rain cancels. Ldrs: Lois Vile, Jerry Trager.

Bus/Air Trips. See details in listings that follow.

Jul 26-29 Thu-Sun O: Mammoth & Eastern Sierra Extravaganza Bus Trip Jul 27 Fri O: Santa Barbara Island Excursion-Boat Trip Sep 8-23 Sat-Sun O: Fiji & Australia Hidden Gems Fly & Train Trip Dec 25, 2012-Jan10, 2013 C: Adventure in India Fly & Tour Jan 19-21, 2013 Sat-Mon O: Death Valley Bus Trip Feb 12-17, 2013 Tue-Mon O: Alaskan Northern Lights Quest Fly, Bus & Train Trip

May 25-28, 2013 Sat-Tues O: Zion & Bryce National Parks Bus Trip

Hollywood Bowl in July

Friday July 13th Join us at the Hollywood Bowl

for A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison

Keillor. The celebrated American humorist hosts

his much-loved radio show at the Hollywood

Bowl. Meet at Wilson Park ride share or any of

the other ride–share connections. The first bus

leaves at 5:40 PM. Bring a picnic and wine if you

like. The main program starts at 8 PM. Our seats

are in the very top rows, section X. Send SASE

and $12 (which covers the ride share and ticket),

by check payable to PVSB Sierra Club, to Joyce

White 789 W. 29th Street San Pedro, CA 90731.

Contact Joyce for more information at 310-383-

5247.

Quarterly Meeting:

Explore Sierra Club!

Wed July 25 Learn about the many

different groups in the Sierra Club--hiking,

political, conservation, and more. 7-9 PM in

the Community Room of the Palos Verdes

Peninsula Library, 701 Silver Spur Road,

Rolling Hills Estates, across from Deep

Valley Drive. Refreshments will be served.

Contact Membership Chair Bill Lavoie 310-

378-8723, mrmnply@aol.com , if you’d like

more information.

“O” in activity descriptions stands for “Ordinary” and distinguishes O-rated activities from I- or M-rated activities, which involve

Class 2 and Class 3 terrain, respectively. “C” stands for “Conducted” and signifies that a concessionaire leads the trip.

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PV-SB GROUP ACTIVITIES

Symbols used for outings: walk, hiking, flight,

backpack, educational, conservation,

canine, bird watching, slides, moonlit hike,

bus trip, flowers, skiing, lodge,

trail work, snow shoeing . ________________________________________________________

Jul 1 Sun O: Manhattan Beach Hike/Brunch See Monthly Activities

Jul 7 Sat O: Portuguese Point Hike: Moderate 6 mi, 1000’ gain, 3 hours. Take Palos Verdes Dr South to Forrestal Dr, north to gate. Meet at gate at 8 AM. Klondike Cyn, across Portuguese Cyn, Portuguese Pt, Sea Cave, Inspiration Pt. Wear lug sole boots, bring a snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs: Barry Bonnickson (bonnicks@pacbell.net) & Steve Bradford.

Jul 14 Sat O: Ocean Trails Hike: Slow moderate 4 mi, 1000’ gain. Take Palos Verdes Dr S to La Rotonda Dr then south to the trail parking lot (inside the gate). Meet at 8 AM. Take four trails that lead down to the ocean and a loop around Shoreline Park. Wear lug sole boots, bring a snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs: Barry Bonnickson (bonnicks@pacbell.net) & Jerry Pupa. ______________________________________

Jul 21 Sat O: Portuguese Bend Trails 1: Moderate 6 mi, 1200’ gain. Take Palos Verdes Dr S to Forrestal Dr, north to gate. Meet at gate at 8 AM. Forestall Quarry, Klondike Cyn, and various trails around Portuguese Cyn, Paintbrush and Rim Trails and back. Wear lug sole boots, bring a snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs: Barry Bonnickson (bonnicks@pacbell.net) & Steve Bradford.

Jul 25 Wed: Newcomer/Member Information Night: Angeles Chapter, Palos Verdes-South Bay Group Newcomer/Member Information night: Come and discover the Sierra Club with the Palos Verdes-South Bay Group, LA Sierra Singles, Hundred Peak Section, Wilderness Travel Course, Mule Packs and many other Sierra Club representatives. Learn all about the Sierra Club and the many activities and adventure outings available. Table displays, exhibits, refreshments. Join Sierra Club for $15 Special Offer and free gift. Meet 7-9 PM in the Community Room in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Library, 701 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates. If you need more information contact Bill Lavoie or Joyce White 310-383-5247.

Jul 26-29 Thu-Sun O: Mammoth Bus Trip - Eastern Sierra Extravaganza: Would you like to hike through meadows of wild flowers, soak your feet in pristine alpine lakes, and feast your eyes on vistas of snow-capped jagged peaks? Join us for an adventurous four days of glorious hiking on some of the most spectacularly scenic trails in the Sierra Nevada’s. Participants must be fit enough to hike 7 miles in hilly terrain at high altitudes. We will be hiking on several new trails from previous trips, enjoying the John Muir and the Hoover wilderness areas near Yosemite. We stay all three nights in Mammoth Lakes’ Sierra Nevada Lodge. Price includes bus, shared motel room, snacks, and driver gratuity. Depart early Thurs. from Redondo Beach and

Next Submission Deadline Foggy View August 10, 2012

IMPORTANT NOTICES 1. In order to participate on one of the Sierra Club's outings, you will

need to sign a liability waiver. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please see http://sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms or call 415-977-5528.

2. In the interest of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.

3. CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

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return Sun. night. Cancellation penalty is $40, with balance refundable until June 15 if suitable replacement is found. Send 2 business-size SASE, H&W phones, email, and check to PVSB Sierra Club for $308 to Linda Werk, 15218 Cranbrook Ave, El Camino Village, CA 90260. Ldrs: Judy Shane & Linda Werk.

Jul 27 Fri O: Moonlite Hike in Palos Verdes Estates: Meet 7:30 PM at historic Malaga Cove Plaza by Neptune’s Fountain: Via Almar and PV Dr N. Hike fire roads for super vistas of Santa Monica Bay. Rain cancels. Wear sturdy shoes. Ldr: Bill Lavoie, Asst: Steve Bradford.

Jul 27 Fri C: Santa Barbara Island Excursion: Santa Barbara has steep cliffs, laced with nature trails, spectacular views and visitor access a diversity of plant and animal habitats. Home of huge Northern Elephant Seals which offers a rare opportunity to photograph and observe the marine mammal along with sea lions, seals, birds, tide pools, etc. You may join the island ranger for guided nature walk or picnic and explore on your own. We are dropped off at a pier and ascend approx 100 steps to the top of the Island (as on Anacapa Island). This is a rigorous tour so visitors should be in good physical condition. Dress for weather; bring 64 ozs of water, lunch, and snacks. The ocean, wind, climate, can increase your hunger. The seas might be heavy so be prepared with sea pills. You can bring a small cooler of whatever you need and leave on Island or boat while hiking. There are Bear Boxes to store what you don't want to carry on the hike. Meet and sign in at Ventura Channel Islands, 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001 at 7:15 AM. The boat leaves at 8 AM and returns back to Harbor at approx 6 PM. Crossing takes 2 to 3 hrs. In case of unfavorable weather or sea conditions, Island Packers will cancel at 5:30 AM on the day of the trip. On the morning of the departure, after 5:30 AM, please call 805-642-1393, select option 4 and listen for status of trip. Island Packers or Sierra Club will not call you if the trip is cancelled due to weather or sea conditions. Your money will be refunded if the trip is cancelled. 25 participants required or trip will cancel two weeks prior to departure. No refund if participant cancels within 2 weeks of trip and no replacement can be found. Price: Adults $75; Children 12 and under $65. Make check payable to Sierra Club Palos Verdes South Bay Group and send along with your email, phone number, and emergency contact phone number while on the island to reservationist: Alix Benson, 1205 7th Place,

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Enclose SASE. Email: alixbenson@verizon.net phone: 310-379-8066.

Jul 28 Sat O: Del Cerro Trails: Moderate 7 mi, 1300’ gain. Meet at the south end of Crenshaw Blvd, at entrance to Del Cerro Park, in Ranchos Palos Verdes, at 8 AM. Duration is approximately 2.5 hours. Wear lug sole boots, bring snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs: Barry Bonnickson (bonnicks@pacbell.net) & Alix Benson.

Aug 4 Sat O: George F. Canyon Hike: Moderate 5.5 mi, 700’ gain. Meet 8 AM. Palos Verdes Dr E 1/8 mile south of Palos Verdes Dr N, at trailhead. Dapplegray, Chandler, Saddlehorn Loop, Empty Saddle, Phillip’s Cyn, Heavenly, Strawberry, Circle, & Old Witch Trails. Wear lug sole boots, bring a snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs: Barry Bonnickson (bonnicks@pacbell.net) & Emile Fiesler.

Aug 5 Sun O: Manhattan Beach Hike/Brunch See Monthly Activities

Aug 11 Sat O: San Pedro Trails/Harbor: Moderate 6 mi, 600’ gain. Meet at 8 AM in the parking lot of Peck Park in San Pedro. The entrance to the park is at the south east corner of Western Ave and West Crestwood St. We will meet about 100 yards into the first parking lot. Wear lug sole boots, bring a snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs: Barry Bonnickson (bonnicks@pacbell.net) & Steve Bradford.

Aug 18 Sat O: George F - PVLF: Moderate 6.5 mi, 600’ gain. Meet 8 AM. Palos Verdes Dr E 1/8 mile south of Palos Verdes Dr N, at trailhead. Dapplegray, Chandler, Palomino Ranchos, Lariet, Landfill Loop Trails and back. Wear lug sole boots, bring a snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs: Barry Bonnickson (bonnicks@pacbell.net) & Emile Fiesler.

Aug 25 Sat O: Miraleste Trails Hike: Moderate 6 mi, 1000’ gain. Meet at 8 AM in the parking lot of Peck Park in San Pedro. The entrance to the park is at the south east corner of Western Ave and West Crestwood St. We will meet about 100 yards into the first parking lot. Wear lug sole boots, bring a snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs: Barry Bonnickson (bonnicks@pacbell.net) & Alix Benson.

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Aug 31 Fri O: Moonlite Hike in Palos Verdes Estates: Meet 7:30 PM at corner of PV Dr W, corner of Yarmouth & Via Anacapa, across from Lunada Bay fountain. Travel trails along the costal bluffs. Sturdy shoes required. Rain cancels. Ldrs: Michael & Maggie Coble.

Sep 8-23, Sat-Sun O: Fiji & Australia Hidden Gems: Join us on an unforgettable journey to discover hidden gems in Fiji and Australia. The first week, we’ll hike in lush, verdant rainforests on Fiji’s remote, unspoiled Kadavu and Ono Islands and enjoy a home-stay in a traditional Fijian village where we will experience native customs and ceremonies. After Fiji, we’ll fly to Sydney, Australia, to enjoy a walking tour of city sights and a visit to a wildlife park before heading for Katoomba and the gorgeous Blue Mountains. There, the leaders will organize daily hikes and sightseeing activities via readily accessible local trains. Trip price is $4,048, based on 15 participants (non-members add $40). Price may vary depending on exchange rates. Price includes: round-trip airfare LAX-Fiji-Australia; shared motel room; some meals; transport within Fiji and Australia; and group hikes. Refunds require a suitable replacement and a $50 cancellation fee. Book early because this trip fills up quickly. Reserve by sending email address, phone number, and a $500 check payable to PVSB Sierra Club to co-ldr, Bob Baldwin, 7500 Wystone Ave, Reseda, CA 91335. For an itinerary, contact ldr Judy Shane (judyshane@aol.com).

Sep 28 Fri O: Moonlite Hike in Palos Verdes Estates: Meet 7:30 PM at fountain in center of Malaga Cove Plaza: Via Almar & PV Dr N. Hike fire roads for unlimited views of Santa Monica Bay. Sturdy shoes required. Rain cancels. Bring $$ to go for pizza afterwards: Ldr: Steve Bradford, asst: Hugh Pendleton.

Oct 26 Fri O: Moonlite Hike in Rancho Palos Verdes: Leave 7:30 PM from Golden Cove Shopping Center, corner of Hawthorne Blvd & PV Dr S (where Hawthorne dead ends at the sea). Rain cancels. Wear sturdy shoes for dirt trails. Go for pizza afterwards. Ldr: Dennis Bosch, asst: Hugh Pendleton.

Dec 25, 2012 - Jan 10, 2013 Tue-Thu C: Adventure in India (17 days). This is one of those trips of a lifetime! Visit the sights in Delhi, ride a hot air balloon over Jaipur, travel to the countryside where we visit Ranthambore National Park and learn about its tiger conservation program. In the park we’ll travel by safari truck looking for deer, gazelles, antelopes and monkeys. Although most accommodations

are in hotels, for one night we take a camel ride (or cart if preferred) to our camp with canvas cottages (and private baths). In Agra we view the Taj Mahal by moonlight and then visit its interior the next morning. We’ll witness a sacred light ceremony at the Ganges River in Varanasi and experience many more fascinating activities on this special trip. Space is limited to 16 participants. Price: $3,595 plus $1,300 RT group air from LAX. (Other departure cities available, or arrange your own air.) Credit cards accepted (payment directly to travel agent); discount available for early full payment. (Amount depends on date paid.) Includes: 14 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners, all land transports (private bus, safari truck, train, camel-back or cart, hot air balloon, rickshaw, Ganges cruise, and 2 internal flights), local guides, accommodations double occupancy or limited singles. For itinerary, application, and cancellation policy send email to karencassimatis@gmail.com, or call 619-955-5458. Ldr: Karen Cassimatis.

Jan 19-21 Sat-Mon O; Death Valley Bus trip: LA and Orange County pickups. Visit Death Valley National Park at the best time of the year for hiking. Our trip will offer a choice of hikes all three days into canyons, up buttes, and across sand dunes. Or bring a book and read next to the large warm spring-fed swimming pool and look over the majestic Panamint Mountains or visit Scotty’s Castle, or take a horseback ride or play golf. You saw the Valley on Huell Howser’s and other PBS programs, now come and see it for yourself. We stay at Furnace Creek Ranch in the heart of the valley, 2 people/2 beds per room. Leave Sat AM from Redondo Beach then from Orange County, return Mon eve. Cost includes bus, driver gratuity, lodging, daily social hours, bus drinks/snacks. $40 cancellation penalty, balance refundable until Dec 10th, then only if trip is full. Send 1 large SASE with email, H & W phones and check for $286 (payable to Sierra Club) to the reservation ldr, Sandy Graham, 2891 Wyngate Rd, Orange, CA 92867. Co-ldrs Alix Benson, Dave Hixson, and Jerry Trager.

Feb 12-17 Tue- Sun O: Alaska Northern Lights Quest: Our trip begins with the new moon in Fairbanks, Alaska. From Fairbanks we will drive 60 miles north to Chena Hot Springs for three nights. Included at Chena is a Snow Coach Tour to see the Aurora; a visit to the Ice Museum with ice bar; a geothermal renewable energy tour; daily

8

use of the Chena Hot Springs Natural Outdoor Adult (ages 18+) Rock Lake and hot tub, indoor family swimming pool and hot tubs; a 1 1/5 mile nature walk; a 3 mile walk; and nightly use of the geothermal heated Aurorium for additional aurora viewing. Optional activities provided by Chena for a fee include: join a guided snow machine tour around the areas of the resort; get a work out by renting cross-country skis, snowshoes or ice skates and cruise around the resort's 440 beautiful acres and scenic trails; or try a massage to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. After our stay at Chena we head back to Fairbanks for two nights and visit the UAF Museum and other sights. Price: $800. Included are ground transportation, hotel (double occupancy), Snow Coach Tour, Ice Museum, pool pass, Fairbanks UAF Museum with audio guide, two breakfasts, and happy hours. Group airfare not included. For itinerary, application, and cancellation policy send email or SASE to reservationist Sandy Graham. Sandy2scott@sbcglobal.net; 2891 Wyngate Rd, Orange, CA, 92867. Ldr: Sandy Graham, co-ldr: Scott Graham.

May 25-28 Sat-Tue O: Zion & Bryce National Parks Bus Trip: Two pick up points, Redondo Beach and Orange County. Hike in Utah’s most popular parks - Zion and Bryce. No overnight bus ride. Hike the many trails including Angels Landing and East Rim Trail. Choice of hikes available each day. Leave Sat AM, return Tues PM. Stay all three nights in Springdale next to Zion. Fee includes bus, driver gratuity, motel, 3 happy hours (wine, beer, & soda) snacks & all admissions. $40 cancellation penalty, balance refundable until April 15, 2013, then only if trip is full. Send 1 business size SASE with email, H & W phone #’s, check for $399, w/SC # payable to Sierra Club, to trip reservationist Sandy Graham 2891 Wyngate Rd, Orange, CA 92867. Ldr: Sandy Graham, co-ldrs Dave Hixson, Jerry Trager, and Alix Benson.

__________________________________________

PV-SB Group, Sierra Club PO Box 2464, PVP, CA 90274

http://angeles.sierraclub.org/pvsb

PV-SB GROUP LEADERS

Current leaders active in the PV-SB Group

Name Phone Rating Frank Atkin 310-378-5008 I

Terry Bass 310-539-8227 O

Bob Beach 310-375-0898 M

Alix Benson 310-379-8066 O

Richard Boardman 310-374-4371 M

Barry Bonnickson 310-519-0778 O

Dennis Bosch 310-328-3874 O

Stephen Bradford 310-993-5501 O

Sharon Brossier 310-376-1416 O

Jack Carmody 310-539-2259 O

Ursula Carmody 310-539-2259 O

Karen Cassimatis 562-492-6344 I

Brooks Chadwick 310-544-0600 O

Dorie Chadwick 310-544-0600 O

Arlene Chao 310-541-3902 O

Jackie Childers 310-518-4086 O

Maggie Coble 310-378-9743 O

Michael Coble 310-378-9743 O

Mike Dillenback 310-378-7495 I

Debra DuVall 310-214-1873 O

Emile Fiesler 720-834-2878 O

Sandy Graham 714-282-5661 O

Kevin Gray 310- 631 2337 O

Lyn Greenham 310-540-4662 O

Roger Greenham 310-540-4662 O

Greg Hitchings 310-541-3902 O

Dave Hixson 310-676-8848 O

Barry Holchin 310-378-3780 M

Susan Johnson 310-545-4235 O

Liz Kennedy 310-547-1320 O

Jonathan Lamborn O

Sanam Lamborn O

Donna Lauck 310-541-4416 O

Bill Lavoie 310-378-8723 O

Marilou Lieman 310-378-5086 O

Keith Martin 310-530-1268 M

Carol Anne Mills-Schmidt 310-519-0464 O

Jacques Monier 310-320-1249 O

Mary Beth Oubre 310-640-8386 O

Cindy Pardi 818-346-6257 O

Richard Pardi 818-346-6257 O

Hugh Pendleton 310-373-1603 O

Jerry Pupa 310-318-7101 O

Kent Schwitkis 310-540-5558 I

Judy Shane 310-379-1111 O

Sherry Silver 310-325-2988 O

Zoltan Stroll 310-378-8975 O

John Taber 310-831-4768 O

Jerry Trager 310-316-7843 O

John Vehrencamp 310-542-8460 O

Lois Vile 310-316-7843 O

Linda Werk 310-676-6171 O

Phil Wheeler 310-346-2619 I

Joyce White 310-383-5247 O Catherine Whittington 310-532-2380 O

Diane Wood 310-245-8965 O

Linda Wooldridge 310-376-2542 O

Sherry Anne Lear and Al Sattler (in photo at left) provided the public with information about the Sierra Club and various environmental issues on Earth Day at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

Photo by Eva Cicoria