1. The Roadrunner
Bimonthly Publication of the Kern-Kaweah Chapter of the Sierra Club — Nov./Dec. 2002
YOUR SIERRA CLUB VOTERS’ HANDBOOK
Let it help you make your decisions as to choices found on the ballot
GOVERNOR: GRAY DAVIS STATE TREASURER: PHIL ANGELIDES
Sierra Club endorses Governor Gray Davis to Sierra Club endorses Treasurer Phil Angelides
continue in office. He has not done everything that (Dem.) for re-election based on his impressive
the Club had hoped for, but among environmentally performance in office, his grasp of key environ-
positive actions he has taken are the signing of the mental issues, and his commitment to promotion of
legislation that would limit car emissions in the smart growth, energy efficiency and renewable
future, appointing two savvy environmental persons, energy.
(one to Board of Forestry, one to Fish and Game One of the most visible proponents of smart
Commission) as well as signing a growth manage- growth in California state government, he has pro-
ment bill. moted investment in development within urban
LIEUTENANT GOV.: CRUZ BUSTAMANTE boundaries, which helps to mitigate sprawl on the
Sierra Club endorses Lieutenant Governor Cruz fringes, and revamped how affordable housing
Bustamante (Dem.) for re-election, based on his developers qualify for tax credits.
record of environmental advocacy in office. Busta- ATTORNEY GENERAL: BILL LOCKYER
mante has used his position to champion environ- Sierra Club endorses Attorney General Bill
mental causes in two ways: through the specific Lockyer (Dem.) for re-election, based on his fine
duties delegated to him, and more generally by performance in office. Lockyer has shown a strong
taking advantage of his bully pulpit as a constitu- interest in environmental protection, as reflected
tional officer. especially by his positions in litigation where the
SECRETARY OF STATE: KEVIN SHELLEY Attorney General has represented the people of the
Sierra Club endorses Assembly Member Kevin State, independent of any state agency. He has been
Shelley (Dem., San Francisco) for Secretary of State. an outspoken critic of efforts to limit environmental
First elected to the Assembly in 1996, Shelley rose to protection through expansion of the takings doctrine,
the position of Majority Leader in 1998. and has filed briefs in support of state regulation in
Shelley authored the Healthy Schools Act of important takings cases.
2000. His other legislative accomplishments include SUPT. OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION: JACK
bills to fund environmental programs and to protect O’CONNELL (see end of ballot, under school)
marine life. He scored perfect 100s on the CLCV Sierra Club endorses Senator Jack O’Connell
(California League of Conservation Voters) score- (Dem., San Luis Obispo) for Superintendent of
cards for the last four years. Public Instruction. O’Connell has served in the
CONTROLLER: STEVE WESTLY Legislature for almost 20 years, as an Assembly
Sierra Club endorses Steve Westly (Dem.) for Member from 1982 to 1994 and as a senator since
Controller. The Controller is on the State Lands then.
Commission and can affect environmental policy in A longtime Sierra Club member, O’Connell has
other ways through involvement in a number of authored major environmental bills, including the
taxing and spending decisions and in a management 1994 Statewide Offshore Coastal Sanctuary Law and
program which curbs the introduction of alien plant Natural Heritage Preservation Tax Credit Act in
and animal species to California’s bays and harbors. 2000. He has supported cleanup of underground
Tom McClintock, the Republican nominee, has toxics and vigorously opposed offshore oil drilling.
compiled an extremely anti-environment record in O’Connell scored perfect 100s on the CLCV
the Legislature (CLCV scores of 13, 0, and 0 over the scorecards for the last four years. The Superin-
last three years), often casting the only “no” vote on tendent plays an important role in environmental
environmental bills in the Senate Environmental education.
Quality Committee. INSURANCE COMM.: JOHN GARAMENDI
Sierra Club endorses John Garamendi (Dem.), the
first elected Insurance Commissioner. During his
sixteen years in the Legislature, Garamendi’s

2. 2 THE ROADRUNNER
2
environmental successes included laws to protect sales tax on new and used cars and trucks to a new
Lake Tahoe and Mono Lake, hold polluters respon- fund for transportation alternatives and mitigation of
sible for their contamination, and promote energy transportation’s environmental impacts. Programs
efficiency, renewable energy and nuclear safety. funded by the initiative include public transit, safe
As Deputy Secretary of the Interior in the Clinton bike and pedestrian routes and facilities, clean-fuel
administration, Garamendi was deeply involved in school buses, wetlands and habitat protection, and
saving the Headwaters redwood forest, negotiating on water quality enhancements.
water issues, and blocking the Wilson administra-
Campaign Finance Reform Initiative - Support
tion’s attempt to open a radioactive waste dump at
Major Elements of the Initiative (Kern only):
Ward Valley.
*Applies to all county elected positions. *Limits
contributions by persons to $500 per candidate for
each election—primary, general or recall. *Limits
POSITIONS ON PROPOSITIONS contributions by political committees to $1,500 per
Statewide candidate for each election.
*Doubles contribution limits for candidates who
Prop 46: HOUSING BOND - Support accept voluntary expenditure ceilings: Individuals
Sierra Club California (SCC) supports Prop 46, could contribute $1,000 for each election; political
which will provide $2.1 billion for affordable committees $3,000.
housing, with a strong emphasis on infill develop- *Voluntary spending ceilings: Supervisors, $100,000
ment. primary, $150,000 general. County-wide, $200,000
Building affordable housing in existing urban primary, $250,000 general.
centers not only provides an antidote to land *Waives fee for ballot statement and identifies candi-
gobbling sprawl, but increases housing near job dates in the ballot pamphlet who accept the ceilings
centers, reduces vehicle miles traveled, and revitalizes on spending.
urban centers, all of which have social as well as *Enforcement action could be brought by citizens as
environmental benefits. well as the District Attorney with fines for violations
Prop. 46 includes new “smart growth” criteria of contribution limits.*Effective January 1, 2003.
for its largest program, the Multifamily Housing Benefits of the Initiative:
Program. It favors infill projects, adaptive reuse, and *Increases public trust in the election process and in
projects near public transit, schools, recreational county government itself. *Reduces the real or per-
facilities and job centers. ceived control monied special interests exert on de-
The net result is that Proposition 46 will fund the cisions of those elected. *Helps guarantee that all
development of some of the most environmentally citizens will have a fair and equal opportunity in
friendly housing in the State. electing county candidates. *Encourages candidates
Prop 50: CLEAN WATER - Support to seek broader grassroots support and to focus on
SCC supports Prop 50, the Clean Water and issues of concern to all voters. *Encourages more
Coastal Protection Bond of 2002. This 3.44 billion citizens to run for office. *Encourages citizens to
dollar bond, placed on the ballot by initiative, will participate in civic affairs with confidence that their
allow state and water management agencies to carry officials’ decisions are based on merit, public good.
out a wide range of resource protection projects and
water management programs that Sierra Club has
advocated and supported. These projects and
programs will help to protect and restore the state’s
natural resources and environmental quality.
The three broad categories are (1) water supply
and water quality protection - $2.110 billion
(2) coastal resource protection - $1.050 billion and
(3) inland resource protection - $280 million
This fund will help protect watershed, rivers, lakes,
and coastal water from pollution and sewage, re-
storing natural resources critical for our drinking
supplies and wildlife habitat.
Prop 51: Transportation Fund - Support
SCC has endorsed this Proposition, the Traffic
Congestion Relief & Safe School Bus Act. This
measure would allocate 30% of the state share of the

3. THE ROADRUNNER 3
Dennis, 760.375.7967 or Jim 760.375.8161. (Owens
Peak Gp.)
Delite Days Nov 23 (sat) Pleito Creek Hike. 8 AM. Meet tennis
Everyone is welcome, Sierra Club members and
non-members, to join in any of the outdoor a c t i v -
courts, Pine Mountain. Visit a proposed wilderness
ities listed below. Requirements: persons p a r t i c i - area in Los Padres National Forest. Strenuous. More
pating be in condition, equipped appropriately f o r info? Call Dale, 661.242.1076 (Condor Gp.)
the activity, and prepared to sign a Sierra C l u b Dec 7 (sat) 6 PM. Annual Condor Gp Holiday
release from liability. Unprepared for the p r o s p e c - Party Pine Mountain Clubhouse. Potluck, White
tive hike? The leader will have to ask the hiker n o t
to participate.
Elephant Exchange, more.
Good hiking shoes, plenty of water, are a m u s t ; Dec. 10 (tues) 7 PM. Rivercare; keeping the Kern
sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and jackets suggested. River area clean. Ann Williams, presenter. Tejon
The leader has full responsibility for the h i k e , Room, Beale Library, Bksf. Raffle prizes! (Buena
and his/her directions must be followed. Vista Gp)
Please inform the leader ahead of time that y o u
are intending to participate. Feel free to c o n s u l t
Dec 14 (sat) Zinc Hill. 7:30 AM, Ridgecrest Cinema
with the leader as to your fitness to go on the hike. parking lot. Easy climbing loop on old burro,
Every Week mining trails with great views of northern Panamint
Bakersfield Conditioning Hikes: (thurs) 7 PM. Valley. Northern Argus Range, 5585 ft, 2000 ft gain,
4-5 miles. Corner of highways 178 & 184. 4.25 mi RT. Easy/Moderate. Info? Dennis 760.375.
661.872.2432 or 873.8107 (KK Chapt.) 7967 / Jim 760.375.8161
Visalia 5:30 PM, (wed.) Meet at College of the Se- Dec. 15 (sun) 9AM. Taft Hwy Clean-up. Meet
quoias Track, Woodland & Campus entrance, 30 - 45 corner of Gosford Rd., Taft Hwy. Call Glenn, 832.
min. walking on COS lighted track (Min. King Grp.) 3382 or Elaine 833.3795 to sign up. Many hands
needed. (Buena Vista Gp)
Last Chances for 2002 Looking Ahead to 2003
Nov 2 (sat) 8 AM–noon: Kern River Corridor
Jan 19 (sun) 12 noon to 4? CEQA workshop with
Cleanup Panorama Vista area below the Panorama
Brent Newell. Keep your fingers crossed for this
Bluffs, Bakersfield. Meet at gate beyond stables,
date!
Roberts Lane extension east of Manor Dr. More
info? Call Andy Honig, 325-0026 (e-mail: andym
@lightspeed.net) 2002 SIERRA BACKPACK
Nov 2 (sat) Tribal March. 8AM Bksf. (see article)
Nov 3 (sun) 3 PM Mary Ann Henry Celebration. with fish, wild country, dancing
(see article for full details) PERFECT 2003 TRIP FOR YOU?
Nov 12 (tues) 7 PM WildPlaces Presenter: Mehmet Nine hikers gathered in Bishop to begin the Piute
McMillan. Tejon Room, Beale Library. Organizes Pass-French Canyon backpack for the week of
volunteers in reforestation projects in burned forest August 6-18. Leaders Eva and Gordon Nipp were
areas. Should we help? joined by locals Royce Cox, Brent Percival, Christy
Nov 14 (thur) 6 PM. Dinner Social. Keo Thip Rosander, Tony Swan and Georgette Theotig. Wel-
Restaurant, Visalia. (Mineral King Gp) comed newcomers were Ron and Carol Urinak from
Nov 16 (sat) Hearing. Last Chance addition, Red Reno.
Rock Canyon State Park. Lancaster. Call 760.375. The hike up to 11,453 foot Piute Pass was the pre-
7967 for time and place. dictable combination of struggle and awe except for
Nov 16-17 (sat-sun) Weekend car camp to Death one group member’s unplanned and unwelcome
Valley for the Sierra Club Desert Committee. Day encounter with a rock on the trail. After assisting with
hikes, evening campfire. Call leader Joe Fontaine at first aid, the group arrived at scenic Muriel Lake,
661.821. 2055 for details. overlooking Goethe Glacier in the distance. A seven-
Nov 20 (wed.) 7:30 PM Yucca Mountain Project. mile cross-country on the second day brought us to
Steve Smith to report on Yucca Mtn. (where 70 mil- lovely Alsace Lake. On the lay-over day, some of the
lion tons of highly radioactive waste material slated group climbed nearby Pilot Knob, Gordon and Eva
to be buried inside the mtn.) Maturango Museum, fished, and others wandered the pristine timberline
100 E. Las Flores, Ridgecrest. (Note program is on setting. Stargazers were rewarded with a twinkling
WEDNESDAY, not usual Monday.) (Owens Pk. Gp.) reflection of Venus and stars in the still waters of the
Nov 23 (sat) Cerro Gordo Peak. 7AM, Ridgecrest lake.
Cinema parking lot. Visit east side of Owens Lake, Gordon, master cross-country navigator, ably led
southern Inyo Mtns, 9188 ft, 3000 ft gain, 6.8 mi us through the woods down French Canyon and up
RT. Explore 125 year old wood & charcoal transport to Merriam Lake, where we camped for two nights.
trail, other historical sites. Moderate. More info? Call Our second lay-over day was filled with high country
adventure. Our “mountain goats” climbed Royce

4. 4 THE ROADRUNNER
4
and Merriam peaks, Gordon and Eva plied the lakes who meet with legislators, provide background and
for trout, and the rest of us blissfully explored the up-dates on legislation that affects the environment.
breathtaking alpine beauty. Dinner time found us Chapter delegates were Harry Love, Mary Ann Lock-
drooling as we eagerly watched Eva frying up the hart, and Chester Arthur. Joe Fontaine was also a
freshly caught trout, which was generously shared. voting participant.
Post-dinner entertainment was Tony Swan teaching Elections. The key discussion and debate centered
us east and west coast swing dancing on a granite on endorsements in the race for governor and
slab. environmental ballot propositions. (results on p. 1.)
Neither the McNally fire smoke nor mosquitos Water. Everything from sources of to uses of
could dampen our wilderness spirits. Many thanks to water was a major focus of attention, heightened by
Gordon and Eva for once again leading us into the our current drought. Our burgeoning population
high country! By Georgette Theotig demands that we adopt growth limitation boundaries
reflective of how much water is available for ad-
Meet some rare neighbors: ditional homes, especially in agricultural areas.
Other issues of concern addressed were Senator
VERY SPECIAL ONES Boxer’s Wilderness Bill and Giant Sequoia National
They can be very fancy dressers, wearing bright Monument Management Plan. Senator Feinstein still
red-orange and salmon outfits at some times of the has not supported this bill. Continued pressure is
year. needed. Please call (202.224.3121), or e-mail
They like the wide-open spaces of the valley floor, (senator@feinstein.senate.gov)
with some heading up a little ways into the foothills. Carla Cloer, from the Mineral King Group, spoke
They have been described as opportunistic when it eloquently on behalf of the Sequoia Monument and
comes to deciding what should be on their dinner the need for all Chapter members to take an active
table—grasshoppers, moths, crickets are their pri- role in analysis of the draft EIR, release date un-
mary “meat and potatoes” but any other animals known. When you hear about a local public meeting,
that will fit into their mouths add variety to their diet if at all possible, attend.
(it must be said, sometimes even their own young). After two days of intensive discussion, lobbying,
You might consider them a lazy lot as they spend and debate (along with social events), delegates and
several months of the year dozing away in their non-delegates return with new information and new
underground get-aways, get-aways they have taken tools with which to inform members, legislators, and,
over from squirrels and, if in the neighborhood, most importantly, the public. We are all reminded
kangaroo rats. Why dig when you don’t have to? But that the Club speaks for all people who want to see
when it is necessary, they can manage that also. our environmental heritage preserved.
Want to learn some new dance movements? Watch
these critters headbob (moving the head up and LOOKING AHEAD TO 2003
down, sort of like nodding, yes yes yes) and rocking There will be lots to do!
(moving the shoulders forward, to one side, back, to Sequoia National Monument Management Plan
the other side, repeat.) This lets the potential partner Dairies Clean Air Action
know you are interested! Is it worth a try? Tejon Ranch, in the valley (Laval Road, East)
Hard-to-find? Yes, but not because they want to in the mountains (Centennial City)
be. It just so happens that the lands on which they Fire Plans and more.
can live are being occupied by others (that’s you and Keep those telephones, computers, faxes, satellite
me and the plow). So now they have a new title after contacts, mental vibes—even pens and pencils at
their name. the ready. We will need them!
Look on page 6 for the answer and a portrait of
this creature.
The gift that provides pleasure all year long!
************************CA/ Sierra Club Calendars.
NEV CONSERVATION COM
SEPT 14-15, SAN LUIS OBISPO only $10.
Twice a year delegates from each chapter in Limited Supply
California and Nevada meet in San Luis Obispo to call georgette theotig now 661.822.4371
talk to other delegates, discuss conservation issues MIDGEBUZZINGS
within the state, and vote on policies for the Club to
take in legislation, elections, and local issues. It's a Until a few days ago I thought I was an outdoor
time to hear what others are doing, what tools they writer. But then I attended my first OWAC con-
use, what victories have been won and the fights that ference at Asilomar. Three days of being wined and
are on-going. Reports from Club’s staff, the ones dined and escorted about by superbly professional

5. THE ROADRUNNER 5
conference managers and their staff convinced me to returned we were treated to an epicurean feast
look into membership in the Outdoor Writers Asso- including hors d’oeuvres of clams, mussels and
ciation of California. oysters, and a main course from steaming pots of
As a total innocent, I could not at first grasp the crab and lobster—all eaten over the protection of a
reasoning behind the Lucullian accomodations for complimentary apron which Julia Child would envy.
OWAC members, and honestly considered calling The ghosts will rally and demand justification for
someone to come and get me before I became as the consumption of all that seafood after a visit to the
jaded by opulence as, say, a Congressman or a CEO. aquarium. But they’ll have to catch me first. I’m off
Four of us were given the Director’s Cottage: three to the Chesapeake Bay for a week of sailing. Ann W.
bedrooms with separate baths, a large living room
with fireplace laid and ready, and a fully supplied
SPECIAL CELEBRATION OF
kitchen. Windows opened to the sounds of roaring HENRY’S ACHIEVEMENTS
surf. That night we were taken to the Monterey This environmental crusader will be honored with
Aquarium for the new jellies display and then sent the dedication of a plaque in SHORT CANYON,
progressively from wine and cold cuts overlooking Sunday, November 3rd at 3:30 PM.
the bay, to an elegant restaurant featuring steak and To commemorate Mary Ann's many accomplish-
seafood, then to a charming nook in yet another ments in protecting the fragile desert she understands
gracious place for dessert. Meantime we were and loves, all are invited to join her and her family at
showered with gifts: a backpack filled with literature the ceremony in the canyon (directions below) and
on the local amenities, including a lovely trails book, the casual reception to follow at the Maturango
and loads of writing materials. All this time I was Museum in Ridgecrest.
surrounded by some of the most delightful people Her nearly twenty-year survey of the flora of
I’ve ever found collected in one group: funny, life- Short Canyon, where the desert meets the Southern
loving, and, as far as I could tell, without a smidgen Sierra Nevada Range, provided the basis for its
of professional jealously or snootiness. designation by BLM as an Area of Critical Environ-
At a meeting the next day, all became clear. A mental Concern. With over 300 species of plants, this
fascinating and well-known speaker, Peter Schroeder, canyon is a premier location of spring wildflowers
who is to outdoor writing what Galen Rowell was to attracting people from many states and countries.
photography, brought everything into focus and set In the 1970s Mary Ann conducted a five-year
the easily-greased wheels of my imagination spin- study of the endemic Eureka Sand Dunes grass,
ning. Here’s an example of what he does. He gets an which provides a wild gene pool for the grains of our
idea for a story about an upcoming skiing compe- nation. This helped lead to the closure of the dunes
tition in Switzerland. He approaches Swiss Air, lays to all vehicles.
out his idea, and asks for “comp” travel. Swiss Air, Short Canyon’s location: 15 miles of easy driving
delighted with his choice, provides him with free first northwest from the Maturango Museum will take you
class tickets going and returning. Similar arrange- to the mouth of the canyon (located behind Brady’s
ments are made with the best hotels and restaurants in Café where Highways 14 and 395 come together.)
the area of the event. Peter sets off with several Entrance to the canyon is at Leliter Rd. north of
cameras, notebooks and laptop. When he returns, he Brady’s (follow the signs.) The dirt road, passenger
writes so engagingly that his article is accepted, and car accessible, ends in a parking lot above the second
well remunerated, by a leading sports magazine. aqueduct.
Hundreds of people read his story and arrange to The dedication ceremony will take place at the
travel to the same place—only they pay plenty for west end of the parking lot near the trailhead. At its
Swiss Air, the restaurants and the hotels. Everybody conclusion everyone is encouraged to go to the
wins, and opulence is transformed to virtue. When I reception at the Maturango Museum to enjoy more
understood this, I could actually hear, at the back of an opportunity in comfortable surroundings to
door of my mind, little jibberings and squeaks as the visit with Mary Ann and each other. The Museum is
ghosts of my Chapel Welsh ancestors fell off the step located at the corner of China Lake (Business Hwy
and plunged into darkness—gone, at least for now. 178) and Las Flores Ave. (100 E. Las Flores Ave.,
My gosh, I’m only sixty-eight. I have a lifetime of Ridgecrest, CA 93555) - Tel. 760.375.6900 -
writing ahead of me. As for fear of flying, the
prospect of free first class tickets lays it to rest with
those stiff-necked spooks.
The following day the Director’s Cottage Four
were whipped away by tour masters for exquisite
experiences in the environs of Monterey and Carmel,
Big Sur, Point Lobos, and the sea itself. When we

6. 6 THE ROADRUNNER
6
the Elk Hills. We will continue to bring positive
change by educating all people of the beauty and
history of our Elk Hills / Buena Vista / Tulamni.
Please join our Tribal Families and supporters in
our 3rd annual “Walk for Life,” which will take
place Nov. 2nd. It will begin at 8:00 AM for a rally
of speakers, and at 8:30 AM the walk will begin on
the bike path from Beach Park. Bicyclists are also
invited. The walk will end at Tule Elk State Reserve,
where all the walkers and bicyclists will have dinner
and spend the night. At approximately 3:00 AM we
will all get up and walk the rest of the way to the
Occidental Petroleum main gate on Taft Hwy, where
You guessed it—the blunt nosed leopard lizard, we will hold a Sunrise Ceremony, ending the walk.
endangered species, federal and California. If you Delia “Dee”
want to impress folks call it Gambelia sila. Their sizes Dominguez
range from 3.4 to 4.7 inches (males) with females WORDS CAN DO WONDERS.
being slightly smaller. Illustration drawn by Alison Wilderness Supporters Convinced Kern
Sheehey, chair of Kern Audubon Society. Supervisors to step back and look again.
************************JOI Kern Cty. Board of Supervisors were considering
N ANNUAL TRIBAL MARCH sending a letter of opposition to all Wilderness and
Wild and Scenic River Proposals that were located in
8 AM, NOV. 2ND, BAKERSFIELD. Kern County.
READ ON! Wilderness supporters speaking up at the July
It has been 4 years and 7 months since that horrific 30th meeting convinced the Supervisors that they
day when the title of Elk Hills was transferred from needed much more information before they could
the Department of Energy to Occidental Petroleum, make a decision on whether they should take that
Inc.—February 1998. The City of Bakersfield re- position or not.
joiced, and the television showed the team of individ- Permission was given to Kern Land Planning De-
uals carrying the documents for recording to the Hall partment to conduct workshops on the two topics,
of Records. The benefits of the transfer were spelled wilderness and wild and scenic designations. Persons
out in the Bakersfield Californian: California representing various groups (environmental, agen-
Teachers Retirement Fund, the City of Tupman and cies, ORV) were invited to the meetings that were
school, the property taxes to be generated, etc. No designed to inform the Land Planning staff and each
consideration or reference was made to the cultural other in regards to facts, opinions and positions on
and sacred sites of Yokut people that were sure to be the topics.
disturbed when the lands left federal control. At a further meeting on Sept. 10, the Board
I still cringe when I think about the hearing as it decided to send a letter to Sen. Boxer outlining its
played out in the Fresno Federal Courthouse. I can concerns, not expressing outright opposition, about
still see Occidental’s attorneys taking up the space of the proposed designations. Joe Fontaine, one of the
2 tables, and 1 of their attorneys constantly glaring at chief movers and shakers concerning the proposed
the Tribe’s and Sierra Club’s 3 lawyers, in an attempt protections, was satisfied with that result: “We are
to intimidate them during the proceedings. To this pleased with the outcome of the September 10
day I still cannot believe the decisions that were made hearing before the Kern County Board of Super-
that day in the Federal Courthouse, and subsequently visors. This is the first time the Kern County
in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. We all lost, not in Supervisors have not opposed outright a Sierra Club
law, but in integrity, human rights, animal rights, and proposal to give additional environmental protection
just plain human decency. to Federal public lands in Kern County.”
Sometimes law is not right, and because of that, we Those persons who took the time and made the
the people as caretakers must continue to bring this effort to attend these Board meetings deserve a real
to the attention of the general public and those who round of applause from all of us. It is their kind of
forsake us. Our Tribal Families have taken on this participation that created the change of heart in our
challenge to bring a positive to this very negative elected officials.
situation by walking the 30 miles from Bakersfield to

7. THE ROADRUNNER 7
KernKaweah GROUP NEWS
Kern Kaweah Chapter Ex-Com usually meets Saturday afternoons once a month, Beale Library,
Bakersfield, 12 noon. Call to make sure of place and time. Paul Gipe, Chair. 661.324.1923
Buena Vista Group Mineral King Group
Meets at Bakersfield, Beale Library
More info? call Elaine, 833-379, Glenn at 832-3382 Meets in Visalia
Want to help plan activities? Only a few extra hours Need more info? Call Harold Wood, Chair.
monthly. Call to volunteer. It”s fun. 559.739.8527 email: harold.wood@sierraclub.org
So has been our road clean-up! A big Thank You Group Ex Com meets 4th Monday monthly. All SC
to Monte Harper, Nancy Nies, Paul Gipe, Glenn members welcome. Call 559.739.8527 to attend.
Shellcross, Doug White, the Loves, and the Stewarts. Check Min. King Group Website for updates and
It couldn’t have been done without YOU. Together, send in your address for regular updates:
it was easier. We salute you. http://kernkaweah.sierraclub.org/mineralking
Mineral King Sierra members have performed
miracles. They have convinced ELEVEN business
supporters to sign on as supporting Boxer's Wilder-
Condor Group ness Bill—and they are getting their letters of support
Meets at Pine Mountain Club published in the local papers. What a push for the
Need more info? call Ches Arthur, Chair, 661. prospects of the Wilderness Bill!
242.0423. email: ches@frazmtn.com Want to join us? Want to help us plan all the
Some of us look at them and wonder. What is it coming events of this group? Call Beverly Garcia,
that lures them on and on? Guided by Ches and Dale, 559.592.9865 for more info. We would love to hear
the group’s grand leaders, they head off not once, from you.
not twice but maybe even three times a year to
descend the San Emigdio Canyon to the far side of
Windwolves. It starts out easily and it is down hill but Owens Peak Group
then comes the unmarked way studded with yucca Meets in Ridgecrest
thorns, stream crossings galore, and uncertainties. To Need more info? Call Dennis Burge, Chair
arrive at the end, upright and not breathing heavily, is 760.375.7967 email: dennis93555@yahooo.com
the oft reached goal of this triumphant crew. You Very much on the minds of this group these days is
are all welcome to join them one of these days. Last Chance Canyon, attached to Red Rock Canyon
State Park some years ago. Now at last there is a
hearing to gather suggestions for the development of
Kaweah Group a management plan. Come and help the locals speak
Meets in Porterville. Interested in hikes? Other ac- up for a plan based on the preservation of its natural
tivities? Call Theresa Stump, Chair. 559.781.0594 qualities.
Kaweah Group in the Porterville-Lindsay Area The meeting will be held in Lancaster on Nov-
NEEDS YOU! Lots of jobs and offices both big and ember 16. Exact time and place will be announced
small are waiting to be filled by willing volunteers. soon. Call Dennis for the latest, and do plan to help
No pay, but lots of fun, gratitude and satisfaction for out on this matter.
helping to make the world a better place. ABSO-
LUTELY NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Contact
Theresa at 559.781.0594.
General Publication Information

8. 8 THE ROADRUNNER
INFO/ARTICLES DUE DEC 5TH for The Roadrunner
January/February issue PO Box 3357
*RoadrunnerAddresses: jmal@frazmtn.com Bakersfield, CA 93385
Editor, Roadrunner, P.O. Box GG, Return Service Requested
Frazier Park, CA 93222
Sierra Club Home Page & connection to Chapter Good News Plus
kernkaweah.sierraclub.org
CADIZ WATER PROJECT KILLED. (Oct. 9)
Grateful Thanks Cheers for the action of the Metropolitan Water
to all who serve as members of ex-coms Department. They voted NOT to support the Cadiz
project (plan to store water in desert aquifer, use
2002 Kern Kaweah Chapter Ex coms water to support Los Angeles area communities,
Executive Committee 6 6 1 . 3 2 4 . 1 9 2 3
many environmental concerns). Congratulations to
Paul Gipe, Chair; Vice Chair, Harry Love; Ara Marderosian, all the Sierra Club members and other environment-
Secretary; Larry Wailes, treasurer; Lorraine Unger, Membership alists who challenged this project endlessly with
Regional Delegates, Sub-Committee Chairs Harry sound science plus.
Love, Ara Marderosian, RCC, Lorraine Unger, SC Council;
Theresa Stump, Outings; Carla Cloer, Chair, Sequoia Task Force; CENTRAL VALLEY AIR INFORMATION
Mary Ann Lockhart, Roadrunner. Here’s a website you will want to check out:
Buena Vista Group (Bakersfield) 661.833.3795 http://www.calcleanair.org
Elaine White, Chair; Glenn Shellcross, Vice Chair; Kevin Smith, It gives you background, latest news and user-
Secretary; Karen Smith, Treasurer.
Condor Group (Pine Mtn Club, Frazier Park area) friendly ways to act to push for cleaner air in our
661.242.0423. Ches@frazmtn.com Central Valley. If we all increase pressure for action
Ches Arthur, Chair; Dale Chitwood, Vice-Chair; Candy Posson, on this continuous health and aesthetic concern,
Secretary; Marta Bigler, Treas. things might get done.
Kaweah Group (Porterville) 559.781.0594
Theresa Stump, Chair; Dianne Jetter, Vice Chair; Boyd Leavitt, OUR GIFT GIVING POSSIBILITIES
Treasurer. Check out the Charitable Gift Annuity offered by
Mineral King (Visalia) 559.739.8527 Harold Wood, Sierra Club. You provide funds for Sierra Club
Chair; Mary Moy, Vice-Chair; Cynthia Koval, Secretary; Janet
Wood, Treasurer.
activities AND income for yourselves. Contact John
Owens Peak Group (Ridgecrest) 760.375.7967 Calaway, Director of Gift Planning, 85 Second Street,
Dennis Burge, Chair; Steve Smith, Vice-Chair; Jean Bennett, San Francisco, CA 94105. Call 415.977.5639. E-
Secretary; Dolph Amster, Treasurer. mail: planned.giving@sierraclub.org.
and those who do "extras".
and for those “hard to think of something for”
Carla Cloer, Sequoia; Joe Fontaine, Wilderness; Michelle friends, how about a Sierra Club Gift Membership?
Hoffman, Mailings; Ann Williams, Midgebuzzings
AND to all known and unknown who call, write, fax, &
show up at meetings.
Want to sign up to receive Alerts? √ Take Action Now Call, Write!
alunger@juno.com Unger, 2815 La Cresta Dr, Bakersfield, and vote, vote , vote!
CA 93305 Federal government numbers:
Yes, I want to join the Sierra Club. Check enclosed. White House Comment Line: 202.456.1111
Name....................................................................... George W. Bush’s e-mail - president@whitehouse.gov
City.....................................State.............. Zip......... Address - 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC 20500
US Capitol Switchboard - 202-224-3121.
Check one:
Sen Barbara Boxer: Sen Diane Feinstein: Common address:
Introductory $25........
1130 O Street, Ste 2446 Fresno, CA 93721
Regular $39....... Joint $47.........
Boxer phone: 559.497.5109 - Fax 559.497.5111
Any of the following $24:
Feinstein phone: 559.485.7430 - Fax 202.228.3954
Senior..... Student....... Limited Income.........
F94QW 0600-1 Send to Sierra Club, California government numbers:
P O Box 52968, Boulder, CO, 80322 Gov. Davis: 916.445-2841
Calif. Legislative Switchboard (receptionist will help you ID
your Senator and Assembly member if you are unsure): 9 1 6 -
322-9900.