Santa Lucian - Sierra Club · only the city of San Luis Obispo has agreed to take this step toward...

I n s i d eI n s i d eI n s i d eI n s i d eI n s i d eDuke: Outta Here 2

Paddler’s Corner 5

Carrizo: BLM’s Last Chance 6

Hike: Save the Coastal Act 8

Speak Up for the Ocean 9

Getting Diablo Wrong 9

Classifieds 11

Outings 12

GENERAL MEETINGGENERAL MEETINGGENERAL MEETINGGENERAL MEETINGGENERAL MEETING

Meet Rep. Lois Capps andLos Padres ForestWatch di-rector Jeff Kuyper, Jan. 17

SantaLucianProtecting and

Preserving theCentral Coast

The official newsletter of the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club • San Luis Obispo County, CaliforniaJanuary 2006

Volume 43 No. 1

Santa LucianSanta Lucia Chapter of the Sierra ClubP. O. Box 15755San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 84

SAN LUIS OBISPOCA 93401

This newsletter printed on100% post-consumer recycled paper

with soy-based inks

Please recycle

Ask Your Mayor to Cool Your CityIt’s time to make a renewable New Year’s resolution

Capps to Speak at Jan. 17Meeting

Read: Has Your Mayor Signedthe Climate Agreement? atwww.santalucia.sierraclub.org

Use the enclosedpostcard to securemarine wildlife andhabitat protection forthe Central Coast!

Everybody is in favor of increasingrenewable energy and improvingenergy efficiency. And (almost) ev-erybody now grasps the connectionbetween cutting greenhouse gasemissions and curbing global warm-ing, and more are coming to realizethat the benefits of clean energy de-velopment include improved publichealth, reduced energy bills, en-hanced energy security, more jobsand increased tax revenues for com-munities. Some people – generallythe people whohold elected office– just need a littleencouragement todemonstrate theircommitment toachieving thosegoals. That’s why, last November, theSanta Lucia Chapter of the SierraClub invited the mayors of ArroyoGrande, Atascadero, Grover Beach,Morro Bay, Paso Robles, PismoBeach and San Luis Obispo to signonto the U.S. Mayors Climate Protec-tion Agreement. Since the agreement was initiatedby Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels in

February 2005, 194 mayors repre-senting nearly 40 million Americansin 38 states have pledged to effectthe energy, transportation and landuse policies necessary to reduce glo-bal warming carbon dioxide pollu-tion in their cities 7% below 1990levels by the year 2012. Many ofthose cities have already achievedsavings and seen improvements intheir quality of life by aiming at thattarget – all because their mayorssigned the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Pro-

tection Agreement. So far on the Cen-tral Coast, however,only the city of SanLuis Obispo hasagreed to take thisstep toward a com-

mon-sense energy future, threeweeks after receiving our request. It’s not enough for your city toencourage a solar power componentin new development or adherence toGreen Building guidelines. It’s aboutsetting a target and measuring yourprogress toward it. That’s what theMayors Agreement does. Without it,your city’s planning and policies cannever be more than random actionswith unknown effects. Sierra Club’s Cool Cities campaignis acknowledging the efforts of citiesin every region of the country thathave signed the Mayors Agreement

and begun formulating a comprehen-sive energy plan, putting into placepractical, cost-effective local solu-tions for cleaner vehicles, energyefficiency and renewable energy. “The ‘cool cities’ movement iscatching on as news of these cities’successful energy solutions spreads,”said Chapter Chair Karen Merriam.“They’re saving the environment andsaving money; they’re improvingtheir communities.” The Mayors Agreement is sitting onyour mayor’s desk, awaiting thestroke of a pen. You can provide thenecessary encouragement to start theyear off right. Tell her/him why itwould be a good idea to sign the U.S.Mayors Climate Protection Agree-ment. It couldn’t hurt to send anothercopy just in case they’ve misplacedthe first one. Go towww.santalucia.sierraclub.org clickon “Has your mayor signed the cli-mate agreement?,” and follow thesimple instructions on how to helpyour city be part of the solution in-stead of part of the problem. Sierra Club’s Cool Cities Guide toLocal Global Warming Solutions ison line at www.sierraclub.org/globalwarming/coolcities. On no other issue are you likely tohave a better opportunity to thinkglobally and act locally. Your mayorneeds to hear from you today!

Mayor John P. Schoals154 S Eighth St.Grover Beach, CA 93433

[email protected]

Mayor Tony M. Ferrara214 E. Branch St.Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

[email protected]

Mayor Wendy Scalise6905 El Camino RealAtascadero CA 93422

[email protected]

Mayor Janice Peters595 Harbor St.Morro Bay CA 93442

[email protected]

Mayor Frank Mecham1000 Spring St.Paso Robles, CA 93446

[email protected]

Mayor Mary Ann Reiss760 Mattie Rd.Pismo Beach, CA 93449

[email protected]

They’re waitingto hear from you:

Don’t miss the Sierra Club’s January17th general meeting, featuring Rep-resentative Lois Capps. Our topic forthe evening is “Energy Solutions &Healthy Communities.” Los Padres ForestWatch ExecutiveDirector Jeff Kuyper will give anupdate on oil drilling and expandedrecreational vehicle use plans in theLos Padres National Forest. The meeting will be held January17th, 7 p.m.,. at the Ludwick Center,corner of Santa Rosa and Mill, SanLuis Obispo. Refreshments served.Sierra Club general meetings areopen to the public.

2 Santa Lucian • January 2006

SSSSSanananananttttta a a a a LLLLLuuuuuccccciiiiiananananan

Andrew Christie

Karen MerriamJack McCurdyTarren CollinsEDITORIAL BOARD

Mariko Fujinaka GRAPHIC CONSULTANT

The Santa Lucian is published 10times a year. Articles, environmentalinformation and letters to the editorare welcome. The deadline for eachissue is the 7th of the prior month.

send to:Editor, Santa Lucianc/o Santa Lucia Chapter, Sierra ClubP.O. Box 15755San Luis Obispo, CA [email protected]

Santa Lucia Chapter

2006 Executive CommitteeKaren Merriam CHAIR

Steven MarxTREASURER

Cleve Nash

Standing CommitteesPolitical Sarah ChristieConservation Pam Heatherington

Membership Cal FrenchActing Program Chair Letty French [email protected] Jan Marx [email protected] Canyon Task Force Rochelle Becker [email protected] Task Force Jack & Bea Morrow [email protected] LeadersSpeakers BureauIra Winn 805-781-9466Open SpaceGary Felsman 805-473-3694Calendar SalesBonnie Walters 805-543-7051Chapter HistoryJohn Ashbaugh 805-541-6430PublicityMargaret Hennesey 805-481-2240

ActivitiesOutingsEliane Guillot [email protected] Felsman 805-473-3694Canoe/Kayak [email protected] Beigle 805-773-2147Equestrian [email protected] Denneen 805-929-3647

General InformationSanta Lucia ChapterP.O. Box 15755San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

Chapter [email protected] Christie 805-543-8717

Chapter office hours areMonday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1204 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispowww.santalucia.sierraclub.org

F94Q W2500 1

Enclose check and mail to:

Sierra ClubP.O. Box 52968Boulder, CO 80322-2968

Change of Address? Mail changes to:

Sierra Club National Headquarters85 Second Street, 2nd FloorSan Francisco, CA 94105-3441

or e-mail:[email protected]

Visit us onthe Web!

www.santalucia.sierraclub.org

Outings, events, and more!

[email protected]

Cal French MEMBER

The Executive Committee meetsthe fourth Friday of everymonth at 3:00 p.m. at thechapter office, located at 1204Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. AllSierra Club members arewelcome to attend.

John Ashbaugh MEMBER

[email protected]

COUNCIL OF CLUB LEADERSCal French

Jack MorrowVICE CHAIR

Katherine WassenbergMEMBER [email protected]

MEMBER [email protected]

Duke Deserts Morro BayBy Jack McCurdy

After Duke Energy announced it wasselling all its western U.S. powerplants, a movement was launched toexplore replacing the old Morro Bayplant with visitor-serving enterprisessuch as a marine museum, arts andcultural center, aquarium and re-stored habitat or a combination ofthese and other ideas. The Santa Lucia Chapter peti-tioned for a new look at plans for the107-acre plant site, inviting resi-dents of MorroBay and otherinterested citi-zens to come tothe City Councilmeeting on Oc-tober 24 to saywhether theypreferred a newplant or someother use of thesite, known toconstitute someof the most de-sirable real estate on theCalifornia coast. TheCouncil heard two hoursof public testimony over-whelmingly favoringuses for the site otherthan a power plant, heardthe City Attorney’s reportacknowledging that vir-tually no one wants to seea power plant on the site,and appointed two Coun-cil members to an ad-hoccommittee to explore

cant numbers of fish and crab larvaeswept into the plant. But Duke, or anybuyer intending to build a new plant,also needs a federal discharge permitfrom the Central Coast Regional WaterQuality Control Board. Twice duringthe past year, Duke has withdrawn fromplanned hearings before the Board on anew permit. If a regulated utility like PG&E wereto purchase the plant and seek to re-place it with a new facility, it would

require approval ofthe California PublicUtilities Commis-sion, which couldrequire further envi-ronmental reviews ata time when once-through cooling isbeing challenged bycourts and other stateagencies.

Starting point: Last October, Sierra Club convened a meetingbetween Supervisor Shirley Bianchi (off camera), Jack McCurdy ofCAPE, Rep. Lois Capps’ District Representative Greg Haas, HenrietteGroot of the National Estuary Program, and Morro Bay City Coun-cilwman Melody DeMeritt to discuss the potential future of theDuke Power Plant site. (PhotoShop image, top, by Rob Schultz.)

Over the weekend of November 26,several residents of Morro Bay and LosOsos reported receiving a phone callfrom a polling firm. The pollsterstarted out saying the call was a surveyof opinions on energy issues – wind,solar, nuclear, etc. – but then, after afew general questions, got down tobusiness, asking “How would you feelabout a Liquifed Natural Gas (LNG)terminal located in Morro Bay?” (LNGis extremely volatile, and could causean explosion and fireball comparableto the destructive force of a nuclearbomb if accidentally ignited at a termi-nal facility.) The pollster also reportedly asked: “If a National Marine Sanctuary werelocated 15 miles away, how would thateffect your support for or opposition toan LNG plant?” (The Monterey Bay Na-tional Marine Sanctuary’s southernborder is at Cambria.) “How do you feel about Chevron?Gulf Oil? PG&E?” etc., and “on a scaleof 1 to 7, how would you rate thesecompanies if they were to operate anLNG plant?” “On a scale of 1 to 7, how do you ratethe credibility of Mothers for Peace?The Sierra Club? The EnvironmentalDefense Center? The California CoastalCommission?” “If you don’t support a land-basedLNG terminal, how would you feel ifthe LNG tanker dropped anchor tenmiles out, and the gas was ferried in?” “How would you feel if a Cal Polyprofessor assured you an LNG terminalwas safe?” “What if PG&E assured you it wassafe?” “What if the SLO Chamber of Com-merce assured you it was safe?” What if, indeed.

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

ing support for a new plant. It opensthe door for possible purchase of theproperty, removal of the 50-year-oldplant and redevelopment. It was alsothe first time that a range of alterna-tive uses of the site has receivedserious attention. It all happened quickly. On Sept.13, with no warning, Duke an-nounced it will sell its four powerplants in California, located in Oak-land, Moss Landing, Chula Vista andMorro Bay. The company said it hadbeen losing money on its NorthAmerican plants, including those inCalifornia, and keeping the plantswould risk losing more money. The revelation triggered articlesin local newspapers and speculationabout putting something else on theMorro Bay site. Then proponents of a communitydiscussion about alternative uses ofthe site converged on the City Coun-cil on October 10 and argued thatthe time was ripe for an investiga-tion of other options. Council mem-ber Melody DeMeritt took the initia-tive and asked the Council toconduct a public hearing on thefuture of the property. Vice MayorBetty Winholtz joined in support,and Mayor Janice Peters, a supporterof a new plant since Duke first an-nounced it would build a new facil-ity in 1999, acquiesced, creating amajority in favor of looking beyonda power plant. Duke obtained preliminary ap-proval of the Energy Commissionlast year to build a new plant, usingwater from the Morro Bay NationalEstuary in what is called once-through cooling, which kills signifi-

LNG in Morro Bay?!Did you get this call?

The hearing was the first time inthe five years since Duke submittedits application to the state to build anew Morro Bay power plant that amajority of Council membersagreed to reconsider its long-stand-

funding mechanismsfor the decommission-ing of the plant (a com-mittee you can join.See ad on page 5).

What’s Next?EDITOR/LAYOUT [email protected]

Santa Lucian • January 2006 3

Let’s Review

continued on page 8

It’s been an unquiet year in our littlecounty…. In our efforts to save prime agland and habitat, we supported SaveSan Luis Obispo in its successfulballot fight to defeat the massive Mar-ketplace project and protect prime agland in San Luis Obispo, and sup-ported Save the Park in its ongoingfight to convince the County and theState Parks Department to protectboth coastal laws and habitat in parkunits in Morro Bay and Los Osos. Sierra Club joined with most of theCounty’s Avisory Committees and awhole lot of other folks in telling theBoard of Supervisors to eliminatethe Transfer of Development Creditprogram and the proposed RuralPlanned Development Ordinancebefore they end up “preserving” ouragricultural land and open spaceright out of existence. In November,the Board put a 10-month morato-rium on TDC’s in South County whilethe RPD grimly clung to life. In De-cember, we told the Board that adopt-ing Napa County’s amendment to thestate Subdivision Map Act wouldmean we could abolish the antiquatedlots being targeted for developmentand solve a lot of the problems thatTDC and RPD don’t or make worse. Darn near everybody in Morro Bayand Los Osos told the California Fishand Game Commission at their an-nual regulatory review that fifty to ahundred guys firing shotguns in theestuary next door every year -- pre-tending they’re in the wilderness andmiles away from boaters, kayakersand places where people live andwork -- doesn’t make a lick of sense,and even less sense for the black brantgoose, which is in decades of declineand doesn’t really need that kind ofstress halfway through a very longmigration. Fish and Game didn’t lis-ten. We shall return. After the California Coastal Com-mission finally persuaded theCambria Community Services Dis-trict that building expanded watertank storage within the regulationsset out by the Coastal Act makes moresense then trying to whip residentsinto a hysterical frenzy over fears offire and flood and attempting to cir-cumvent the law, we had to convincethe CCSD that threatening to sub-poena and depose activists who agreewith the Coastal Commission was nota good – or democratic — idea.

Goals, Principles and Strategies of the Santa LuciaChapter of the Sierra Club, 2006-2008

We helped persuade the RegionalWater Quality Control Board toincreaase a fine assessed solely forreimbursement of staff costs that theBoard was going to levy against twoL.A. land speculators who denudedranchland and choked a blue-linecreek in Creston. The proposed$50,000 in fines

came away with what we needed toassess the BLM’s upcoming ResourceManagement Plan. We submitted comments on theCambria Community ServicesDistrict’s thoroughly inadequateenvrionmental

servation Plan for all their countyunits, as per our legal settlement.

Former Chapter ChairTarren Collins con-

went up to $225,000, with $100,000applied to local watershed restora-tion projects. We helped the CountyParks Foundation acquire a portionof those funds for purchase of BLMlands at the headwaters of the SalinasRiver. We filed a Freedom of InformationAct request with the Bureau of LandManagement for all documents re-lated to their management of grazingat the Carrizo Plain National Monu-ment. We didn’t get everything wewanted, filed a complaint, met withstaff in their Bakersfield office, and

analysis of drillingbeach wells for Cambria’s proposeddesalination plant. Under the terms of our legal settle-ment with State Parks that resultedin more protected nesting areas andhalf a million dollars for plover pro-tection at Oceano Dunes and in adja-cent counties, we continued meetingwith State Parks to monitor theirprogress in finding alternatives torecreational vehicles crossing themouth of Arroyo Grande Creek, asthis is not a great match with endan-gered steelhead and tidewater goby.We also participated in the structur-ing of Parks’ public scoping meet-ings on the creation of a Habitat Con-

velop without a permit,then that he couldn’t, then

t h a t he could. If he’d gone withtheir last decision, it would’ve set aterrible precedent that would letdevelopers turn environmentallysensitive habitat area into Swisscheese all up and down the coast.Nice save! We sent a delegation to the SierraSummit in San Francisco, the largestgathering of Sierra Club members inhistory, and participated in settingthe agenda for the future course ofthe Club’s conservation work. At the Chapter’s request, the Envi-ronmental Caucus of the CaliforniaDemocratic Party endorsed our reso-lutions supporting expansion of theMonterey Bay National Marine Sanc-tuary and opposing the relicensing ofnuclear power plants in the state. With your support, we hope to dothe same -- only moreso -- this year.

By Olga MandrussowSierra Club Genetic EngineeringCommittee

Imagine a biotechnology corporationcoming into your region, discoveringa native plant, artificially injectinggenes from a completely differentspecies into that indigenous plant,and then producing a new productfor its pharmaceutical, agricultural,or industrial market. Does this cor-poration have the right to privatizeand patent that product? Yes. Consider: Ventria Bioscience want-ed to grow pharmaceutical-produc-ing rice (pharm rice) in California.This rice — genetically engineered

Hang onto YourGenes

continued on page 4

(Some of) what we did in 2005

The members of the Executive Com-mittee agreed in 2005 to adopt astrategic plan to guide the chapterfor the next three years, understand-ing that events and re-evaluationsmay require revisions over time. Thefollowing are exerpts from that docu-ment.

The Santa Lucia Chapter accepts theMission of the Sierra Club to:* Explore, enjoy and protect the wildplaces of the earth.* Practice and promote the respon-sible use of the earth’s ecosystemsand resources.

* Educate and enlist humanity toprotect and restore the quality of thenatural and human environment.* Use all lawful means to carry outthese objectives. The Santa Lucia Chapter acknowl-edges certain basic principles thatguide its activities:* All parts of the earth’s ecosystemsare interconnected and interdepen-dent.* Diversity promotes health inthe environment and in the Chaptermembership.* Positive relationshipsand alliances create opportunities forpositive change.* The heritage, tradi-tions, and accomplishments of the

Sierra Club and the Chapter nourishand support its members and providean important story to tell. Goals & Strategies are responsiveto the needs and resources of theChapter. Specific Chapter goals andstrategies are coordinated with SierraClub National priorities and cam-paigns insofar as they reflect the con-sensus of Chapter members andavailable resources. Developmentand implementation of Chapter goalsand strategies are the responsibilityof the entire membership. Certainresponsibilities are delegated to and

By Kim Waldofrom The Lookout, newsletter of theHuron Valley Group, Michigan

At the beginning… Arlen sat behind the participantsaround the table at the meeting.That’s how he thought of himself;

The Magic of Volunteers

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Executive Committee ElectedThe Elections Committee reports thefollowing results of the NovemberChapter election for 2006 ExecutiveCommittee (listed in the order ofmost votes received, and termselected):

Katherine Wassenberg - 3 year termSteven Marx - 3 year termCal French - 3 year termCleve Nash - 1 year term

Continuing members and remaininglength of term:

Karen Merriam - 2 yearsJack Morrow - 2 yearsJohn Ashbaugh - 1 year

New Executive Committee memberswere seated on December 16. TheCommittee elected Karen MerriamChair, Jack Morrow Vice Chair,Catherine Wassenberg Secretary,Steven Marx Treasurer, and ratifiedthe Chair’s appointments of JonoKincaid of Cuesta College Grassrootsto the Conservation Committee.

‘backup’ for the heavy hitters, a sus-taining voice when the weight ofnumbers became important. Hewasn’t a source of details, but he knewwhat he felt was right. All of his com-patriots engaged in this debate aboutthe best way to use the city’s outstand-

ing natural places were more experi-enced, more knowledgable, arguingfor reality as opposed to grandstand-ing by the opposition. But they were all volunteers, likehim. People who cared about how

continued on page 9

vinced a Cambriarancher to file for

a minimumuse permit and

a fee waiver forland that the

County PlanningCommission had first

told him he could de-


What “Sustainable” Isn’tBy Mike ZelinaSLO GE Free

Jane Goodall has recently released abook Harvest for Hope: A Guide toMindful Eating that provides a greatoverview of US agriculture and pos-sible solutions. A central theme isbuying organic - and encouraginglocal producers to go that direction. Ihope everyone gets a chance to readthe book or listen to her recent inter-view on Democracy Now! (www.democracynow.org). Over the last two years,agribusiness/biotech has been verybusy hijacking the word “sustain-able.” The “mono-crop” mentalitywill be justified even more in thefuture with the introduction of ge-netically engineered crops, vitamin-

Andrew Christie replies:

The sentence with which Dr. Robbinstakes issue is from my articlereporting on the September 6meeting of the Health Commission’sGMO Task Force. Dr. Robbins alsotook issue with the followingsentence: “The task force seemeduncertain as to its mission and reasonfor being” – both circled with yellowhighlighter on a copy of the articlethat he enclosed with his letter. He is correct: I did not have a copyof the GMO Task Force’s missionstatement at hand when I wrote thearticle — nor, evidently, did Dr.Robbins or any other member of theTask Force at their Septembermeeting when a member of thepublic asked exactly what their taskwas supposed to be and general head-scratching ensued. It is gratifying toknow that Dr. Robbins eventuallylocated a copy of the Task Force’smission statement (“To provide thepeople of San Luis Obispo Countywith scientifically based informationregarding the health implications ofgenetically engineered foods andcrops”) and has presumably shared itwith the other members of his Task

with human genes to producelactoferrin and lysozyme — wouldbe used as a pharmaceutical-produc-ing crop. Dr. Michael Hansen, seniorresearch associate at ConsumersUnion’s Consumer Policy Institute,was interviewed by The Scientistregarding the potential spread ofpharm genes into the environment.Dr. Hansen stated: “There are unan-swered environmental and humanhealth issues regarding the two pro-teins.” Farmers are concerned with thepotential contamination of theircommercial crops, as well as lostmarkets. If a farmer’s crop is con-taminated by genetically engineeredorganisms, the farmer has no legalrecourse. Even worse, the biotech

industry has sued farrmers whentheir farmland becomes the victimof gene flow! Organic farmers canDear Editor:

Force as well as with the SantaLucian. The first of the five listed goalsimplementing the Task Force’smission statement is “To gatherreviewed scientific information ongenetically engineered foodsand…product labeling.” Nevertheless, I agree thatjournalistic shorthand can oftenrequire clarification. In this case,clarification is also required by thecontext in which the GMO Task Forcewas created: the aftermath of MeasureQ, the 2004 ballot initiative thatwould have banned the cultivation ofgenetically engineered crops in SanLuis Obispo County. Though vastlyoutspent by the corporatedisinformation campaign thatassured its defeat, the measuregathered 49,910 votes. GE-freeactivists demanded that the Countyacknowledge and respond to obviouspublic concern and theenvironmental and safety issuesraised by the measure’s proponents,

enhanced products, oils higher inmonunsaturated fats, etc. TeresaCampbell, Mark Phillips, and myselfrecently spoke at the Cal PolyBiotech 101 class. Much like chemi-cal farming, students appear to beembracing this technology with littleor no question. Unfortunately, our local Farm Bu-reau is busily promoting geneticallyengineered crops as the future. Inaddition, the Central Coast Vineyardteam just hosted a conference thatfeatured the pro-GMO speaker PeggyLemeaux. The first GMO wine yeastwas released last November. Will local vineyards be using thisin production? Unless consumers say

Enclosed is a copy of the Mission Statement and Goals ofthe San Luis Obispo GMO Task Force as mandated by thecounty Health Commission. Nowhere is there a statementor directive tasking them “with determining whether theCounty should support the labeling of genetically modi-fied organisms, aka genetically engineered (GE) food…”

Including this entire Mission and Goal Statement in yournext edition as well as a correction of the article [“What’s Upwith the GMO Task Force?,” October] would add clarity tothe issue. One can only assume you did not have a copy ofthis information prior to including your article in the Octo-ber 2005 Santa Lucian.

Robert A Robbins, M.D., D.D.S., FAAOHNSSan Luis Obispo

and, if not ban GE crops locally,consider a requirement that GE foodsbe labeled as such before permittingthem to be sold. The County Board ofSupervisors created two GMO taskforces, under the auspices of theHealth and Agriculture Departments,to look into the matter and reporttheir findings. The only action beforethe Board to which those findingswould pertain is a request to endorsea federal labeling law for GE foods. Thus, the GMO task forces were notcreated out of random curiosity or togather data for the sake of data-gathering, but to aid the Board ofSupervisors in a specific purpose.While the task forces are free tosimply amass the specifiedinformation, file their reports andleave it at that, the entity that createdthem may not. The Board is supposedto consider the data presented and useit as the basis for an action.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, under pressure from the biotechnology industry, has decided not to require ge-netically engineered foods to be independently safety tested or labeled. This decision represents a particularaly egre-gious affront to food choice, as up to 60 percent of processed foods already have some genetically engineered ingredi-ents that many consumers would like to avoid. The FDA’s no labeling and testing policy was made even though theagency was aware that the genetic engineering of foods can make safe foods toxic, create new allergens, lower food nu-trition, and create antibiotic resistance.”

— Fatal Harvest: The Tragedy of Industrial Agriculture (Island Press, 2002)

lose their organic certification whengenes carrying genetically engi-neered traits spread onto organiccropland. Tinkering with genetic codes, thefundamental building blocks of alllife on the planet, is asking fortrouble. The good news is that we, asresidents of California, can stop this

manipulation and patent-ing of genetic sequencesderived from living thingsin our own locales. Ordinances have beenpassed in several countiesin California that prohibitthe planting of geneticallyengineered crops. Butwhen biotechnology cor-porations realized thepower of local communi-ties, they lobbied statelawmakers to introducelegislation preemptinglocal control of seeds andplants, as well as renderingexisting ordinances nulland void. A legislative showdownis underway. Late in the2005 legislative session,preemption legislation wasintroduced, aiming to striplocal regulation of foodcrops. These bills werestalled due to tremendous

citizen opposition, but are slated tobe heard again in the 2006 legisla-tive session. It is up to each and every one ofus to make certain we retain ourdemocratic rights to allow our com-munities to create a sustainablevision for our food supply! Go to: www.calgefree.org/preemption.shtml#Takeaction Additional Resources:To contact your Legislator:www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.htmlTook kit:www.environmentalcommons.org/local-control-toolkit.pdfMore info: www.calgefree.org/re-sources/consumers.shtmlSierra Club policy:www.sierraclub.org/policy/conser-vation/biotech.asp

Genescontinued from page 3

“no” every chance they get, agribus-iness influence over specialty crops --and further loss of small farms -- isinevitable. While buying local is im-portant, we must tell producers whatwe want (and don’t want).


10-15% off for Santa Lucian readers!

The 2006 Sierra Club calendars are now available, and they are gorgeous. Yourpurchase goes directly to funding the Santa Lucia Chapter’s efforts for our land,air, water, and quality of life in San Luis Obispo.

Wilderness wall (spiral bound, cover 1-4 5 or morepicture every month) $11.95 $11.53 $10.89

Engagement (spiral bound, $12.95 $12.50 $11.81picture every week)

- price includes tax and 10% discount (1 to 4) or 15% discount (5 or more).

For mail orders, write or call the Chapter office, p.o. box 15755, San Luis Obispo,CA 93406; (805) 543-8717. For in-town pick up, call Bonnie at543-7051.

By Jack Beigle

A Very Special Day onthe Sandspit

WANT TO REDEVELOP DUKE?

City and County residents are neededto draft strategic guidelines forassespssible alternatives to the MorroBay Power Plant site. A dedicatedworking committee is required forthispublic process, intent on balancing

the needs of the City, the surrounding communities and a variety ofenvironmental, design and economic concerns. Interested candidates shouldhave time, patience, insight and a willingness to consider the views of others.The Morro Bay Power Plant Re-Use Ad Hoc Committee willmeet on the 1st and 3rd Monday each month from 4:00 p.m. –5:30 p.m.; location to be announced. Applications may beobtained for these positions from the City Clerk’s office at595 Harbor Street, or by calling 772-6205 during normalbusiness hours. Closing date for submittingapplications is Friday, January 13, 2006, at 5:00 p.m.

TDCs: Toying with Disastrous Consequences

I have said many times that each ofour outings is a special adventure.Our picnic on the Morro Bay SandSpit is a perfect example. Welaunched 19 boats on a beautiful fallday. We had a clear sky and a moder-ate breeze, but it was a special daybecause we celebrated Bill Doose’s90th birthday. Bill has been canoeingwith us consistently since we formedthe Canoe/Kayak Section of our Si-erra Club Chapter about 17 years ago.Bill is a strong paddler and very sel-dom misses an outing. He has taughtmany people the art of canoeing. We all signed his “Happy BirthdayCard” which had a pictureon the cover of a man tak-ing a nap on a low branchof a tree with a canoepaddle leaning against thetree and a canoe resting onthe shore in the back-ground. It was a very goodlikeness of Bill. We allshared at least one piece ofa delicious birthday carrotcake. Bill is truly a very specialperson. He is very safetyconscious and always help-ful on our outings. As wepaddled back to the marinathere was a bright, heliumfilled happy birthday bal-loon dancing in the windabove Bill’s yellow 17-ft.canoe. In our hearts we allwished that we could bepaddling as well as Bill onour 90th birthdays. Check the outingschedule and join us on thewater. Heres’ what we saw on Bill’s birthday.

By Eric Greening

On November 22nd, the Board ofSupervisors faced an audience mostof whose members were ready to killthe present countywide Transfer ofDevelopment Credit Program(except for a few programs designedby and for individual communities)and start over (or not ). But theBoard, aside from a 10 1/2 monthmoratorium in the Santa Margarita/South Atascadero/Creston/Pozo area,and some ameliorative changes, keptthe program alive despite its havingcreated five times more lots than ithas retired, every one of which hasbeen an auto-dependent, non-smart-growth parcel of one acre or more inthe unincorporated area. The positive changes (no morereceiving sites for developmentcredits in the Agricultural Zone;removal of villages from the list of“cities” within 5 miles of whichreceiver sites must be used) have yetto take effect. All the Board did wasstart the processing of amendments. This program was originallyintended to be a design tool to

There are other ways to reward non-development

compensate landowners for retiringdevelopment rights in remote areaswhile encouraging higher densitiesin urban nodes, consistent withsmart growth principles. However,sending and receiving zones werenever mapped, incorporated citiesnever agreed to participate, and theBoard direction that the programbe “incentive based and marketdriven” came to mean bargain ratesfor pur-chasing exceptions to theGeneral Plan. The ”market” is notthe most sensitive design tool! While the amendments in processmay contain some of the program’sworst abuses, the program is likelyto continue to aggravate neighborsof receiver sites and promotesprawl. How would you like it ifyour neighbor could buy the rightto violate your area’s zoning bypaying a few tens of thousandsof dollars to amass profits an orderof magnitude higher? If we are to have a TDC program,we need to start over, with a cleanslate. Why should the retirement oflots have to be balanced by thecreation of lots anyway? TheCambria community programavoids this by allowing credit pur-chasers setback waivers instead ofnew lots. While this is not idealeither, leading to monster houseselbowing each other on small lotsand threatening a potential firetrap,it shows that creation of new lots isnot an inevitable consequence of aTDC program. Why couldn’t acredit purchaser buysomething that doesn’t show up onthe land at all, like quickerprocessing of a stan-dardapplication. Preserve open spaceand you get to cut in line! That,too, could create resentment,but the consequence would bepassing, not permanent. Or if purchasers of TDC creditsare to be rewarded with new lots,why not require the same for allnew lots in standard subdivisions,and avoid violating the GeneralPlan in the firstplace? Subdivisionsare gifts from the public to alandowner, and retirement ofinappropriate lots can be a way topay the public back.

We have yet to examine what wecould accomplish if we make a freshstart on a new TDC program; battlesover the old one occupy theforeground of our consciousness. But the opportunity is there. Thefinal part of the Board’s action onNovember 22nd was to create a newTDC Advisory Committee. Member-ship categories will be decided at afuture Board meeting, and thenapplications will be open. We needto do all we can to insure that thiscommittee has room for freshapproaches and people serving on itwho can think outside the box. Staytuned!

Mike Baird

HopeDance FiLMS in San LuisObispo - all at the SLO Library onOsos & Palm. Information:www.hopedance.org, 805 544-9663.

Friday, January 13, 7pm.Heart of the BeholderFundraiser for Americans United forSeparation of Church and State andHopeDance FiLMS.

Friday, January 20, 7pm, suggesteddonation of $6The Real Dirt on Farmer JohnBack by popular demand!

Friday, January 27, 7pm, suggesteddonation of $5Soylent GreenCharlton Heston, Edward G.Robinson, Chuck Connors. Classic‘70s eco-thriller.

Saturday, January 28, 3pm to 10pmON THE ROAD FILM FESTIVAL - 3films, plus short films and a lightdinner for $20.- This Land is Your Land- Independent America: The Two- Lane Search for Mom & Pop- Red State Road Trip

Friday, February 3The Last Shangri-La: An EveningAbout Bhutan with film and localBhutanese Karma Dorji


For MarleneBy Anne McMahon

You may have been following the sadstory of my friend Marlene Braun. Shecommitted suicide last May at theCarrizo Plain National Monument.Many of us knew and loved Marlenefor her tireless efforts and boundlessdedication on behalf of the plants andanimals of the Carrizo. A long-time em-ployee of the Bureau of Land Manage-ment, she became almost one with theCarrizo – a place she had grown tolove deeply during her three and a halfyears there as monument manager.That deep and passionate love for theplace fueled her every decision andinteraction with others.

December 12, 2005

Mike Pool, State DirectorBureau of Land ManagementCalifornia State Office2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-1834Sacramento, CA 95825-1886

Re: Preparation of EIS required fornew Monument RMP

Dear Director Pool:

The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club,Defenders of Wildlife, CaliforniaWilderness Coalition, Los PadresForestWatch, Center for BiologicalDiversity, Natural Resources DefenseCouncil, Public Employees for Envi-ronmental Responsibility, and West-ern Watersheds Project are writing toexpress their concern with the Bu-reau of Land Management’s (BLM)intention to prepare an Environmen-tal Assessment (EA), instead of anEnvironmental Impact Statement(EIS), as part of completing the newResource Management Plan (RMP)for the Carrizo Plain National Monu-ment. Some of the undersignedgroups have previously sought todiscuss this matter and convey theimportance of completing an EIS indeveloping a management plan forthis new national monument, but, todate, the BLM has not changed itsposition. Please be advised that fail-ure to complete an EIS would becontrary to NEPA and the require-ments of the BLM’s own regulations,and it would invalidate the RMP pro-cess.

1. An EIS is required by BLM’s regu-lations, guidance and NEPA stan-dards.All applicable law and guidance re-quire BLM to prepare an EIS to ac-company the new RMP for theCarrizo Plain National Monument.BLM has not identified any excep-tions to these requirements.

The National Environmental PolicyAct (NEPA) specifically requirespreparation of environmental impactstatements for any major federalaction significantly affecting thequality of the environment (40 C.F.R.§ 1504.1). The Federal Land andPolicy Management Act (FLPMA), asimplemented through BLM’s land useplanning regulations (43 C.F.R. §1601.0-6 “Environmental impactstatement policy”), also requirespreparation of an EIS.,,,

In New Mexico Wilderness Coalition,129 IBLA 158 (1994), BLM sought torely on its previous analysis of issues,alternatives and potential impactsrelated to the newly-created ElMalpais NCA in New Mexico and de-clined to prepare either a full RMP oran EIS. Instead, BLM prepared anenvironmental assessment (EA). TheIBLA held that BLM’s regulationscharacterized preparation of an RMPas “a major Federal action signifi-cantly affecting the quality of thehuman environment” and that, underNEPA, an “EIS is required for suchaction.” 129 IBLA at 163. The samereasoning and legal requirementsmandate that BLM prepare an EIS toperform a sufficient assessment ofthe potential environmental impactsassociated with the new RMP for theCarrizo Plain National Monument.

2. Broader NEPA legal authority alsosupports the requirement to preparean EIS with the Carrizo Plain Na-tional Monument RMP.The NEPA regulations require prepa-ration of an EIS when the proposedaction may significantly impact the

environment (40 C.F.R. § 1501.4) andthe definition of “significantly” (setout at 40 C.F.R. § 1508.27 and ex-cerpted in part below) clearly re-quires preparation of an EIS with theMonument RMP. “Significantly” asused in NEPA and defined in theNEPA regulations requires consider-ations of both context and inten-sity….

The establishment of the new Monu-ment and its management under anew RMP is very important in thecontext of the National LandscapeConservation System and in Califor-nia, as shown by the many Monumentobjects listed in the Proclamation.Moreover, the impacts of the Monu-ment RMP are of high intensity/sever-ity due to the precedent-setting na-ture of creating a plan for the new

Monument and also because of thespecial characteristics of the Monu-ment objects, many of which are ofthe types specifically mentioned inthe regulation (as excerpted above).Additionally, at least two of the issuesto be addressed in the MonumentRMP, grazing and oil and gas devel-opment, are highly controversialhaving been consistently singled outby the public for comment, both inthe scoping phase of the RMP, andduring the creation of the CarrizoPlain Natural Area Management Plan.….

Since the new RMP for the CarrizoPlain National Monument will bebased on the Monument Proclama-tion, the purpose and need for theRMP and the accompanying EISwould be guided by the new prioritygiven to the Monument objects aboveother multiple uses. As a result, theenvironmental analysis accompany-ing the new RMP must also followthis special purpose and need, in-cluding the different legal require-ments, and would necessarily gener-ate a different range of alternatives.These requirements cannot be metwithout preparation of a new EIS.

3. The existing plans do not provideadequate analysis of the issues re-lated to the Monument, provide ad-equate protection for the Monumentobjects or fulfill BLM’s obligation toprepare a management plan for theCarrizo Plain National Monument.In the scoping notice, BLM indicatedits intent to rely on two existing plansto “provide a comprehensive man-agement program which is believedto be appropriate for the new monu-

ment” and to support its decision toprepare an EA instead of an EIS. Thisapproach is neither supported by thecontent of the existing plans nor incompliance with the Monument Proc-lamation. The lands of the CarrizoPlain National Monument are cur-rently managed under the CalienteRMP (completed in 1997) and theCarrizo Plain Natural Area Manage-ment Plan (completed in 1996).

The Monument Proclamation requiresthe BLM to manage these lands inorder to protect the Monument ob-jects, which includes a wide range ofaspects of this landscape….

Neither the Caliente RMP nor theCarrizo Plain Natural Area Manage-ment Plan were prepared for the ex-press purpose of fulfilling the clear

objectives and requirements of theMonument Proclamation. In general,RMPs (such as the Caliente RMP) areprepared to provide for the full rangeof multiple uses available on BLMlands (43 U.S.C. § 1732). WhileFLPMA recognizes that not all uses areappropriate in all places (43 U.S.C. §1702(c)), the Proclamation identifies amore specific range of acceptablemultiple uses for the Carrizo PlainNational Monument, which focuses onprotecting identified objects. … Infact, the Carrizo Plain Natural Man-agement Area Plan does not close theACEC to oil and gas, mineral, or geo-thermal leasing and developmentwhile the Carrizo Plain NationalMonument Proclamation does – exem-

plifying the different levels of pro-tection and analysis involved in thetwo types of designations. …

The Monument objects as identifiedin the Proclamation are not suffi-ciently identified and treated aspriorities for protection in the cur-rent management plans, becausethese plans address, respectively,lands managed without restriction— by a Monument Proclamation —of the permissible range of multipleuses and an ACEC. The MonumentProclamation specifically directsBLM to “prepare a managementplan that addresses the actions, in-cluding road closures or travel re-strictions, necessary to protect theobjects identified.” The CarrizoPlain National Monument was cre-ated because the President deter-mined that a new, formal designa-tion was needed to protect theMonument objects and the Monu-ment Proclamation specificallyacknowledges the need for a newRMP to formulate appropriate man-agement actions. Accordingly, theexistence of other managementplans cannot justify failing to com-plete an EIS for the new CarrizoPlain National Monument RMP.

As shown by the detailed discussionpresented above, BLM cannot le-gally proceed to prepare an EA andmust prepare an EIS in conjunctionwith the Carrizo Plain NationalMonument RMP…. We urge BLM tocomply with its obligations by pre-paring an EIS.

We are available to discuss our con-cerns further at your convenience.If you would like to talk with us orhave any questions, please contactthe undersigned.

Sincerely,

The Wilderness SocietyGeary HundDesert and Monuments ProgramDirector, CaliforniaP.O. Box 72Idyllwild, CA 92549(951) 640-3398

AND ON BEHALF OF:Sierra ClubCalifornia Wilderness CoalitionCenter for Biolgical DiversityPEERWestern Watersheds ProjectLos Padres ForestWatchSierra ClubNatural Resources Defense CouncilDefenders of WildlifeThe Wilderness Society

She was empowered andemboldened at the prospect of over-seeing a new approach to caring forthe land she loved, but her passionand her management approach alsoput her at odds with some who heldtightly to a different philosophy onmanaging the Carrizo. That clashultimately led to her losing author-ity and control over completion ofthe as-yet unfinished Resource Man-agement Plan, which will guide themanagement decisions affecting theCarrizo for years to come. That

continued on next page

Will BLM Do the Right Thing at Carrizo?The State stronghold for threatened and endangered species is on the line


disempowerment proved so over-whelmingly despairing to her thatshe chose death over life.

Hundreds of column inches havebeen dedicated to her story in the LosAngeles Times (August 20, 2005), theBillings Montana Outpost, the SantaLucian (“Let That be her Monument,”June 2005) and, most recently, inNew Times (“Death on the Plains,”November 17). There are also variousblogs and websites with informationand comments about this tragedy.

While Marlene’s story may beunique, she was not alone. There arepublic employees fighting gallantlyand tirelessly against all odds to pro-tect our national forests and nationalparks and other public lands fromthe relentless efforts of the Bush Ad-ministration to open those lands upfor unlimited grazing, timber-cut-ting, mining and other uses that ben-

efit special interests at the expense ofecosystems, wildlife habitat, wildlife,and future generations. What a legacyto leave our children and theirs! It’severy bit as shameful as the nationaldeficit that the war in Iraq and taxcuts for the extremely wealthy havecreated. As Marlene struggled during herlast months with the disciplinaryactions BLM had taken against her,she was working closely with PublicEmployees for Environmental Re-sponsibility (PEER), an organizationdedicated to helping whistleblowers.You can find out more about the on-going struggles other public employ-ees are facing at www.peer.org. So what can we do? Let’s be surethat Marlene and all the other stateand federal employees who continueto fight the public’s battle to protectthe public’s lands are not forgotten.Please contact Senator DianneFeinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer andyour Member of Congress and ask

them to look into Marlene’s death.Ask them to make it a priority tosupport those employees who arespeaking out at their own peril toensure public lands are protected,not exploited. It’s the least we cando.

Senator Barbara Boxer112 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington DC(202) 224-3553Web Form: boxer.senate.gov/contact

Senator Dianne Feinstein331 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington DC 20510(202) 224-3841Web Form: feinstein.senate.gov/email.html

A simple e-mail would do, but if youare so inclined a longer letter wouldbe great. (If you are so inclined, youcan also contact your House Repre-sentative – who can be found at:

http://www.house.gov. For those ofyou who live in another state, a letterto your senators would also be appre-ciated.)

Marlenecontinued from previous page

Marlene Braun

The Animal Protection Institute isproviding a tool to help communitiescoexist with coyotes and reduce con-flicts. Full of useful facts about coyotesand tips on how to keep them at adistance, how to keep domestic ani-mals safe, and what to do if you en-counter a coyote, API ’s coyote doorhanger will help educate and inform.The door hanger is available as a freedownload to print out or in a pre-printed pack of 100 for $6.50 Most often conflicts result frompeople providing coyotes (and otherwild animals) with food. Whetherintentional or unintentional,API ’s Coexisting with Coyotes mate-rials emphasize that wildlife feedingmust be addressed immediately,since this can lead to habituation andultimately the unnecessary killing ofcoyotes. ”A Fed Coyote is a DeadCoyote” holds true and, nationally,thousands of coyotes are killed be-cause of irresponsible human behav-ior. Unsecured garbage, pet food,free-roaming cats and dogs, fruittrees, livestock carcasses left out onthe ranch, dirty grills, and fish pondsall attract the adaptable, intelligent,and omnivorous coyote. In addition to the new door hanger,API has a number of tools to assistcommunities to learn to peacefullycoexist with coyotes and other wild-life, including API ’s new book,. Coy-otes in Our Midst: Learning to Livewith an Adaptable and Resilient Car-nivore. Issues covered include: Coy-ote Biology and Ecology, TraditionalManagement of Coyote/Human Con-flicts,

By Bill Beaudin

After finding a dead sharp-shinnedhawk under a power pole outside ourrural home about four years ago, Icommenced an investigation on theongoing problem of raptor electro-cutions. What I learned was thatmany power poles pose a serious riskto raptor populations, constantlykilling the birds. The problem is bad in the U.S. andapparently even worse in Mexico,home to some of our migratinghawks & eagles. Worldwide at leasttwo species,“SpanishImperial Eagles”and “EagleOwls,” are inserious declinedue in alarge part tofatalities onpower poles. Existing federal laws including theEagle Act, the Endangered SpeciesAct, and the Migratory Bird TreatyAct, for all of their good intentions,have failed to eliminate the problemof “at risk” poles. Tragically, theselaws require neither fatality report-ing nor the remedying of unpro-tected poles. As one might expect, areas in therural West with limited trees andhigh ridges dotted with power polesare prime locations for highmortality rates. Why, then, wouldspecial regulations not require polesin such areas to be retrofitted orburied, even if only a smallpercentage a year in high risk areas? Rick Harness is an EnvironmentalSpecialist for EDM International, aFort Collins-based utility construc-tion company. An expert in the fieldof raptor electrocutions, Rick hasconsulted with utility companies inColorado and elsewhere on thesubject. He has produced a 27-minute video called “Raptors atRisk,” which every bird &conservation group should considerowning and sharing with theirmembers. Be forewarned, however,that you will see a beautiful red-tailed hawk landing on a transformerfor a common power pole andelectrocuted within seconds. Theeffect is almost unspeakable. It criesout, however, to be spoken.

In writing this article, it is myintent to provide an overview onwhich to build. There are so manyquestions: How many defective at-risk poles exist and how many willbe fixed each year? How manyraptors are being killed annuallyhere and elsewhere? How manyutility companies have a dynamicand proactive policy with specificgoals to eliminate the deaths of thesemagnificent and important birds? Allunknown. What is known is that a lot

of birds are beingkilled. In completing hismasters thesis, Rickstudied reports from58 utilities across theWest, and compiledthe following raptormortality data for theperiod 1986-1996:

· 748 Eagles, including 118 Bald and272 Golden Eagles· 278 Hawks· 14 Falcons, including 6 Peregrines· 344 Owls, including 86 GreatHorned· 11 Osprey· 18 Vultures· 15 Unidentified raptors

Total- 1,428 birds Think this is bad? Consider thatthe numbers are likely grossly“under-reported,” because: 1) report-ing is voluntary, 2) utilities’ uncer-tainty with raptor identification (e.g.not knowing that hawks are raptors,and thus reporting only eagles) and3) empirical evidence that largenumbers of dead raptors are oftenremoved by scavengers and gouncounted. Factor in Canada andMexico, where emphasis and lawsdiffer, and we might imaginestaggering numbers. Federal laws do allow the U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service to assess fineson utilities for causing the death ofraptors, but negligence must beproven. Suffice to say, it’s not acommon penalty. It is also safe to assume that theutilities know where each pole intheir inventory is located. And theyare likely aware of how many of theseare at risk, and causing raptor

New Educational Tool: “Coexistingwith Coyotes” Door Hanger

Raptor Electrocutions:The Persistent Problem

an Urban Coyote Coexistence Pro-gram, State Classification and Man-agement of Coyotes Coexisting with Wildlife brochuresinclude Coyotes, Wildlife (small mam-mals and birds), Deer, and Geese. You can help promote peacefulcoexistence in your community byhelping to distribute API ’s Coexist-ing with Coyotes door hangers andother related materials. Visit theirwebsite at or call 916-447-3085x219. For more information about API’sCoexisting with Coyotes program,contact Camilla Fox, API Director ofWildife Programs at 916-447-3085ext. 215, or [email protected] .

Alternative Strategies for ManagingLivestock Conflicts with Coyotes,Community Approaches to Conflicts,Conflicts with Coyotes at the Urban/Wildlands Interface, How to Create

continued on page 10


Monterey County is one ofCalifornia’s great coastal places,offering something for everyone –surfing, hiking, quiet and relax-ation. The county boasts at least20 golf courses where golfers canenjoy a day on the links as well asacres of rare and undeveloped forest-land where nature lovers can experi-ence California’s rapidly disappear-ing “wild coast.” But this balance,delicately preserved for decades, isat risk with a golf course developer’sproposal to cut down 17,000 threat-ened Monterey pine trees to buildwhat they have ironically named“The Forest Course.” Sierra Club, starting with JohnMuir, has worked for over 100 yearsto protect the Del Monte Forest -- thelargest natural forest of Montereypine’s left in the world – and all theendangered plants and animalswhich call the forest home. Finaldecisions are expected soon, as theCalifornia Coastal Commission hasscheduled a hearing on this develop-ment this spring. Sadly, at risk here is more thanthe loss of one grove of trees – moreeven than the loss of one of the laststands of a tree which once coveredour coastline. The threat here is oneof statewide precedent. By allowinga developer to cut down these17,000 threatened trees, decisionmakers could well be helping to cutdown one of California’s strongestenvironmental protection laws.

After months of testimony and sub-missions by ECOSLO, Sierra Club andconcerned citizens of San LuisObispo, the City Planning Commis-sion on December 14 voted to retainthe City’s strong existing protectionsfor natural open space. In doing so,the Commissioners rejected the at-tempt by the Community Develop-ment Department to gut the policyand allow new recreational and com-mercial uses of land that the people ofSan Luis Obispo have overwhelminglyagreed should be protected. That agreement was written intoCity policy in 1994 as the Land Useand Open Space Elements of the Gen-eral Plan. For the last few years, Citystaff have been laboring over an “up-date” that would slash more than ahundred pages from the combinedpolicies and redefine open space assomething other than “land to be keptin a predominantly natural or in anundeveloped state” At the meeting, Ira Winn, a retiredprofessor of urban planning, com-mented “This proposal amounts to a

monumental destruction of openspace, and yet I’ve heard nothing ontelevision or the radio. I’m sur-prised.” Commissioners agreed to retaincritical portions of the Land UseElement that had been marked fordeletion, and also agreed that themost onerous amendment of theproposed Conservation and OpenSpace Element (COSE) was not nec-essary. COSE section 8.24.1 at-tempted to apply the less restrictiveuses of the city’s greenbelt to openspace. The Commission retained thestricter Land Use Element policy,wherein greenbelt is greenbelt. Spe-cial thanks are due CommissionChairman Michael Boswell andCommissioner Orval Osborne forstanding firm on the need to protectthe City’s natural areas. Our concerted efforts have paidoff, but we can’t afford to relax yet.The Planning Commission will holda special meeting on January 18,where they will turn from the LandUse Element to focus on the pro-posed changes in the Open SpaceElement. Needless to say, for every residentof the City of San Luis Obispo whovalues his or her quality of life: Bethere!

SLO City Hall, Council Chamber990 Palm St.Wednesday, January 18, 6 p.m.

The California Coastal Act isunique among conservation lawsbecause it respects EnvironmentallySensitive Habitat Area (ESHA). Ac-cording to this law, it is not just thefrog or the bird or the flower that isworthy of protection, but the area inwhich the critter or tree lives. Ourcoastal protection laws are designedto protect the area, and in this casethat means the forest. The Del Monte Forest has longbeen considered EnvironmentallySensitive Habitat Area, as theMonterey pines are threatened notonly in themselves, but also as pro-tection for the wildlife that dependon the trees for survival. There is still time, however, to savethis forest. This is why on Saturdaymorning, February, 18, 2006, SierraClub Coastal Director Mark Massarawill join outings leaders and SierraClub members from throughout Cali-fornia to hike this beautiful andthreatened forest. With this fun andeasy hike, Sierra Club hopes to raiseawareness of the importance of thisforest. Join us for a fun morning andto learn the simple things that peoplecan do to help protect this forest forfuture generations. If you would like to receive moreinformation on this informative hike,or to learn how you can help protectthis forest and California’s coastalprotection laws, call 831-659-7046or write to:[email protected]

Sierra Club Hike to Save Monterey Pines &Coastal Protection Feb. 18

Assault onOpen SpaceTurned BackSLO Planning Commission’snext decision due Jan. 18

carried out by its Committees. Aninformed, engaged, and active mem-bership promotes the basic mission,principles, goals and strategies of thenational Sierra Club and the SantaLucia Chapter.

CommitteesCommittees provide the membershipwith an opportunity to actively en-gage with the Chapter and to influ-ence and forward its goals and direc-tions. The following committees areopen to all members by appointment.Only the Executive Committee iselected.

Executive Committee: Meets monthlyor as needed.Personnel: sub-committee of theExCom: Meets quarterly.Litigation: sub-committee of theExCom; meets quarterly.Budget, Finance & Development:Meets quarterly.Conservation: Meets monthly.Outings: Meets quarterly.Political Action: Meets quarterly.Nominations and Elections: Meetsquarterly.Outreach, Program & Membership:Meets monthly.Awards & History: Meets quarterly.

Goals &StrategiesIn order to address the followingpriority issues, our chapter must:*Increase, energize, and mobilizeChapter membership. *Support

Chapter Staff. *Create local, state andnational alliances and partnerships.*Support environmental education,activism and advocacy. *Reach out todiverse community groups and indi-viduals. *Create opportunities fordiscussion and dialogue concerningenvironmental issues.

Priority Issues(not listed in order of importance)

Energy *Coordinate efforts to pro-mote local & regional renewableenergy alternatives.*Support effortsof Mothers For Peace, Alliance forNuclear Responsibility and CAPE.

Environmental Justice *Identify andcreate partnerships to give voice toall who are affected by environmen-tal destruction and degradation ofliving communities and ecologicalsystems.

Land Use *Create “White Paper”study and critique of County LandUse Planning. *Provide Communityworkshops to educate public re: landuse.*Address issues of sprawlthrough land use planning processand enforcement.*Support the workof SLO Coast Alliance to addressCoastal land use issues.

Marine Protection *Support efforts toexpand Monterey Bay National Ma-rine Sanctuary*Support expansion ofMarine Protection Area*Coordinate

with Marine issues advocates*Addressissues related to offshore oil and LNG.

Outings *Expand outings opportuni-ties to reach diverse populations*Broaden outings offerings to includediffering modes.*Encourage trailmaintenance and creation.*Provideeducation re: human-environmentinterdependence*Partner with otherconservation and outingsorganizations.*Explore opportunitiesto fund-raise through outings.

Sustainability *Promote awareness ofand engagement in sustainable prac-tices including agriculture,biodiversity, recycling, use of organicproducts, fuel efficiency, green build-ing and products,etc.*Promote aware-ness of issues related to GMOs.* Part-ner with other organizations topromote sustainability.

Toxins *Develop priorities re: toxicpollutants affecting this county: in-cluding pesticides, herbicides & ro-denticides, air quality, oil spills,nuclear waste, wastewatercontamination.*Identify other localorganizations addressing toxins. De-velop alliances.

Water *Continue work of the DesalTask Force*Review and delineate ma-jor issues re: water qualityy and avail-ability in County.*Formulate Chapterposition re: water use and re-use.

For more than six years and 90,000nautical miles, marine biologistsfrom Reef Check, one of the world’sleading reef monitoring and conser-vation organizations, have sailedaround the world on a unique andambitious surf and marine scienceexpedition. Their colorfully-paintedship, Indies Trader, is touring theWest Coast for the first time to pro-mote their mission – to find undis-covered surf breaks and study thehealth of remote reef ecosystems aspart of Reef Check’s global reefmonitoring and conservation pro-gram. Last year saw the launch of theCalifornia Rocky Reef Program onthe Central Coast. “Reef Check Cali-fornia” is designed to become thestate’s largest volunteer reef ecosys-tem monitoring program with thegoal of providing vital data to stateand federal agencies. Volunteercitizen divers are being trained inReef Check’s California Program tomonitor our local fish and shellfishpopulations. In 2006, the programwill expand to include Southern andNorthern California. The data col-lected by volunteer scuba divers,

ECOSLO Environmental Education Coordi-nator Miranda Leonard accepts the thanksof a a grateful resident after the Dec. 14Planning Commission meeting. It wasdelicious.

Dinner with Sierra Club

Reef Check Dockson Central Coast


Could we interest you in dinner and ameeting? The Chapter is looking forfolks who would like to host or at-tend a 6 p.m. dinner in the companyof those of like mind prior to ourmonthly meeting at 7 p.m., begin-

ning with our talk by Rep. Lois Cappsthe evening of January 17. Interested? Contact MeredithWhitaker at 594-1133,[email protected].

Goalscontinued from page 3


Taking Issue

One hundred years ago, Americanshad the foresight to develop anational parks system to protect thehealth of the ecosystems andresources of these special places onland. Today, we all enjoy the naturalbeauty and recreationalopportunities provided by ournational parks - which have beendescribed as “the best idea Americaever had.” California is on the verge ofadopting similar ecosystemprotection for its ocean and coastalareas – starting with the CentralCoast in 2006. Under the Marine LifeProtection Act, California is requiredto set aside important areas of ourcoastal waters as marine protectedareas to restore fish populations andprotect ocean life. Areas that havebeen proposed for additionalprotection include Piedras Blancas,Point Buchon and Morro Bay.

What are Marine Protected Areas(MPAs)?A marine protected area is a place inthe ocean that has been designated bylaw or regulation to protect andconserve marine life and habitats. InCalifornia, the term MPA includesareas with varying levels ofprotection: - marine reserves, where all marine

life is protected and no species canbe fished or taken - marine parks, where commercialfishing is prohibited and managedsport fishing is allowed - marine conservation areas, whereone or more community of species isprotected Under California law, these MPAsgenerally allow activities such asboating, diving and kayaking as longas no fish or marine life are taken.

Why the Marine Life Protection Act?By the 1990s, it was clear thatCalifornia’s ocean resources were introuble. Some fisheries had alreadycollapsed and our state’s growingcoastal population was increasingpressure on ocean wildlife andhabitat. MPAs have been used as anocean management tool around theworld for many years and have beenscientifically shown to help restorefish populations, protect marinehabitat and enhance recreationalopportunities like wildlife watchingand SCUBA diving. AlthoughCalifornia already had some verysmall marine protected areas, theseareas covered less that 1% of theState’s coastal waters and were fartoo small to be effective. In response to the scientificconsensus on the value of marine

protected areas, the Californialegislature overwhelmingly passedthe Marine Life Protection Act in1999. Scientists, divers, educators,fishermen and conservation organi-zations supported the MLPA, andpublic opinion surveys consistentlyshow that Californians across thestate support improved protectionfor the oceans and adoption ofadditional marine protected areas. But that was 1999… why don’t wehave more MPAs today? Despitestrong public support, implemen-tation of the MLPA has lagged. In2004, Governor Schwarzeneggerannounced he would commit hisadministration to getting the jobdone under a phased approach. Theinitial phase of MLPA implemen-tation is focused on the CaliforniaCentral Coast — from Pigeon Pointin San Mateo County to PointConception in Santa BarbaraCounty. Planning for the rest ofcoast will follow in coming years.The Governor’s MLPA Initiativeincludes creation of a Blue RibbonTask Force to advise the state,establishment of an advisory team ofbiologists, economists and otherscientific experts, and creation of aRegional Stakeholder Group toprovide local community input onspecific areas to protect.

Where are we now?The MLPA Central Coast RegionalStakeholder Group, includingdivers, fishermen, conservationists,educators and local business people,met monthly in 2005 to developrecommended proposals for newand improved MPAs in the CentralCoast Region. The MLPA BlueRibbon Task Force will review theseMPA proposals in March 2006 andmake recommendations to the stateFish and Game Commission. By theend of 2006, the Commission willthen make the final decision onwhich areas of the central coast willbe protected. A coalition of educators, divers,conservationists and recreationalfishermen worked together todevelop a scientifically supportedMPA proposal (known as Package 2).Package 2 provides strongprotection for areas that areimportant to San Luis ObispoCounty residents and critical to fishpopulations, seabirds and marinemammals. Areas proposed forimproved protection includePiedras Blancas, Cambria, EsteroBluffs, Morro Bay and Point Buchon.Package 2 significantly improveshabitat protection on the Central

A Nuclear Serenade

True Ocean Protection Coming to Central Coast

outstanding natural features in thecity would be treated, how theywould be allowed to benefit the resi-dents’ quality of life. After a while… Arlen was greeted as a colleague(or at least co-conspirator) by theothers, and he sat at the table. He haddeveloped into an informed partici-pant. Through listening (from theback row) and then informing him-self through conversation and read-ing, he was able to speak knowledge-ably on some phases of thenegotiations. He had benefited fromthe mentoring of friends and ac-quaintances who had started earlierpursuing similar goals. He hadlearned that a volunteer could findsupport in most any endeavor. Thebeauty of volunteerism is that youcan advance the things you are inter-ested in. Until finally… Arlen called the meeting to order.As chair of the committee he was inan excellent position to influencehow the city’s natural features wereused. His years of participation onthe committee and related sub-com-mittees had made him one of themost knowledgeable people in townabout how and which natural featuresimpact the public’s quality of life. He looked around the table. He sawother former back-row volunteers,who back then knew only what theythought was right, not how to proveit or make something happen. Therecould only be one explanation forhow they had come so far: magic,volunteer magic. This story , with slight variations, isbiographical for many Sierra Clubleaders. The magic of participation isavailable to all. Some take a bitlonger to blossom. Some choose notto be up front leading, but contributein other meaningful ways. Some leadfor a while and then stop — it alladds up. The magic of volunteers isthat they accomplish enormouschange and enlightenment. Not by aprofit-driven agenda, not by politicalambition, but by regular folks whoare interested enough to add theirvoice and hearts and hands and spe-cial talents for the common good.

“New, efficient generators mean $1.2 billion in savings to customersover other forms of fuel-generated energy.”

“...given local politics, we can alreadyhear the howls of protest when thecommission meets Jan. 12. That’s toobad, because this is merely prudentplanning on the utility’s part in up-grading Diablo’s energy effi-ciency....”

- problematic recent environmental commentary & coverage by our local press.

It’s nothing of the kind. Thesurvival of the facility and its

lucrative relicensing down theroad, not improved efficiency,

is the raison d’etre of thisproject. The steam generators

are not inefficient, they’redefective. If not replaced, the

plant must shut down in 2013.

This is an oft-repeated error aboutthe proposed replacement ofDiablo’s steam generators, one thathas been enthusiastically promoted by PG&E’s p.r. flacks. The Environmental Impact Report for the projectestimated that replacing the entire plant with a new alternative energy producer would cost $1.2 billion. Replac-ing the defective generators to keep the 20-year-old nuclear plant running will cost (if the god of project costoverruns is kind) $800 million. That represents a savings of $400 million, NOT $1.2 billion. The steam generatorreplacement project would have to be free to realize that savings. If you paid two-thirds of the cost of a newPrius to replace one defective part in your 1985 Ford Fairlane instead — and believed you’d incur no addi-tional costs in parts replacement over the next decade – you would realize the same kind of “savings.”

The Diablo Canyon Warning Siren Singersgreeted the Nuclear Regulatory Commissionwhen Commissioners came to the SLO EmbassySuites for a public meeting on December 14,treating them to a little Nuclear WinterWonderland (“We want to have a say on if weglow, man/ We’ll ask NRC to shut it down,/Regulators tell us ‘risk is low, man/ But we’llhear your concerns when we’re in town.... ‘ ”). “ We try never to pass up an opportunity for alittle street theater when the NRC stops by,” saidAlliance for Nuclear Resposibility BoardPresident David Weisman (left). At the meeting, Commissioners steadfastlymaintained that the expanding nuclear wastedump at Diablo Canyon is temporary, despitethe lack of evidence that the reactor’s spent fuelrods are ever going anywhere.

When it meets on January 12, let’s hope the Planning Commission exercises 20-20 vision where the PublicUtilities Commission went blind.

“Give PG&E the Diablo Permits”The Tribune, Dec. 11, 2005

Volunteerscontinued from page 3



Telling Our Story: “Sierra Club Chronicles” Launches

MLPAcontinued from page 9

Reef Checkcontinued from page 8

Two newer homes in Oak Creek Commons Co-housing Community, Paso Robles,CA. Charming 2 story, 3 bdrm 2 1/2 bthhome/condo. 1600 sq. ft. w/ beautiful hard-wood floors, tile master bath & views of oaks & mountains. Priced to Sell at$379,900. Second home is a bright and sunny end unit with bed, bath & living areaon lower level & 2 bedrooms & bath along with large family room on upper level,same great views & convenient floor plan. Drastically reduced to sell at $369,900.Community offers 10 acres of Pristine Oaks to roam, 4,000 sq. ft common house,pool & spa. Located in the sunny Central Coast of California, 30 minutes from theOcean. Some owner financing available or lease option. Email Christine McDonaldof Prudential Hunter Realty at [email protected] or call (805) 441-5018.

Please tell the MLPA BlueRibbon Task Force that yousupport improved protection ofthe Central Coast. The MLPA Blue Ribbon TaskForce will be meeting in SanLuis Obispo on Tuesday,January 31st, and Wednesday,February 1st. The meeting

location and agenda will be postedat: www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa/meetings.html#brtf Please take the time to come tellthe Blue Ribbon Task Force what thecoastal waters mean to you and whyyou support protecting them. Theproposal developed by a broadcoalition (Package 2) balances boththe need for real protection and thedesire to leave a large part of ourcoastal waters open to all activities.Tell the Blue Ribbon Task Force yousupport Package 2. Visit CalOceans.org today to findout more about these upcomingmeetings and how you can stayinvolved or call Kaitilin Gaffney at(831) 425-1363 [email protected] formore information.

Coast, enhancesrecreational opportunitiesand still leaves most of ourcoastal waters open forfishing. Other proposalsdeveloped by the RegionalStakeholder Groupprovide far less protectionthan Package 2 and maynot meet minimumscientific requirements.

What can I do?To put it simply, we need your help!With at least two competingproposals being presented to theBlue Ribbon Task Force, now is thetime to let your voice be heard. Theocean belongs to all of us and it isour responsibility to protect theCalifornia coast. Ocean protectioncan’t wait – statewide, fishermen arenow catching less than half of whatthey caught in 1980 for many speciesand the average size of their fish aresmaller. The character of our coastalcommunities depends on healthy andproductive oceans. A meaningfulnetwork of MPAs is an investment inthe future of these communities.

When two powerful politicians pavedthe way for the drilling of oil and gasin the Gulf Islands National Seashoreoff the coast of Mississippi, they didnot expect opposition from a coali-tion of unlikely environmentalistswho prefer a lasting tourist trade andpristine beach to temporary gain.Boy, were they ever surprised. This amazing David vs. Goliath taleis just one of the seven true storiestold in “Sierra Club Chronicles,” anew monthly television series tobe launched on January 12. Produced by award-winningfilmmaker Robert Greenwald(“Wal-Mart: The High Price of LowCost,” “Outfoxed”) in associationSierra Club Productions,“Chronicles” captures the extraor-dinary efforts of people acrossAmerica: ranchers in New Mexico,emergency medical technicians inNew York City, fishermen in Alaska,neighbors of a chemical plant inMississippi all united in commoncause - the fight to protect their fami-lies, communities and the lands andlivelihoods they love from pollution,corporate greed and short-sightedgovernment policies. “Sierra Club Chronicles” is sevenhalf-hour episodes that will launchon Link TV on January 12. One newprogram will premiere the secondThursday of each month at 8:30 p.m.Eastern and Pacific Time throughJuly 2006. Link Satellite TV can befound on DirecTV channel 375 and

Dish Network channel 9410. Pleasevisit the series website for more in-formation on all the episodes andways to take action and get involved:www.sierraclubtv.org. “We’re encouraging Sierra Clubchapters and groups to hold houseparties and screenings of each epi-sode so that more members of ourlocal communities can be madeaware of the work we’re doingaround the country,” said Adrienne

Bramhall of Sierra Club Productions.“If they keep an eye on thesierraclubtv.org website, they’ll findall the materials they need to hold asuccessful event.” Following are summaries of each

Islands National Seashore, they didnot expect opposition from a coali-tion of unlikely environmentalistswho prefer a lasting tourist trade andpristine beach to temporary gain. — The DuPont plant in DeLisle, Mis-sissippi, has been a toxic polluter fora quarter centure and now is askingfor more permits to emit toxins, de-spite a class action suit and evidenceof health hazards to workers and resi-

dents and nearby oysterbeds. — In the West, the Bu-reau of Land Managementhas allowed increaseddrilling and allowingdrilling practices that arekilling ranchers’ cattle.Now, a coalition of ranch-ers including Republicans

and Bush supporters are fightingback. — The Ports of Los Angeles and LongBeach are among the biggest in theworld. It brings trade, but also prob-

lems — local activists are exposingthe harm the mostly Latino commu-nity is enduring including cancerand asthma from diesel emissionsand other pollution. — The terrorist attack on 9/11 wasone of our country’s most horrificmoments, and the damage contin-ues. Told there were no health haz-ards in the aftermath, many firstresponders are now afflicted andignored by our government. — The largest environmental disas-ter in our history - the Exxon Valdez.The spill killed countless wildlifeand miles of irreplaceable coastlinein a fateful moment. Sixteen yearslater the native fishing town ofCordova waits for a settlement, andfor the fish to return. For informa-tion on hosting a screening, or tofind out about other Sierra ClubProductions films that are availablefor screenings and house parties,visit: clubhouse.sierraclub.org/scp.

surfers, and fishermen will be madeavailable on a website. Scientificanalysis will be used to support bettermanagement ofCalifornia’s valuablereef ecosystems. “This is a greatexample of how busi-nesses and conserva-tion organizationscan work together tohelp solve pressingissues like the globalreef crisis,” states Dr.Gregor Hodgson,Founder and Execu-tive Director of theReef Check Founda-tion in Los Angeles.“The global expedi-tion has provided ourscientists access toremote reefs that are almost impos-sible to reach by conventional means.Unfortunately, we found that thesereefs, like most others, are underpressure from human activities, espe-cially long-distance fishing fleets.Sadly, the same over-fishing problemsare affecting the rocky reefs in ourown back yard here in California.”

Dr. Craig Shuman, Reef CheckCalifornia Program Director adds,“The rocky reefs along the California

coast and off-shore is-lands are home to adiverse array of fish andinvertebrates. Largestretches of our reefslack consistent, orga-nized monitoring andstudy. This programaims to fill data gaps inthe existing monitoringnetwork.” Now in it’s tenth yearof operation, Reef CheckFoundation maintainsthe world’s largest coralreef monitoring andconservation program.International teamswork with communities,

governments and businesses tomonitor, restore, and maintain coralreefs globally. For more information about ReefCheck, contact Scott Sheckman at310-230-2371, or visit the website:www.ReefCheck.org

fatalities. So why don’t they allidentify these poles and fix apercentage of them each year andwhy is it not required of them? Cost,lack of concern, awareness,incentives, or laws with sufficientenforcement powers? All of theabove? In some cases, relying on utilitiesto report dead birds and to fix theproblem is akin to putting the Fox incharge of the Henhouse. We need toconsider what actions are required tochange the existing inefficient, dys-functional system causing so muchharm to our raptor populations.

Consider reporting every deadraptor (even the bones & remains)that you find, and documenting:1) The pole number (found on ametal tag).2) Location- nearest address3) The bird description (photos aregreat!)4) The utility company involved (ifknown)5) Your contact information6) Copy the utility on your email/note if you can. Relay this information the FieldSupervisor at the U.S. Fish & WildlifeService office in Ventura.

One long-term solution is thecreation of an electronic/onlineregister, a “National Online RaptorReporting System” (NORRS), whichall citizens could easily utilize. Underthis system, any individual findinga dead raptor files an electronic form.Copies are automatically sent to theappropriate USFWS agent and utilitycompany. The incident would remainopen until the at-risk pole is fixed orsubstantiated proof offered that thepole was not at fault. The final reportwould go back to the person whoinitiated the action and the agenciesinvolved.

Utility company reporting shouldbe mandatory, as should be fixingevery at-risk pole. Otherwise, largenumbers of raptors will continue tobe electrocuted “on our watch.” If wedo nothing more than what is beingdone today, the consequences forraptors are fairly predictable. Wecan do so much better! If you are interested in helping tofind a solution to the raptorelectrocution problem, or would likemore information on the subject,please contact the author, BillBeaudin at [email protected].

Raptorscontinued from page 9

episode:— Local efforts are focused onsaving urban community gardensfrom being razed for develop-ment in New York. Some of thesethreatened gardens that havetaken over brown spaces haveexisted for decades and feed hun-dreds every week. — When two powerful politi-cians paved the way for the drill-ing of oil and gas in the Gulf


ClassifiedsFebruary issue ad deadline isJanuary 14. To acquire a ratesheet or submit your ad and pay-ment, contact:Sierra Club - Santa Lucia Chapterp.o. Box 15755San Luis Obispo, CA [email protected]

A Will . . .. . . is a way to protect the environment as well as yourself. If

you do not have a will, the state decides how your property andother affairs are handled. Decisions made now can later providefinancial security for family, friends, and the Sierra Club. You mayeven direct your bequest to a specific Club program or your homeChapter.

For more information and confidential assistance, contactJohn Calaway

Sierra Club Planned Giving Program85 Second Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105-

3441(415) 977-5538.

Local Government Meetings

City of SLO--1st & 3rd Tues., 7:00 p.m.; 781-7103

Arroyo Grande--2nd and 4th Tues., 7:00 p.m.; 473-5404

Atascadero--2nd & 4th Tues.; 466-8099

Cambria CSD -- 4th Thurs.; 927-6223

Grover Beach--1st & 3rd Mon., 6:30 p.m.; 473-4567Grover Beach Planning Commission-- 2nd Tues.

Morro Bay--2nd & 4th Mon.

Paso Robles--1st & 3rd Tues., 7:00 p.m.; 237-3888

Pismo Beach--1st Tues., 5:30 p.m.; 773-4657

Los Osos CSD board-- 1st Tues. & 2nd Mon., varies

California Coastal Commission-- 3rd Tues., varies

SLO County Board of Supervisors-- every Tues.; 781-5450

SLO Council of Governments; 781-4219 SLOCOG Citizens Advisory Committee--1st Wed. every other month, 6:00 p.m. SLOCOG Board--1st Wed. every other month, 8:30 a.m.

Meeting Minuteshighlights from recent Chapter meetings

Executive Committee MeetingNovember 18 2005

Meeting called to order at 5:00 p.m.Present: Karen Merriam, Cal French,Eliane Guillot, Steven Marx, JohnAshbaugh. Staff: Andrew Christie. Guest:Letty French. Absent: Jack Morrow

Cal read “Backwater Pond,” a poem byW.S. Merwin; Steven read, “For All,” apoem by Gary Snyder. Cal read a poeticproclamation of appreciation for ChairKaren Merriam and presented her with adrum that he and Letty brought backfrom Madagascar.

Karen mentioned that plans are proceed-ing for a fund-raising and awards dinnerto be held June 10, possibly at a Vineyardor the Monday Club.

Chapter Coordinator’s report: Andrewwas elected liaison to National’s Corpo-rate Accountability Committee, moved byJohn, seconded by Cal. He will gathersignatures at screenings of the Wal-Martmovie arranged by HopeDance and co-sponsored by the chapter. We are assist-ing Alliance for Nuclear Responsibilityand Assemblyman Pedro Nava in draftinga bill opposing relicensing of CA nuclearpower plants. We have contacted all May-ors in the county to invite participationin the “Cool Cities” Campaign. Steven hasalso contacted SLO City Council Membersand Mayor and will follow up. All ExComand chapter members are urged to par-ticipate in this initiative. We are urgingShirley Bianchi to publicly support ex-pansion of the Monterey Bay NationalSanctuary at the Marine Interest Group.

Lois Capps will speak at our GeneralMeeting January 17. John agreed to coin-cide with the meeting of the SLO Demo-cratic Club.

TDC program comes to Supervisors onNovember 22. Members are urged toattend or to ask their Supervisors to kill

the sprawl-inducing program.

Los Padres ForestWatch reports 19,000National Forest acres are on auction foroil and gas lease. Andrew spent an houron Congalton show to discuss oil leasesin Carrizo National Monument. He wasinstrumental in getting this week’s NewTimes story on Marlene Braun and pos-sible extension of Monterey Bay Sanctu-ary.

Karen spoke with National Guard atCamp San Luis and to SupervisorBianchi and Tom Slater about restoringpublic access to Cerro Romauldo, re-cently withdrawn. Tom has enlisted thehelp of Assemblyman Maldonado in nego-tiations with The National Guard.Superv. Bianchi has arranged a meetingwith the National Guard and interestedparties to try to resolve the issue.

Conservation Committee: Excomm rati-fied two new members of the Conserva-tion Committee, Holly Sletteland andLynne Harkins. Jan Marx and othersworking on City of SLO’s attempt to gutthe Open Space Element of the GeneralPlan. We are suggesting that the Cityshould leave the Element alone and limittheir revisions to the Energy and Conser-vation Element. The chapter will sign aletter of support to the CoastalCommisssion for efforts to make the PortSan Luis Lighthouse more accessible tothe public.

Next meeting: December16, 5:00 p.m., for seatingof new ExCom membersand presentation of nextyear’s budget. A party willfollow for members tomeet their new ExCom.ExCom members will pro-vide refreshments .

Meeting adjourned 6:45p.m.


Photo by Joaquin Palting

Outings and Activities Calendar

Hiking Classifications:

Distance: 1 = 0-2 mi., 2 = 3-5 mi.,3 = 6-9 mi., 4 =10-12 mi.,5 = 12 mi. or more.

Elevation Gain: A = 500',B = 1000', C = 1500', D = 2000',E = 2500', F = 3000' or more.

All of our hikes andactivities are open to all Clubmembers and the generalpublic. If you have anysuggestions for hikes oroutdoor activities, questionsabout the Chapter’s outingpolicies or would like to be anoutings leader, call OutingsLeader Gary Felsman (473-3694). For information on aspecific outing, please contactthe outing leader. OutingsLeaders please get youroutings or events in by the 1stfor the next month’s outings.

CORRECTION

Thanks to our careful reader andpast Chapter Chair Dorothea Rible,we are reminded that the propername for “Madonna Mountain” isSan Luis Mountain, or Cerro SanLuis. We’ll make every effort tocall the mountain by its propername in the future. Dorothea alsocaught an error in another “workparty announcement” which incor-

Sat., Jan. 7, 9:00 a.m. 46th AnnualSierra Club Anniversary DunesHike at Oso Flaco Lake. Come andtake an easy, moderate or long walkon this 45th annual celebration ofour Sierra Club’s first official hike inthe dunes. There will be hikes for allages and fitness levels. Meet in theOso Flaco Lake parking lot and hearstories of the early days of ourchapter. Carpooling is advised, asthere is a $5.00/car parking fee. Fordetails call Jack Beigle 773-2147

Sun., Jan .8th, 9:30 a.m., NipomoCreek Park: Meet at this new parkwhich is behind Adobe Plaza, aproduct of the Land Conservancy. 544-9096

Sun., Jan.. 15th, 9:30 a.m., BlackLake Canyon Reserve: We meet atjunction of Leguna Negra and Guad.Rd and go down closed Xenon Way,see euke-forest, oak woodland, HoyCanyon, and new Land Conservancyproperty. 544-9096

Sat., Jan. 14 Adobe Trail: Moderateto strenuous hike on a trail throughchaparral and oak-studded grassland(7 mrt, 1300 ft elev. gain). Bringlunch, water, jacket and sturdy shoes.Meet 8:45am in Santa Maria at theNorth SB County GovernmentCenter’s easternmost parking lot.Rain cancels. JERRY 928-3598 (AR)

Wed., Jan. 22, 9:30 a.m., Dana-Corrio Adobe; Meet at the Adobe onSo. Oak Glenn, tour the hillside andcreek, talk about history and future.What happened to the Chumash? Callor e-mail Bill Deneen a few daysbefore for details: 929-3647 [email protected]

Sat., Jan. 21st, 8:15 a.m., Big SurCoastal Hike. Not sure of the exactdestination yet, but we may exploreone of many areas in the Silver PeakWildernes. Possibly Sur Sur Ranch,Salmon Creek, Cruickshank or theCoastal Traverse along the BuckeyeTrail. A lot will depend on theweather and whether it is clear. Thehike will be at a 2000-foot elevation

gain, and at least 6 - 10 miles. Bringlunch, water, dress for the weather.Possible eats in Cambria after. Meetat Spencer’s Market in Morro Bay.Rain Cancels. Details call Gary at473-3694 (3D)

Jan.. 22nd, 1 p.m.., Cerro San Luis.Lemon Grove Loop; Come Join theCity Ranger of SLO for a hike on CerroSan Luis Lemon Grove Loopl. Bringwater, pants and sturdy shoes. Snackswill be provided. Meet at the MainoOpen Space Area, at the Marsh andHiguera onramp in SLO. Call 781-7300, or visit the City’s website atwww.slocity.org/parksandrecreation/parkrangers.asp for more information.Sponsored by the City of SLO

Sat., Jan. 28TH, 8:30 a.m. Rinconada Trail to Big Falls.Celebrate the reopening of theRinconada trailhead by joining theleader on this moderate 9 mile hike toBig Falls. This is a great winter hike. The elevation gain is approximately1700 ft. The views are fantastic fromHi Mountain Road and we should getto enjoy water at the falls by then. Meet in front of the Santa MargaritaBeverage Co. at the east end of SantaMargarita. Bring water, lunch orsnacks, and dress for the weather. There may be a possible refueling stopat Pozo on the return. Rain cancels. For details, contact Chuck at 441-7597

Sat., Jan. 28th, 2 p.m., Surf BeachWalk: 3 MRT northward. Cross SantaYnez river outlet into the Pacific Oceanand walk northward 3 miles alongbeach until blocked by cliffs. Walkfeatures tide pools and caves. Minus1.6 ft. tide at 3:30pm. Meet at 2pm inOcean Park parking lot approx. 1 milewest of signed right turn off WestOcean before it heads southwardtoward Surf Station. Dogs welcome.Always contact the leader; hikeparticulars can change. CONNIE 735-2292. (AR)

Sun., Jan. 29, Lake San AntonioEagle Watch; Lake San Antonio is agreat winter outing if we can scheduleit between the rains. All we need is alittle sunshine and we should haveanother super outing. We have alwaysseen bald and golden eagles, ospreys,pelicans and many other birds on ouroutings at Lake San Antonio. Dresswarmly in layers. Bring your boat andequipment, PFDs, windbreaker, warmclothes, lunch and binoculars. PhoneJack Beigle, 773-2147 for reservation,park fees and details. NOTE: If youwould like to camp overnightSaturday, January 28th, ask me forcamping information.

Conservancy property. 544-9096

Sun., Feb. 6, 11 a.m.,SUPERBOWL ALTERNATIVEHIKE AND POTLUCK: If bears,dolphins, and eagles sound likeanimals, not teams, join us as we hikePoint Sal Road to our potluck lunchdestination (5 mrt, 1300 ft. elev.gain). Bring a daypack with food toshare, as well as a plate, utensils, andwater for yourself. Meet at the OrcuttLong’s Drugs parking lot at 11am.Always contact the leader. JIM 937-6766 (AR)

Sat., Feb. 11th, 1 p.m., Surf BeachWalk: 3 MRT northward. Cross SantaYnez river outlet into the Pacific Oceanand walk northward 3 miles alongbeach until blocked by cliffs. Walkfeatures tide pools and caves. Minus1.6 ft. tide at 3:30pm. Meet at 2pm inOcean Park parking lot approx. 1 milewest of signed right turn off WestOcean before it heads southwardtoward Surf Station. Dogs welcome.Always contact the leader; hikeparticulars can change. CONNIE 735-2292. (AR)

Sat, Feb. 18th, 10 a.m., Birding InMorro Bay; We will tour the ChorroCreek Delta to see how many shorebirds we can find. Bring your boat andequipment, PFD, windbreaker, birdbook, binoculars and a picnic lunch.Launch at Morro Bay State ParkMarina, High Tide 12:37 PM 2.7 ‘ , LowTide 6:17 PM 1.5’. Details please callJack Beigle 773-2147

Sat, Feb. 18: HIKE TO SAVE THEMONTEREY PINES! See page 8.

May 20–27, VOYAGE OF THEGLACIERS. Answer the call of thewild with your pioneer spirit as weexplore the land John Muir said “wasstill in the morning of creation.”Travel with your Angeles Chapter andOrange County Sierra Singles friendson the luxurious Sapphire Princess aswe head north up the Inside Passagefrom Vancouver, Canada, to theAlaskan ports of Ketchikan, Juneau,and Skagway. View all the greatmaritime mammals and activetidewater glaciers with an onboardnaturalist. Join us for onboard get-togethers and brisk hikes around thepromenade deck. On ports of calldays, go ashore and see the totempoles of Ketchikan, the MendenhallGlacier in Juneau, the KlondikeGold-Rush Trail of ‘98 from Skagway

or join the leaders on hikes andfrontier saloon explorations. CruiseGlacier Bay National Park andCollege Fjord. After crossing themighty Gulf of Alaska, we bidfarewell in Whittier for transport toAnchorage and the flight home. Yourcruise fare includes an astoundingarray of onboard facilities: shipstateroom, ocean transport, gourmetmeals, quality entertainment,exercise opportunities and somebeverages. Staterooms available from$564 based on d/occupancy. Portcharges, gov’t taxes, transfers, tips,discounted airfare extra. Move fast,limited spaces in each category. CallViolet [email protected],Montrose Travel’s Group Division,800-301-9673 for a brochure and thebest cabin choices or go onlinewww.montrosetravel.com/sierraclub.A post-cruise extension will beoffered to Denali Nat’l Park. Forinformation on either the cruise orthe extension, please send a sase or email to Cruise Coordinator: DONNASPECHT, 22221 Wood Island Lane,Huntington Beach, CA 92646, 714-963-6345 [email protected] Co-Leader:ANA CADEZ (Angeles ChapterFundraiser, Orange County SierraSingles).

rectly placed Highland Drive in theIrish Hills. It would be hard toknow from our description of theNov. 5 work party which side oftown to go to! Fortunately therewere phone numbers and websitelistings to check. Our apologies for the confusion,and thanks to Dorothea for bringingthese errors to our attention.

JAN 29, 0930, Sun.,COAST HIKE:A 4 mile hike on coast. Exact locationdepends on who picks me (& dogs)up and where they want to go. Call ore-mail Bill Deneen a few days beforefor details:929-3647 [email protected]

Thur., Feb. 2nd, 9:30 a.m. NipomoCreek Park: Meet at this new parkwhich is behind Adobe Plaza, aproduct of the Land Conservancy 544-9096

Sat., Feb. 5, 9:30 a.m., Black LakeCanyon Reserve: We meet atjunction of Leguna Negra andGuad.Rd and go down closed XenonWay, see euke-forest, oak-woodland,Hoy Canyon, and new Land

This is a partial listing ofOutings offered by our

chapter and others.Please check the web page

www.santalucia.sierraclub.orgfor the most up-to-date

listing of activities.

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