Redwood Needles - We Would Be Nothing Without Our Volunteers! - Fall 2021 - Sierra Club
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Redwood Needles
Fall 2021 Sierra Club Redwood Chapter Volume 63, No. 4
We Would Be Nothing Without
Our Volunteers!
On the Path
a note from
Chapter Director Jeff Morris
This issue of the Redwood Needles is dedicated
to highlighting several of the key volunteers who
keep the projects, issues and advocacy for the
Redwood Chapter moving forward.
As an environmental organization operating
within the framework of a capitalist society, Redwood Needles
funding and finance is a key part (some would A Quarterly Publication of
Sierra Club Redwood Chapter
say necessary evil) of our process. Without our
key donors and funding sources, we would not
Mailing Address
be able to do what we do. P.O. Box 466, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
In the Redwood Chapter, we are extremely fortunate to have a key Office Address
volunteer who keeps our finances on track, bank accounts balanced and Sonoma County Environmental Center
helps our overall strategy in myriad contexts. Financial health supports 55A Ridgway Ave. Santa Rosa, CA
our work as we move forward on projects, working with staff, navigat- (707) 544-7651
ing the often challenging processes of our national organization and
keeping a war chest handy to ensure we can take or join legal action, as redwood.chapter@sierraclub.org
needed.
www.sierraclub.org/redwood
Jana Selph holds the usually unheralded, but crucial, position of
Editor
Redwood Chapter Treasurer. Week to week, month to month and year Shoshana Hebshi
to year, Jana has been helping us keep our fiscal house in line, and over shoshana.hebshi@sierraclub.org
the last few years, along with others on the Redwood Chapter team, she
has helped to guide us toward a solid financial foundation, even as we Proofreader
have hired additional staff and allocated dollars to key projects across Judi Danner
our wide region.
Chapter Chair
It takes a variety of talents and interests to keep a chapter going, espe- Victoria Brandon
cially one as vast as ours (covering parts of nine Northern California
counties) in a region that faces challenges on nearly every environmen- Advertising information and
tal front from urban planning and gas station moratoriums to coastal questions can be directed to
shoshana.hebshi@sierraclub.org
issues, agriculture and water demands to federal public land planning
and wildfire. Address corrections should be sent to
address.changes@sierraclub.org or
Through it all, Jana is a steady hand (with a great, subtle sense of Sierra Club, P.O. Box 52968, Boulder, CO
humor). She continues to keep our books in shape and our financial 80322-2968 or (415) 977-5653.
outlook on the bright side. Her diligent work on behalf of the organiza-
tion deserves more than just a mention in my small part of this issue of You can manage your Sierra Club
the Redwood Needles. account at myaccount.sierraclub.org or
email member.care@sierraclub.org
Big thanks to Jana and all of our volunteers across the region. I’m
humbled to be a part of this team and honored to work with all of you. Non-member subscriptions are $6 per
year. Send requests to P.O. Box 466
Santa Rosa, CA 95402.
Steady on,
The Redwood Needles is published
four times a year on recycled paper using
soy-based ink.
2 Redwood Needles j Fall 2021
Sonoma County leaders take major
steps toward ban on new gas stations
By Woody Hastings & Jenny Blaker to help spur them on. Updates and Canyon in Napa County imposed a
Sonoma Group & CONGAS information can be found here when moratorium on the processing of new
available: https://srcity.org/3107/ gas station applications, pending a
On Sept. 13, the Sonoma County Climate-Action-Subcommittee long-term decision.
Regional Climate Protection Authority Cotati staff is drafting an ordinance, In areas near the Redwood Chapter
Board, consisting of representatives and it seems that passage of a strong region, and in part as a result of the
of Sonoma County and its nine cities, prohibition is likely. influence of activities in Sonoma
unanimously passed a resolution that Sebastopol is on a similar track. The County, we have the following
“recommends ceasing acceptance of Sebastopol Climate Action Commit- updates:
all applications for new gas stations tee has reviewed the matter and In Novato, northern Marin County,
or expansion of existing gas station forwarded a recommendation to the the City Council approved an appli-
infrastructure.” City Council to pursue a prohibition. cation for a mega 28-pump Costco gas
The board committed RCPA staff to Action is underway at most other station. Costco is expanding its gas
facilitating a meeting with planning cities, including Rohnert Park, stations nationwide and undercut-
staff from all the jurisdictions to Windsor, Healdsburg and the City of ting local station’s prices in order to
discuss a coordinated approach and Sonoma. That leaves only Cloverdale. increase its membership. The Novato
opportunities for resource sharing. Calling on you Cloverdale Sierra application is currently tied up in a
This is a milestone in our efforts to Club members, to step up and ask citizens’ CEQA lawsuit against Costco.
stop the construction of new gas your council members about it! See www.nonewgasnovato.com for
stations in Sonoma County. Sonoma County has again achieved information.
On Sept. 6, the Sierra Club Sonoma a national first on the struggle to In August, the Sierra Club San
Group voted to support a ban of new address the climate crisis. Its action Francisco Bay Chapter went on record
construction or expansion of gasoline will inspire other cities and counties in support of a new gas station ban in
infrastructure at existing stations. On across the country to do the same. San Francisco.
Sept. 25, a similar resolution was on Outside of Sonoma County, the To stay up-to-date and see how you
the agenda of the Club’s California Redwood Chapter city of American can help, please visit www.con-gas.org
Conservation Committee, brought
forward by the Redwood Chapter.
On the same day as the RCPA
vote, we learned that an application
Calif. Recall Defeat a Win for the Environment
for a new gas station at 874 North On Sept. 14 California voters California communities,” says Sierra
Wright Rd. in Santa Rosa, which decisively rejected the effort to recall Club California Director Brandon
has been pending an appeal by the Gov. Gavin Newsom. Dawson.
Coalition Opposing New Gas Stations The results can be interpreted in This would also be a good time
(CONGAS) since December 2019, has several ways. First, we can all stop to examine the recall process itself.
been withdrawn. This leaves us with worrying about the possibility that Although an invaluable tool against
three active proposals for new gas the governor’s office and high-level abuse of power, in California the
stations in the midst of unprecedented agency positions will be taken over bar is set so low that every governor
climate-related catastrophe occurring by unqualified extremists. Second, since 1960 has been under threat of
on a daily basis. the vote was a sound rebuke of recall at some point. Mere political
One is in Santa Rosa, and two are in regressive political elements and the expedience is sufficient —it’s not
unincorporated parts of the county. To anti-climate, anti-social justice and necessary to demonstrate incapacity
find out more about these proposals, anti-science principles they espouse. to serve or commission of a serious
visit: http://con-gas.org/take-action/ Sierra Club California opposed the offense. By increasing the number
In order to avoid the need to battle recall election from day one calling of signatures required to get on the
these ill-advised proposals, several it a direct assault on our community ballot, by requiring allegations of
cities in the county are already taking values, our state’s leadership in the high crimes and misdemeanors, and
steps to move things along on the new fight against climate change, and the by replacing a recalled governor
gas station ban. good work done to fight pollution, with the lieutenant governor rather
In Santa Rosa, the Climate Action invest in resilient water supplies, than allowing a fringe candidate
Subcommittee, made up of the mayor and ensure protection of and access to be chosen by a tiny minority of
and two city council members, asked to our wildlands and open spaces. votes, we could fix a broken system.
city staff to draft an ordinance. It is Now that this expensive distrac-
expected to come first to that commit- tion is behind us, “we’re ready to — Victoria Brandon,
tee, then to the Planning Commission, continue the important work of Redwood Chapter Chair
then to the full City Council. If you advocating for the environment and
live in Santa Rosa, join with others
Fall 2021 j Redwood Needles 3
Redwood Chapter TALKIN’ TRASH
Executive Committee
The executive committee is the governing body of the
Polystyrene, single-use plastic
ban adopted in Sonoma County
chapter, with one (1) member delegated by each of six (6)
regional groups and six (6) members elected at large. Each
group elects its own executive committee. The chapter
ExCom meets every-other month in either Santa Rosa or
Willits. The meetings are being held over Zoom during the By Theresa Ryan
Covid-19 pandemic. Sonoma Group Zero Waste Chair
Chapter Director: The Ordinance to Prohibit Use and Sale of Disposable Food Service
Jeff Morris • (530) 355-9880 • jeff.morris@sierraclub.org Ware and Other Products Containing Polystyrene Foam has been
passed by all Sonoma County jurisdictions, except for Rohnert Park.
Chapter Communications Coordinator:
The ban includes limiting the use of non-recyclable or non-compostable
Shoshana Hebshi • shoshana.hebshi@sierraclub.org
disposable foodware and the use of products containing PFAS.
Administrative Staff: The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors signaled its support for
Tom Devlin • (707) 544-7651 • tdevlin@sonic.net the ban at its Aug. 24 meeting by adopting a zero waste ordinance and
Regional Coal Organizer:
was set to cast a final vote to ban single use polystyrene at its Sept. 28
Jacob Klein • jacob.klein@sierraclub.org
meeting. At press time, the result was unknown.
More than 120 California jurisdictions, including Yountville, Arcata,
Chapter Chair • At Large • Political Chair • Fort Bragg, Mendocino County and Ukiah, all in Redwood Chapter,
RCC Delegate • Wilderness Chair:
have passed similar ordinances, which will help the state meet its 75
Victoria Brandon* • (707) 994-1931 •
vbrandon95457@gmail.com
percent waste-reduction goal. Not only do alternatives for polystyrene
exist, but it is a known toxin that contaminates watersheds and wild-
Vice Chair • Solano Group Delegate to Chapter: life. Breakdown products of it are affecting human health as well.
Joe Feller* • (415) 902-3395 The ban requires food establishments and vendors to cease distrib-
Secretary: Jim Horn uting any products with polystyrene foam. That includes the foam
Treasurer & Finance Committe Chair:
peanuts for packaging and coolers. In addition, all disposable food
Jana Selph • (707) 829-5356 containers that replace polystyrene must be compostable and recycla-
ble. If customers want single-use straws, lids and utensils, they must
At Large • Council of Club Leaders Alternate • RCC
request them.
Delegate: Rue Furch* • (707) 823-3555
One important amendment to the ordinance is the ban on any
At Large • Conservation Chair • Council of Club Leaders containers that have Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in
Delegate: Tom Roth* • (707) 632-5873 them. This highly toxic fluorinated compound is part of a coating
At Large • Energy and Climate Chair: Randy MacDonald* on container linings to make them heat and grease proof. PFAS or
(707) 391-0833 “forever chemicals” are linked to various health problems including
Transportation Chair: reproductive health disruption. (https://theintercept.com/collections/
Steve Birdlebough • (707) 576-6632 bad-chemistry/)
At Large • Legal Chair: Elizabeth Johnson* The ordinance removed any mention of biodegradable containers,
since that term has been used often as a means for greenwashing.
Grazing Chair: Felice Pace • (707) 954-6588 Instead, the ordinance calls for compostable containers, which includes
Forest Chair: fiber- based materials that are acceptable at compost facilities. Some
Jeanne Wetzel Chinn products say compostable, but they are not accepted at compost facili-
Lake Group Delegate to Chapter: ties because they contain PLA (polylactic acid, a manufactured plastic
Debi Sally* • (707) 235-9011 polymer). Organic agriculture farmers who use the compost cannot use
Lake Group Delegate Alternate:
these synthetic materials.
Denise Rushing • (707) 560-1166
To promote the transition to reusable foodware, Zero Waste
Sonoma is offering a $250 grant for businesses that are re-tooling in
Mendocino Group Delegate to Chapter: compliance with the ban. In addition, plasticfreerestaurants.org offers
Mary Walsh* • (707) 937-0572
reimbursements to restaurants changing to reusables. Zero Waste
Mendocino Group Delegate Alternate: Robin Leler Sonoma has multiple visual representations on its website of accept-
Napa Group Delegate to Chapter: able compostable containers as well as companies that consumers can
Chris Benz * access to obtain compostable containers.
North Group Delegate to Chapter:
Consumers can fill out a form posted on the ZWS website if they find
Ned Forsyth* • (707) 826-2417 a business that is not complying with the ban. ZWS will reach out to
the business to provide education but will not be enforcing penalties at
North Group Delegate Alternate:
this time.
Joyce Yowell • (559) 916-8575
There are also exemption forms business owners can utilize to delay
Sonoma Group Delegate to Chapter: implementation if the ban imposes a hardship. The non compliance
Shirley Johnson-Foell* • (707) 206-1138 form on Zero Waste Website says that when they get the report they
will be reaching out to educate and not enforcing any penalties at this
Chapter Webmaster: Melanie Matway time.
Any questions regarding the new ban can be addressed at zws-food-
* Signifies voting member of the ExCom ware @Sonoma-county.org or call 707-565-3375.
4 Redwood Needles j Fall 2021
Exposed ‘secretive’ coal train proposal in
North Coast draws ire from all directions
By Jacob Klein
Regional Coal Organizer
Thanks to reporting from the Lost
Coast Outpost and other outlets, news
came to light about a shadowy corpo-
ration from outside the state attempt-
ing to take over the North Coast
Railroad Authority’s line in order to
transport coal from the San Francisco
Bay Area to Humboldt Bay.
The Wyoming-based company,
North Coast Railroad Co (NCRCo),
claims it has the funds and prece-
dent to rebuild the abandoned line
that runs through the geologically
and ecologically sensitive Eel River
Canyon, among other places, in order
to ship the coal out of the Port of
Humboldt Bay.
Coal companies in the West have
been vying to get their coal out even
as the coal economy continues to A secretive deal that would ship coal via rail from San Francisco Bay to Humboldt Bay has
decline. Burning coal for energy is a been outed, and opponents are lining up to fight the effort that would run on abandoned
well-documented high contributor to rail lines that go through ecologically sensitive areas. Even while the energy economy shifts
climate change, and beyond that, coal
to cleaner sources, coal companies are trying to get their coal out and are looking to make
dust contains Particulate Matter 2.5,
which can cause respiratory illnesses, deals that slide under the radar.
cardiac disease, fetal development
disorders, and has been co-indicated proposal, especially McGuire who and the Environmental Protection
with COVID-19 mortality. aims to convert the 320-mile long old Information Center.
Trains moving from San Francisco rail line into the Great Redwood Trail Elsewhere in California, Sierra
Bay to Humboldt Bay would release through SB 69, which passed through Club has been heavily involved in
coal dust along the corridor, poison- the legislature and awaits the gover- campaigns to stop coal from coming
ing communities and potentially nor’s signature or veto at the time of through communities and sensitive
contaminating the drinking waters of publishing. habitat.
the Eel River and the Russian River In fact, McGuire called the coal train In Oakland, the community has
watersheds. proposal “one of the largest environ- successfully prevented the Oakland
Claims that the trains would be mental threats to hit the North Coast Army Base from becoming a coal
covered and deemed “clean coal” are in decades.” export terminal for years. And in
hard to believe, considering this is a In the Lost Coast Outpost article Richmond, the city council passed an
practice that is barely used. published Sept. 2, McGuire said “The ordinance last year phasing out the
On top of the environmental and people behind this toxic coal train storage and handling of coal in that
environmental concerns about coal have been operating in secret, meeting city, citing the health impacts that coal
trains, the Eel River Canyon is geolog- with local officials here on the North dust has on its residents, particularly
ically unstable. Coast. They’ve been operating anony- communities of color that bear the
Between the necessary work to mously through the LLC in Wyoming, brunt of environmental racism.
repair the railroads, build a connection and they are intentionally hiding Redwood Chapter leaders look
to a port, and then build a bulk cargo behind these corporate laws that hide forward to working with our allies
terminal for the coal to be exported individuals behind these types of toxic and officials to determine the swiftest
through, the project would be incred- operations.” and most effective response to this
ibly costly—money that could instead Redwood Chapter is unequivocally threat and protect the air, water, and
be invested in communities that opposed to this proposal, as confirmed land we breathe, drink, and reside on.
have been dependent on coal as their by a unanimous vote of the chapter If you’d like to be involved in stop-
primary source of economy. executive committee on Sept. 14. ping coal coming through Humboldt,
Rep. Jared Huffman and State This position has also been taken by contact organizer Jacob Klein at jacob.
Sen. Mike McGuire have already other groups including Humboldt klein@sierraclub.org.
announced their opposition to this Baykeeper, the Friends of Eel River
Fall 2021 j Redwood Needles 5
VOLUNT
What it is to be a
S
ierra Club has had an ongoing focus since its Chris Benz (she/her)
inception in 1892 to conserve wild land and open Residence: City of Napa,
spaces for future generations. What began as Napa County
a modest incarnation led by outdoorsmen, such as
founder John Muir, has grown into a behemoth volun- Member of Napa Group
teer-led organization with a strong national policy ExCom (held since 2013)
focus and tendrils that spill out into each locality
across the nation. What is the environmental issue
Sierra Club’s volunteer corps is its backbone. Volun- that gets you out of bed in the
teer activists at the local level are the ones getting morning? Climate change.
county supervisors to support measures against urban
sprawl, city councils to engage in climate action policy What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer? My
to curb greenhouse gas emissions and state representa- interest in the outdoors, and a friend who asked me to
tives to set forth clean air and water bills. join the ExCom.
Volunteers also work with local groups and organi-
zations to use the Sierra Club’s prestige to advocate Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? I’m
against clear-cutting forests, banning coal shipments interested in getting others involved in Sierra Club issues,
across regions and developing plans for creating and I really appreciate and benefit by the expertise of
affordable and infill housing in urban areas. Sierra Club volunteers.
Redwood Chapter is incredibly fortunate to have
smart, driven and hard-working volunteers on its exec- What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
utive committee and in its six groups throughout the Being able to provide funding to local projects e.g. the
region. In this issue of the Redwood Needles, we wanted Town of Yountville’s outreach for the gas-powered leaf
to introduce you to several of our key volunteers. They blower ban and the City of American Canyon’s Wetlands
each come to Redwood Chapter with a different story, Ecocenter.
different passions and different skills, but they all
share the same yearning to see our natural world, our Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found?
shared resources and our outdoor recreational spaces High on a mountain side.
preserved and maintained for all to enjoy for decades
to come.
Their hard work has led to amazing accomplish-
ments, including deep conversations about water and
agriculture/viticulture in Napa Valley, environmental
justice in Solano County and gas station bans in
Sonoma County.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication and hard
work.
— Shoshana Hebshi
Redwood Needles Editor
6 Redwood Needles j Fall 2021TEERfor Redwood Chapter
Victoria Brandon (she/her)
Residence: Lower Lake,
Lake Group was founded about the same time, and I
started attending the local meetings, was recruited to run
for the excom, then elected to the chapter excom more or
Lake County less by accident a couple of years later.
Lake Group ExCom
(since 2003) Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? I don’t
Redwood Chapter ExCom think there’s a better opportunity out there to play a truly
effective role in promoting environmental protection and
(since 2006) fending off climate disruption. Lots of other organizations
Redwood Chapter political offer volunteer opportunities, but the Sierra Club is unique
chair (since 2006) in providing a path for volunteer leadership.
Redwood Chapter chair (since
2013) What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
Looking back, I think that participation in the coalition that
California political co-chair (since 2016) achieved the designation of the Berryessa Snow Mountain
National Monument in 2015 has to rank as my #1 accom-
What is the environmental issue that gets you out of bed in the plishment.
morning? My particular passion is the protection of our
public lands, both by working to ensure that special places Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found?
are appropriately designated and by engaging in efforts to When I’m not at my desk, I’m probably out working in the
plan their management. garden.
What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer?
Twenty years or so ago when I was a comparatively new
member I started writing letters to decision-makers as Jana Selph (she/her)
instructed by a (long since defunct) Club publication called Residence: Sebastopol,
The Planet. One of them was to Sen. Barbara Boxer, encour- Sonoma County
aging her to introduce legislation designating a number
of roadless areas around the state as federal Wilderness.
Chapter Treasurer and
When she did indeed introduce such a bill Finance Chair
not long thereafter I felt a totally (held since 2017)
unjustified sense of Sonoma Group
personal triumph,
and was Treasurer (since 2004)
hooked.
What is the environmental issue that gets you out of bed in
the morning? I have always loved the outdoors – since
childhood when my family loaded up the station wagon
and went camping every summer. Later, I became very
concerned about climate change and the great effort it
would take to mitigate it and wanted to be part of the effort.
Continued on Page 8
Fall 2021 j Redwood Needles 7‘Lots of other organizations offer volunteer opportunities, but the
Continued from Page 7 Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? To
support forest resiliency, create positive change, and
What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer? I provide a purpose for people to be involved in their higher
started volunteering at Sierra Club in 2004, when I saw good by persistent efforts for buoyancy, equipoise, stability,
that Sonoma Group needed a new treasurer. I am not an and movement forward in the face of opposition as step-
accountant, but had taken some bookkeeping classes, and ping stones to success.
as it turned out, I was more than qualified to be treasurer
for the Group and later for Redwood Chapter when that What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
treasurer retired and moved away from the area. Our Northern California Forest Committee’s Thinning
Concepts and Strategies Document for Resilient Forests
Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? I and Community Protection.
served as an Executive Committee member for Sonoma
Group for four years, but ultimately decided that my Where in the outdoors would you most likely be found?
talents were more focused on the financial realm. Though Redwood forests, ocean, streams, mountains, deserts—I
I am not a front-line activist, my work supports and helps love it all.
the very excellent people in the organization who are.
Working in the background like this suits my personality
best, and I feel I am making a difference in this role. Nick Cheranich (he/ him)
What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
Residence: Napa,
Over the years I have seen our Chapter continue to grow Napa County
and be effective in many ways. By steering the financial Chair, Napa Group
side, I can help the activists with their campaigns, giving Chair, Political Committee
them guidance on what we can afford to do and how best Director of
to do it, given our financial resources.
Communications
Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found? I (since Nov. 2019)
love the Sonoma County Regional Parks, and like to hike
in them whenever I can. At home, my desk overlooks a
redwood grove, and it gives me great peace to gaze out at What is the environmental issue that gets you out of bed in the
the giants as I do my work. morning? “It’s the Climate stupid!” This to me is the one
major issue from which all other environmental issues
stem. So, we must put all our energy and focus on combat-
Jeanne Wetzel Chinn ing the climate crisis at the local, state, and federal levels, as
well as lowering our own carbon footprints.
Residence: Ukiah,
Mendocino Co.. What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer?
& Sebastopol, Sonoma Co. Once I retired from being a teacher, I had several requests
Chair, Chapter No. Calif. from people to join this Board or that Group. I knew that
I wanted to do something regarding the environment.
Forest Committee Chris Benz invited me to attend a Sierra Club Napa Group
(held since 2020) Executive Committee meeting. At the meeting she asked
Member Statewide Utility if I would like to fill one of the open seats. Since I had
Wildfire Prevention been a Sierra Club member for decades, I was honored to
be asked, even though I knew very little about local envi-
Taskforce (since 2020) ronmental issues and how to maneuver through the local
governmental agencies.
What is the environmental issue that gets you out of bed in the Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? The
morning? Deforestation: causing natural resource and wild- work that Redwood Chapter and other Groups do at the
life depletion, affecting climate change/global warming/ local level is never-ending. The more time I give to the
carbon sequestration loss, adding to air pollution both from group’s efforts to fight for environmental causes, the more
loss of forests and from wildfires. I realize that there’s so much more to learn and to do.
Essentially, I’m doing this work because I know that I must
What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer? do what I can to help my and other people’s grandchildren
Forty years ago I took info received from Sierra Club to have a world in which they can live full, safe, and happy
and wrote activist letters that I gave to friends to send in lives. This will not happen unless we all continue to work
supporting environmental protection measures, and I was hard at it.
a Sierra Club volunteer whitewater rafting guide for inner
city (SF) and deaf teens to have a wilderness experience. What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
8 Redwood Needles j Fall 2021Sierra Club is unique in providing a path for volunteer leadership.’
Currently, I am the chair of our Group’s Excom. Whether Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found? One
it’s preparing and leading the meetings in a timely and of the wildlife preserves, with camera in hand.
efficient manner or representing the Group well at various
political meetings, I take pride in the continuous effort of
trying to learn and understand how I can better help bring Richard Sachen
success to the issues that our Group pursues. Above all,
I am proud to be part of an amazing team of dedicated
(he/him)
volunteers. Petaluma, Sonoma County
Sonoma Group, Excom
Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found? Chair (held since 2020)
I’ve always enjoyed being in the Sierra Nevadas. I’m drawn
to the beauty of the High Sierra lakes, and the mighty
granite peaks. Then there’s the sea. I’m always being drawn What is the environmental issue that
to the “Mother of us all,” by hiking or just sitting by the gets you out of bed in the morning?
rocks along the Sonoma Coast, contemplating the vastness Climate Change and the transition to
of the Pacific. I also love being amongst the red rocks of EVs
Sedona, constantly finding new and adventurous hikes to
take. And, having been raised in Phoenix, I loved hiking What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer?
recently within the Sonora Dessert, taking in the majestic I became active over EV adoption and
beauty of the Saguaros. And finally, there’s my backyard. how to make the transition as green as possible.
About 10 years ago, I began collecting succulents that come
from all over the world. I deeply enjoy creating mixed pots Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? To
of euphorbia, aloes, agaves, and cacti. I spend a lot of time protect and preserve our air, water, and forests.
just gazing at the contrasting geometric shapes, colors, and
sizes of these plants. What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
The recent adoption of Climate Emergency Resolutions
in Sonoma County. A close second would be the new gas
Roland Dumas (he/him) station ban in Petaluma.
Residence: Napa,
Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found?
Napa County My favorite spots are along the coast. Anywhere along
Chair, Conservation Highway 1: Bodega Bay, Pt. Reyes, and Salt Point are my
Committee, Napa Group favorites.
(held since 2020)
What is the environmental issue Tom Roth (he/him)
that gets you out of bed in the Residence: Cazadero,
morning? Globally: atmospheric
carbon. Sonoma County
Locally: Water sustainability. Conservation
Napa’s water planning insufficiently measures and Committee Chair,
manages the increasing draw on surface and ground water. Chapter ExCom
We are facing a protracted water emergency all while new
major developments are approved and existing businesses (held since 2015)
increase water mining of the sub-basin. We need better
planning for sustainability that we are getting from our
Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
What is the environmental issue that gets you out of bed in the
What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer? I morning? Climate change.
retired to Napa six years ago and made it a point to become
involved in environmental issues of local concern. I had a What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer? As
difficult experience with a local environmental group and a legislative staffer with an environmental policy portfolio,
was eventually recruited to participate in the Sierra Club I had a good working relationship with Sierra Club volun-
conservation activities. teers and staff.
Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? There Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? A
is the possibility of a positive influence. need to contribute to resolving environmental problems.
Continued on Page 10
Fall 2021 j Redwood Needles 9‘Local climate action is the best medicine for managing my own clim
Continued from Page 9 cially fuel-switching to 100% clean All-Electric and reduc-
ing Vehicle Miles Traveled.
What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
Being instrumental in passing a CCL resolution giving What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer?
forest preservation and reforestation a major role in fight- Watching our county’s new Climate Action Plan take shape
ing climate change. I became concerned. Everyone seemed to think it was
terrific, but as an experienced program analyst, I realized
Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found? On that it was mostly aspirational, and its mitigation measures
the trails of Salt Point State Park were only vaguely defined and unenforceable. I joined the
Sierra Club to get help to make it better.
Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter?
Ned Forsyth (he/him) Local climate action is the best medicine I have found for
Residence: Arcata, managing my own climate grief; plus all the dedicated
Humboldt County smart people I’ve met are just awesome!
North Group Vice Chair
What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
(since 2004) Early groundwork that led to Santa Rosa passing one of
North Group Political Chair the state’s first All-Electric Reach Codes. That we never
(since 2001) North Group endorsed Dominic Foppoli (creepy former Mayor of
Chapter Delegate Windsor).
Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found?
What is the environmental issue that gets you out of bed in the Probably my vegetable garden; I’m its biggest pest, but
morning? Native Plants. Invasive Species. Mass Extinc- we’re symbiotic.
tion(s). Natural history and geology.
What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer?
Reading late Chapter Conservation Chair Diane Beck’s Robin Rachael Leler (she/her)
reports on the Trinity Alps 1999 Megram Fire, in Redwood Residence: Willits,
Needles, which brought me to a North Group meeting. Mendocino County
Secretary & Outings Chair for
Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? Lead-
ers and members of Sierra Club and Redwood Chapter are Mendocino Group
doing important work. (held since 2018)
What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
Becoming a local Outings Leader and leading public hikes. What is the environmental issue that gets
you out of bed in the morning? The Wild
Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found? On and Scenic Eel River, watersheds, salmon, redwood forests,
a mountaintop with map and compass, and/or GPS. logging to infinity, soil health, oak woodlands, creeks
running dry...finding new places I’ve never been.
What originally brought you to the Sierra Club as a volunteer? I
worked with Ecology Action, learning and teaching organic
Tom Conlon (he/they) gardening and mini-farming. My kids went through
Residence: Sonoma Valley, 5th grade with a marvelous teacher who arranged field
unincorporated trips and campouts to lakes, fish hatcheries and geysers,
cathedral-like redwood groves, waterfalls and wilderness
Sonoma County reserves. At the same time I took college classes from a
Sonoma Group ExCom linguist/botanist steeped in the language and stories of the
(since 2017) local Pomo-speaking people. She taught us how to prepare
CCC Climate & Energy acorns and I actually lived on acorn enchiladas and vege-
tables from my garden one summer when I had no income.
Committee (since 2019) Since then I sought out hikers and biologists, foresters
Sonoma Political and herbalists, Native storytellers and outdoor educators,
Committee Chair (since 2020) anyone who could add to my fascination with ecological
systems. I thought Sierra Club would be the place to
What is the environmental issue that gets you out of bed in the connect with like-minded friends. I was right.
morning? Demand-side climate change mitigation, espe-
10 Redwood Needles j Fall 2021mate grief, plus all the dedicated smart people...are just awesome!’
Why do you continue to volunteer for the Redwood Chapter?
I meet the best people...passionate and adventurous activists, Current Volunteer Opportunities
fearless and innovative in shaping politics to favor these
beautiful and threatened places where we live.
MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT CHAIR
What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work? Be the friendly face that introduces new
I am a retired high school teacher, employed as a substitute members and volunteers to Redwood Chapter.
teacher. No matter what classroom I’m assigned to, I weave in This is a key position within the chapter to help it
stories connecting students to our immediate environment and grow and maintain an engaged and active member
the rich complexity and history they may never have noticed. and volunteer base.
Instead of learning about tornadoes in Kansas or the Amazo- Responsibilities include: creating a calendar for
nian rainforest, we visit the creek behind the high school member engagement activities, carrying out social
where salmon used to spawn until just a few years ago. Or events for members and volunteers, recruiting and
we look to the log decks next door and try to figure out where leading a member engagement team to help plan
these 20-foot piles of trees are coming from and going to. activities, welcoming new members, recruiting and
tracking new members.
Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found? Estimated Time Commitment: 10 hours a month.
Collecting acorns, swimming in the Eel River, Main Stem,
North Fork, South Fork and Middle Fork, or wandering vast
redwood forests hundreds of years old. WATER CHAIR
The Water Chair will oversee all chapter activity
dealing with water issues. This is a position for
someone who has a passion and knowledge about
Theresa Ryan
water issues in Northern California.
Residence: Healdsburg, Responsibilities include: maintaining communi-
Sonoma County cation with chapter leaders on water issues affect-
Sonoma Group ExCom ing the chapter’s region, coordinating with other
member (held since 2014) organizations to stand up to threats to clean water
and healthy waterways, recruiting and leading a
water committee, providing leadership and direc-
What is the environmental issue tion on all Sierra Club issues and communications
that gets you out of bed in the regarding water.
morning? Extraction industry Estimated Time Commitment: 5 hours a month.
and its existential threat to all
ecosystems. OUTINGS CHAIR
Provide leadership, direction and oversight to
What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer? I wanted
the chapter and group outings programs. Work
to contribute to efforts to conserve the natural world.
to make outdoor activities an integrated and vital
Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? I learn a lot element of chapter efforts.
about what levers are most effective in fighting climate change Responsibilities include ensuring all chapter and
and destructive land use practices. Also it is supportive to work group outings follow Club policies and procedures,
with people who are really knowledgeable about protecting managing and minimizing the risks of local outings
water, air and land. It helps to be part of an organization that is programs, maintaining training and First-Aid
taking action to prevent more damage to the environment and certification requirements for outings leaders, and
in the process help people whose homes and lives are being ensuring active leaders meet these requirements.
ruined by Big Oil and corporate America. In order to create Estimated Time Commitment: 10-15 hours a month.
systemic change you need to be part of a group or organization
to have a bigger voice. Redwood Chapter welcomes volunteers who are
passionate about local environmental issues and want
What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work? Orga- to help. If you’re interested in getting more involved but
nizing the “Story of Plastic” event to educate people about don’t see a volunteer position that calls to you and your
plastic waste and its connection to fossil fuels. skill set, please reach out. There are lots of ways for you
to plug in, and we would love to have you! E-mail jeff.
Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found? At the
morris@sierraclub.org
ocean.
For a fuller explanation of volunteer positions, please
visit www.sierraclub.org/redwood/get-involved
Continued on Page 12
Fall 2021 j Redwood Needles 11‘In order to create systemic change you need to be part of a group...to have a bigger voice.’
Myrna Hayes (she/her) continue fighting irrational development in our city.
Residence: Vallejo,
Why do you continue to volunteer for the Redwood Chapter?
Solano County I am involved with protecting an Urban Park on Mare
Sea-Level Rise Committee Island called the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve.
Education Sub Committee
(since 2020) What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
The defeat of the proposed Orcem cement factory in a
residential neighborhood.
What is the environmental issue that
gets you out of bed in the morning? Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found?
The Sky! Yes. We live in this sacred Most likely on the Preserve.
land. So precious. The air, the sky, the fog
and clouds envelope and inspire us. Yet, our air is deceiv-
ingly and subtlety affecting our health and quality of life.
What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer? I Shirley Johnson (she/her)
was recruited by our Solano Group Chair. Rohnert Park,
Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? I’ve Sonoma County
gotten to meet dedicated volunteers within the Chapter Member Sonoma Group
leadership and throughout the Chapter who have really ExCom (held since 2010)
inspired and nourished me. Volunteer work is very lonely
sometimes. Knowing that there’s someone out there rooting
for and championing your efforts is wonderful.
What is the environmental issue that gets
What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work? you out of bed in the morning? Climate and Energy. If I can
Contributing my expertise and professional skills and help with educating and doing what I can to decrease GHG
knowledge of my corner of the San Francisco Bay Estuary’s emissions, it’s a good day.
“north shore” the northern San Pablo Bay and Carquinez
Strait region. What originally brought you to Sierra Club as a volunteer?
In 2004, I interned with Steve Birdlebough as a Friend of
Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found? SMART. Sierra Club Sonoma Group was supporting the
The oak and eucalyptus forests and grasslands/savannah SMART campaign, and during meetings I met devoted
of Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve and the Mare people that I wanted to be around. I realized that I was at
Island San Pablo Bay Trail or even guiding Napa River/ the hub of the movers and shakers in our community.
Mare Island Strait boat trips.
Why do you continue to volunteer for Redwood Chapter? We
have much work to do, and the people are good. Environ-
mental work is all encompassing, and we are all involved
in our areas. I enjoy seeing the different aspects of the
club’s mission in action: To explore, enjoy, and protect
Joe Feller (he/him) the wild places of the earth; To practice and promote the
responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources;
Vallejo, Solano Co. To educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the
Chair Solano quality of the natural and human environment; and to use
all lawful means to carry out these objectives.
Group, Chapter
Excom member What is one thing you are proud of in your Sierra Club work?
(held since 2017) When I am tabling and folks come up to tell me how long
they’ve been members. Their sense of pride is contagious
and makes my heart happy.
What is the environmental issue that gets you out of bed in the Where in the outdoors would you be most likely to be found?
morning? Urban sprawl in all of its ramifications. That is easy! Since I am in a wheelchair. the best way to
clump around on the ground is by horseback. Being out-
What originally brought you to the Sierra Club as a volunteer? I side, on my trusted pony, paying attention to the surround-
was invited by Jane Bogner. I was active and successful in ings is therapeutic. I ride every week, it is my medicine. No
fighting Wal-Marts supercenters throughout Northern Cali- matter what happens while riding I am happier for it.
fornia, which was coming to an end. I joined Sierra Club to
12 Redwood Needles j Fall 2021Sierra Club Group & Chapter Elections
Ballots must be received by Dec. 31, 2021
It’s that time of year again. these tricky times as chapter chair Restoration Project to fruition. In
Sierra Club’s elections for -- and asking for your vote for the short term, we have another
Deb Sally: There are more
members of the chapter and what will be my final two-year special opportunity to work for
good reasons to serve as Sierra
local group executive commit- term on the executive committee. the passage of Congressman John
Club Executive Committee
tees are here. Please feel free to contact me at any Garamendi’s legislation adding
Member than ever. I have served
In the following pages you time with questions, suggestions, Walker Ridge to the Berryessa
in this role and as our groups
will find candidate statements concerns. Snow Mountain National Monu-
representative to the Redwood
for many of those seeking ment, and to collaborate with
Chapter for the past few years
regional environmental partners
open seats. In addition to our Randy MacDonald: I am a and am committed to continue
to ensure the survival of salmon
paper ballot located on the climate activist and business owner to improve my effectiveness.
and steelhead in the Eel River.
back page of this newsletter, we residing in Comptche, a small Having local advocates for nature
Decisions made in the next few
are offering an online voting rural community in the Mendocino
years will determine our future for
and sustainable clean energy and
system through the Sierra Club Coast range which was named farming practices is essential in
a long time to come.
website. by and known well by the native influencing not only local policy
Please give me the opportunity
Voting began Oct. 1, and all American Pomo people for many but state, national, and world
to continue working for conserva-
votes must be in by Dec. 31. generations. I was appointed to practices. Lake County is quickly
tion in our community by electing
the Redwood Chapter Executive being turned into vineyards and
me to another two-year term on the
Committee in 2018 and had the cannabis farms. I am working
To vote online, please visit Lake Group executive committee.
privilege of being elected to the to urge growers, organizations,
https://www.sierraclub.org/ Committee for a two-year term in and governments to provide for
redwood/redwood-chapter- 2019. I chair our Chapter’s Climate Sally Peterson: I have been a wildlife corridors which have
and-group-elections and Energy Committee and helped Sierra Club member for the last become more essential in the severe
lead the effort to establish our 4-5 years and have always cared drought we are experiencing.
Climate Protectors program at the about environmental issues. Working with local government to
Chapter level. I’m also a member of Until recently, I served my Tribe, promote small scale energy projects
CHAPTER EXCOM
the Mendocino Group’s Executive Middletown Rancheria, for the and roof top solar will also be a
Committee. last 16 consecutive years as an priority for me. I also want to see
Victoria Brandon: Redwood It’s been a privilege to serve in elected official of Tribal Council, best practices in fire fuel reduction
Chapter faces our share of this position and I am willing to which included involvement with and post fire recovery followed in
challenges these days, with continue my service if you reelect our Environmental Department. our area and will continue educate
water supplies at risk throughout me. I am also willing to step aside During my tenure, I also served myself and others about this issue.
the region, climate disruption and support a new leader who as the Tribe’s Tribal Historic I will also work to promote outings
threatening San Francisco Bay and has more time, energy and skill Preservation Officer where I was in Lake and surrounding counties
coastal communities, and dubious than I have to fill this important much involved in the protection as we, hopefully, emerge from the
development ideas proliferating, role. In the spirit of full disclosure, of our cultural resources. I’m pandemic.
including a horrible recent I am currently spending nearly “semi-retired” as I work on various
all my waking hours running my volunteer projects, including
proposal to run coal trains through MENDOCINO GROUP
the fragile Eel River Canyon. And company, which leaves me far several committees for the Tribe,
of course we are still trying to too little time for volunteer work. the Executive Board for the South
come to terms with the wildfires The urgency of our climate crisis Lake Fire Safe Council, and Lake Mary Walsh: I am a candidate
demands more than this, so I am County’s Community Visioning for the Executive Committee of
that have caused varying levels
hoping new leaders like you will Forum. I also served as President the Mendocino Group. I have
of devastation in every one of the
step up to the challenge by getting of Middletown Area Town Hall in been a member of the Executive
chapter’s nine counties. Recovery
involved in our Climate Protectors 2018 and Vice-President in 2019, Committee for over 25 years. I
will be an ongoing task for years
program. We need your help! and I remain involved with the have served as the Chair for the
to come, and Redwood Chapter
Visit our website to learn more at: group. past several years. I have been a
has every intention of active and
climateprotectors.net. My most recent passion has been resident of Mendocino County for
positive participation.
the impacts of Climate Change. over 40 years.
We’re also looking ahead to
My interest first started with the I live in Albion and have for
making Congressman Jared LAKE GROUP over 20 years. I am willing to
Huffman’s Mountains and continuous wildfires we have
endured and now the extreme serve another term on the ExCom
Rivers wilderness proposal a
reality, adding Walker Ridge to the
Victoria Brandon: These are weather events. I’m currently because there’s a great group
crucial times for the environment working on organizing a Lake serving alongside me. I cannot
Berryessa Snow Mountain National
in Lake County: dubious County group for Climate Action, walk and spend my waking hours
Monument, playing a dynamic
development proposals threaten called Lake Co. CAN!, to address in a wheelchair. I am very grateful
role in National Forest planning,
wildlife habitat and water supplies, the impacts of climate change and for the new technologies that make
and getting PG&E to stop trying to
chronic drought is becoming a what concerned citizens of Lake getting to meetings possible.
blame trees for wildfires caused by
way of life, and strengthening the County can do locally. I am a mother and a
its own antiquated infrastructure.
resilience of our communities in I have common interests with grandmother. I have identified
At the same time we’re trying
the face of wildfire is vital. the members of our Sierra Club as an environmental activist for
to modernize and expand our
At the same time, we have a and, if allowed, I feel I can be 50 years. I am very proud that
communications strategies and
unique opportunity to work for a contributing member of the my children and grandchildren
seizing every opportunity to
the long term health of Clear Lake Executive Committee. I would are active in such efforts as
connect with you, our members.
and its watershed by bringing greatly appreciate the opportunity the campaign to save Jackson
I’m currently attempting to
the Middle Creek Wetlands to serve.
guide Redwood Chapter through
Continued on Page 14
Fall 2021 j Redwood Needles 13Sierra Club Group & Chapter Elections
Ballots must be received by Dec. 31, 2021
Demonstration State Forest and with two sub-committees within actions that benefit not only our school teacher and instructional
Beach Cleanup Days and finding our Group. One is focused on natural treasures, but the future coach. In college I was a leader
alternatives to plastics. They are lowering carbon emissions within of humanity as well, as we seek in the University of California’s
my teachers and my inspiration. the wine industry. The other is to pathways to climate resiliency and wilderness course where I taught
That is why I volunteer for the find ways to lobby our Ground responsible public policy. rock climbing and survival skills.
Sierra Club, to make a better Water Sustainability Advisory I also lived aboard a sailboat for
world for them and those of their Committee to adopt stronger 10 years and sailed to Mexico, the
Gregg J. Gold: I am running
generation. measures to ensure our county’s South Pacific, Hawaii, and multiple
for the chair position of the
Mendocino Group Ex Com is water security for all our people other ports up and down the coast
North Group Sierra Club. This
always looking for new members and wildlife. of California. My husband and
is a volunteer position I have
so if you have an interest please I am the Group’s Communi- I now live in Eureka, California
held for the last 15 years. I will
reach out. bella@mcn.org or 937- cations Director as well, creating where we own a small second
state at the outset that due to
0572 our newsletter and maintaining growth redwood forest in a gully
the recent direction the National
our website. I am also Chair of the behind our home. I also enjoy Mt.
Sierra Club has been going, I am
Political Committee. Etna, where we own land near the
NAPA GROUP running reluctantly. I am deeply
I also volunteer as an advisor Russian Wilderness.
unhappy with the pervasive
for a youth climate action group
“cancel culture” that seems to have
Chris Benz: I have served on the called Napa Schools for Climate
Napa Group Executive Committee
been embraced by National, the Felice Pace: I am a candidate
Action. We are currently working
disrespect (and outright hostility) for the North Group Executive
since 2014 and currently serve as on a lobbying campaign with local
shown by National regarding the Committee because I think the
Secretary and Treasurer for the government groups, calling for a
incredible contributions, sacrifices, North Group can continue to make
Group. “Fossil Free Future.” This includes
and millions of hours donated by a critical, positive contribution
This past year the Napa Group halting the development of new
thousands of volunteers over the on North Coast environmental
began looking at local policies to gas stations and preserving our
years, and the seeming inability of issues if it has a strong and
protect our water security from magnificent oak trees from being
National to recognize that clean air, active Executive Committee
increasing drought pressures. cut down.
water, and a sustainable planet is and membership. I want to help
We have also worked to bring Please vote for me so that I may
good for everyone no matter what with that essential work, lending
funding to the county to support continue to work within the Excom
their race, gender, national origin, my 35 years of experience as
the Town of Yountville’s ban on to fight for the important environ-
or religion. I am running because I an environmental activist and
gasoline powered leaf blowers mental issues within our county.
believe that our local North Group environmental professional to the
and to initiate development of Thank you.
has in the past, will continue to North Group and to the issues our
the American Canyon Wetlands
make a positive difference on local members think are important.
Eco Center. I am very involved in
climate action on the state and local
NORTH GROUP issues, and to leave now would My environmental work
be a blow to those efforts. I would includes 15 years as conservation
level through my work with Napa
welcome your vote. director and executive director of
Climate NOW!, a 350 Bay Area Ned Forsyth: I have served
the Klamath Forest Alliance and
Group, and my position on the on the North Group Executive
10 years as conservation chair of
Board of Napa Green, a non-profit Committee since 2001, because I Robin Gray-Stewart: I have
Marble Mountain Audubon. I was
sustainability certifier for Napa’s believe strongly in the Sierra Club’s been the Marine Chair of the
very active in the Ancient Forest
vineyards and wineries. mission to “Explore, Enjoy, and Sierra Club‘s North Group of the
Campaign – including helping
I am interested in continuing Protect” our planet. North Group Redwood Chapter since 2019.
to create the Jobs-in-the-Woods
to serve on the Napa Group continues to advocate for wild As the Marine Chair I follow
program to put loggers to work
Executive Committee to push this things and smart growth and to any issues that affect the coast of
restoring forests. During that
work forward and help reduce the engage and support our political Northern California and Humboldt
period I also coordinated several
climate impacts from our region allies. Bay. I’m researching the proposed
legislative campaigns for American
and increase climate resilience for In the North, the fate of north coast offshore wind farm,
Lands designed to secure funding
all our residents. Humboldt Bay, industrial forest the Nordic Aquafarms proposed
for forest and watershed resto-
practices, and closely-aligned fish farm, the cleanup of the
ration.
issues of river and stream health old pulp mill site where Nordic
Nick Cheranich: I am a recently I was one of the organizers and
merit our continuing attention. We Aquafarms plans to establish
retired educator, having taught the first chair of the Klamath Basin
can use your help to influence deci- their fish farm, and the storage of
math, science, and drama at a local, Coalition – conservation and fish-
sions made on the public’s behalf, atomic waste next to Humboldt
highly diverse Middle School in ing groups working to protect and
as well as to inspire other actors to Bay. I attend Harbor Commission
the City of Napa. restore the Klamath River Basin.
help with their time, money, and meetings, stakeholder meetings,
I have been a Sierra Club Currently I work to reform grazing
rhetorical gifts. offshore wind webinars, Nordic
member since I was a teenager, in Klamath Mountains national
For North Group, I have been Aquafarm webinars, and California
attending dozens of SC outdoor forests as Redwood Chapter Graz-
serving as Vice Chair, as represen- Tribe webinars. I also belong to
family and trail maintenance ing Chair and as coordinator of
tative to Redwood Chapter ExCom, Humboldt Baykeepers and have
trips. I have been with the Sierra the Grazing Reform Project. I also
and, since 2014, as an outings been working with 350 Humboldt.
Club Napa Group’s Executive continue to work professionally as
leader. These duties are ways for I’ve been involved in letter writing
Committee (Excom) for almost two a contract employee for environ-
me to help experienced activists and public speaking on behalf of
years. I am currently the Chair of mental non-profit organizations.
and newcomers alike to take the North Group.
the Excom. In such a capacity, I I’ve served on the North Group
advantage of Sierra Club’s insti- I graduated from the University
have spoken for the Club on many Executive Committee since 2008
tutional resources. Sierra Club’s of California at San Diego with a
environmental issues at dozens of and I would like to continue
democratic ideals and national BA in communications, a minor in
local political committee meetings. serving our members, our streams
reach give us, the members, polit- wilderness studies, and a minor
I have been actively involved and our earth.
ical strength and courage to take in art. I’m a retired elementary
14 Redwood Needles j Fall 2021You can also read
