Protect America's Environment: For Our Families, For Our Future

THE ROADRUNNER

March, 1999 Volume 47 Number 3

A Monthly Publication

of The Kern-Kaweah Chapter Of The Sierra Club

Box 3357, Bakersfield, CA 93385-3357
(805) 323-5569

E-mail: kern-kaweah.chapter@sierraclub.org

March Fund Appeal - As you may know, each year, the month of March is set aside as an opportunity for Sierra Club Chapters to send direct mail fund appeals to their members. This is known as “The March Window”. The national office does not send out fund appeals and does not solicit donations by telephone during March to avoid competition and to maximize fund raising success for club chapters. So please be on the look-out for our annual fund raising letter during the month of March. We need your continued support.—Glenn Shellcross, Chair


We are hoping to start a Bakersfield Sierra Club Group, which would meet on a monthly or other regular basis. It would be an opportunity for members to get together, and there would be programs, discussions, presentations of trips to interesting places, and speakers on environmental issues. The meetings would be open to the public, and would be held at a public place. If you have an interest in this idea, know of a meeting place, have suggestions for programs, or any other inputs, please call Glenn Shellcross, 832-3382, email gshellcross@juno.com or Mel Rubin, 831-3333, email melr@netxn.com.

Don’t forget to make reservations for the Awards Banquet on March 13. Call Michele Hoffman at 835 8599 for details.

Conservation News

BLM Adopt-A-Cabin Program: Many old cabins on public land, in beautiful settings, are falling into ruin. Groups of volunteers are adopting these cabins to repair, maintain and enjoy. We are considering the Minnietta Cabin for adoption by volunteers. The cabin is near the edge of the Argus Range Wilderness Area, in a rugged setting with beautiful views of the Panamint Mountains across the valley. A small group of Sierra Club members, ranging from the Los Angeles area to the Bay area, is planning an organizational meeting sometime in late March. Other cabins are available for adoption or use. For more information, please contact Don Peterson, 760-375-8599 or email: donpete@ridgecrest.ca.us

Around the Chapter
Mineral King Group Seeks Volunteers
If you are a member and live in Tulare or Kings County, and are ready to become more involved, the executive committee is the place to be. The Ex Comm provides vital functions such as organizing events and engaging in issues. Election of officers will take place in a future meeting. If you would like to serve on the Ex Comm call Mary at (559) 625-0287. Mary Moy

Kaweah Group also seeks volunteers, for their executive committee. The same group of people have been serving for many years, and would like to see some new faces. All meetings are held in Porterville, and are held several times a year. To volunteer call Theresa at 559-781-0594.

Help Chapter Save Money The Roadrunner is on the web at <http://www.sierraclub.org/chapters/kernkaweah/ If you wish to discontinue receiving hard copies, send an e mail to: alunger@juno.com Make the message: "Please do not produce a label for me when the Kern Kaweah Chapter orders newsletter labels." You must include your membership number, as it appears on a Roadrunner label, name, and address. Any one who wants an extra hard copy anytime should call 661 323 5569.

Midgebuzzings
Nineteen ninety-nine will always be special for its place at the end of a millennium of human history. Yet even as early as February, it is already special for its marking of the departures from that history of three very unusual people. First, Robert Shaw, the great choral director who could lead combined voices into the realm of the sublime; then Sadie Delany, the second of two sisters whose lives endured beyond a century and whose wisdom was imparted to us through their remarkable narrations. And now, Ruth Allen, not only a dear friend and mother, but also, herself, such a bright and gifted spirit as to be a constant and ageless inspiration among us.

My mind connects these three people with no difficulty. Robert Shaw once told his choir , "You have a responsibility to EVERY note!" That might have been Ruth speaking. She was an archivist of exceptional skill, who kept meticulous and invaluable historical records for her church, the Sierra Club, the California Living Museum, the Audubon Society and the Bakersfield Museum of Art, and she was enthusiastically supportive of innumerable other church and community activities. She did take responsibility for every note, clipping and preserving every significant article she found in her daily perusal of the local paper year after eventful year. She found great pleasure in this, and enjoyed nothing more than that morning paper and her cup of coffee, out among the birds in good weather, on the front porch or back patio, her scissors at the ready. Like most members of the Robert Shaw Chorale, she sang with extraordinary talent and grace, but did not solo. She was the kind of person who works quietly behind the scenes, but without whose support no organization, indeed, no community, can endure.

Ruth and I shared a love of the works of the Delany Sisters, and it was she who told me about the third and last book, "On My Own at l07", which contained Sadie’s thoughts following the death of her sister, Bessie. Sadie says, "I’we been dreaming about you, just about every time I close my eyes...I don’t know what it all means. Maybe it doesn’t mean anything, maybe it does. I guess, at least, it means that all my people who have gone to Glory are alive in my heart and mind. They’re still with me, and as long as I’m living they’ll be a part of my life." Well, as long as we are living, Ruth will be alive in our hearts and minds, too. We will remember her not just for what she did in our behalf, but also for her bright curiosity, her level-headed advice and calming influence, and her wonderful sense of humor, adventure and fun.

She had a new car, you know, low to the ground to the extent that I had some trouble getting in and out of it, (though she didn’t), and fast. I rode with her a couple of times, and I don’t mind telling you that I felt compelled to hang on with both hands! Her sense of adventure, in that situation, was greater than mine.

About one thing, though, she was more adamant than adventuresome: the care and timely return of library books. She was a librarian, after all, and a bibliophile to the core. I love books, too, and have a houseful of my own. But I have always been a problem patron for the public library, and have paid many a fine for overdue books. Now the word "overdue" was NOT in the Allen lexicon, and one day, only a few weeks ago, with a book in my possession which she had checked out and had wanted to share with me, I looked out my front window and saw that low, sleek car glide up to my curb, and Ruth unfold from it with easy speed. She came up my walkway with a look on her face that I can only describe as "firm". I remember two sounds in my head at that moment: "Uh, Oh!" But all was forgiven. The book, of course, was returned on time, and both Ruth and I remained in the clear.

She had an expression which I heard over and over, and which probably characterized her more than anything I can tell you. She would call me on the phone and say, "I’we just made a wonderful little discovery and I want to share it with you!" But the word "little" came out "li’l", so it sounded like, "...a wonderful li’l discovery". It might have been a new book, or an enchanting boutique, or access to Public Television from Fresno, without cable. Whatever it was, it would leave her joyous and excited, and her joy and excitement were contagious. Anyone who can maintain such enthusiasm for life, to the very last moment, must be very special indeed.

I like to think that all these wonderful little discoveries, as delightful as they had to be, were only preliminaries to the discoveries she is making now - no longer little, but magnificent and beautiful in ways utterly inconceivable to us here, though perfectly comprehensible to her, as she embarks upon the greatest adventure of all....and in such wonderful company! © 1999 Ann Williams

Acting Content Editor: Larry Wailes (661) 873-8060
Contributions of news, articles, press releases, opinion, art and photographs (black & white), letters to the editor, should be sent to: lewailes@lightspeed.net Want to submit an article for the Road Runner or express opinions? Suggested length: 650 words or less. That’s about a column or 2 1’2 pages double spaced.) Deadline: 15^th of the month BEFORE desired month of publication-mail
Copyrighted articles, graphics and photos can only be reprinted with the owner’s permission.
Published 12 times per year by the Kern-Kaweah Chapter of the Sierra Club, Bakersfield, CA. All non-copyrighted material printed in the Roadrunner may be reprinted in any Sierra Club publications with acknowledgement.

LOCAL SIERRA CLUB OUTINGS & EVENTS

These are local Kern-Kaweah Chapter, Sierra Club outings, except as noted. Everyone is welcome; you need not be a Sierra Club member. Space on some outings may be limited by the leader. So as not to hold back the other participants, you should be in appropriate condition and have appropriate expertise for the outing you choose. Note that Sierra Club outings rules are in effect! Call (661) 872-2432 for information about future outings.
If you know of an interesting walk or hike that you know of or have experienced that you would like to see initiated or repeated, please call Gordon Nipp, Outings Chair, 661-872-2432

Regular Events:

Mar 6, 9:00 AM, Lockwood Creek Trail. Easy hike in riparian area. Good for birding and flowers. Children over 10 accompanied by adults are welcome. Be sure to call for final plans. 661-242-0423.

Mar. 6-7, Sat-Sun. – Death Valley Car Camp – Car camping with dayhiking in northern end of Death Valley in Racetrack area. Possible destinations include Ubehebe Peak area, mining camps, and Fall Canyon. Two wheel drive OK, but there are rough dirt roads. Call leaders Claus and Connie Engelhardt at (661)589-5196 for information and reservations.

Mar. 10 Wed. 5:30pm - Bakersfield Drop-in dinner with a few Sierra Club friends - Join Arthur and Lorraine at The Garden Spot, 3320 Truxtun Ave. (NW corner of Truxtun and Oak). All you can eat for about $7. Leaders will arrive at 6:00 p.m, you may arrive latter, the restaurant closes at 8. Look for the Sierra Club sign on our table. Call 323-5569 if questions. This is an opportunity for anyone, including non-hikers and currently inactive members, to talk about conservation.

Mar 13, Sat. 7:30 am. Climb Haiwee Ridge, the prominent ridge just east of Haiwee Reservoir. A moderate cross country hike, rugged ridge, and great views. Meet in Ridgecrest at Ridgecrest Cinemas at 7:30 am. For info call Don, (760) 375-8599 or Dennis, (760) 375-7967.

Annual Awards Banquet, March 13, Veterans’ Hall 2101 Ridge Road, Bakersfield, $17.00, Mexican Food, Program: Nevada Wilderness Slide Show, for information and reservations call Michele Hoffman, 661 835 8599.

Mar 15 Mon., 7:30 pm. Owens Peak Group Monthly Meeting, Ridgecrest. Dennis Burge will show slides of his recent Sierra Club Trip to New Zealand where the group hiked the Milford Track and two other tracks. Meet at the Maturango Museum, 100 Las Flores.

Mar. 20, Sat. North Fork of Kern River Children's Hike Easy hike from the Johnsondale bridge to the falls (1.5 miles one way). Have lunch and return. Children welcome. Bring lunch and water. Meet at 8am at the Cadillac Ranch parking lot east of Bakersfield. Call leader Ann Williams at (661)324-1055 for details.

March 27-28, 1999 Sat-Sun CNRCC Desert/Kern-Kaweah Chp Southern Sierra Exploratory: 8 mi rt mod x-country hike into Pine Tree Cyn, transition zone betw Mojave Desert & S. Sierra Nevada. Perennial stream flows thu cyn floor strewn w/Buick-sized boulders, accented by small waterfalls & framed by 1,000' shear cliff walls. We usually spot golden eagle or falcon as well as high desert wildflower displays, as we make our way into the cyn. Car camp in Red Rock Cyn SP Sat night w/potluck & campfire. Sun, we hope to join ranger led hike in the State Pk. Send SASE, H & W phones, carpool info to Reserv: SANDY HARE, 22601 Valley View Dr, Tehachapi, CA 93561, (661) 822-0703. Co-ldr: Georgette Theotig, (661) 822-4371.

Mar. 31 Wed. 6pm - Easy Evening Walk in the Kern River Wildlife Migration Corridor, Bakersfield - Meet in the parking lot at Denise Av. & Manor Drive, near the river. Beginners welcome. Call LEADER, Lorraine 323 5569 589-3921, 834 2675, if questions.

April 7 Wed. 6pm easy evening walk in the Kern River Wildlife Migration Corridor, Bakersfield - Beginners welcome. Meet at Albertson’s clock tower, Stockdale and Gosford. Call LEADER, Lorraine 323 5569, 589-3921, 834 2675 for details.

Apr 10, Sat. 7:30 am. Climb Owens Pk. A moderate to strenuous 6 mile r.t., 3100 ft gain to the 8453 ft summit. Meet in Ridgecrest at Ridgecrest Cinemas at 7:30 am. For info call Don, (760) 375-8599 or Dennis, (760) 375-7967.

April 10-11, Sat-Sun. – Flock Together with Birds of a Feather – Enjoy a springtime car .camp as Audubon and Sierra Club members commingle at Audubon’s Kern River Preserve. There will be walking, talking, hiking, and birding aplenty. Bob Barnes and others will lead easy to moderate birding walks. Included will be an early Sunday morning walk for beginners as well as more avid birders. Potluck Saturday evening; so bring favorites to share. Hot barbecue grills will be available. Bring binoculars, scope, camera, boots, and dress warmly. For reservations and directions, call leader Mel Rubin at (661)831-3333.

April 23-25, Fri-Sun Angeles Chp/CNRCC Desert Panamint & Death Valleys Sampler: Hiking & driving tour with springtime wildflower poss. Meet in Ballarat ghost town Fri eve. Sat nite we'll car camp in Stovepipe Wells. Hiking will be easy-moderate. Trip will incl: charcoal kilns in Wildrose Cyn, hist miners camps, hike into Mosaic Cyn, Keane Wonder Mine, Titus Cyn, Scotty's Castle, Ubehebe Crater, the Racetrack. Street cars OK. Potluck, campfire. Expect $10 DVNP ent fee & $10 per nite camp fee. Send lg SASE, H & W phones, rideshare info to Co-ldr: RICH ABELE, 8442 Naylor Ave, LA, CA 90045, (310) 649-5403/H, (562) 982-2869/W, rich.s.abele@boeing.com. Asst: VERONICA GRAY.

May 8-9, Sat-Sun Angeles Chp/Toiyabe Chp/CRNCC Desert Owens Valley Desert Study & Car Camp: Sat, with Naturalist, MIKE PRATHER we'll tour Owens Lk wetlands, Lwr Owens R; learn how LA's DWP & Inyo Cty plan to manage Owens Lk restoration. Area is prime location for viewing seasonal neotropical migrants, waterfowl & shorebirds. Expl site of 1872 Lone Pine earthquake fault & visit hist Alabama gates. Sat eve potluck & campfire. Sun, leaders will provide Mother's Day breakfast. Afterwards easy-mod hike in nrby Alabama Hills (western movie site); opt trips to E Sierra Museum, Cerro Gordo Mine above Keeler. Expect $7 per night per vehicle camp fee. Send $5.00 (Sierra Club) for ldrs exp, SASE, H & W phones, carpool info to Ldr: BLAIR KUROPATKIN (Antelope Vly Grp), 3760 W Ave J-14, Lancaster, CA 93536, (661) 943-2603, blair@qnet.com. Co-ldrs: BARRY MC CORMICK, MIKE PRATHER (Range of Light Grp).

May 16 for training and May 17 (Monday) 3rd annual Sierra Club Lobby Day in Sacramento. If you are interested in participating call Art Unger (661)322-5569 or Glenn Shellcross (661)832-3382. More detailed information will be developed, but now is the time to start planning to attend. Food and some lodging assistance will be provided, but transportation will be up to us as individuals to work out. Early responses will help us to know how many will want lodging assistance and what kind of transportation arrangements to make. More next issue.

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRPEOPLE
All but noted area codes are (661)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair: Glen Shellcross 832-3382
Vice Chair: Neil Fernbaugh 559-798-0343
Secretary: Bonnie East 832-9775
Treasurer: Mel Rubin 831-3333
AT LARGE:
Arthur Unger, Ara Marderosian, Mary Ann Lockhart, Richard Garcia
RCC Delegates: Kevin Royle, Mary Moy
Alternates: Mary Ann Lockhart, Lorraine Unger
Committee Chairpeople
Membership: Lorraine Unger 323-5569
Political Committee Chair: Harry Love
S.C. Council Rep: Arthur Unger
Outings: Gordon Nipp 872-2432
KAWEAH GROUP (Porterville, area code 559)
Chair: Theresa Stump 781-0594
Vice Chair: Dianne Jetter
Conservation: Carla Cloer Outings: Jim Clark
MINERAL KING GROUP (Visalia & Hanford, 559)
Chair: Mary Moy 625-0287
Vice Chair: Neil Fernbaugh Secretary: Mike Stone
Conservation: Harold Wood Outings: Brian Newton
Treasurer: Janet Wood Membership: Nina Stone
Environmental Education & Computers: Harold Wood
OWENS PEAK GROUP (Desert area code, 760)
Chair: Dennis Burge 375-7967
Vice Chair: Steve Smith Conservation: Jeanie Haye
Treasurer: Dolph Amster Secretary: Helen Huntley
Outings: Don Peterson 375-8599
At Large: Dorothy Vokolek
CONDOR GROUP: (Frazier Park & Pine Mountain area)
Chair: Chester Arthur Outings: Harry Nelson
Historian: Marion Knapp Conservation: Kevin Royle
Membership: Barbara Matthews
Hospitality: Elsbeth Feldman Publicity: Karen Cotter
Treasurers: Jean & Ed Rustvold
Newsletter: Mary Ann Lockhart
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Acting Content Editor: Larry Wailes (805) 873-8060

Contributions of news, articles, press releases, opinion, art and photographs (black & white), letters to the editor, should be sent to:lewailes@lightspeed.net

Copyrighted articles, graphics and photos can only be reprinted with the owner’s permission.

Published 12 times per year by the Kern-Kaweah Chapter of the Sierra Club, Bakersfield, CA. All non-copyrighted material printed in the Roadrunner may be reprinted in any Sierra Club publications with acknowledgement.

http://www.sierraclub.org/chapters/kernkaweah/roadrunner_mar_1999.html