1. A BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE KERN-KAWEAH CHAPTER OF SIERRA CLUB SEPT./OCTOBER, 2010
The Roadrunner
PANORAMA VISTA CHALLENGE TO LOCAL ENVIRONMENTALISTS
Three groups join forces to establish, develop and maintain 950-acre Kern River Corridor
The Panorama Vista Preserve PLANTING FOR
consists of over 950 acres on both THE FUTURE:
sides of the Kern River below the Madi Evans and
Panorama Bluffs. In the late Harry Love are
1990s, ARCO (which had both potting plants at
the mineral rights and surface the Panorama
ownership of what is now the Vista Nursery
majority of the Preserve) made it below Panorama
known that they were willing to Drive near
sell the surface rights. Bakersfield
A coalition of of three groups, Co!ege.
the Kern River Parkway
Association, the Kern Equestrians Photo/Courtesy
and the Kern River Access of Andy Honig
Committee were given an option
to buy the property if they could California sycamore seeds from protect the seedlings from
raise $118,000. the sycamores already growing on rodents. When our planting day
Eventually, after the funds were the Preserve. With the help of was over all but three seedlings
raised, and the property Steve Hampson, we laid out a were protected by chicken wire
purchased, a new entity, the Kern drip irrigation system that drew top and bottom. The next morning
River Corridor Endowment,was water from the well of the small the three unprotected had been
formed to manage the property. neighboring community. chewed off. The oaks seemed to
Eventually, ARCO returned the do okay but most of the
$118,000 to the Kern River In the fall of 2006 we were sycamores lost their foliage.
Corridor Endowment to be used ready to plant and began our trial However, the next spring, most of
as an endowment. and error learning process. With the sycamore leafed out and we
About five years ago a few of us the help of Boy Scouts and their seemed to be off to a good start.
began a small scale revegetation parents we planted about 100 But that was the spring of the
project. We had gathered valley oaks and acorns after having “false chinch bugs”—tiny
oak acorns from Windwolves and made chicken wire baskets to —Please turn to page 2
Fa! Banquet set for Nov 13 at Hodel’s; reservations due on Nov. 11
Our annual Fall Banquet on Nov. 13 at Hodel’s The $25 cost includes set-up, linens, security, tax
Country Dining, Kern Room, 5917 Knudsun Drive and gratuity.
will start with a no-host social hour at 5 p.m. and For our program, Chapter activists will give an
dinner at 6 p.m. This is an opportunity to meet and update on what they are doing and what successes
greet and socialize. Invite your family, work they have had.
buddies, neighbors, and friends. (No children under Reservations are a MUST, to be received no later
the age of 7, please.) The Fall Banquet is a reaching than Thursday, Nov. 11 (checks only, no cash).
out to the community to attract new members. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. See the
We will explore what the Sierra Club is all about reservation form on the back of this newsletter.
and why the Club is important to you and your
family. —Glen Shellcross, Buena Vista Chair

2. THE ROADRUNNER
SEPT./OCTOBER, 2010
PANORAMA VISTA: Chapter donates willow, cottonwood and mulefat cuttings and put
them in containers of water to (we thought) soon be
$3000 to support watering system planted. The crucial thing was for P.G.&E. to provide
(Continued 'om page 1) electricity for the well pump.
Finally, in late April after PG&E postponements,
sucking bugs which appeared in the millions. Before the water system was up and running and we, with
we realized what was happening we had lost almost many volunteers, planted a couple thousand trees and
our entire planting. shrubs over the next two months. Active in working
But we persevered and replanted (mostly sycamores on planting was Harry Love, a Kern-Kaweah Chapter
because we didn’t have any more oaks), and these activist and Audubon member who organized
sycamores did well. Audubon work parties,
Two years ago a new grove next to the river was Meanwhile Bill Cooper, Phil Shepard and Rich
started with the help of Bill Cooper and Rich O’Neil. O’Neil constructed a nursery for the propagation and
This was named the Hampson Grove after Steve holding of nursery stock.
Hampson who had tragically died. The Hampson The Hampson Grove and the nursery continue to be
Grove was not connected to drip irrigation and had to watered from the trailer tank, but we have recently
be hand watered with cat litter jugs of water that I connected a water system from the well to our first
trucked from home. In 2009 we got a grant from the grove and soon will be tying our nursery and the
Kern Wildlife Commission to purchase a 525 tank, Hampson Grove to the watering system thanks to a
trailer and pump. We got permission to pump water $3000 grant awarded us by the Kern-Kaweah
from the river and our burden was lessened. Chapter.
This brings us to 2009 when, with the help of Scott We have made a great deal of progress in our
Frazer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we revegetation but the story is not over. Volunteer or
received a couple of grants to enable us to have an just come by and see how things are coming along.
irrigation system installed for a new 30-acre grove. Go to our web site http://panoramavista.org to learn
An old well, dating from the 1940s was refurbished. more, to see where we are, and learn how to contact
In early February, with the help of many friends, us.
including Sierra Clubbers, we gathered thousands of —Andy Honig
Sierra Club offers viewpoints on November ballot initiatives
Sierra Club California is again making recommendations each house of the Legislature. The anti-democratic two-
for several initiatives appearing on the upcoming ballot in thirds requirement for passing budgets has created
November. For more information, see: opportunities for anti-environmental mischief. One of the
www.sierraclub.org/politics/endorsements/ most egregious examples came in 2007, when 14 Senate
No on Proposition 18: The Safe, Clean, and Reliable Republicans held the budget hostage to their demand for
Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010. non-fiscal legislation weakening the California
This November, California voters will vote on an $11.1 Environmental Quality Act’s application to global
billion water bond. Sierra Club California opposes the warming.
water bond and urges voters to reject it. Yes on Proposition 21: The California State Parks
This bond would obligate the state to pay back more than Initiative. The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust
$800 million in bond debt every year for the next 30 years. Fund Act of 2010, would provide a stable, reliable and
These payments would further stress our general fund, adequate source of funding to protect state parks and
providing $800 million less for schools, parks, social conserve wildlife.
services, police protection and fire services. It seems “With our state parks facing an insurmountable funding
unwise to add these huge annual payments to a budget with crisis and irreparable damage, it is essential we provide our
a projected shortfall of $21 billion by 2011. parks with a sustainable and reliable funding stream,” said
No on Proposition 23: Proposed Big Oil Initiative. Jim Metropulos, Senior Advocate of Sierra Club
Big Texas oil companies are trying to buy their way out of California. “For years California’s 278 state parks have
cleaning up their California refineries and fuels. been an integral public asset that residents and visitors
Companies like Valero and Tesoro recently announced that alike enjoyed, and it is imperative we maintain these
they plan on fully funding a November ballot initiative that priceless assets for our children and future generations.”
would halt clean energy efforts and pollution control Proposition 21 would ensure a dedicated and reliable
standards aimed at cleaning up our air and atmosphere for funding stream for state parks through an $18 annual State
our kids and future generations. Park Access Pass surcharge and, in return, would provide
Yes on Proposition 25: Proposition 25, which would vehicles subject to the surcharge free, year-round
allow state budgets to be passed by a simple majority of admission to state parks.

3. THE ROADRUNNER
SEPT./OCTOBER, 2010
FROM THE CHAIR
Fa" inspires renewed dedication to ongoing projects
The end of summer…and wherever you wandered, I hope familiar, warm smiles at Chapter events, but they both
you are back safely, with adventures to share. This time of leave inspiration in our hearts. How fortunate we were to
year means many things to us in the Kern-Kaweah know Chris and Jean, and count them as friends of the
Chapter. First, we urge you to look over the Sierra Club environment.
endorsements for the November ballot. Next, beautiful The end of summer…if you enjoyed a winding trail
Sierra Club calendars are once again being offered for sale through wild places, clear blue skies, sparkling waters, and
as a Chapter fundraiser. Be sure to see the article on pristine open spaces, thank an environmental group. We
Calendar contacts. And last, Chapter and Group Executive encourage you to give back by doing your part to make a
Committee elections are coming up. Have you considered difference. Seasons pass and time passes quickly.
becoming a candidate ? Get out there and do
On a sad note, two of our long-time Chapter members something good for our natural world today!
passed away this summer – Chris Geyer and Jean
Pretorious. Both of these active women gave not only their —Georgette Theotig
money, but their time to the Sierra Club. We will miss their Kern-Kaweah Chapter Chair
We will camp near Quaking Aspen top of Dome Rock to see an
Giant Sequoia at the headwaters of the South Fork overview of the Kern River and the
of the Middle Fork of the Tule River site of the McNally fire.
National about one and a half hours from You MUST contact Carla at 559 .
Porterville. 781.8445 or at cac@ocsnet.net by
Monument Our downhill hike on Saturday Sept. 8 to reserve your place as space
morning will begin after a no-host is limited.
campout coming breakfast. We will discuss past and Membership in Sierra Club,
planned future activities in the grove Sequoia
Sept. 24-26 and the latest on the Forest Service's Forest Keeper,
attempt to re-do their Management or Tule River
The Kern-Kaweah Chapter of Plan. Bring lunch to munch at a site Conservancy
Sierra Club is encouraging members by the Tule River. is not required
and friends to join in a camp out and An optional afternoon trip will be . There is no
hike Sept. 24-26 in one of the most offered to tour the Trail of 100 fee for the
magnificent sequoia groves in the Giants, discuss the Forest Service’s outing.
Giant Sequoia National Monument. recent expansion and tree removal Directions
Sponsoring the event are the Sierra projects there, and pay tribute to the and more
Club/Sequoia Task Force and Tule unmarked Sequoia where President information
River Conservancy Clinton created this Giant Sequoia will be sent
Sequoia Task Force Chair Carla National Monument. Saturday night to those
Cloer, Vice-Chair Joe Fontaine, will feature a potluck supper. who make
Sequoia Forest Keeper Ara Participation is optional. reservations.
Marderosian, and Rich Kangas are For Sunday morning a two-hour To receive alerts and newsletters
leading the activities. Meet folks round-trip hike is planned down the by mail, send your name and address
who were instrumental in creating Freeman Creek Grove Trail where to "Sequoia Task Force," or "Tule
the Monument and who now fight the Forest Service, with no notice, River Conservancy," P.O. Box 723,
for real protection of these forests. replaced every stream crossing with Porterville CA 93257.
See why these groves need to be wooden bridges and banked the trail
reunited with the rest of their for bike speed. For those who don't —Carla Cloer
ecosystem under the management of have to rush home, we will conclude cac@ocsnet.net
Sequoia National Park. the weekend with a short hike to the
FOR PDF VERSION OF NEWSLETTER
E-mail Lorraine Unger at lorraineunger@att.net and ask to be taken off the hard
copy list. Log on to http://kernkaweah.sierraclub.org/email.html and join the
KERN-NEWS email list.

4. THE ROADRUNNER
SEPT./OCTOBER, 2010
KERN KAWEAH ROUNDUP
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY IF YOU PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN SIERRA CLUB HIKES:
Everyone is welcome, Sierra Club members and non-members, to join in any of the outdoor activities. Requirements: You
must be in condition for the type of hike, equipped appropriately for the activity and prepared to sign a Sierra Club release
for liability. You must be willing to follow the leader’s directions. Be sure to bring any personal medicines you might need.
Customary appropriate equipment includes good hiking shoes, plenty of water, snack, sunglasses, suntan lotion, and layered
clothing. The following might be helpful but definitely is not required: compass, whistle, matches or lighter, and a good first
aid kit. Long pants are recommended. Unprepared for the prospective hike? It will be a no-go for you. Participation must
be leader approved. Please let the leader know ahead of time that you are intending to participate. Check individual group
listings for the desired means of communication.
Since unexpected change of plans may be necessary, it is recommended that YOU contact the hike leader the night before to
be assured that the hike is still going to happen.
New California legislation designed to protect the consumer requires us to publish this notice: CST 2087755-40. Registration as a seller of
travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. This legislation is designed to protect the user of outdoor activities that
require cash payments of more than $50 for participation.
BUENA VISTA GROUP
More info? Call Donnel Lester at 661.831.6784 or e-mail donnelc3bvg@earthlink.net or Isabel at
661.246.6195.
Tuesday conditioning hikes of 4 or 5 miles are at 7 p.m. at the corner of Highways 178 and 184. Contact Gordon
(gnipp@bak.rr.com) or Larry (661.873.8107) for more information.
Saturday, Sept. 4—Breakfast. Ara Mardarosian has been invited to speak about community opposition to a solar
installation in Weldon, Calif. Meet at 10 a.m. at Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave. at the corner of Truxtun and
Westwind, just west of Oak Street in Bakersfield. Optional brunch is served for $7.60/person + tip. Info: 661.246.6195.
Saturday, Sept. 18—Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup. Meet at 9 a.m. at Old River Road and Hwy 119 (Taft Hwy). Park at the
Monte Carlo lot. We will bring equipment. We recommend that you bring a hat, good hiking shoes/boots, and water to
drink. Inclement weather cancels this event. Call to confirm your attendance: 661.246.6195.
Saturday, Oct. 2—Breakfast. Scott Frazer who is a private lands biologist
for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will discuss the Kern National Wildlife
Refuge. Presentation is at 10 a.m. at Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun
Ave. (See Sept. 14 entry for more information)
Thursday, Oct. 14—Picnic in Jastro Park
Bring a salad or dessert to share with six people at 6 p.m. A fire and
condiments will be provided but you need to bring your own meat and
marshmallows. Jastro Park is located between Truxtun on the south
and 18th Street on the north. It is just two blocks east of Oak Street.
Also, used batteries will be collected for recycling. Call leader Lorraine
Unger for details 661.323.5569.
Saturday, Oct. 16—Adopt-A-Highway cleanup: Meet at Old River
Road and Hwy 119 (Taft Hwy). Park at the Monte Carlo lot. (See Sept.
18 for more information.)
BVG Recycles—Bring your household batteries to our meetings, and we’ll recycle them for you.
Also, visit our Facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sierra-Club-Buena-Vista-Group/359839178824?v=wall&ref=mf

5. THE ROADRUNNER
SEPT./OCTOBER, 2010
CONDOR GROUP
More info? Mary Ann Lockhart (661.242.0432). Hikes? Dale Chitwood (661.242.1076)
Saturday, Oct. 2—Potluck. The regular meeting of the Condor group will be held at the Pine Mountain Clubhouse. 6
p.m. potluck, 7 p.m. program. Program will be announced early in September.
There are no day-long hikes planned during this period. Call to see if opportunities arise during the fall months.
A very successful Peak to Peak hike took place in July. Twenty-one persons started from Mt. Pinos to make the trek to
Cerro Noroeste, a seven-mile trip with ups and downs and great views to all sides.
Many local club members have joined in the efforts of the Tri-County Watchdogs, a local environmental group, to protest
the permission that the Kern County Board of Supervisors granted to Frazier Park Estates to build 550 houses in an area
already threatened by water shortages. A suit has been filed with support from the Kern County Chapter.
Sunday Strolls. These will continue through September...We leave the Pine Mountain Clubhouse at 8 a.m. each Sunday
morning to visit interesting spots close to the community, all within a five minute drive at the longest. You do NOT need
to make a reservation for these walks...just show up on time to stretch your legs, breathe the fresh air and be ready for
surprises that we can't anticipate. Birds, flowers, geology...even ants plus ... can be topics of chit chat along the way.
Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Call 661.242.0432 for more information.
KAWEAH GROUP
More info? Call Pam Clark (559.784.4643) or Diane Jetter (559.781.8897).
OWENS PEAK GROUP
More info? Chair Dennis Burge (760.375.7967) or e-mail dennis93555@yahoo.com. Jim Nichols,
hikes (760.375.8161) or e-mail jnichols@ridgecrest.ca.us.
Saturday, Sept. 18—The Circumnavigation of Lost Benchmark Hike.
In keeping with our "Lost" theme, we will hike entirely around striking
Lost Bench Mark (on the Kern Plateau, 8075 ft max, 1500 ft gain, 6.3 mi
RT). In the process we will visit Lost Creek and Lost Meadow and
traverse the spooky Dead Horse Meadow. This is an interesting and
worthwhile September workout to a little visited part of the Kern Plateau.
Moderate hike due to distance with some cross country sections.
Meet Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot.
Call Dennis Burge at 760.375.7967 or Jim Nichols at 760.375.8161
for more info.
Monday, Sept. 27—Red Rock Canyon Talk. Russ Dingman of
California State Parks will tell us about the status of the Red Rock Canyon General Plan. Meet at the Maturango Museum
at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 16—Aspen Grove Tour. Leisurely hike to visit and photograph the best of the groves turning golden with
fall splendor on the Kern Plateau (8500 ft elevation, 1500 ft gain; 6 mi RT) . The locations will depend on climate, seasonal
variations, and maybe the current fire limitations, if any. Hooker, Jackass, McConnell, Albanita and other meadows will be
considered. We will learn to identify the trees and how they respond to the changing seasons. Easy/moderate due to length
and elevation gain. Meet Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. Call Dennis Burge at 760.375.7967
or Jim Nichols at 760.375.8161 for more info.
Monday, Oct. 25—Travel Talk. Janet Westbrook will show pictures of some of her most recent travels with an ecological
implication. Meet at the Maturango Museum at 7:30 p.m.

6. THE ROADRUNNER
SEPT./OCTOBER, 2010
MINERAL KING
Please visit mineralking.sierraclub.org for more info. Also find Mineral King Group on Facebook!
Saturday, Sept. 11 —Crystal Lake - Mineral King Hike. This is a 10-mile hike with panoramic views of the Mineral
King valley. There is significant elevation change, and while the hike is strenuous we will maintain a steady, gentle pace.
For more information contact Dave at 559.688.4813 or coachk24@aol.com
Thursday, Sept. 30 —Dinner social at Panera Bread, 4103 South Mooney Blvd. in Visalia at 6 p,m. No RSVP
needed. Look for Mineral King Table placard.
Thursday, Oct. 21—Bring-A-Bag Dinner. Join us at the Cal Natives Nursery for a talk hosted by Cathy Capone. Ice teas
and dessert provided. For information, call 559.781.8897.
Saturday, Oct. 23 —Kings Canyon Hike. A moderately easy 5-mile round trip hike in Kings Canyon National Park. We
will hike 2.5 miles downhill among redwoods and dogwood to Redwood Creek where we will enjoy lunch. Call David or
Joanne for meeting time and place at 559.733.2078.
Find the Mineral King Group on Facebook! Visit our page for up-to-date information on outings, social events, and our
conservation efforts in Tulare and Kings Counties.
California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee
Desert Committee Outings
For questions about, or to sign up for a particular outing, please contact the leader listed in the write-up.
For questions about Desert Committee outings in general, or to receive the outings list by e-mail, please
contact Kate Allen at kj.allen@wildblue.net or 661.944.4056.
Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 4-5--Tamarisk Bash in Surprise Canyon. This is a traditional end of summer outing as we help remove
invasive tamarisk from Surprise Canyon north of Ridgecrest. It is warm weather, but the year-round stream will let us soak and cool as the
spirit moves us. We will work Saturday with Marty Dickes, our coordinator from the BLM. Sunday is reserved for a hike to cooler
elevations above the desert. Enjoy car camping, a potluck dinner Saturday, and campfire stories. Contact leader Craig Deutsche at
craig.deutsche@gmail.com, 310.477.6670.
Sunday, Sept. 19--Caliente Ridge Exploratory Hike. Join us in the unique Carrizo Plain National Monument, on a moderate day hike
along Caliente Ridge, into the Wilderness Study Area—see why it should be wilderness! The hike is part of the wilderness meeting
weekend, come for the entire weekend, including Saturday's meeting, or just for Sunday's hike. Leader: Cal French. Contact Vicky
Hoover for details or to sign up at vicky.hoover@sierraclub.org, 415-977-5527.
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 24-26--Black Rock Desert Digital Photography Car Camp. Join retired photographer Graham Stafford on a
photographic and exploratory journey into the Black Rock Desert. We will visit some of the beautiful areas including natural hot springs.
All levels of photographers accepted. Beginners encouraged. Graham will spend individual time with each participant and their camera.
He will cover basic and advanced areas of digital photography. View some of his work on his website at www.grahamstafford.com.
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 24-26--Service And Hiking In the Carrizo Plains. This is an opportunity to visit and to assist an outstanding and
relatively unknown national monument. There will be an optional and scenic hike high in the Caliente mountains on Friday. Others may
join us for National Public Lands Day on Saturday when we will participate with other volunteers restoring one of the historic homesteads
in the center of the Plain. On Sunday, we will tour a number of the historic, prehistoric, and geologic sites in the Monument. Leader Craig
Deutsche at craig.deutsche@gmail.com, 310.477.6670.
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 1-3--Death Valley National Park Service Trip
Wilderness restoration work party in Butte Valley, a beautiful and remote area of the park in the southern Panamint Range. Meet Friday
afternoon and drive to work site – high clearance vehicle required. May start work on Friday in time permits. Saturday will be a
workday, followed by a potluck supper in the evening. Work half a day on Sunday. (Project and location may change.) Bring work
gloves, camping equipment, and food and water for the weekend. Leader: Kate Allen at kj.allen@wildblue.net, 661.944.4056.
Saturday-Wednesday, Oct. 10-13--Death Valley Digital Photography Car Camp. Join retired photographer Graham Stafford on a
photographic and exploratory journey into Death Valley. We will visit Eureka, Mesquite and Ibex Dunes Beginners encouraged. Graham
will spend individual time with each participant and their camera. He will cover basic and advanced areas of digital photography. 4WD
high clearance encouraged, but 2WD vehicles with good tires okay. No low sport type vehicles. www.grahamstafford.com. For more
information contact leader Graham Stafford at graham@grahamstafford.com.

7. THE ROADRUNNER
SEPT./OCTOBER, 2010
VACATION PLANNING: ANGELES CHAPTER INVITES OUTINGS PARTICIPATION
Upcoming outings scheduled by Destination Costa Rica (Feb.
the Angeles Chapter Outings 2011) is a 15-day tour from the
Committee (2010-11) may be of Pacific beaches to the wild Northern
interest to Kern-Kaweah Chapter Caribbean. On layover days, hike
members. These outings are fairly and explore why this country is
reasonably priced, and most involve known for its enlightened approach
hikes and outdoor activities. to conservation. There will be visits
The Popular Hawaiian Adventure to volcanoes, rain forests, ecological
(Sept. 21-27) involves four beautiful reserves, wildlife refuges. Sierra
Club member cost is $1475 (non-
Typ
hikes of varying difficulty into the Arenal volcano in Costa Rica/ (2010)/
tropical rain forests of Oahu. member cost is $1575) and includes Photo by Claus Engelhardt
Participants will also have a chance mid-range accommodations (dbl.
to learn to surf with a world famous occup.), a private 21-passenger air- Magic Hiking Circuit of Ecuador
Waikiki Beach Boy. The price of conditioned coach, some meals, (Aug. 19-28, 2011) is a 10-day trip at
$1,195 includes a round trip flight, happy hours, boat transportation to three San Jorge Eco-Lodge Reserves.
six nights of lodging and ground Tortuguero, driver gratuities. Includes treks to sacred waterfalls,
transportation. Contact leaders Contact co-leader Donna Specht some jungle trails, some steep, some
Richard Glick (949.859.0255) or (donnaspecht@juno.com) or at trails following in the same footsteps
Christine Dickey (949.651.9642) for 714.963.6345. as the pre-Incans. Sierra Club
more information. This trip often Deluxe Vietnam (March 2011) member cost is $1775 (non-
sells out, so make contact early. includes a land package from Hanoi members, $1875) with group airfare
to SaPa, Halong Bay, Tam Coc, Hue extra. Contact co-leader Donna
Three Continents Mediterranean Specht (donnaspecht@juno.com) or
Cruise (Nov. 21-Dec. 3) is a 12-night and Hoi An, spending at least two
days in most locations. Trip fee of at 714.963.6345.
adventure aboard the Norwegian
Jade. Ports of call include, Rome, $1395 includes deluxe New Mexico Adventure (Oct.
Athens, Ephesus, Turkey, Malta and accommodations, over 15 meals/ 8-15) involves fun-filled adventures
Barcelona. For information, contact happy hours, all park/museum fees. in the “land of enchantment,
Gabriela at IberoAmericana Discounted group international including the Albuquerque Balloon
(888.477.8669 or airfare is offered. For information, Festival, Santa Fe, Taos and Chaco
gabriela@iberoamericanatravel.com send e-mail to lajeunes@pacbell.net. Canyon. Cost is $1195. For
A precruise extension will be offered Please insert subject line Vietnam 11. information, contact Mike
in Barcelona. Sappingfield at mikesapp@cox.net
Sierra Club Elections Information
In accordance with Sierra Club bylaws, an annual chapter election and group elections are required in the fourth
quarter of each year to elect replacement Executive Committee (ExCom) members for those whose two year terms are
expiring. Because all members of the chapter are eligible to participate in the chapter election process (and group
members in the group election process), our chapter utilizes the Roadrunner publication to accomplish the election
process.
The election process consists of several steps; the first step is the nomination process where names are placed in
nomination through the Nominating Committee (NomCom) or by petition requiring 15 chapter member signatures
submitted to the NomCom. Once the nominations have been verified by the Nominating Committee and the
nomination period has expired, the nominees are published in the election slate for chapter (or group) members to cast
their votes. Finally, the ballots are counted by the Election Committee and the results are reported to the ExCom for
entry into ExCom records.
Kern-Kaweah Chapter Nominations
Nominations for the Chapter ExCom will be received by the Chapter Nominating Committee from the initial date of the
September-October 2010 Roadrunner publication until Oct, 1, 2010. Nominations (or petitions) may be submitted to
the NomCom by mailing them to the Kern-Kaweah Chapter Nominating Committee, P.O. Box 38, Tehachapi, CA 93581.
must include the name and contact information of the person submitting
the nomination. Nominations will not be accepted after Oct. 1, 2010.
Chapter Voting
The ballot and instructions will be published in the November-December 2010 Roadrunner and ballots cast by chapter
members will be received until Dec, 1, 2010. The results will be published in the January-February Roadrunner.

8. THE ROADRUNNER
SEPT./OCTOBER, 2010
BOOK TALK: NEW VOLUME OFFERS GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA GEOLOGIC SITES
A super little volume came in the mail the other
day addressed to me, and I thought I’d share it with
Kern-Kaweah Chapter members because it seems so
informative about California geology. California
Rocks!: A Guide to Geologic Sites in the Golden
State (2010) by Katherine J. Baylor is a perfect guide
for people wanting to explore state parks and some
quite spectacular scenery in our state. It’s a soft-bound
paperback with high quality paper. One could easily
tote it along in the car when traveling.
One of the best features of this book is its
beautiful pictures illustrating unusual geological
formations. One such photo is of weathered granite
rock at the Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree
National Park. Northern California locales include
the Lava Beds National Monument near the Oregon S&H) through the Mountain Press Publishing Company
border, Mount Shasta, and Castle Crags State Park in Montana at 406.728.1900. This informative book
north of Redding. Descriptions of formations are easy would make a good addition to anyone’s environmental
to read for non-geologists like myself. or travel library. It would also make a great gift.
Baylor holds degrees in geology and geography Also if you have a book to share with members of
from UC-Santa Barbara and works currently as a the Chapter, send your review to the editor at
hydrogeologist for the U.S. Environmental Protection sierraroadrunner@gmail.com
Agency. Copies of the book are available for $16 (plus —Marjorie Bell, Roadrunner Editor
CAL EX-COM NEEDS DELEGATES FOR SAN LUIS OBISPO CONVENTION
The Kern Kaweah Chapter should will be a workshop to discuss a have not always thought of the Club
be appointing a full complement of California Chapter Fundraising as a comfortable place for them. But
electoral delegates for the Oct. 9-10 Support Network. we will be stronger when they are
Convention at the September involved. The following is a link to
ExCom meeting at the latest. I've attached another copy of the more information:
The Chapter is entitled to four Convention flyer. Maybe you could http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/
delegates, but so far only Art and distribute this to your ExCom and people/committees/diversity/toolkit/
Lorraine Unger are registered for the other chapter volunteers to generate recruiting_and_retaining_volunteer
events in San Luis Obispo. some more interest. An email with s.aspx
This is the first time we have specific logistics will be out soon. Thanks for all your work in the
scheduled a joint CNRCC meeting Lori Ives ives@ivesico.net will be San Joaquin Valley.
and convention. The agenda looks glad to hear from you.
excellent: the new Executive Director Also, here's a link to the Diversity —Vicki Lee
Michael Brune will be there both Toolkit on the Clubhouse. It's got Cal ExCom Secretary
days, and on Sunday morning there some hints for engaging folks who
TWELVE MONTHS OF BEAUTY: CALENDARS TO GO ON SALE SOON
Yes, this is a pitch for Sierra Club Calendars – once again, the Chapter is offering the most beautiful
calendars for sale: large Wilderness calendars and the smaller Engagement calendars. And once again, they
are offered at the bargain basement price of only $10 each ! What a deal – you get resplendent photos to
gaze at every day, and the Chapter has more funds with which to work on conservation efforts. And if
you’re concerned about the processing, the calendars are printed on paper containing a minimum of 50
percent recovered waste, of which at least 10 percent of the fiber content is postconsumer waste. The
virgin content of the paper is chlorine free and entirely from tree farms. Here are the contacts:
Bakersfield: Isabel Stierle (661.246.6195), Porterville: Pam Clark (559.784.4643), Tehachapi: Georgette
Theotig (661.822.4371), Frazier Park: Mary Ann Lockhart (661-242-0432), Ridgecrest: Dennis Burge
(760-375-7967)

9. THE ROADRUNNER
SEPT./OCTOBER, 2010
MIDGEBUZZINGS
Members of the Kern-Kaweah Chapter recently learned of the death of Christena Geyer. Her long tenure in the
Sierra Club included two terms as chapter chair, and years of participation in the legendary Golden Trout
backpacks led by Joe and Bugs Fontaine. On those hikes she was not only the oldest participant, but also the
most intrepid and the most fun.
As chapter chair, Chris sought ways to make membership attractive, insisting upon the importance of social
events that would bring people together, and fostering outings enjoyed by families. As the widowed mother of
three very young sons, she was devoted to character development in children, especially as it could be
strengthened by experiences in the out-of- doors
After the death of her husband, she made a decision to seek a career that would
coincide with her sons’ school years, and became a high school librarian. Each
June she and the boys, Peter, James and Robert, packed what they would need
for the summer, and took off for adventures in the great parks of this country,
experiencing landscapes and cultural centers in virtually every state. In the
campgrounds, after they set up their tent, the boys went off to explore their
surroundings while Chris settled down in a folding chair with a book. She
had taught them the rules of safety, and she knew that only by being trusted
and respected for their own judgment would they develop the independence
they would need for adulthood. This is not to say that there were no
harrowing moments in those summers. All three boys were full of the same
talent for mischief and fun that made their mother such a joy to know.
When her sons were old enough, she took them out of school for an entire
year of travel, convinced that such an experience would be more to their a Chris Geyer (left) with
advantage. They visited parts of Europe and the Near East, sometimes looking Chapter Chair Georgette
for places as unusual as the likes of Brigadoon before they became fashionable. Theotig
They spent time in Africa where, among countless other adventures, they traveled on a working boat up the Jubba
River and slept on the deck. Adventure was the game, and fearlessness the goal.
On the Golden Trout hikes Chris was the life of the party. She loved practical jokes, and claimed to be the
magic charm that kept rain away. Sure enough, during all her years with the Golden Trout hikers it never rained
once. Maybe on the people a mile up, but not on them!
As Mrs. Geyer, the librarian at Bakersfield High School, she was popular with the students and told great
stories about them. My favorite featured the sophomore boy who often came in and made his way stealthily to
the section on human anatomy and hygiene. One day, when she saw that he had brought a freshman boy with
him, she followed them and slipped into the aisle behind the stack they were consulting. Here is what she heard
in a dramatic whisper: “Okay, this is the one I told you about. It’s the worst of all. See what it says right here?
This one attacks the gentiles!” Then there was the freshman girl who, coming across an obituary column for the
first time cried, “Look Mrs. Geyer! They all died alphabetically!”
Chris Geyer was the epitome of Sierra Club values and ideals. She was sparing with the use of energy before
most people thought to be; she understood the equation of human well being and the health of the natural world,
and above all, she loved hiking in the great Sierra. We will never stop missing her.
—Ann Williams
Executive Committee of the Kern-Kaweah Chapter
Chair: Georgette Theotig (Tehachapi), 661.822.4371. Vice-chair: Gordon Nipp (Bksf), 661.872.2432. Secretary:
Ara Marderosian (Kernville), 760.378.4574. Treasurer: Lorraine Unger (Bksf), 661.323.5569. Donnel Lester
(Bksf), 661.831.6784. Richard Garcia (Min King), 559.624.0199. Ann Williams (Bksf), 661.324.1055. Arthur
Unger (Bksf), 661.323.5569. Peter Clum (Min King), 559.561.4661. Chapter ExCom Meetings: All Sierra Club
members are always welcome to attend these meetings. Call 661.822.4371 to confirm all meeting dates as well
as location and time.

10. THE ROADRUNNER
SEPT./OCTOBER, 2010
POSTSCRIPTS
350.org Campaign Events Oct.10
The Roadrunner Non-Profit Org.
2815 La Cresta Dr. U.S. POSTAGE
Jamie Hann from 350.org urges activists to find PAID
or start an event in the Oct. 10 “Day to Celebrate Bakersfield, CA 93305-1718
Climate Solutions.” In a recent email he said, “A Permit No. 498
strong and vibrant climate movement will create Bakersfield, CA
the political space for our champions to...take on
the big polluters and bought-off politicians who
are blocking progress.” For suggestions, see:
350.org/workparty-ideas.
CCS Public Workshop
The public is invited to participate in a public
workshop about carbon capture and sequestration
on Oct. 1 from 8:30 a.m. till 4 p.m. in the CSUB
Student Union Multi-Purpose Room at 9001
Stockdale Hwy. There is no charge to attend,
but participants must RSVP to the CSUB
Geology Department at 661.654.3027.
ExCom Nominations Due Oct. 1
Members are encouraged to nominate themselves
and/or others to participate in the governing
board of the Kern-Kaweah Chapter. See page 7
of The Roadrunner for information about
nominating procedures.
Dinner Reservation Form — Clip and mail by Nov. 4 deadline
I/we will attend the Fall Chapter Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010 at Hodels off Olive Drive
in Bakersfield. Please make check out to: SIERRA CLUB, KERN-KAWEAH CHAPTER.
Mail check to: Glenn Shellcross, Chair, Buena Vista Sierra Club Group, 6403 Priest River
Place, Bakersfield CA 93306-7435. Check must be received by Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010.
Enclosed is a check for ______ reservation(s) @ $25 per person for a total of $________
Indicate number of each meal requested:
___ Beef tips with Mushrooms
___ Lemon herb roasted chicken
___ Special dietary needs: specify _____________________________
Name(s) of those attending: ________________________________________________
STAYING INFORMED: JOIN OUR KERN-NEWS & KERN FORUM E-MAIL LISTS
at: http://kernkaweah.sierraclub.org Submit articles (your own or others) to The Roadrunner at
sierraroadrunner@gmail.com. The Roadrunner is printed on 100% post consumer recycled
paper. The Roadrunner editor, Marjorie Bell. can be reached at 661.322.4891.