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Vol. 22, No. 2 of 6 April - May 2022
Journal of Los Padres Chapter Sierra Club
Serving Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties
© Photo by Rick Skillin
Oil wars ...EV-Earth Day ... Saunter ... Wildlife ... Climate
Pgs 1, 2 Pg 5 Pg 6 pg 7 Pg 4
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Sierra Club’s Earth Day
This Earth Day, officially in climate action, care and clean
April 22, the Sierra Club -- energy jobs, and justice.
alongside our partners in the The American people
broader movement -- will be elected President Biden and a
rallying in the streets in cities Democratic majority in Congress
and towns across the country. on this transformational vision,
It’s time to make sure our leaders but special interests have Journal of Los Padres Chapter Sierra Club
know we are calling on them wielded their influence to block Serving Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties April - May 2022
to deliver bold systems-level progress, steamrolling the will
change, and to deliver it now. of the people.
The theme for Earth Martin Witchger, a senior EXXON DENIED
Day 2022 is “Invest in our Online Organizer for the club
Planet, What would you do?”
In an email sent out to all
said, “I see incredible resiliency
and generosity of neighbors Read the signs of the times
club members nationwide and helping neighbors: Community By Jon Ullman
otherwise in mid-March, the gardens and child care. Mini food Chapter Director
club is rallying with the cry, pantries and mutual aid circles. On March 8, the Santa
“This is the moment to change Solar panels added to rooftops of Barbara County Board
it all — the business climate, homes and businesses.” of Supervisors ended
the political climate, and how “I see courage and ExxonMobil’s quixotic bid to
we take action on climate. Now determination: Single mothers reactivate three 1980s offshore
is the time for the unstoppable running for local office, oil wells and move its oil via
courage to preserve and protect workers unionizing to demand trucks.
our health, our families, our better wages, students pushing Exxon’s proposal would
livelihoods … together, we must their city councils to go 100% entail moving the crude onto
Invest in Our Planet . . . Because renewable.” 24,800 tanker trucks annually,
a green future is a prosperous “All of this gives me hope, driving the equivalent of a
future. even when things feel dark. We rolling firebomb up CA 101
The club is partnering with know what our communities and along the Gaviota Coast
Sunrise Movement, the Green our climate need, and there are past commuters and tourists,
New Deal Network, SEIU, and so many of us working towards across windswept, fire-ridden
other climate justice, labor, that vision. The individual coastlines, up steep mountain
and progressive movement and collective actions we each passes, through urban centers,
partners to host a nationwide take are building that healthier, over rivers into aquifers, and Kate Mullin, Luz Reyes-Martin, Emily Engel and her children at Exxon
mobilization to crank up the sustainable future.” nationally protected monuments rally in front of the County Administration building rallying against its
pressure on local and national To get involved, go to: and forests and up a craggy trucking proposal. Photo by Gabriel Vargas
elected representatives to meet https://tinyurl.com/ two-lane Rt. 166 with a 55-mph
The lease County Supervisors voted 3-2
the crises we face by investing ClubMobilizing speed to market.
The problems began on the following year to approve
It took seven years, but an onshore oil and gas refinery
local Sierra Club activists, Feb. 6, 1968, when the Johnson
Administration awarded 18 in Las Flores Canyon near El
unyielding allies and tested Capitan.
officials defeated one of the wildcat leases off the Gaviota
largest energy companies in Coast to what would become Install
the world. In a split 3-2 vote, ExxonMobil. Among the 72 On June 23, 1976, Platform
Supervisors Joan Hartmann, leases given that day, one Hondo, an 11-story skyscraper
Gregg Hart and Das Williams within a year would produce of steel atop the waterline was
commented that the project the largest offshore oil disaster bolted to the ocean floor five
benefits did not outweigh the in US history. The 1969 Santa miles from Refugio Beach, site
risks, while North County Barbara Spill from Unocal’s of the Ortega family ranch and
Supervisors Steve Lavagnino Platform A would unleash an the Chumash village of Quasil.
and Bob Nelson supported the environmental movement and a Platform Harmony would rise
trucking proposal. new era of environmental laws. even taller at 12-stories above
But it really took an entire But even that could not stop the water in June 1989. A third
generation of Santa Barbara drilling. 11-story tall drilling platform
MEANWHILE citizens fighting. Four days into the Ford called Heritage joined four
Administration, acting months later. Oil was transported
Big oil didn’t get the memo Secretary of the Interior John
C. Whitaker gave approval
for the first Exxon platform to
by ship and by truck.
Between 1987 and 1994,
130 miles of pipeline were
By Katie Davis never take effect. Aera Energy, go in. Despite massive public installed between Las Flores
Chapter Chair Big Oil vs. County Vote one of the biggest beneficiaries opposition, Santa Barbara Canyon and the Pentland
Big Oil vs. Ventura County The oil industry is pouring of the unlimited legacy permits, Delivery Point in Kern County.
millions of dollars into defeating contributed $5 million of the $6.5 The pipeline also connected to
For decades, oil and gas
Measures A and B, the showdown million raised so far on the “No” COVER PHOTO three other platforms, Hidalgo,
production has threatened the This may a reason why
health and safety of those who on the June ballot. on Measures A and B campaign. Harvest and Hermosa owned
The industry put them on Environmental groups led Rick Skillin is back in
live, work, learn, and play in by a different oil company in
the ballot after the County acted by Food and Water Action are town, a scene he took federal waters farther north.
Ventura County by exposing
and closed the ‘grandfather’ mounting a “Yes” on Measures along Figueroa Mountain.
communities to harmful air Rupture
permit loophole that had enabled A and B campaign to defend the Way back he was our
pollution and contributing to the Then, on May 19, 2015,
oil projects to avoid basic county rules and the county’s treasured Chapter Chair
catastrophic effects of climate at 11:30 a.m. a Plains All-
change. environmental review, oversight right to oversee oil development, for a long time, then he
American Pipeline control
The County finally acted by and mitigation. but are expected to be radically left for other pastures.
room operator in Midland, TX,
closing the permitting loophole Those ancient permits, outspent in what is gearing up to Welcome back Rick.
covering thousands of active and be the most expensive Ventura continued on page ?
that allows oil and gas companies
Choose our leaders
to expand their drilling operations idle wells in Ventura County, County initiative campaign in
without environmental review. were issued without expiration local history.
The County also enacted buffers dates or limits on the number of
Court Clash Coming We hope members will take Executive Committee, and will
between oil development and wells that could be drilled.
In addition to the ballot this opportunity to exercise one of select Sierra Club’s next Executive
homes, which California’s In November 2020, the
fight, oil companies have filed the most important responsibilities Director. Their strong leadership
Scientific Advisory Panel Ventura Supervisors closed
numerous lawsuits against of your membership and vote for and dedication are critical to the
concluded are needed to protect this loophole by establishing a
Ventura County. They seek to the Sierra Club Board of Directors. ongoing effectiveness of the Sierra
public health. single, consistent permitting and
invalidate the health and safety It will take only a few moments of Club.
Aera Energy wants to reopen environmental review process for your time, but the impact to our Voting is quick and easy:
regulations in the General Plan
the permitting loophole, erase all new oil and gas development organization, our mission, and our Go to: https://vote.escvote.
-- including a ban on flaring or
the setbacks and public health regardless of the age of the planet will be far reaching. com/sierra
venting and needed setbacks
protection measures, and try original permit. The deadline for casting your For more information on
between residences, schools, and
to prevent other counties from Now the industry launched ballot is 9am Pacific Time, April 27. candidates and the importance of
new oil drilling. Ventura County
enacting similar policies in the a petition drive to put these The Board of Directors is the voting, go to
has been forced to allocate $2
future. ExxonMobil owns Aera, measures on the June 2022 ballot. governing body of the Sierra Club. https://tinyurl.com/
million to defend itself.
which is the largest onshore By doing so, they succeeded The Board has the responsibility VoteClubLeaders
On March 24, 2022 a judge
producer in the County. in suspending the rules which and authority to oversee all If you have any questions
granted Sierra Club, Climate First
With Aera taking a leading otherwise would have gone into staff and volunteer activities of about voting online, please contact
Replacing Oil and Gas (CFROG)
role, the oil industry is currently effect in December 2020. If Sierra Club, to establish Sierra Election Services Co. 1-866-720-
and Voices in Solidarity Against
Measures A and B pass in June, Club’s conservation priorities and 4357 or by email at sierraclub@
engaged in a multi-pronged Oil in Neighborhoods (VISION)’s
the rules finally go into effect. internal policies, and to adopt and electionservicescorp.com
attack on the County’s fossil fuel petition to intervene in Aera’s
The oil industry is now implement our annual budget. Thank you for your continued
policies, which includes eleven lawsuit against the county. This
putting an unprecedented The Board of Directors elects support of the Sierra Club and
lawsuits and two June 2022 ballot gives us standing to help defend
amount of money into defeating Sierra Club’s officers, including for your participation in the 2022
measures A and B. the President and the rest of the Board of Directors election.
Measures A and B so the rules continued on page 2
April/May 2022 • Condor Call 2
Big Oil... UCSB.
The Study was requested by
continued from page 1 the Public Utilities Commission
Ventura County’s commonsense after intense community
health and safety regulations. opposition to expansion on their
“The 2040 General Plan is existing site next to EP Foster
a precedent-setting blueprint for Elementary School on Ventura’s
a clean energy future — created Westside where leaks and health
by and for the people of Ventura impacts have been an on-going
County. Aera’s opposition to these problem. The Study evaluated
common-sense public health and some less-populated alternative
environmental protections is a locations but dismissed them
last-ditch attempt to reinstate because of the “uncertainty” and
the ‘business-as-usual’ processes “time to permit and construct” at
they previously benefited from,” a new location, making the Study
said Shannon Simpson, executive appear to be an empty exercise
director at CFROG. “We support and simply a justification for
the court’s rejection of Aera’s SoCalGas’ existing plan, albeit
blatant attempts to silence with the possible addition of
community voices — whose electric compressors along with
health and wellbeing have come the gas compressors.
second to oil profits, for far too The Study fell far short
long.” of traditional environmental
Sierra Club and our allies are review. There was no analysis of
represented by Earthjustice and whether so much compression is
Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP, needed given reduced demand
nationally recognized law firms from building electrification,
that understand the importance and not a single alternative
considered fewer compressors Marchers gathered at the Crowne Plaza to oppose a SoCalGas plan. It was sponsoring a public
of defending local governments’
ability to engage in basic land use or less capacity. Nor did the meeting on alternatives to upgrade two compressors. It was the sixth meeting the company held
planning and protect residents’ Study evaluate the explosion and in the city of Ventura to air various alternatives. Opponents say it’s too dangerous at its current
health and safety. leak risks posed by the Ventura location. across the street from the (Photo by John Brooks of CFROG) Boys and Girls Club and
“It is essential for courts compressors and gas storage an elementary school.
to safeguard the authority of facility in Goleta, despite a 2015
state and local governments to disastrous release at a similar Exxon denied... and fought every step of the
way even during the pandemic.
trucking testified via zoom not
wanting to attend the maskless
protect frontline communities storage facility near Porter continued from page 1
Ranch. Many Davids vs. Goliath event.
from the harmful health impacts
The Study also did not shut down the line a half-hour The Sierra Club Los Their testimony, given in
of oil and gas production,” said
consider the climate impacts after reports from citizens who Padres Chapter played a leading one-minute allotments over
Elizabeth Fisher, senior attorney
of fracking and piping all that notified the operators. It was role in the fight led by Santa several hours, overwhelmingly
at Earthjustice. “Ventura County
methane gas from Texas when we not equipped with an automatic Barbara and Arguello Group outnumbered those in favor.
prioritized the health and
could be powering our buildings shutdown due to the federal activists. We received help from Supervisors Hartmann,
wellbeing of its residents, and
more affordably with locally government overriding Santa neighboring chapters in San Williams and Hart voted to
we intend to defend these critical
produced renewable energy. Barbara County’s insistence Luis Obispo and Kern Counties deny. The two oil supporting
protections in court.”
Meanwhile the forecasted cost for for such a simple and obvious and backing from the National Supervisors representing the
the project options ranged from safety measure. Sierra Club’s CA Dirty Fuels oil-friendly North County --
Compressor Study fails
$421 - $707 million, more than The Refugio disaster sent campaign based in Los Angeles. Lavagnino and Nelson -- were
From March 29 to April 2nd
three times the original forecast about 450,000 gallons of oil We worked in concert with outnumbered.
SoCalGas held a series of public
of $133 million. onto the coastline and into a broad coalition of allies (see Seven years after Assistant
forums to share a “Feasibility
For that amount of money, Santa Barbara Channel resulting list). Each group had talents and Planning Director Diane Black
Study” of options for their planned
we could retrofit every household in at least 202 dead birds and specialties, but when we came said no to Exxon’s emergency
replacement and expansion of
in Santa Barbara County that 99 dead mammals, including together it was like harmony. request, the county had again
a Ventura Compressor Station
wants to go all-electric and at least 46 sea lions and 12 The Exxon offshore closed the door on trucking.
that pushes natural gas through
eliminate the need for all that gas dolphins. Beaches and sea life trucking plan occurred along Meanwhile, the class
their pipe system out to a Santa
in the first place. were covered in crude costing action suit against Plains for the
Barbara County storage field near
hundreds of millions of dollars Refugio spill was set for a court
EAVESDROP jury trial June 2. You can follow
to clean up. “We’re in a climate crisis .
that trial here:
Condor Call Exxon’s “Emergency”
Six days after the pipeline
. . this is a small project but
there are cumulative effects,
www.plainsoilspill.com
SierraClub.org/Los-Padres ~ All phone numbers 1-805 area code The government’s
burst, while crews were still and I believe we have to do
EDITOR: ‘Condor’ John Hankins, 452-2885 investigation into the pipeline
cleaning up oil amid the crude our part here and now and not
260 Pacos St. Ventura CA 93001 • John@gnusman.com failure is here:
ADVERTISING: Contact Editor (above) covering birds and sea lions, kick the can down the road.”
https://tinyurl.com/
DEADLINES FOR ALL ISSUES: Exxon submitted an “emergency ~ Ventura Supervisor
Copy Deadline: 20th — Advertising Deadline: 22nd of month preceding publication. PlainsPipelineFailure
request” to the County to restart Carmen Ramirez who along
This story apparently has
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE: drilling with eight tanker trucks with Supervisor Linda Parks
February/March, April/May, June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan not ended. We also hear that the
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Free to members an hour on CA 101— 24 hours were on the losing end of
Plains Pipeline system is now
Non-members, $15 per year. Contact Editor John Hankins a day, 7 days a week — each a 3-2 vote allowing a 10-
undertaking draft environmental
Photos, news, tips always welcome! carrying 6,720 gallons. year extension for Carbon
studies that we hear may come
Hundreds of residents California Company’s three oil
Sierra Club
to the public after October. But
emailed comments against wells in Upper Ojai.
timelines usually stretch while
Exxon’s request and hundreds
SierraClub.org/Los-Padres rust steadily accelerates. It
• LOS PADRES CHAPTER • more protested and marched in with the Cat Canyon onshore
would take a long time before
Post Office Box 31241, Santa Barbara, Ca 93130-1241 the days before a single decision expansion, involving another
Santa Barbara 617-3106 • Ventura 988-0339 a pipeline could be reopened,
Change of Address: address.changes@sierraclub.org or (415) 977-5653 would be made by Director Exxon-owned company, Aera
which I doubt will ever come
of Planning Glenn Russell. Energy. Juggling two major oil
NATIONAL OFFICE & MEMBER SERVICES: (415) 977-5500 to pass. The problem is what
2101 Webster St. Suite 1300, Oakland CA 94612 Exxon’s plan was denied four fights might have stressed one’s
WASHINGTON LEGISLATIVE OFFICE: (202) 547-1141
it’s connected to, three rusting
days later, not by Russell, but limits, but Sierra Club activists
50 F Street, NWW, 8th Floor Washington, D.C., 20001 platforms, the first of which was
by Assistant Planning Director and our allies only fought
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR installed in 1976.
Dianne Black. Russell recused harder. In the end, thanks to
Jonathan.Ullman@SierraClub.org That was the year Happy
• EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • himself because he had owned our unrelenting opposition, Cat
Days probably should have
Katie Davis (Chair): 451-4574, kdavis2468@gmail.com Exxon stock, which he said he Canyon never went to a vote and
Jim Hines (Vice- Chair): 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com ended. The next year Fonzi
Gerry Ching (Secretary): 964-5411, gching@cox.net had divested himself of a few all three applicants withdrew.
jump the shark. Exxon’s jumped
Bernard Mines (Treasurer), minesbernard@yahoo.com months earlier. Now it was just Exxon.
Alex Pujo (at large): 962-3578, alex@pujo.net the shark, now it’s just time to
After a long string of
David Gold (at-large): 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com The 7-year pitch end.
Rebecca August (Arguello Group Rep): 350-0629, rebeccaaugust@mac.com meetings by the Planning
Niki Stokois (Conejo Group Rep): ConejoGroupHiking@gmail.com
Despite the denial, Exxon
Commission in 2021, it voted
Martha Sadler (Santa Barbara Group Rep): 636-9194, marthasadler@yahoo.com continued to pursue the truck Government report:
3-2 to recommend denial.
• GROUP CHAIRS • option and Plains Pipeline, h t t p s : / / w w w. p h m s a . d o t .
Arguello: Rebecca August 350-0629, rebeccaaugust@mac.com which would eventually be Tiger Beat gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/
Conejo: Niki Stokois, ConejoGroupHiking@gmail.com
criminally sentenced and ordered On March 8, 2022, Exxon files/docs/PHMSA_Failure_
Santa Barbara: Luz Reyes-Martin, Luz.ReyesMartin@gmail.com
Ventura Network: Elizabeth Lamar, 667-7617, elisabethlamar@hotmail.com to pay $60 million dollars in lawyers and lobbyists and Investigation_Report_Plains_
• CLUB SERVICES • restitutions and fines, pursued business allies sat in the first Pipeline_LP_Line_901_Public.
Forest issues: Jim Hines, 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com a new 130-mile pipeline. Exxon few rows of the Board of pdf
Wilderness Basics Course: Sean Coles, venturacoles@gmail.com Supervisors hearing room in
Air Quality: Michael Stubblefield, 216-2630, motodata@roadrunner.com
filed paid consultant reports,
Conservation SB: Kate Mullin, mullin@shelter-vet.com staff held scoping meetings and Santa Maria. They had brought Exxon asks for trucks:
Conservation Vta: Jim Hines, 340-9266, jhcasitas@gmail.com the planning commission held out 200 workers to the final https://www.latimes.com/local/
Legal: David Gold, 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com
Outings: Maureen Hernandez, Moenandez@gmail.com multiple hearings over several vote filling the hearing room, lanow/la-me-ln-oil-trucks-
Political SB: Alex Pujo, 962-3578, alex@pujo.net years. Opponents submitted the lobby and extending out the rejected-20150609-story.html
Political Vta: David Gold, 642-7748 x6, davidgold4@aol.com
Transportation: Kent Bullard, 218-6945, KentBullard@yahoo.com
tens of thousands of public doors. TV from Los Angeles
comments, held marches and covered the story. Most of
Typography and production by Dan Fuller
rallies attended by thousands the people opposed to Exxon
April/May 2022 • Condor Call 3
TOOK A VILLAGE
Coalition stopped Exxon
It took more than a village, Valley Association, Center for
lots of them. Thank you all for this Biological Diversity, Center for
watershed decision that took years Oceanic Awareness Research, and
of effort. The coalition opposing Education (COARE), Channel
ExxonMobil’s trucking plan Islands Restoration, Citizens
included: Planning Association, Climate
350 SB, California Coastal First: Replacing Oil and Gas
Protection Network, California (CFROG), Coastal Band of
Wildlife Foundation/California the Chumash Nation, Coastal
Oaks, CalTrout, Carpinteria Ranches Conservancy, Community
Environmental Council, Cuyama
Ships slowed Valley Community Association,
Eco Vista, Environmental Center
Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
announced its cruise monitoring of San Luis Obispo, Environmental
program has relaunched as 17 cruise Defense Center, Explore Ecology,
ships are scheduled to visit the local Food & Water Watch, Food and
area through April. Water Action, Fund for SB, Gaviota Greetings Friends, we present Figueroa Mountain at its finest with people celebrating its land, for its blast of
“With the exception of one, Coast Conservancy, Get Oil Out!, spring wildflowers, trails and trees. This year the blooms were down somewhat but always a joy. Photo by
all of them have grades of D or F Goleta Goodland Coalition, Heal www.flickr.com/photos/denisedewirephotography/
for water quality impacts. Three of the Bay, Heal the Ocean, League
the visiting ships receive ‘F’ grades
for air pollution. Two of the visiting
of Women Voters (SB), Los Padres
ForestWatch, Northern California EVENTS GREETINGS FRIENDS
cruise ship lines committed criminal
violations of environmental laws
between 2017 to 2021,” according to
Recycling Association, Plastic
Pollution Coalition, Plastics
April 9: Clean Up at Santa Clara
River hosted by Ventura Sierra
Celebrate the land
By Jim Hines during the challenges we are facing in
Ocean International, SB Audubon,
Channelkeeper. Club. “We will take care of 1/3 mi It’s Spring . . . let’s celebrate the our world right now.
SB Channelkeeper, SB County
By communicating with used but abused with trash and dirt beauty of the land. The hills and fields Yes, Spring heals, nature heals,
Action Network, SB Standing
captains upon arrival, the monitoring Rock Coalition, SB Urban Creeks bikes because it is not perceived as are green, the creeks and rivers are gives us hope, allows us to renew and
program aims to safeguard the Council, Save Our Shores, the SB a natural resource. Soon to become flowing, wildflowers are blooming, now more than ever we need hope and
coastal environment and provide Museum of Natural History & a public bike path! Learn more and and nature is teeming with life. renewal.
accountability through watchful Sea Center, Seventh Generation register here: Whales are migrating, birds are Focus on making sure that
presence. Advisors, Sierra Club Los Padres https://tinyurl.com/ClaraCleanUp feeding, wildlife is very active and you are healthy both physically and
Cruise ships generate enormous mountain lion paw prints are now mentally and what better way than to
Chapter, Sierra Club Santa Lucia April 9: Bitter Creek Condor Refuge
volumes of waste. A typical cruise seen almost everywhere. allow nature to keep you healthy.
Chapter, Society of Fearless tour by Friends of Condors, a rare
ship generates 30,000 gallons of So, pick your favorite Springtime Grow your own food, our perfect
Grandmothers (SB), Surfrider
sewage, 250,000 gallons of greywater event since Covid. Space limited to activity and try and spend as much climate is just right to grow so many
Foundation, Surfrider Foundation
(wastewater from galleys, showers, 24. RSVP here: time outdoors as you can to enjoy different vegetables and fruits, grown
SB County Chapter, The 5 Gyres
sinks, and laundry), 5,000 gallons of https://tinyurl.com/CondorTourBC all which we are blessed with here in organically and fresh to pick as you
oily bilge water, 15 gallons of toxic
Institute, UCSB Associated Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. need.
chemicals, and seven tons of solid Students External Vice President April 12: Audubon Adventure And don’t forget your home Life is so positive when we allow
waste, as well as air pollution equal to for Statewide Affairs Esmeralda with Rich Reid specializing in garden, so much to plant now and so more nature into our lives whether
that of 12,000 cars—every day. Quintero-Cubillan, UCSB Coastal environmental and adventure many roses, annual flowers, perennials it be out in the wild and in our own
The City of Santa Barbara Fund, UCSB Environmental Affairs photography with NatGeo and others, and flowering shrubs in bloom now, urban gardens.
asks that captains make a voluntary Board, UCSB Environmental starting career at UCSB. Dual Zoom my own yard is filled with hundreds of For the wild,
commitment to refrain from using Justice Alliance, UPSTREAM, and in person at Poinsettia Pavilion, flowers, whose beauty keeps me sane Jim
incinerators and discharging sewage WE Watch, Wishtoyo Chumash 3451 Foothill Rd. Ventura. More
or greywater within 12 miles of Santa Foundation, and Zero Waste USA. details here:
Barbara Harbor. However, monitoring Too: Here’s a short video
www.venturaaudubon.org/monthly-
compliance with these agreements giving specifics about the dangers of
speakers
relies largely on good faith that the transporting oil by truck (Directed
captains and crew will abide by these by @offline.media.account and @ April 22: Ventura Land Trust’s
commitments. Channelkeeper’s cruise nicholas_weissman) : press launch of the Harmon Canyon
ship monitoring program attempts to h t t p s : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / Campaign on Earth Day, Friday, April Catch currents at:
address monitoring gaps by providing watch?v=5MFdmLWW-8w&t=7s 22nd from 10:00 to 11:30 am. More www.sierraclub.org/lospadres
additional vigilance. information on VLT here:
www.VenturaLandTrust.org
Most meetings continue
April 23: Native Plant sale at the Ojai online for now
Valley Land Conservancy’s Meadows
Preserve Nursery, 9am to noon.
April 22 Groundbreaking on Earth
Group News
Day for the Liberty Canyon Wildlife The public is welcome to our programs
Overpass over the 101 freeway in the
Agoura Hills area. It will be broadcast CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
live and an in-person site is in the ~ Meets 4th Thursday 7pm of every month, via internet for now.
works. Email Secretary Gerry Ching for the agenda: gching@cox.net
~ Chapter website and blog at:
www.SierraClub.org/LosPadres
EAVESDROPS
SANTA BARBARA GROUP
“Russia is a gas station ~ We meet 1st Tuesdays, noon to 1:30pm of each month. For details
masquerading as a country.” and to follow the South Coast area, contact:
~ Senator John McCain. http://www.sbsierraclub.org
On Ventura’s Olive Street, center stage of controversy at SoCal Gas’s In a quote years before his https://www.FACEBOOK.com/SBSierraclub
compressor station that sits across the street from the Boys and Girls death in a rather accurate and https://TWITTER.com/SBSierraClub
club and an elementary school. Residents and friends have rallied there prescient thought. https://www.INSTAGRAM.com/SierraClubSantaBarbara
more than once! (Photo contributed) https://www.MEETUP.com/SierraClub-SantaBarbara
https://tinyurl.com/SBGroupBlog
EAVESDROPS ARGUELLO GROUP
“It lasted about five minutes Our North County Group will keep you informed on our Facebook
and boom, it changed our reality page:
www.facebook.com/SierraClubArguelloGroup ~Volunteers needed;
for the evening, if not for our
your talents could make a difference. Call 350-0629 or:
lifetime.” RebeccaAugust@mac.com
~ Ted Adams about a VENTURA NETWORK
mountain lion who crashed ~ For board meeting dates, times and location email:
through his French doors and sierraclubventura@gmail.com
grabbed Buddy, a 25-pound ~ Get latest info about the western Ventura County group via Facebook
dog, in the evening at Painted and a blog:
http://tinyurl.com/VenturaSierraClubFB
Cave above Santa Barbara/
https://tinyurl.com/VenturaSierraClubBlog
Goleta. His wife Tracey ~New MEETUP site for hikes, outings etc:
sprayed the lion’s face with www.meetup.com/SierraClubVentura
bear spray, bought for a Muir
CONEJO GROUP
Trail trek. The lion ran out and ~ Events, outings and meetings will be sent to you if you send an email
left the dog, now recuperating. request to:
Read the Noozhawk story ConejoGroupHiking@gmail.com.
here: Or view the Conejo Group website:
https://tinyurl.com/ www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/conejo
lionbreakin www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/conejo/outings
April/May 2022 • Condor Call 4
SIGHTINGS
Good stuff happens
By John Hankins California Central Coast and sent
You can help the climate
Here’s the last two months over 24,000 tankers up and down
on their way to spring. And it’s state highways.” This was posted
really been busy but with some by the club’s National staff email
“The cumulative scientific Energy points out, “each kilowatt- for commercial buildings: good stuff happening. Check out blast named Sierra Club Hitched.
evidence is unequivocal: Climate hour (kWh) of solar that is generated https://mag.solarfeeds.com/pros-and- the links. Read our story here:
change is a threat to human well-being will substantially reduce greenhouse cons-of-solar-panels-on-commercial- Please join our activities and https://tinyurl.com/OilTruckNO
and planetary health. Any further gas emissions like CO2, as well as buildings/ activism; see Group News box
delay in concerted anticipatory global other dangerous pollutants such as If you work for a nonprofit on page 3 for contacts and links March 8: Exxon Trucking
action on adaptation and mitigation sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and working for social good, contact where you can get involved. We proposal at the SB Board of
will miss a brief and rapidly closing particulate matter. Solar also reduces CEC’s Solarize program to find out encourage all to go outside on your Supervisors to pitch its plan to
window of opportunity to secure a water consumption and withdrawal.” how you can get an excellent solar own or by MeetUp. And check out resurrect oil from Platform Hondo
livable and sustainable future for all.” ~ Homeowners (house or energy system, with no upfront costs. our outings on pages 6&7. and send the crude to refineries via
condo): Install solar panels or expand www.cecsb.org/go-solar/solarize/ If you’d like to donate (it Highways 101 and 166, rejected
That’s from the latest United
your solar panels. (Note: According to solarize-nonprofit/ helps a lot and the money stays by our Sierra Club and many
Nation’s climate change report, just
California law, condo associations or Community Advocacy: As a here at home), do not pass go, but other action groups along with the
out in late February.
HOAs cannot prohibit the installation). resident, your voice matters. The go directly to: county’s Planning Commission.
While it’s increasingly clear that
Options include working directly California Public Utility Commission www.sierraclub.org/donate/1000
the need for climate action is urgent, it March 5: Water & Weed, help
with solar panel providers and, is considering revising the Net Energy
can be hard for an individual to know water native plants the Ventura
depending on the company, obtain Metering program in a way that March 31: Stand up to SoCalGas
where to start. In this column we are Sierra Club installed last fall
solar power through an outright would make rooftop solar much more rally outside the Crowne Plaza
featuring specific actions you can take, at Kimball Park. Butterfly, bee
purchase, a loan, monthly lease, or expensive.
written by Deborah Williams, UCSB and pollinator species are taking
a full lease. To find lists of some You can phone the governor
lecturer in environmental studies, off, but we need many helping
solar companies, you can search for 916-445-2841 (M-F 9 am to 5 pm
Individual action includes hands to bring water weekly until
installers on yelp, or consumer affairs only) and leave a message telling him
advancing the use of solar power in established. Other dates included
or to ensure the PUC properly values
our community. March 13, 26 and April 2.
www.solarreviews.com and support MORE rooftop solar and
Residential energy use generates
You may also learn about solar electric system resiliency. Or go here March 3: Port o’ Call for a
about 20% of our nation’s greenhouse
plus battery opportunities in our to leave a written comment to the zoom meeting to urge the Port
gases. These emissions would rank
region. It is good to get at least two or Governor (subject is ‘Public Utilities of Hueneme to incorporate
6th highest in the world, similar to all
three quotes from vendors but here’s Commission’): “meaningful electrification.” Our
of Brazil’s emissions, and greater than
a club link: h t t p s : / / g o v a p p s . g o v. c a . g o v / Chapter’s Executive Director Jon
Germany’s emissions.
www.swellenergy.com/sierraclub gov40mail/ Ullman called the Draft EIR a
As the U.S. Department of
~ Renters can generate some At the city, county, state and
hypocrisy. Learn more about this
of your own solar power through a national levels there are opportunities
EAVESDROPS portable solar charger here: to support more distributed solar
“Fight for a Zero Emissions Port”
“Rooftop solar panels here:
www.outdoorgearlab.com/ funding, higher community solar
reduce the amount of power the Talk with your landlord and urge goals, additional solar programs, and
https://tinyurl.com/ZeroPort
grid needs to deliver, making Feb 24: Tree Alliance of Ventura
them to install solar. Find some options new or expanded solar installations
the system more efficient . . .
and talking points here: https://tinyurl. (such as in our public schools and gets a contribution from our
also reduces the need for new
com/3ba92s7m government buildings). Look out for Ventura Sierra Club for a native
powerplant and long-distance
~ Workplace Advocacy: As an advocacy opportunities regarding plant project.
power lines, which have ignited
employee, officer, or board member solar – and make your voice heard by
large wildfires.” Feb 18: Full page interview
~ NY Times article about the
you can encourage your company to writing letters, making comments and/
in the New York Times with the
effort by utilities to cut solar install solar on its building. Make a or testifying.
club’s board president, Ramón
panel incentives. case to the owner to do it. Here are 11 Additional motivational
A blue Heron along the Santa Clara Cruz, who tells of the Sierra Club
very good reasons to use solar energy thoughts: River, a site where volunteers are
~ Solar panels are a beautiful “focusing on Race, Gender and
needed. (Photo by Nina Danza)
addition to a home, because they the Environment, too.” Interesting
clearly communicate a meaningful Hotel where SoCalGas had an that it’s in the Business section.
commitment to the environment event to announce its study on
Feb 10: Port Hueneme
and future generations. They also alternative sites for the Ventura
comment letter insisting on an
protect against rising energy costs, Compressor Station. Photo
environmental impact report for
increase property values, earn a great courtesy of Westside Clean Air
a car lot expansion plan of up
rate of return, enhance U.S. energy Coalition.
to 5,000 luxury cars, stored on
independence, create local jobs and March 28: Los Carneros Creek former agriculture land next to a
help our local economy. hearing by the Goleta Planning coastal restoration project. Our
~ The average residential solar Commission in which the ExCom unanimously signed onto
system eliminates 3 to 4 tons of carbon Environmental Defense Center, the letter along with other eco-
emissions annually. Sierra Club and others testified to groups in time for a hearing by the
~ Across the nation, there are protect the creek and habitat from Oxnard Planning Commission.
over 2 million solar installations, Heritage Ridge development. The
twice as many as there were only three Feb 10: Compression Session
proposed rentals would have 104
years ago. of the CA PUC taking public
or 332 units available as a below-
comment about SoCalGas trying
market price, which is supported.
Pack the PAC But we asked for a redesign to
to expand its compressor station
located on Ventura’s Westside
The 2022 election cycle require a minimum 100-foot buffer
across from a school and after-
is already underway, and the from the creek.
school club. in the middle of their
California Sierra Club Political March 18: No appeal was filed neighborhood. Info here:
Action Committee (PAC) is at this deadline for reopening the https://tinyurl.com/
prepared to go all in to support the troubled wastewater treatment StopVtaGasPlan
election of candidates dedicated plant in Santa Paula, so “Rejoice,
to the conservation of our natural Feb 6: Water and Weed a newly
there will be an Environmental
resources. planted Native Area at Kimbell
Impact Report completed which
Your help is essential to Parks, every Saturday and Sunday
is what the community has
accomplish these goals. Please in February. Volunteers brought
requested,” said Ventura Sierra
help elect environmental leaders by their own buckets of water!
Club president Liz Lamar. See this
donating to the PAC today: Organized by Nina Danza, Ventura
2021 article:
https://tinyurl.com/CApacDonation Sierra Club.
https://tinyurl.com/
Redistricting has left some TroubledTreatment Jan 27: Chapter officers approved
incumbent champions in districts that signing on to a letter on scoping for
are new to them. Other incumbents March 16: Bikeway: Mountains to
the proposed Chumash Heritage
have chosen to step aside from public the Sea event hosted by Friends of
National Marine Sanctuary. It
office and new faces are emerging in the Santa Clara River and Channel
also agreed to be a co-sponsor
the race. Perhaps your state senate Islands Bicycle club, Sierra
for intervention in the lawsuits
and assembly districts have changed, Club members involved. It’s a
to help defend Ventura County’s
and you do not know the candidates vision to keep the river wild yet
General Plan and oil regulations.
running for these offices. provide public recreation along its
Work will be done pro bono by
Candidates endorsed by the banks. Also ran March 23 and 30.
lawyers recruited by Earthjustice.
Sierra Club are strong supporters of March 14: “High-five to the Sierra For Ventura, the chapter signed on
California’s efforts to combat climate Club Los Padres chapter for this to a coalition letter critical of Port
change by equitable, inclusive, and victory: Last week, the Santa Hueneme expansion and supported
just means. They can win their races, Barbara Board of Supervisors endorsement of Measures A and B,
but they need our financial support to voted to deny an ExxonMobil the Ventura County Oil initiative
Solar on the roof, electric car in the driveway, just plug in for cheap build name recognition and get out trucking proposal that would have (see story pg 2)
‘gas’. (Photo by Kent Bullard) the vote. ramped oil production along the
April/May 2022 • Condor Call 5
Earth Day events Electric vs gas cars
have future in mind Gas Prices Too High? Here’s How to
Save $ with an Electric Car!
https://driveclean.ca.gov/search-
incentives
• City of Santa Barbara:
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY that are close to his heart.
Community Environmental In 2021, CEC became the only By Katie Davis Customers of SB Clean Energy can
Council’s Earth Day this year Central Coast nonprofit to offer a UC Want to pay a few bucks to get discounts at local dealerships for
will be a one-day event at the Climate Stewards course. The 40- refuel your car, rather than hundreds cars and electric bikes.
Arlington Theatre with the theme hour certification course includes of dollars every month? With gas https://www.sbcleanenergy.com/
of Climate Leadership. It will climate curriculum and discussion, prices high, now is a great time to programs-incentives
22, thanks to the Ventura County consider an EV. • Counties of Santa Barbara,
honor musician and activist Kenny field trips, and a Capstone project, Regional Energy Alliance.
Loggins and CEC’s UC-Climate giving participants a deeper The cost for electricity is much San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San
“EVs reflect the global event’s cheaper than gasoline. Maintenance Benito and Santa Cruz and cities
Stewards Graduates with the 2022 understanding of the psychology ‘Invest in our Planet’ theme this year,
Environmental Hero Award. and science behind climate change costs are also lower. Used electric including Goleta, Carpinteria, Santa
noted David Goldstein who writes cars are now available, and new ones Maria: Customers of Central Coast
The awards ceremony will while providing skills necessary the ‘Eye on the Environmental’
take place on Saturday, April 23 at for climate action. The more than have longer range, with more public Community Energy can get $1000-
column for the Ventura County charging infrastructure, which opens $4000 rebates on EVs, chargers,
2:30 p.m. at the Theatre. 40 certified Stewards to date are Reporter.
Loggins’ song Conviction of being honored this year for their up long-distance travel. California e-bikes and more.
“It is an investment, not just a offers grants and generous rebates h t t p s : / / 3 c e n e r g y. o r g / e n e r g y -
the Heart was dubbed “the unofficial shared commitment to engage in purchase,” said Kent Bullard, the
anthem of the environmental transformative local solutions to for lower income people. Utilities programs/
alliance’s Electric Vehicle Technical like SCE and PG&E offer additional Home Charging: If you can park
movement” by Vice President Al promote community and ecosystem Coach and the Sierra Club Los
Gore and he performed the song resilience in a changing climate. rebates. See what you qualify for near an outlet, you can plug in and
Padres Chapter’s Transportation
on Earth Day at the National Mall For more information visit: here: charge an EV. It’s faster if you can
Chair. He cited financial incentives
in Washington, D.C. for a crowd www.climatestewards.cecsb.org https://driveclean.ca.gov/search- install a home charging station. They
and a study showing that driving on
of 500,000. A Grammy Award- Meanwhile, the full day event incentives cost $300-$800 plus an electrician’s
electricity is like using gasoline at
winning singer and songwriter will feature a welcome at 10am, Here are some useful resources time. Look into rebates for this too.
98 cents per gallon.
with over 25 million albums sold and a Chumash blessing. Following for choosing and driving an electric Public Charging: Download the
Models will be displayed at
worldwide, Loggins is a deeply are short films, recycled fashion vehicle (EV): plugshare app on your phone to find
many events scheduled during Earth
committed environmentalist with a show, Climate Leadership summit, ~ Electric Vehicles 101: We places to charge when you’re on the
Day.
long history of advocating for the display tables featuring ways to partnered with the Community road, and sign up for ChargePoint,
“These events are presented by
planet. get involved (including the Sierra Environmental Council on a webinar Blink, and EVgo, which are the most
a collaborative of local organizations
“I’m honored to receive this Club), Electric Vehicles show in overview and Q&A. You can watch common charging networks. Note
including Central Coast Clean
year’s Environmental Hero award the rear parking lot and evening the recording, view the slides or join that Teslas has its own network, and
Cities Coalition, Electric Drive
from CEC,” said Loggins. “I believe concerts beginning at 7:30pm an EV Facebook group here: your magic car will point you to
805, Ventura County Regional
that supporting efforts toward featuring local favorites. A ticket https://www.cecsb.org/ev-101/ them.
Energy Alliance, Community
renewable energy, sustainable concert will also be held. ~ New cars: There are over 50 Still have questions? Email us if
Environmental Council, Los Padres
farming, and environmental equity For details and up-to-the- different EV options, whether your you have questions or to share your
Chapter of the Sierra Club, SLO
are critical to our future. I believe minute information go here: price range is $20,000 or $200,000. EV experience.
Climate Coalition, EV Advocates
that each of us must step up and www.SBEarthDay.org of Ventura County and Plug-In- PG&E has a nice list showing costs santabarbara.group@sierraclub.org
work together to create the change America,” Bullard noted. and ranges for vehicles: Personally, having driven
needed not only to survive, but to See adjacent story for all the https://ev.pge.com electric cars for a decade, I will never
thrive.” VENTURA COUNTY EV events. ~ You can track the latest news buy a gas car again. I would not
Loggins’ generous support of Electric vehicles will get April 9: “Earth Day Starts on electric cars at: give up the quiet, fume-free driving
countless local organizations has special attention during Earth Now” headline for the Ventura www.greencarreports.com experience, the convenience of
made a lasting impact on the causes Day events in Ventura on April Sierra Club’s Santa Clara River ~ Leased cars: A good option charging at home, the freedom from
Cleanup, 9am to noon. More details given the continuous improvement gas stations and oil changes, and
here: in EVs. This site lists specific lease the peace of mind that comes from
https://tinyurl.com/CleanSCRiver offers at dealerships, with many in kicking the addiction to oil.
the $100-$300 a month range. The My family has gone through
Thousand Oaks: rebates should help cover the upfront several different kinds of electric
April 9, Saturday 9am – 1pm costs: cars, and my whole extended family
Arbor and Earth Day Celebration http://ev-vin.blogspot.com/2016/07/ now drives only electric. My college-
combined: Thousand Oaks current-lease-offers-for-selected-evs. age son, who has had his driver’s
Community Center (next to T.O. html license for several years, has never
High School 2525 N. Moorpark Rd., ~ Used cars: As an example, a even driven a gas car.
Thousand Oaks). used Nissan Leaf can be found for Of course, driving less or not at
The City’s annual Arbor Earth $4000 - $9000. Use the “advanced all is the most sustainable option and
Day celebration returns after a two- search” feature on AutoTrader, and we encourage biking, walking and
year hiatus. This year’s event will select, fuel type “electric.” public transportation. However, if
include an electric vehicle display ~ Rebates: The federal tax you must drive, by going electric, you
area where the public can see and ask credit is applied when you buy or will help increase the demand and
questions about various EV models, lease an EV. You must apply for supply of EVs and help hasten our
educational workshops on healthy state and utility rebates which range transition away from gas-guzzling,
soils, electric vehicles, bicycle from $750-$10,000 depending on polluting vehicles, and influence
safety course & helmet giveaway, eligibility. Be sure to research rebates those around you to do so as well.
bicycle donation/collection, drought whether you are buying new, used or Lastly, if you make the switch
tolerant gardening, kids activities, leasing. Here are some specific local and want to donate your old, used
compost and plant giveaways, programs: car to the Sierra Club, you can do so
raffles, and more! • California: Residents of here:
Updated info at: California can find information and https://scfch.careasy.org/index.html
https://tinyurl.com/TOaksEnAdays incentives here:
See and learn about EVs at many locations
By Kent Bullard the 85% of EV drivers like me that Ride & Drive featuring a wide ~ April 22nd, Ventura County Thousand Oaks
Have you noticed the price of have an electric fuel station at our variety of EVs and bikes from Government Center, GSA Earth ~ April 9, 2022 from 9:00
gasoline hovering around $6 per home. local dealers and community Day walking Tour exploring a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
gallon lately? One obstacle to use of more organizations. Several EV owners sustainable practices at the center, Thousand Oaks Community
My electric car is gas free, but I electric vehicles is related to the will also be on hand to answer your 12- 1pm. More info and to register Center (next to T.O. High School
do have a casual interest as I see the shortage of Electric Vehicles questions and talk about the joys of @ 2525 N. Moorpark Rd.) is a
costs affecting our local economy available for sale at local dealers driving and riding electric! https://driveelectricearthday.org/ combination with Arbor Day.
and the lives of my fellow citizens. due to the supply chain. Many More info and to register @ event?eventid=3157
“What’s shorter, the line at the Electric Vehicles have long order https://driveelectricearthday.org/ ~April 23rd, EV Showcase and San Luis Obispo County
Costco gas station or at an In-N- backlogs and are often sold long event?eventid=3237 EV Advocates Monthly Meeting, Sat, Apr 23 at 11:00 am - 4:00
Out?” before the reach the showroom. Next month rather than pm EV Showcase
Ventura
More and more of us are To find out more about your a Tuesday evening meeting Laguna Park, San Luis Obispo,
In April there will be several
ditching the pump and driving electric vehicle options and to get we have decided to gather on CA
Drive Electric Earth Day Events
electric at about ¼ of the cost per first person experience with EV Saturday afternoon and have a Check out a wide variety of
in the County. EV owners are
mile compared to gasoline. Others drivers there will be several “Drive showcase of electric vehicles, electric cars and bikes from local
encouraged to participate and share
(like me) save even more by driving Electric Earth Day” and Earth Day educate visitors on our vehicles dealers. Several EV owners will
your EV experience with attendees.
on sunshine as we recharge off our events in our region: and charging opportunities at the also be on hand to answer your
If you will bring and show
residential solar system. Electrify America chargers and the questions and talk about the joys of
Santa Barbara County your vehicle, use the “Participate”
In the tri-counties there are Superchargers at Boku Superfoods, driving and riding electric.
Sat, Apr 23 at 10:00 am - 5:00 button, or to just attend use the
programs now underway to greatly Ojai. Support the Boku Café by More info and to register @
pm Santa Barbara Earth Day and “RSVP” button at the websites
increase the number of electric getting some great eats and drinks https://driveelectricearthday.org/
Green Car Show at the rear of the below.
vehicle charging stations. New and wrap in our monthly meeting as event?eventid=3046
Arlington Theatre. ~ April 22nd, Sustainability
stations are regularly coming well (4pm). In sum, Drive Electric and
It’s part of the 2022 Santa Fair, Pacific View Mall, Ventura.
online, in Ventura County there More info and to register benefit from lower costs, cleaner air
Barbara Earth Day Celebration at 11am – 2pm. More info and to register
are now over 800 places to get a @ https://driveelectricearthday.org/ and a more robust local economy.
the historic Arlington Theatre. It @ https://driveelectricearthday.org/
charge. And that’s not counting event?eventid=3177
includes a Green Car Show and event?eventid=3178
April/May 2022 • Condor Call 6
Take a Hike!
Los Padres Chapter
UPDATES: www.sierraclub.org/los-padres
Panorama above Goleta by Robert Bernstein
SB
WELCOME HIKERS OUTINGS
The public is welcome April 10
at all outings listed, unless WEST FORK COLD SPRINGS
otherwise specified. Please TO WATER SOURCE: Hike along
bring drinking water to all the West Fork of Cold Springs then
outings and optionally a follow a trail that leads to a stunning
lookout point above Tangerine Falls.
lunch. Sturdy footwear is
Continue up the creek to find the
recommended. If you have any
water source. Moderate 6 miles round
questions about a hike, please
trip, 2000 ft elevation gain, with steep
contact the leader listed. All sections. Several creek crossings and
phone numbers listed are shoes will likely get wet. Bring lunch
within area code 805, unless and plenty of water. Meet behind B
otherwise noted. of A on upper State St. at Hope Ave.
A parent or responsible at 9am. ALEJANDRO 805-451-1239
adult must accompany children (SB)
under the age of 14.
A frequently updated on-line April 23
listing of all outings can be From our Mountains to the Sea where to go? BUENA VISTA - OLD PUEBLO
viewed at: LOOP WITH SMALL SURPRISE.
“Maybe they shouldn’t be called hikes. Maybe that defeats the joy and the purpose. I don’t like either the Hike begins at Buena Vista Trailhead
h t t p : / / w w w. S i e r r a C l u b . o r g / word [hike] or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not ‘hike!’
los-padres on Park Lane. Ascends to Edison
This website also contains It’s a beautiful word and originated away back in the Middle Ages. People used to go on pilgrimages to Road summit where we will have a
links to Group web pages and the Holy Land, and when people in the villages asked where they were going, they would reply, ‘A la sainte bit of bush whacking to a beautiful
other resources. Some regional terre’ (To the Holy Land). And so they became known as ‘sainte-terre-ers’ or saunters. overlook. We will return via San
Given that Sierra Club’s co-founder John Muir was one of history’s greatest saunters, we should not only Ysidro Trail and Old Pueblo Trail.
Groups also list their outings
allow him his grumpiness, but give it profound consideration. And there is no better place than the Ventura - About 4 mile loop with about 1000
on Meetup sites. See Group
Santa Barbara region to amble in the great outdoors and give anything consideration. feet gain. Very steep in places. A
News on page 3 for links. As a wise soul once said, “It’s only in the great open spaces that we find ourselves.” walking stick or pole can help. Bring
Fire Danger (Editor’s note: Taken from Visit Ventura website with light editing to include Santa Barbara! Photo: water and snack or lunch. Meet
Due to drought and heat, https://www.facebook.com/SteveACattanach behind B of A, 3790 State St at Hope
fire danger is extremely high Ave at 9am. ROBERT 805-685-
Click to access all hikes
so do not build any fires 1283 event@swt.org (SB)
or smoke except in official
campsites that have fire rings. May 14
For latest information on this Most of the many free Sierra always on page 3, otherwise, county and the Channel Islands. GAVIOTA CAVES: Hike up about
Club Outings are usually listed here we go: Go here: 500 feet from Gaviota beach and
and other aspects of the forest,
here for a two-month period. The chapter’s website: https://visitventuraca.com/ explore the caves and wind tunnels
go to:
However, we have found that http://lospadres2.SierraClub.org biking-hiking/ in the ridges above and proceed to
www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf
planning that far ahead may A very special personal Los Padres National Forest overlook. Some rock scrambling and
agility required. Light colored long
change due to weather, Covid website run by Diane Soini is the turf for Los Padres Forest
pants are recommended. Moderate
restrictions, closures etc. which includes our chapter Association and it’s the ‘bible’
5 miles round trip. Bring lunch and
So, we ask that you now hikes; also blogs, connections for the forest as it shares amazing
plenty of water. Meet behind B of A,
rely on the many Meetups and and a dragonfly on the screen: information gleaned from hikers 3790 State St at Hope Ave at 9am.
websites for the chapter and www.SantaBarbaraHikes.com and others outdoor sites. Here’s ROBERT 805-685-1283 event@swt.
some others. For our chapter Visit Ventura has a lot of its hiking site (see QR code too) org (SB)
Meetups go to Group News box information about hikes in the www.HikeLosPadres.com
May 22
Popular forest camps reopen ROCKY PINE RIDGE / ROCK
GARDEN - HARD ROUTE: From
Recovery of the rare steelhead due to declining populations. Stream eventually returned more than Rattlesnake trail we will follow the
trout in the Los Padres Forest creeks conditions and steelhead critical $10 million to the Forest and a connector to Tunnel trail then branch
HIKE LOS PADRES and downstream habitats were given habitat were further degraded by partnership with the National Fish off on a primitive, steep trail to the
a boost by new construction of the massive Zaca Fire in 2007 that and Wildfire Foundation (NFWF) Rock Garden. We’ll explore the
bridges allowing for water access. denuded landscapes and contributed in 2015 leveraged additional funds. wonderful pines & boulders ridge
CONDITIONS The work along Davy Brown to greater sediment deposition A primary focus of the NFWF and have lunch before returning via
Campgrounds trails and roads in Los Creek – a hugely popular access downstream, affecting steelhead partnership aims to improve the same route. Difficult 6.8 miles
Padres National Forest can be closed, have to the Forest to the campground of access to traditional spawning ecological outcomes for the round trip, 2700 feet elevation gain.
restrictions due to habitat protection, repair or Bring lunch and plenty of water.
weather. Before you go into the backcountry the same name – was completed in grounds. watersheds and ecosystems directly
March. Beginning in the early 1990s, affected by the Zaca and Piru Fires. Meet behind B of A on upper State St.
ensure you check conditions with rangers.
Numbers to call (805 area unless noted) are: The anadromous Southern Los Padres National Forest (LPNF) Another partnership with South at Hope Ave. at 9am. ALEJANDRO
Los Padres Forest Districts California steelhead received staff sought to develop ways to Coast Habitat Restoration (SCHR) 805-451-1239 (SB)
Headquarters 865-0416 Endangered Species status in 1997 enhance steelhead habitat within the removed a low-water concrete
Ojai-Ventura 646-4348 Lower Manzana Creek watershed crossing that was impaired and
Mt Pinos (661) 245-3731 Covid Precautions and its tributaries. However, costs impeded steelhead migration to
Santa Barbara 967-3481 associated were more than the LPNF these primary spawning and rearing
Santa Lucia 925-9538 We will be observing any
could afford. Thirty years later the grounds. Other funding of nearly $2 began in 2020 and included the
Other Areas state/county rules effective at the
price tag had grown substantially, million came from CA Department removal of the low-water concrete
Santa Monica Mtns 370-2301 time of the outing. Each participant
should observe these rules and take
and there were concerns that the of Fish and Wildlife, CA Coastal crossing on Munch Creek below
Conejo Park 381-2737 project was too expensive given the Conservancy, CA Fish Passage the Davy Brown Campground. Two
Simi Valley 584-4400 any additional precautions that they
deem necessary to protect their lack of funding for construction. Forum, SB County’s Coastal low-water crossings on Davy Brown
Montecito 969-3514
health. In addition, the following But a fire restoration settlement Resources Enhancement Fund and Creek were replaced with two free-
Forest Information rules will be observed on Sierra reached in 2011 for the Zaca Fire CalTrout. span bridges that will pass 100-year
For updated info, maps, news releases, and the smaller 2003 Piru Fire Planning began in 2018, work flood events.
Club outings.
and other goodies:
http://FS.USDA.gov/LPNF
* If you feel sick, please do not
attend the outing
Regional Hike Info * Each participant will fill-out a
Lots of local info on websites that sign-in sheet with clear contact
give you varied info on outings, trail profiles, information.
wildflower alerts, work opportunities and much * Masks will be required for any
more. indoor activity such as carpooling.
https://www.sierraclub.org/lospadres
* Masks are optional outdoors.
www.LPForest.org
* Group size will be limited,
https://LPFW.org
www.HikeLosPadres.com
depending on the type of outing.
www.SBSierraClub.org Please note that in going
www.SantaBarbaraTrailGuide.com on a Sierra Club outing you are
www.SantaBarbaraHikes.com potentially on a trip with individuals
vaccinated and unvaccinated. It is Sunset Valley Road has reopened after an 8-month closure along with the popular Davy Brown and Nira Campgrounds
https://SBTrails.org
and driving access to a stunning network of trails and opening over three miles of steelhead habitat. Here’s one of two
www.VenturaCountyTrails.org your choice to attend the outing
bridges under construction (left) and now finished. At right, the Munch Creek Crossing will remain in a natural state
http://Hikes.VenturaCountyStar.com knowing this information. with the removal of the low-water concrete crossing. (Photo courtesy LPNF)
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