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The Roadrunner
             Bimonthly Publication of the Kern-Kaweah Chapter of the Sierra Club — Jan/Feb 2005


     Backed by Kern Kaweah Chapter, Sierra Club enters the Water Wars again.
                     CONDOR GROUP SUES LA COUNTY
               RE: PROPOSED WATER EXTRACTION PROJECT
                         on Gorman Hills in the Tejon Pass Area
The great challenge in California (and elsewhere, but that is another story) is Water! The latest is very local. It
involves a proposal to drain water from the Gorman Hills, site of one of most wonderful flower displays (when
there is enough rain) in the state, some say in the country. For what purpose? To sell to willing buyers who will
use it to resell to all of us as bottled water.
Description. This “water farm” project would be located on Gorman Post Road, which runs parallel to and is
visible from I-5. This is located in the area where in the spring some of the most beautiful flowers are spread over
the hillsides, attracting folks from all over the state to come and view the sights.
Quoting from the document from Los Angeles County Regional Planning, “the objective of the project is to
extract water from four springs in the 192 acres site and export it via tanker trucks. To achieve that objective,
water storage tanks and truck loading facilities would be constructed at three locations on the site. Up to three sets
of eight polyurethene water storage tanks each, 24 tanks in all, limited to 14 feet in height and capable of holding
10,000 to 12,000 gallons each, will be placed on 30’ by 60’ concrete slabs. The tanks will be set below grade and
screened from the the road with landscaped earthen berms. The facility will be run on a 24-hour basis, year-
around.”
“The full annual water withdrawal allotment from the on-site springs on the Gorman Hills permitted by the
Golden Valley Municipal Water District would be 300 acre-feet per year. To transport the entire allotment would
require an average of 44 truck trips per day (16,000 per year). With facilities’ operations being possible on a 24-
hour basis, this could be accommodated with an average frequency (for all three stations combined) of 1.8 truck
arrivals/departures per hour.”
Impacts. Many questions have been raised concerning this project. There is a need for a more detailed water
analysis, because the report in the file is full of speculation and conjecture. The County admits in its own reports
that “there remains an uncertainty about this conclusion, due to the present lack of flow quantification regarding
connectedness of the various parts of the aquifer.” No peer review of the assumptions of the hydrology report has
been made. Very little attention was paid to the potential effects on the precious wetland areas that are in close
vicinity to the project area.
No attention was paid to the proposed housing projects in the area, Centennial City (23,000 homes), Fallingstar
(800 houses), 150 houses by a local school, as well as other mini-housing projects and their possible impact on the
local water supply. Already local people are finding their wells are going dry. People feel they are being “robbed”
of their water if such a project is allowed. There is also the question of the Golden Valley Municipal Water
Company’s agreement with the proposer of this project. Consider these facts: 1 acre foot of water = 325,851
gallons; 301 acre feet of water = 98,081,151 gallons of water. The lowest retail price of water per gallon sold at
2                                                                                             THE ROADRUNNER

Vons is 50c per gallon. The value of the water being allowed for extraction thus amounts to $49,045,575. Given
the sale prices of Arrowhead at the upper end of bottled water, the profits rise astronomically.
Set-up costs have not been subtracted from the above figure but according to the Bottlers Website, $300,000 is the
average one-time cost. The applicant has offered the Company $50,000 per year for the privilege of extracting
water from this area. Such a contrast between potential profit and payment for precious water.
Conclusions. The above circumstances, plus other impacts such as air quality, traffic concerns, poorly done biota
surveys, have combined to more than convince the Sierra Club that this project needs to be subjected to the eyes
of the court. With the aid and support of the Kern Kaweah Chapter and the national Sierra Club, the Condor
Group has filed a suit against this project. More to come!



                GOOD NEWS                  SENATE APPROVES NORTH COAST WILDERNESS!!
   You read that right—in the waning hours of the session, the U.S. Senate approved the North Coast Wilderness
legislation by unanimous consent. Many around the state, especially in the North Coast, feel this is one of the best
presents of the holiday season! Take some time out to celebrate!
   How it happened. Senate victory was achieved by outstanding effort and help from Senators Boxer and
Feinstein, and of course from Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-01), who is the lead sponsor for this district bill in the
House. In particular, Senator Feinstein, who began very cautiously and spent a great deal of time studying the
issue, has emerged as a full and energetic advocate for this bill, and we should load her desk with compliments.
   Where it stands. House passage was not attained, so the bill dies for now.
   What happens next. In the new year, Rep. Thompson’s and Sens. Boxer and Feinstein’s legislation will be
reintroduced for consideration in the 109th Congress. In January, work will start to secure Senate and House
hearings for that reintroduced legislation. The Senate passage yesterday sets a precedent and should have a
positive impact on the Senate in the new year. But supporters will still have to come out swinging in 2005 and be
ready to make it happen.



        WILDERNESS PROTECTION A BIG GOAL FOR KERN KAWEAH CHAPTER ACTIVISTS
                                 EVERYONE CAN HELP you , YOU, and Y O U!
        Sign up for Activists Lists in order to help legislators know our opinions on this topic and more!
Our Chapter Cares We know that lots of people in our Kern Kaweah Chapter have been part of the successful
Wilderness movements in California. Your help and the help of many more of us can continue to work and push
for this cause and others. Join in by signing up for the California Activists List and our local Chapter list in order
to receive the ALERTS that signal that letters and telephone calls are needed to tell our elected officials of our
support (or non-support as the case may be) for their activities in Congress, California Legislature and/or local
entities.
New Year's Resolution These next four years are going to be tough ones. But a success like the above
Wilderness approval signals that there are cracks in the one-party control of Washington and your participation
can help to widen those cracks into chasms. Decide to make a contact with your government, national, state and
or local, at least once a month.
Make your voice be heard! Start right now!
How to begin! - Email alunger@juno.com or call Art Unger, 661.323.5569.



Pro-Environment Appointments In State Legislature
Senate President pro Tem-elect Don Perata announced that he has named Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Los Angeles)
to chair the Natural Resources and Water Committee and Senator-elect Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) to chair
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the Environmental Quality Committee. Senator Kuehl will also serve as Chair of the Budget Subcomittee on
Resources. Both these persons have done much to promote environmental protections, Kuehl in particular, with
items related to water.
PLOVERS PROTECTED—ANOTHER VICTORY FOR CALIFORNIA ACTIVISTS
The Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club and the California Department of Parks and Recreation has finalized a
consent decree for the Protection of the Western snowy plover at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation
Area. The Chapter sued the Department of Parks for violating the Endangered Species Act, putting the snowy
plover, least tern and steelhead trout at risk in its management of Oceano Dunes.
   In addition to closing off one half mile more of the beach, the settlement will secure nearly half a million
dollars for research, education, public outreach, and volunteer programs. The Morro Coast Audubon Society will
receive $50,000 a year for five years to expand its successful plover volunteer program and information clearing
house.



COSTA RICA,
International Sierra Club Style Outing
In addition to local outings, the Sierra Club sponsors an array of International expeditions. One of the most
popular destinations is Costa Rica, and having taken the trip in June of this year, we can see why!
Costa Rica is a place full of wildlife, tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and warm humid air! The rainforest was so
dense in many places, we felt we were on another planet, due to all the foliage, dark gray skies, and the persistent
warm rain. The volcano we traveled so far to see was shrouded in mist, but its rocky lava slopes offered beautiful
views nonetheless. We were able to see the elusive and famous resplendent Quetzel, and went mist-netting for
bats with a biologist one evening. Plus we saw, in the wild, exuberant scarlet macaws, anhinga, toucans, squirrel
monkeys, white-faced coati, many poison dart frogs, crocodiles, and other fascinating animals. We were able to
photograph poison dart frogs, Giant Iguana, hummingbirds, the beautiful Motmot, turtles, agouti, howler
monkeys, and many colorful insects. The tropical foliage made for great photos in nearly any direction.
The Sierra Club volunteer leader, Mary O'Boyle, was an outstanding trip leader. We would go on any trip she
leads, regardless of destination, just to have the joy of being led by such an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and
flexible person! After the Sierra Club-sponsored trip, we added a four-day personal excursion to Marenco and
Corcovado National Park, to see some of Costa Rica’s beautiful coastline.
To see photos of our trip, including Monteverde, Arenal Volcano, Selve Verde, Marenco, and Corcovado
National Park, see our online photo album at: http://homepage.mac.com/muirpower/costa_rica/
                                                       Reported by Harold & Janet Wood, Mineral King Chapter

CALIFORNIA WILL KEEP REGIONAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE FOR SURE!
        DECISION BY NATIONAL BOARD RILES CALIFORNIA SIERRA CLUB
Here is how it went. The National Sierra Club Board voted to eliminate monies to support the Regional
Conservation Committees, committees that are designed to deal directly with conservation issues in each state.
Sierra Club California (SCCAL) immediately voted to oppose the Board’s elimination of the Regional
Conservation Committees. The California Nevada Regional Conservation Committee has been an essential and
effective entity conducting and coordinating regional work in California and Nevada. A California Conservation
Committee, which has been one of the functions of the CNRCC, is necessary to the functioning of the Sierra Club
in California, where there are 13 chapters. There have to be statewide meetings of representatives from all
Chapters to make California conservation policy and political endorsements.
SCCAL has asked the Board to reconsider its decision to eliminate the RCCs and to consult the elected repre-
sentatives of the RCCs and the Council of Club Leaders before making significant changes to the structure of the
regional conservation organization.
SCCAL is concerned that the Sierra Club is moving in a unhealthy manner each time it reduces the levels of
volunteer structure that provide for face to face contact and dialogue especially in the instance of regional
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leadership where its contribution to discussion of the broader conservation mission of the Club has not been
replicated by other structures.
We have reported on these state-wide meetings regularly. Participants in these meetings have found that their
understandings of state and national environmental concerns are always enhanced and their will to act accordingly
is energized tremendously.


     JANUARY, FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS
Everyone is welcome, Sierra Club members and non-members, to join in any of the outdoor activities. Requirements: You
must be in condition for type of hike, equipped appropriately for the activity, and prepared to sign a Sierra Club release from
liability. You must be willing to follow leader’s directions. Unprepared for the prospective hike? It will be a no-go for you.
Please let the leader know ahead of time that you are intending to participate. Customary appropriate equipment includes
good hiking shoes, plenty of water, snack, sunglasses, sun tan lotion, layered clothing. Long pants recommended. It is always
wise to call before coming to a listed activity.
TUESDAY CONDITIONING HIKES. 7 PM 4–5 miles. Corners of Highways 178 & 184. Gordon
661.872.2432 or Larry 661.873.8107 (KK Chapter)
Jan 8–9 (sat-sun) ANTELOPE PROTECTION CARCAMP. Join us for a weekend removing fencing for the
benefit of the antelope. Camp at KCL campground, bring food, water, and camping gear for the weekend. Potluck
Saturday night. More info? contact Leaders: Cal and Letty French, ccfrench@tcsn.net - 805.239. 7338, 14140
Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (Santa Lucia Chap) CNRCC Desert Com
Jan 9 (sun) 2 PM BUENA VISTA ADOPTED HIGHWAY SEGMENT CLEAN UP Meet at the parking lot of
the Monte Carlo Club at the corner of Hwy. 1 (Taft Hwy.) and Old River Road. (Bksf) Work 1 to 11/2 hours. Must
be 16 or older to work. If you come as a skilled “trash spotter,” you are most welcome. Call Glenn for more info,
661.832.3382.
Jan 12 (wed) 6 PM - Mineral King EVENING SOCIAL at Tachibana, Mooney Blvd., Visalia. All interested in
environmental activities are cordially invited. More info? Call 559.739.8527 (Mineral King)
Jan 15 (sat) SOUTH REGIONAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE 10 AM Angeles Chapter office, Suite 320,
3435 Wilshire, Los Angeles. Contact; Ken Smokoska, CNRCC Vice Chair (South) ksmokoska@
sierraclubsandiego.org
Jan 15 (sat) HIGH POINTS OF RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK (Red Rock Canyon and environs, elev
3300 ft, 500 ft gain, 5 mi RT) We will visit Nightmare Gulch on our way to explore the “pinnacles” and the “Red
Buttes” from several good viewpoints. A beautiful and relatively easy hike for January. Meet at 7:30 AM at the
Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. For more information, call Dennis Burge at 760.375.7967 or Jim Nichols at
760.375.8161. (Owens Peak Gp)
Jan 15–17 (sat-mon) INDIAN PASS CARCAMP. Join us as we explore the Indian Pass Wilderness Area in
eastern Imperial County. While ATVs roar through the nearby dunes we will walk quietly through the gravel
washes, rocky hills, and gentle passes in this low desert biome. Carcamping will include the civilized amenities,
but three fortuitous routes will allow both short and long dayhikes to the interior of an area normally only seen
from the outside. Limit 12 participants. Ldr: Craig Deutsche, deutsche@earthlink.net 310.477.6670. (CNRCC
Desert Com)
Jan 16 (sun) - Hike from HOSPITAL ROCK in Sequoia National Park: Joanne and David Dudley, leaders. For
further details and RSVP 559.733. 2078. (Mineral King Gp)
JAN 22 (sat) 10 AM BAKERSFIELD SIERRA CLUB members (this means *you* if you live in Bakersfield)
are invited to attend a revitalization, reorganization and brainstorming session at the Beale Library, Lake Room,
701 Truxtun Ave., at 10:00 AM. Bring your thoughts on how a grassroot level of the Sierra Club can meet your
needs and desires in the Bakersfield area. Would you like to see a Sierra Club Group serving this community?
Mark your calendar and please plan to attend. Coffee or orange juice and donuts will be available for free, but we
will not refuse any donations. See you there. We need your ideas. Glenn Shellcross, Chair 661.832.3382
Jan 24 (mon) 7:30 PM DEATH VALLEY’S PAST Death Valley National Park Archeologist Kelly Turner will
present some highlights of Death Valley archeology. Maturango Museum. For info. call Stan Haye at
760.375.8973 (Owens Peak Gp)
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Feb 5–7 (sat-mon) Explore the UNKNOWN MOJAVE. While the East Mojave Preserve is well known, fewer
people know of the mountains and Wilderness Areas immediately to the south. We will carcamp with appropriate
amenities and explore the Marble, Clipper, and Piute Mountains on three consecutive dayhikes. These low ranges
should provide us with moderate weather, long views, and winter solitude. Limit 12 participants. Leader: Craig
Deutsche, mail to: deutsche@earthlink.net 310.477.6670. (CNRCC Desert Com)
Feb 6 (sun) 9 AM BUENA VISTA ADOPTED HIGHWAY SEGMENT CLEAN UP Meet parking lot Monte
Carlo Club at the corner of Hwy. 1 (Taft Hwy.) and Old River Road. Work 1 to 11/2 hours. Must be 16 or older to
work. If you come as a skilled “trash spotter,” you are most welcome. Call Glenn, 661.832.3382.
Feb 9 (wed) 6 PM EVENING SOCIAL MIMI’S CAFE, Packwood Creek Shopping Center, Visalia. All
interested in environmental activities are cordially invited. More info? Call 559.739.8527 (Mineral King Gp)
Feb 19 (sat) LAMONT PEAK AND LAMONT II (Lamont is 1.6 mi E of Canebrake/Chimney Meadows road
at saddle S of Lamont Meadow; elev 7429 ft (Lamont) and 7475 ft (Lamont II), 2100 ft gain, 4.6 mi RT (to
Lamont II). We will climb Lamont Peak and then go on to the higher and little visited companion Lamont II.
Lamont II is another .9 mi and 250 ft down then up again further along a trail on the E ridge of Lamont. You can
do one or both. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. For more information, call Dennis
760.375.7967 or Jim at 760.375.8161 (Owens Peak Gp)
Feb 19–21 (sat-mon) SOUTHERN NEVADA HOT SPOTS. PRESIDENT’S DAY FIELD TRIP to visit two
key threatened public land areas. Join a day hike Saturday to the new Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area,
just south of Las Vegas, where helicopter overflights are a serious concern, if a proposed new heliport is built.
Sunday and Monday join overnight car campout to the Gold Butte area at the eastern edge of the state where
striking cultural artifacts and unique geologic formations are in danger of being overrun by exponential increases
in recreation use by off-road vehicles. The overnight features central commissary. Leader Vicky Hoover is
assisted by several local experts. vicky.hoover@sierraclub.org - 415,977.5527. (SF Bay/CNRCC Desert Com)
Feb 19–21 (sat-mon) WHIPPLE MOUNTAIN CARCAMP. For this trip in the far eastern San Bernardino
County, we will need 4X4 vehicles. Bring all your drinking water as there is none available. We will explore
Whipple Wash, which is supposed to rival the Zion Narrows. To get on the trip, send $20 made out to Sierra Club
to David Hardy, Box 99, Blue Diamond, NV 890004. If you show up or cancel more than 10 days before the trip,
you get the $20 back. Ldr: David Hardy, hardyhikers@juno.com 702.875.454 (Toyaibe Chap//CNRCC Desert
Com)
Feb 24th (thur) THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA: ECOLOGICAL CROSSROAD AND RARE
PLANT HOTSPOT. Spectacular slideshow tour of the bioregions and their unique plants. Presented by Fletcher
Linton, the Forest Botanist on the Sequoia National Forest. (Southern Sierra Nevada is a floristic melting pot
between the Central Valley and the Mojave Desert and also between the High Sierra and the Southern California
Mountains. This confluence of diverse floras creates a high density of rare endemic plants and many interesting
plant communities.) Porterville Community Center, 466 E. Putnam Ave. at 7 PM. Call 559.781.8897 for more
information. (Kaweah Gp)
Feb 28 (mon) JAPAN 7:30 PM at Maturango Museum. Jean Bennett will present slides of her recent trip to
Japan. For info. call Jean at 760.446.4339 (Owens Peak Gp)
    LOOKING AHEAD
Mar 5–6 (sat-sun) WILDERNESS RESTORATION in Imperial County. On Saturday we will participate, along
with the Student Conservation Association and perhaps members of an off-road vehicle group, in a BLM
sponsored restoration project to close and disguise several illegal routes in the Yuha Desert near the town of
Ocotillo. On Sunday we will visit Anza Borrego State Park to explore and dayhike south of highway S2 near Dos
Cabezas and Portrereo Palms. Early spring is the time to enjoy these southern deserts and mountains. Info and
sign-up with Ldr: Craig Deutsche, 310.477.6670 mail to: deutsche@earthlink.net (CNRCC Desert Com)
Mar 18–20 (fri-sun) Hike near Cambria on coast: Joanne and David Dudley, Leaders, For further details and
RSVP 559.733. 2078. (Mineral King Gp)
Sept 8–11 Sierra Summit, San Francisco.

     POPULATION ACTIVIST TRAINING, WASHINGTON, D.C. April 2–4!
                 HERE’S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A SPRAWL STOPPER!
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Join us for the 2005 National Population Activist Training event featuring forums on the latest population issues.
Learn valuable activism skills, meet inspiring people and become better advocates for international family
planning. Come to Washington to learn how we can work together to
*Re-fund UNFPA *Increase funding International Family Planning Program *Repeal the Global Gag Rule
Sierra Club’s Global Population and Environment Program will pay for lodging and almost all of your meals. We
encourage Sierra Club members to ask local chapters or groups for assistance in paying for travel costs to and
from DC. For more details, please contact Sarah Fairchild at 202.675.2396 or sarah.fairchild@ sierraclub.org. To
find out more about Sierra Club’s Global Population and Environment Program, please visit our website:
http://www.sierraclub.org/population

                    DAIRIES INUNDATE KERN COUNTY
                      WITH FAR MORE THAN MILK
                                        Questions that need discussion and answering.
Many of those who live near dairies and 82% of the voters in Wasco actively oppose dairies. Here are problems
the dairy industry should discuss.
*Do these milk animal factories collect around the edge of developing areas so that in a few decades they can sell
their land for $300,000 to $400,000 an acre, as they are doing in Chino?
*The 18-wheel milk trucks will wear out our roads. How is the cost of repair divided among trucks, producers and
tax payers?
*Chino dairies have hauled 375,000 tons of manure to Kern County in the last three years. Has this manure been
applied to crops at a rate that enabled the crops to use all the nitrogen and phosphorous in the manure? Many local
wells have been closed because of nitrogen from fertilizer.
*Why did dairies use low interest state loans, called “pollution control revenue bonds,” to buy bigger dairies,
instead of for their intended purpose of reducing pollution? When California Treasurer Phil Angelides realized
this, he stopped giving loans.
*Groundwater near Chino is contaminated by dairies. Kern County confines manure waste water to lagoons lined
with clay soils which are supposed to greatly slow infiltration. Manure waste water is allowed to overflow the
lagoon due to heavy rain once every 25 years on average. Test wells are placed near the lagoon. What happens if
the test well finds contamination? Shouldn’t we test the soil just below the lagoon?
*Annual deaths in California will fall by 6,500 if we attain state air standards. Particulates come from beef and
dairy cattle. In addition dairies make over half of the ammonia in our air. This ammonia reacts with the oxides of
nitrogen from vehicles and other engines to form droplets of ammonium nitrate in the air; these droplets are over
half of all the particulates in winter and help form our winter haze. Hydrogen sulfide also comes from manure.
*Occasionally milk prices decline and milk is dumped on the ground instead of being brought to market. When
that occurs, will dairies still afford to protect our air and water?
*Will local dairies use expensive digesters (microbial digestion, anaerobic digestion) that can turn manure into
clean fertilizer and reduce flies, odor and air pollutants?
*How much chemical pesticide will be used to decrease flies? What is the cumulative impact on dairy workers,
other agricultural workers and neighbors, of chemical pesticides?
It is disturbing that when we are considering adding more dairies and thus they should be on their best behavior,
poor sanitation was found in one of nine inspected dairies. Another local dairy recently diverted its wastewater to
an adjacent property.
For details or documentation please contact the Sierra Club at alunger@juno.com.                   Art Unger


                                         FROM THE CHAIR
We’ve just completed a very trying national election. Many California Sierra Club members volunteered to the
presidential campaign. Phone calls to Nevada and Oregon were also part of our California efforts to help get out
voters. Thanks to all of you who worked on the election both locally and out of state.
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There were many victories nationwide both in local races and state races. We as a Club are sad about the results of
the Presidential election. We now have our job laid out for us protecting what we cherish most. Through
administrative changes in the federal agencies our President is weakening protections of areas important to our
health; our air quality, our water quality and quantity, and our beloved wild places.
Join the Kern-Kaweah Activist Hot Line to get notification of letters you can write and issues you can select that
pertain to you. If you have computer access look at www.sierraclub.org to see what little bit you can do to help.
We really need your help as a volunteer. Please call me at 661.323.5569 to offer your services and to answer any
questions you may have.                                                         Lorraine Unger




                                        MIDGEBUZZINGS
Public television has brought back an old story whose primary character has long been a household symbol:
Pollyanna. When I heard of the new production I remembered what fun we made, in our iconoclastic adolescence,
of this little Miss Do-Good, and of her adult doppelganger, Norman Vincent Peale. With newly acquired
cynicism and cultivated drollery we pounced upon clichés and probably hurt some mothers’ feelings when they
chirped such ditties as “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.”
But then I remembered further back, when we were in the midst of the Second World War and those same
mothers were putting gold stars in their windows in honor and memory of lost sons. And for some reason I
recalled a radio voice from that time coming nightly into households all over America, that of a newscaster who
preceded each recital of the horrendous which was then balm for our ears: “Ah, there’s good news tonight!”
Thank you, Gabriel Heater. I’m glad I’m old enough to remember you, and too old to laugh.
And so I have decided, in the interest of our emotional environment in these increasingly threatening times, to tell
two charming true stories to start the new year. Both were shared with me a few years ago by our mutual friend,
Christena Geyer, Sierra Club supporter and high school librarian. I know she won’t mind my passing them on to
you.
One day, in the midst of a busy schedule assisting teachers and students with research projects, Chris noticed two
boys, whom she knew to be a freshman and a sophomore, furtively edging their way toward the part of the library
devoted to hygiene and sex education, the sophomore in the lead. That section was not currently on any teacher’s
agenda, and Chris decided to do a little eavesdropping just for fun before shooing them back to business. Quietly
she glided down the aisle on the other side of the stack, and stopped when she heard their low, excited voices.
Suddenly the sophomore, having found the book he was looking for and clearly reveling in his role as
sophisticated elder, said in a muted, thrill-charged whisper: “Now! Here it is! See this? Look at these pictures!
This is the one you never, never want to get because, see what it says? This one attacks the gentiles!” An
appropriate caveat, no doubt, for gentiles, though decidedly a relief to the Hebrews!
Not long after that, Chris was breaking in a new student assistant, a freshman girl. They were preparing daily
newspapers for the rack, and Chris was going over the material carefully, starting with the layout and accustomed
order of The Bakersfield Californian. Most freshmen don’t know much about newspapers beyond the comic
section, and the lesson, in this case, regarded obituaries. Fascinated, the new assistant began reading, and Chris
turned away to attend to other business. Suddenly the girl gasped, and then she said, (in a dramatic whisper, of
course—this was a library) “Mrs. Geyer! Did you see this? I can hardly believe this! Look, Mrs. Geyer!
Yesterday they all died in alphabetical order!”
These stories are calculated to make you laugh as much as I did when I first heard them. But I hope that they also
tell you how much we loved our work as members of a high school faculty, and some of the reasons why. Here’s
to a very happy and cheerful New Year to you all!                                 Ann Williams
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                Thanks so much
to all the people who have faithfully contributed information and articles to The Road-
runner, and to the crews who have prepared it for mailing.
And thanks also to all the people who have made financial contributions to the Chapter,
which has meant a lot to us, because you are supporting the Sierra Club’s work in our
own back yard. This makes you an important part of our work to protect wilderness and
wildlife, to improve the quality of life in our cities, and to promote the enjoyment of
nature.
9                                                                                    THE ROADRUNNER



     Sierra Club Executive Committees
     OUR LOCAL SIERRA CLUB ELECTIONS
Executive Committees (Excoms) in the groups and the
chapters are responsible for setting up programs and
hikes, and carrying out everyday business of groups.
Vote for your excom members using the ballots below.
All Sierra Club members are invited to attend these
meetings.
CHAPTER EXCOM usually meets on a Saturday. No
definite Saturday is set because of various conflicts.
Call Lorraine Unger (661.323.5569) for up-to-date
information on time and place.
MINERAL KING GROUP EXCOM:
Meets the fourth Monday of month.
Ballots will be counted, new officers elected at Jan
24th mtg. Inquire about monthly e-mail notification.
Call 559.739.8527.
CONDOR GROUP EXCOM meets on Mondays at 9
AM as needed. Call Ches at 661.242.0423 for up-to-
date for information.

SIERRA CLUB ELECTIONS: Please vote. Remember, each person of joint memberships has a vote.
   Ballot for Mineral King Group                Ballot for                ALL SIERRA CLUB MEMBERS
            members only                Condor Group members only             PLEASE VOTE IN THIS
Ex-Com Ballot – There are four          Executive Committee for Condor              ELECTION.
open posts. Please vote for four                  Group, 2005                 Executive Committee for
candidates only. Return ballot to:       Vote for nine and nine only           Kern Kaweah Chapter
P.O. Box 3543, Visalia, CA 93278.      Mail to PO GG, PMC,93222 before   Please vote for six candidates.
Write-ins welcome.                                February 1st           All members have a vote.
Return ballot to:                      Voter 1                 Voter 2   Please mail to Kern-Kaweah Chap.,
P.O. Box 3543,                         ________ Ches Arthur              PO 3357, Bksf. CA 93385 before
Visalia, CA 93278.                     ________ Fay Benbrook             February 1st, 2005.
Need to mail so that letter is post-   ________ Dale Chitwood            voter 1               Voter 2
marked by January 20, 2005.            _______ Erica Cordes              _______Ches Arthur__________
Voter #1              Voter #2         _______ Jan de Leeuw              _______Richard Garcia
_____ Joanne Dudley                    ________ Katherine King           _______Harry Love
_____ Francis Hagan                    ________ Gita Nelson              _______Ara Mardrosian
_____ Sharon Meckenstock               ________ Harry Nelson             _______Gordon Nipp
_____ Janet Wood                       _______ Barbara Nusbaum           _______Lorraine Unger
Voter 1 Write In                       Voter 1 Write In                  Voter 1 write in
__________________________             __________________________        ________________________
__________________________Vo           __________________________        ________________________
ter 2 Write In                         Voter 2 Write In                  Voter 2 write in
____________________________           __________________________        ________________________
________________________                                                 ______________________
                                       __________________________

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January-February 2005 Roadrunner Newsletter, Kern-Kaweah Sierrra Club

  • 1. The Roadrunner Bimonthly Publication of the Kern-Kaweah Chapter of the Sierra Club — Jan/Feb 2005 Backed by Kern Kaweah Chapter, Sierra Club enters the Water Wars again. CONDOR GROUP SUES LA COUNTY RE: PROPOSED WATER EXTRACTION PROJECT on Gorman Hills in the Tejon Pass Area The great challenge in California (and elsewhere, but that is another story) is Water! The latest is very local. It involves a proposal to drain water from the Gorman Hills, site of one of most wonderful flower displays (when there is enough rain) in the state, some say in the country. For what purpose? To sell to willing buyers who will use it to resell to all of us as bottled water. Description. This “water farm” project would be located on Gorman Post Road, which runs parallel to and is visible from I-5. This is located in the area where in the spring some of the most beautiful flowers are spread over the hillsides, attracting folks from all over the state to come and view the sights. Quoting from the document from Los Angeles County Regional Planning, “the objective of the project is to extract water from four springs in the 192 acres site and export it via tanker trucks. To achieve that objective, water storage tanks and truck loading facilities would be constructed at three locations on the site. Up to three sets of eight polyurethene water storage tanks each, 24 tanks in all, limited to 14 feet in height and capable of holding 10,000 to 12,000 gallons each, will be placed on 30’ by 60’ concrete slabs. The tanks will be set below grade and screened from the the road with landscaped earthen berms. The facility will be run on a 24-hour basis, year- around.” “The full annual water withdrawal allotment from the on-site springs on the Gorman Hills permitted by the Golden Valley Municipal Water District would be 300 acre-feet per year. To transport the entire allotment would require an average of 44 truck trips per day (16,000 per year). With facilities’ operations being possible on a 24- hour basis, this could be accommodated with an average frequency (for all three stations combined) of 1.8 truck arrivals/departures per hour.” Impacts. Many questions have been raised concerning this project. There is a need for a more detailed water analysis, because the report in the file is full of speculation and conjecture. The County admits in its own reports that “there remains an uncertainty about this conclusion, due to the present lack of flow quantification regarding connectedness of the various parts of the aquifer.” No peer review of the assumptions of the hydrology report has been made. Very little attention was paid to the potential effects on the precious wetland areas that are in close vicinity to the project area. No attention was paid to the proposed housing projects in the area, Centennial City (23,000 homes), Fallingstar (800 houses), 150 houses by a local school, as well as other mini-housing projects and their possible impact on the local water supply. Already local people are finding their wells are going dry. People feel they are being “robbed” of their water if such a project is allowed. There is also the question of the Golden Valley Municipal Water Company’s agreement with the proposer of this project. Consider these facts: 1 acre foot of water = 325,851 gallons; 301 acre feet of water = 98,081,151 gallons of water. The lowest retail price of water per gallon sold at
  • 2. 2 THE ROADRUNNER Vons is 50c per gallon. The value of the water being allowed for extraction thus amounts to $49,045,575. Given the sale prices of Arrowhead at the upper end of bottled water, the profits rise astronomically. Set-up costs have not been subtracted from the above figure but according to the Bottlers Website, $300,000 is the average one-time cost. The applicant has offered the Company $50,000 per year for the privilege of extracting water from this area. Such a contrast between potential profit and payment for precious water. Conclusions. The above circumstances, plus other impacts such as air quality, traffic concerns, poorly done biota surveys, have combined to more than convince the Sierra Club that this project needs to be subjected to the eyes of the court. With the aid and support of the Kern Kaweah Chapter and the national Sierra Club, the Condor Group has filed a suit against this project. More to come! GOOD NEWS SENATE APPROVES NORTH COAST WILDERNESS!! You read that right—in the waning hours of the session, the U.S. Senate approved the North Coast Wilderness legislation by unanimous consent. Many around the state, especially in the North Coast, feel this is one of the best presents of the holiday season! Take some time out to celebrate! How it happened. Senate victory was achieved by outstanding effort and help from Senators Boxer and Feinstein, and of course from Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-01), who is the lead sponsor for this district bill in the House. In particular, Senator Feinstein, who began very cautiously and spent a great deal of time studying the issue, has emerged as a full and energetic advocate for this bill, and we should load her desk with compliments. Where it stands. House passage was not attained, so the bill dies for now. What happens next. In the new year, Rep. Thompson’s and Sens. Boxer and Feinstein’s legislation will be reintroduced for consideration in the 109th Congress. In January, work will start to secure Senate and House hearings for that reintroduced legislation. The Senate passage yesterday sets a precedent and should have a positive impact on the Senate in the new year. But supporters will still have to come out swinging in 2005 and be ready to make it happen. WILDERNESS PROTECTION A BIG GOAL FOR KERN KAWEAH CHAPTER ACTIVISTS EVERYONE CAN HELP you , YOU, and Y O U! Sign up for Activists Lists in order to help legislators know our opinions on this topic and more! Our Chapter Cares We know that lots of people in our Kern Kaweah Chapter have been part of the successful Wilderness movements in California. Your help and the help of many more of us can continue to work and push for this cause and others. Join in by signing up for the California Activists List and our local Chapter list in order to receive the ALERTS that signal that letters and telephone calls are needed to tell our elected officials of our support (or non-support as the case may be) for their activities in Congress, California Legislature and/or local entities. New Year's Resolution These next four years are going to be tough ones. But a success like the above Wilderness approval signals that there are cracks in the one-party control of Washington and your participation can help to widen those cracks into chasms. Decide to make a contact with your government, national, state and or local, at least once a month. Make your voice be heard! Start right now! How to begin! - Email alunger@juno.com or call Art Unger, 661.323.5569. Pro-Environment Appointments In State Legislature Senate President pro Tem-elect Don Perata announced that he has named Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Los Angeles) to chair the Natural Resources and Water Committee and Senator-elect Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) to chair
  • 3. 3 THE ROADRUNNER the Environmental Quality Committee. Senator Kuehl will also serve as Chair of the Budget Subcomittee on Resources. Both these persons have done much to promote environmental protections, Kuehl in particular, with items related to water. PLOVERS PROTECTED—ANOTHER VICTORY FOR CALIFORNIA ACTIVISTS The Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club and the California Department of Parks and Recreation has finalized a consent decree for the Protection of the Western snowy plover at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. The Chapter sued the Department of Parks for violating the Endangered Species Act, putting the snowy plover, least tern and steelhead trout at risk in its management of Oceano Dunes. In addition to closing off one half mile more of the beach, the settlement will secure nearly half a million dollars for research, education, public outreach, and volunteer programs. The Morro Coast Audubon Society will receive $50,000 a year for five years to expand its successful plover volunteer program and information clearing house. COSTA RICA, International Sierra Club Style Outing In addition to local outings, the Sierra Club sponsors an array of International expeditions. One of the most popular destinations is Costa Rica, and having taken the trip in June of this year, we can see why! Costa Rica is a place full of wildlife, tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and warm humid air! The rainforest was so dense in many places, we felt we were on another planet, due to all the foliage, dark gray skies, and the persistent warm rain. The volcano we traveled so far to see was shrouded in mist, but its rocky lava slopes offered beautiful views nonetheless. We were able to see the elusive and famous resplendent Quetzel, and went mist-netting for bats with a biologist one evening. Plus we saw, in the wild, exuberant scarlet macaws, anhinga, toucans, squirrel monkeys, white-faced coati, many poison dart frogs, crocodiles, and other fascinating animals. We were able to photograph poison dart frogs, Giant Iguana, hummingbirds, the beautiful Motmot, turtles, agouti, howler monkeys, and many colorful insects. The tropical foliage made for great photos in nearly any direction. The Sierra Club volunteer leader, Mary O'Boyle, was an outstanding trip leader. We would go on any trip she leads, regardless of destination, just to have the joy of being led by such an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and flexible person! After the Sierra Club-sponsored trip, we added a four-day personal excursion to Marenco and Corcovado National Park, to see some of Costa Rica’s beautiful coastline. To see photos of our trip, including Monteverde, Arenal Volcano, Selve Verde, Marenco, and Corcovado National Park, see our online photo album at: http://homepage.mac.com/muirpower/costa_rica/ Reported by Harold & Janet Wood, Mineral King Chapter CALIFORNIA WILL KEEP REGIONAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE FOR SURE! DECISION BY NATIONAL BOARD RILES CALIFORNIA SIERRA CLUB Here is how it went. The National Sierra Club Board voted to eliminate monies to support the Regional Conservation Committees, committees that are designed to deal directly with conservation issues in each state. Sierra Club California (SCCAL) immediately voted to oppose the Board’s elimination of the Regional Conservation Committees. The California Nevada Regional Conservation Committee has been an essential and effective entity conducting and coordinating regional work in California and Nevada. A California Conservation Committee, which has been one of the functions of the CNRCC, is necessary to the functioning of the Sierra Club in California, where there are 13 chapters. There have to be statewide meetings of representatives from all Chapters to make California conservation policy and political endorsements. SCCAL has asked the Board to reconsider its decision to eliminate the RCCs and to consult the elected repre- sentatives of the RCCs and the Council of Club Leaders before making significant changes to the structure of the regional conservation organization. SCCAL is concerned that the Sierra Club is moving in a unhealthy manner each time it reduces the levels of volunteer structure that provide for face to face contact and dialogue especially in the instance of regional
  • 4. 4 THE ROADRUNNER leadership where its contribution to discussion of the broader conservation mission of the Club has not been replicated by other structures. We have reported on these state-wide meetings regularly. Participants in these meetings have found that their understandings of state and national environmental concerns are always enhanced and their will to act accordingly is energized tremendously. JANUARY, FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS Everyone is welcome, Sierra Club members and non-members, to join in any of the outdoor activities. Requirements: You must be in condition for type of hike, equipped appropriately for the activity, and prepared to sign a Sierra Club release from liability. You must be willing to follow leader’s directions. Unprepared for the prospective hike? It will be a no-go for you. Please let the leader know ahead of time that you are intending to participate. Customary appropriate equipment includes good hiking shoes, plenty of water, snack, sunglasses, sun tan lotion, layered clothing. Long pants recommended. It is always wise to call before coming to a listed activity. TUESDAY CONDITIONING HIKES. 7 PM 4–5 miles. Corners of Highways 178 & 184. Gordon 661.872.2432 or Larry 661.873.8107 (KK Chapter) Jan 8–9 (sat-sun) ANTELOPE PROTECTION CARCAMP. Join us for a weekend removing fencing for the benefit of the antelope. Camp at KCL campground, bring food, water, and camping gear for the weekend. Potluck Saturday night. More info? contact Leaders: Cal and Letty French, ccfrench@tcsn.net - 805.239. 7338, 14140 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (Santa Lucia Chap) CNRCC Desert Com Jan 9 (sun) 2 PM BUENA VISTA ADOPTED HIGHWAY SEGMENT CLEAN UP Meet at the parking lot of the Monte Carlo Club at the corner of Hwy. 1 (Taft Hwy.) and Old River Road. (Bksf) Work 1 to 11/2 hours. Must be 16 or older to work. If you come as a skilled “trash spotter,” you are most welcome. Call Glenn for more info, 661.832.3382. Jan 12 (wed) 6 PM - Mineral King EVENING SOCIAL at Tachibana, Mooney Blvd., Visalia. All interested in environmental activities are cordially invited. More info? Call 559.739.8527 (Mineral King) Jan 15 (sat) SOUTH REGIONAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE 10 AM Angeles Chapter office, Suite 320, 3435 Wilshire, Los Angeles. Contact; Ken Smokoska, CNRCC Vice Chair (South) ksmokoska@ sierraclubsandiego.org Jan 15 (sat) HIGH POINTS OF RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK (Red Rock Canyon and environs, elev 3300 ft, 500 ft gain, 5 mi RT) We will visit Nightmare Gulch on our way to explore the “pinnacles” and the “Red Buttes” from several good viewpoints. A beautiful and relatively easy hike for January. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. For more information, call Dennis Burge at 760.375.7967 or Jim Nichols at 760.375.8161. (Owens Peak Gp) Jan 15–17 (sat-mon) INDIAN PASS CARCAMP. Join us as we explore the Indian Pass Wilderness Area in eastern Imperial County. While ATVs roar through the nearby dunes we will walk quietly through the gravel washes, rocky hills, and gentle passes in this low desert biome. Carcamping will include the civilized amenities, but three fortuitous routes will allow both short and long dayhikes to the interior of an area normally only seen from the outside. Limit 12 participants. Ldr: Craig Deutsche, deutsche@earthlink.net 310.477.6670. (CNRCC Desert Com) Jan 16 (sun) - Hike from HOSPITAL ROCK in Sequoia National Park: Joanne and David Dudley, leaders. For further details and RSVP 559.733. 2078. (Mineral King Gp) JAN 22 (sat) 10 AM BAKERSFIELD SIERRA CLUB members (this means *you* if you live in Bakersfield) are invited to attend a revitalization, reorganization and brainstorming session at the Beale Library, Lake Room, 701 Truxtun Ave., at 10:00 AM. Bring your thoughts on how a grassroot level of the Sierra Club can meet your needs and desires in the Bakersfield area. Would you like to see a Sierra Club Group serving this community? Mark your calendar and please plan to attend. Coffee or orange juice and donuts will be available for free, but we will not refuse any donations. See you there. We need your ideas. Glenn Shellcross, Chair 661.832.3382 Jan 24 (mon) 7:30 PM DEATH VALLEY’S PAST Death Valley National Park Archeologist Kelly Turner will present some highlights of Death Valley archeology. Maturango Museum. For info. call Stan Haye at 760.375.8973 (Owens Peak Gp)
  • 5. 5 THE ROADRUNNER Feb 5–7 (sat-mon) Explore the UNKNOWN MOJAVE. While the East Mojave Preserve is well known, fewer people know of the mountains and Wilderness Areas immediately to the south. We will carcamp with appropriate amenities and explore the Marble, Clipper, and Piute Mountains on three consecutive dayhikes. These low ranges should provide us with moderate weather, long views, and winter solitude. Limit 12 participants. Leader: Craig Deutsche, mail to: deutsche@earthlink.net 310.477.6670. (CNRCC Desert Com) Feb 6 (sun) 9 AM BUENA VISTA ADOPTED HIGHWAY SEGMENT CLEAN UP Meet parking lot Monte Carlo Club at the corner of Hwy. 1 (Taft Hwy.) and Old River Road. Work 1 to 11/2 hours. Must be 16 or older to work. If you come as a skilled “trash spotter,” you are most welcome. Call Glenn, 661.832.3382. Feb 9 (wed) 6 PM EVENING SOCIAL MIMI’S CAFE, Packwood Creek Shopping Center, Visalia. All interested in environmental activities are cordially invited. More info? Call 559.739.8527 (Mineral King Gp) Feb 19 (sat) LAMONT PEAK AND LAMONT II (Lamont is 1.6 mi E of Canebrake/Chimney Meadows road at saddle S of Lamont Meadow; elev 7429 ft (Lamont) and 7475 ft (Lamont II), 2100 ft gain, 4.6 mi RT (to Lamont II). We will climb Lamont Peak and then go on to the higher and little visited companion Lamont II. Lamont II is another .9 mi and 250 ft down then up again further along a trail on the E ridge of Lamont. You can do one or both. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. For more information, call Dennis 760.375.7967 or Jim at 760.375.8161 (Owens Peak Gp) Feb 19–21 (sat-mon) SOUTHERN NEVADA HOT SPOTS. PRESIDENT’S DAY FIELD TRIP to visit two key threatened public land areas. Join a day hike Saturday to the new Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, just south of Las Vegas, where helicopter overflights are a serious concern, if a proposed new heliport is built. Sunday and Monday join overnight car campout to the Gold Butte area at the eastern edge of the state where striking cultural artifacts and unique geologic formations are in danger of being overrun by exponential increases in recreation use by off-road vehicles. The overnight features central commissary. Leader Vicky Hoover is assisted by several local experts. vicky.hoover@sierraclub.org - 415,977.5527. (SF Bay/CNRCC Desert Com) Feb 19–21 (sat-mon) WHIPPLE MOUNTAIN CARCAMP. For this trip in the far eastern San Bernardino County, we will need 4X4 vehicles. Bring all your drinking water as there is none available. We will explore Whipple Wash, which is supposed to rival the Zion Narrows. To get on the trip, send $20 made out to Sierra Club to David Hardy, Box 99, Blue Diamond, NV 890004. If you show up or cancel more than 10 days before the trip, you get the $20 back. Ldr: David Hardy, hardyhikers@juno.com 702.875.454 (Toyaibe Chap//CNRCC Desert Com) Feb 24th (thur) THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA: ECOLOGICAL CROSSROAD AND RARE PLANT HOTSPOT. Spectacular slideshow tour of the bioregions and their unique plants. Presented by Fletcher Linton, the Forest Botanist on the Sequoia National Forest. (Southern Sierra Nevada is a floristic melting pot between the Central Valley and the Mojave Desert and also between the High Sierra and the Southern California Mountains. This confluence of diverse floras creates a high density of rare endemic plants and many interesting plant communities.) Porterville Community Center, 466 E. Putnam Ave. at 7 PM. Call 559.781.8897 for more information. (Kaweah Gp) Feb 28 (mon) JAPAN 7:30 PM at Maturango Museum. Jean Bennett will present slides of her recent trip to Japan. For info. call Jean at 760.446.4339 (Owens Peak Gp) LOOKING AHEAD Mar 5–6 (sat-sun) WILDERNESS RESTORATION in Imperial County. On Saturday we will participate, along with the Student Conservation Association and perhaps members of an off-road vehicle group, in a BLM sponsored restoration project to close and disguise several illegal routes in the Yuha Desert near the town of Ocotillo. On Sunday we will visit Anza Borrego State Park to explore and dayhike south of highway S2 near Dos Cabezas and Portrereo Palms. Early spring is the time to enjoy these southern deserts and mountains. Info and sign-up with Ldr: Craig Deutsche, 310.477.6670 mail to: deutsche@earthlink.net (CNRCC Desert Com) Mar 18–20 (fri-sun) Hike near Cambria on coast: Joanne and David Dudley, Leaders, For further details and RSVP 559.733. 2078. (Mineral King Gp) Sept 8–11 Sierra Summit, San Francisco. POPULATION ACTIVIST TRAINING, WASHINGTON, D.C. April 2–4! HERE’S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A SPRAWL STOPPER!
  • 6. 6 THE ROADRUNNER Join us for the 2005 National Population Activist Training event featuring forums on the latest population issues. Learn valuable activism skills, meet inspiring people and become better advocates for international family planning. Come to Washington to learn how we can work together to *Re-fund UNFPA *Increase funding International Family Planning Program *Repeal the Global Gag Rule Sierra Club’s Global Population and Environment Program will pay for lodging and almost all of your meals. We encourage Sierra Club members to ask local chapters or groups for assistance in paying for travel costs to and from DC. For more details, please contact Sarah Fairchild at 202.675.2396 or sarah.fairchild@ sierraclub.org. To find out more about Sierra Club’s Global Population and Environment Program, please visit our website: http://www.sierraclub.org/population DAIRIES INUNDATE KERN COUNTY WITH FAR MORE THAN MILK Questions that need discussion and answering. Many of those who live near dairies and 82% of the voters in Wasco actively oppose dairies. Here are problems the dairy industry should discuss. *Do these milk animal factories collect around the edge of developing areas so that in a few decades they can sell their land for $300,000 to $400,000 an acre, as they are doing in Chino? *The 18-wheel milk trucks will wear out our roads. How is the cost of repair divided among trucks, producers and tax payers? *Chino dairies have hauled 375,000 tons of manure to Kern County in the last three years. Has this manure been applied to crops at a rate that enabled the crops to use all the nitrogen and phosphorous in the manure? Many local wells have been closed because of nitrogen from fertilizer. *Why did dairies use low interest state loans, called “pollution control revenue bonds,” to buy bigger dairies, instead of for their intended purpose of reducing pollution? When California Treasurer Phil Angelides realized this, he stopped giving loans. *Groundwater near Chino is contaminated by dairies. Kern County confines manure waste water to lagoons lined with clay soils which are supposed to greatly slow infiltration. Manure waste water is allowed to overflow the lagoon due to heavy rain once every 25 years on average. Test wells are placed near the lagoon. What happens if the test well finds contamination? Shouldn’t we test the soil just below the lagoon? *Annual deaths in California will fall by 6,500 if we attain state air standards. Particulates come from beef and dairy cattle. In addition dairies make over half of the ammonia in our air. This ammonia reacts with the oxides of nitrogen from vehicles and other engines to form droplets of ammonium nitrate in the air; these droplets are over half of all the particulates in winter and help form our winter haze. Hydrogen sulfide also comes from manure. *Occasionally milk prices decline and milk is dumped on the ground instead of being brought to market. When that occurs, will dairies still afford to protect our air and water? *Will local dairies use expensive digesters (microbial digestion, anaerobic digestion) that can turn manure into clean fertilizer and reduce flies, odor and air pollutants? *How much chemical pesticide will be used to decrease flies? What is the cumulative impact on dairy workers, other agricultural workers and neighbors, of chemical pesticides? It is disturbing that when we are considering adding more dairies and thus they should be on their best behavior, poor sanitation was found in one of nine inspected dairies. Another local dairy recently diverted its wastewater to an adjacent property. For details or documentation please contact the Sierra Club at alunger@juno.com. Art Unger FROM THE CHAIR We’ve just completed a very trying national election. Many California Sierra Club members volunteered to the presidential campaign. Phone calls to Nevada and Oregon were also part of our California efforts to help get out voters. Thanks to all of you who worked on the election both locally and out of state.
  • 7. 7 THE ROADRUNNER There were many victories nationwide both in local races and state races. We as a Club are sad about the results of the Presidential election. We now have our job laid out for us protecting what we cherish most. Through administrative changes in the federal agencies our President is weakening protections of areas important to our health; our air quality, our water quality and quantity, and our beloved wild places. Join the Kern-Kaweah Activist Hot Line to get notification of letters you can write and issues you can select that pertain to you. If you have computer access look at www.sierraclub.org to see what little bit you can do to help. We really need your help as a volunteer. Please call me at 661.323.5569 to offer your services and to answer any questions you may have. Lorraine Unger MIDGEBUZZINGS Public television has brought back an old story whose primary character has long been a household symbol: Pollyanna. When I heard of the new production I remembered what fun we made, in our iconoclastic adolescence, of this little Miss Do-Good, and of her adult doppelganger, Norman Vincent Peale. With newly acquired cynicism and cultivated drollery we pounced upon clichés and probably hurt some mothers’ feelings when they chirped such ditties as “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.” But then I remembered further back, when we were in the midst of the Second World War and those same mothers were putting gold stars in their windows in honor and memory of lost sons. And for some reason I recalled a radio voice from that time coming nightly into households all over America, that of a newscaster who preceded each recital of the horrendous which was then balm for our ears: “Ah, there’s good news tonight!” Thank you, Gabriel Heater. I’m glad I’m old enough to remember you, and too old to laugh. And so I have decided, in the interest of our emotional environment in these increasingly threatening times, to tell two charming true stories to start the new year. Both were shared with me a few years ago by our mutual friend, Christena Geyer, Sierra Club supporter and high school librarian. I know she won’t mind my passing them on to you. One day, in the midst of a busy schedule assisting teachers and students with research projects, Chris noticed two boys, whom she knew to be a freshman and a sophomore, furtively edging their way toward the part of the library devoted to hygiene and sex education, the sophomore in the lead. That section was not currently on any teacher’s agenda, and Chris decided to do a little eavesdropping just for fun before shooing them back to business. Quietly she glided down the aisle on the other side of the stack, and stopped when she heard their low, excited voices. Suddenly the sophomore, having found the book he was looking for and clearly reveling in his role as sophisticated elder, said in a muted, thrill-charged whisper: “Now! Here it is! See this? Look at these pictures! This is the one you never, never want to get because, see what it says? This one attacks the gentiles!” An appropriate caveat, no doubt, for gentiles, though decidedly a relief to the Hebrews! Not long after that, Chris was breaking in a new student assistant, a freshman girl. They were preparing daily newspapers for the rack, and Chris was going over the material carefully, starting with the layout and accustomed order of The Bakersfield Californian. Most freshmen don’t know much about newspapers beyond the comic section, and the lesson, in this case, regarded obituaries. Fascinated, the new assistant began reading, and Chris turned away to attend to other business. Suddenly the girl gasped, and then she said, (in a dramatic whisper, of course—this was a library) “Mrs. Geyer! Did you see this? I can hardly believe this! Look, Mrs. Geyer! Yesterday they all died in alphabetical order!” These stories are calculated to make you laugh as much as I did when I first heard them. But I hope that they also tell you how much we loved our work as members of a high school faculty, and some of the reasons why. Here’s to a very happy and cheerful New Year to you all! Ann Williams
  • 8. 8 THE ROADRUNNER Thanks so much to all the people who have faithfully contributed information and articles to The Road- runner, and to the crews who have prepared it for mailing. And thanks also to all the people who have made financial contributions to the Chapter, which has meant a lot to us, because you are supporting the Sierra Club’s work in our own back yard. This makes you an important part of our work to protect wilderness and wildlife, to improve the quality of life in our cities, and to promote the enjoyment of nature.
  • 9. 9 THE ROADRUNNER Sierra Club Executive Committees OUR LOCAL SIERRA CLUB ELECTIONS Executive Committees (Excoms) in the groups and the chapters are responsible for setting up programs and hikes, and carrying out everyday business of groups. Vote for your excom members using the ballots below. All Sierra Club members are invited to attend these meetings. CHAPTER EXCOM usually meets on a Saturday. No definite Saturday is set because of various conflicts. Call Lorraine Unger (661.323.5569) for up-to-date information on time and place. MINERAL KING GROUP EXCOM: Meets the fourth Monday of month. Ballots will be counted, new officers elected at Jan 24th mtg. Inquire about monthly e-mail notification. Call 559.739.8527. CONDOR GROUP EXCOM meets on Mondays at 9 AM as needed. Call Ches at 661.242.0423 for up-to- date for information. SIERRA CLUB ELECTIONS: Please vote. Remember, each person of joint memberships has a vote. Ballot for Mineral King Group Ballot for ALL SIERRA CLUB MEMBERS members only Condor Group members only PLEASE VOTE IN THIS Ex-Com Ballot – There are four Executive Committee for Condor ELECTION. open posts. Please vote for four Group, 2005 Executive Committee for candidates only. Return ballot to: Vote for nine and nine only Kern Kaweah Chapter P.O. Box 3543, Visalia, CA 93278. Mail to PO GG, PMC,93222 before Please vote for six candidates. Write-ins welcome. February 1st All members have a vote. Return ballot to: Voter 1 Voter 2 Please mail to Kern-Kaweah Chap., P.O. Box 3543, ________ Ches Arthur PO 3357, Bksf. CA 93385 before Visalia, CA 93278. ________ Fay Benbrook February 1st, 2005. Need to mail so that letter is post- ________ Dale Chitwood voter 1 Voter 2 marked by January 20, 2005. _______ Erica Cordes _______Ches Arthur__________ Voter #1 Voter #2 _______ Jan de Leeuw _______Richard Garcia _____ Joanne Dudley ________ Katherine King _______Harry Love _____ Francis Hagan ________ Gita Nelson _______Ara Mardrosian _____ Sharon Meckenstock ________ Harry Nelson _______Gordon Nipp _____ Janet Wood _______ Barbara Nusbaum _______Lorraine Unger Voter 1 Write In Voter 1 Write In Voter 1 write in __________________________ __________________________ ________________________ __________________________Vo __________________________ ________________________ ter 2 Write In Voter 2 Write In Voter 2 write in ____________________________ __________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ______________________ __________________________