SD Chapter News
CEA and SDCP Expanded
CEA and SDCP Expanded to Escondido, San Marcos, National City & Unincorporated County of San Diego
It’s not a Conspiracy, but it is a Revolution
It’s been a long time since we had choices for how we purchase the electricity to our homes, apartments, condos, and businesses. This time you choose between a non-profit organization run by your community via our elected leaders, and a private company that often seems to meet the minimum requirements and charge a lot for that behavior. Despite some of the confusion or rants you might hear from your neighbors, CCAs are beneficial to the climate and our community, focusing on transitioning to renewable energy faster and investing in our region.
San Diego Community Power has provided power to five cities over the past year, San Diego, Chula Vista, Encinitas, La Mesa, and Imperial Beach. Now they are growing their geographical area to include National City and the County of San Diego starting in April. This makes SDCP the second largest Community Choice Aggregation in the state of California.
Clean Energy Alliance has provided power to three cities, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, and Del Mar. Their new additions are Escondido and San Marcos beginning in April, and Vista and Oceanside starting in April of 2024.
As our CCAs have been established and expanded, each member city adds an elected leader to the CCA Board, to represent their community’s best interest. In addition, each CCA has a Community Advisory Committee which includes appointed volunteers from each city to help provide guidance to the CCA, and share information back to the community. So instead of a private company intent on shareholder profits, our CCAs are community owned and operated and give any profits back to us in the form of programs including rebates, educational efforts, and community projects where renewable energy is localized more and more.
Many people assume that the CCA will either greatly raise or lower their energy costs. The truth is that throughout the initial year of providing power to customers, the CCA has delivered more renewable energy for slightly less money. There are big portions of your bill that are actually related to the transmission and maintenance of the grid, so around three quarters of your bill are not changed, going to SDG&E. But the actual power purchasing, and therefore power delivery, for your home is done by the CCA. Our CCAs are committed to increasing the portion of renewable energy in even their lowest cost plan over time, and at a faster rate than SDG&E.
100% Options
What about the 100% renewable energy plan, and should you bother? I’m glad you asked, because you can really punch above your weight as a consumer. 100% renewable is called Green Impact at the CEA, and Power100 at SDCP. When we enroll in, and task our CCAs to deliver, 100% renewable energy, we send them to the energy market where they must satisfy our needs by buying that extra solar, wind, or geothermal energy. They avoid the fossil fuel aisle altogether, transforming our collective consumption and drastically dropping power generation emissions. What if the shelves are empty because the other CCAs got there earlier? This drives the market to build more renewable energy faster to satisfy our hunger. By expressing our renewable needs directly, we accelerate the transition. And the good news is the cost difference is so small between the fossil mixed version and the pure 100% that many customers can make that choice, precisely $0.0075 more per kWh than their base mix at both CCAs. SDCP estimates the average customer pays just $4 per month more for 100% renewable. With recent increases at SDG&E, it’s about what you’d be paying if you didn’t leave them. For most, this is the right choice, if you can afford it. Energy costs are high, so if you feel you can’t swing the cost of a 100% renewable plan right now, please consider doing it later if you feel you can. They’ll be waiting for your call, because it’s in their mission to speed this transition away from fossil fuels. Both CCAs allow you to switch your mix back and forth at any time.
Solar Impacts
If you have rooftop solar, don’t worry. You’re included too. The CCA still works with SDG&E going forward, and they will keep your existing Net Metering commitment, and your Tiered or Time of Use plan choices. Your changeover to the CCA will likely be delayed though, taking place on your anniversary true-up date. I found my true-up date on my SDG&E bill under the section entitled Net Energy Metering Summary. Speaking of true-up, SDCP does have a monthly true-up by default to prevent sticker shock of an excessive annual bill to solar owners who significantly underproduce. But the net metering value all works out the same over time as it did under SDG&E. If you prefer to true-up annually, instead, because you’re a net-producer and don’t want to fuss with electric bills each month, there is a form for that on the SDCP Net Metering page. CEA remains an annual true-up for all solar customers. Both CCA’s pay slightly higher for overproduction at the annual true-up, but as with SDG&E, it’s a small rate based on wholesale prices.
Easy to Choose
Do you have to fill out a bunch of complex forms to switch? No. The California Public Utilities Commission has so much faith in the good intentions and positive aspects of CCAs, that you will be defaulted into your CCA automatically; however, you will be placed in the lower renewable mix choice. I recommend, if you’re able financially, to head to their website or place a call to them. I spoke to Jonathon at SDCP who was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to answer all my questions. With your SDG&E account number and some just some basic information, you can quickly and easily opt up to 100% renewable energy. If for any reason you find you’re not happy with choosing the CCA, you have the option to switch back to SDG&E, so it’s really no risk.
Unfortunately, most customers have proven too busy to take the time to opt up, and remain defaulted in the lowest renewable option. Encinitas residents actually defaulted to 100% because the city made that choice, and most have stayed, which is a great endorsement for the plan. But it reminds us we’ve all got to try to make the differences where we can to lower emissions and help save the environment.
2018 Award Gala Celebration
SAN DIEGO CHAPTER CELEBRATES 70 YEARS
On Saturday, June 9th over 100 Sierra Club members and supporters joined in celebrating the Chapter’s 70th Anniversary Awards and Gala Celebration. The event was held at the Hilton Harbor Island. The room was filled with memorabilia from seven decades of Chapter operation including framed posters of the 53 charter members who petitioned the Sierra Club Board of Directors to create the San Diego Chapter in 1948 as the Sierra Club’s fifth Chapter. The room was dominated by the extraordinarily beautiful 8 ft by 30 ft scenic mountain mural painted by Karen Keyes, the wife of long time COL and Bus Trip Leader Mike Fry. The mural first was used in the 1980’s when the Chapter had a booth at the Del Mar Fair and had been in Mike and Karen’s garage ever since. The mural provided a spectacular setting for the Club’s 70th Celebration
Skip Forsht, long time Sierra Club member and past Ex Com member and past WBC chair was inspirational in his role as emcee. Ruben Arizmendi, Sierra Club San Diego Chapter Chair and Richard Miller, Chapter Executive Director, oversaw the presentation of the awards.
City Councilman Chris Ward started the evening introducing Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins who received a FEAT (Fantastic Environmental Action Taken) Award for her long years as an environmental champion first as an aide to Chris Kehoe and then as a City Council District 3 representative, then as Assemblywoman and Speaker of the Assembly and now as a State Senator. Senator Atkins known for her commitment to the natural environment and social justice issues talked of her youth as the daughter of a southwestern Virginia miner father and seamstress mother. She decried the false hope being presented to miners who have been left behind—noting coal won’t and shouldn’t be brought back—that economics is steadily moving the world away from fossil fuels toward carbon-free energy solutions.
Senator Atkins was most eloquent in her reminisces about Joanne H. Pearson whose Memorial Award was being presented for the first time. She praised Joanne who she first met as a City Councilwoman. Joanne would show up regularly at numerous City Council meetings and California Coastal Commission hearings successfully pleading the case for maintaining public access along the entire La Jolla coastline. Senator Atkins graciously provided Senate proclamations for all of Joanne’s children.
The other FEAT awardees were A-16 and Sunbelt Publications both long-time supporters of San Diego environmental community. A-16 was acknowledged for their nearly sixty years of cutting-edge advancements in developing backpacking and outdoor travel gear, for supporting the outdoor community and the San Diego Sierra Club Chapter and Wilderness Basics Course for many decades. A-16 provides philanthropic support not only for the Sierra Club and other environmental organizations but also for Community through workshops, events, instructors, expertise, student, discounts and the Donate-A-Pack Foundation for underprivileged children. Together A-16 and the Sierra Club share a commitment to preserving the beauty and accessibility of our mountains, trails and natural environment while instilling a love of – and respect for – the outdoors.
Sunbelt Publications was honored for their thirty years of publishing natural science and outdoor guidebooks, regional histories and reference books and stories that celebrate the land and its peoples. Sunbelt has been instrumental in documenting the natural, historical and cultural heritage of California, the Southwest and Baja California. Diana Lindsay, Sunbelt President, stated she and her company wanted to get information about the southern California environment to people so they could know what’s out there, explore, appreciate, and know it’s worth protecting—that’s the mission. Sunbelt Publications has actively supported the Chapter and the Wilderness Basics Course among its other environmental activities. Several of Chapter members have authored or edited Sunbelt publications.
This year marked the first Joanne H. Pearson Memorial Award in Environmental Public Advocacy. The Award will be presented annually to a Sierra Club San Diego volunteer who is committed to protecting public rights as they relate to land use or environmental protections in the greater San Diego region. The family of Joanne Pearson established the award and its $1000 grant in memory of their mother who was a highly recognized San Diego land use and environmental activist.
From 1997 to 2005, Joanne chaired the San Diego Sierra Club’s Coastal Committee playing a lead role in addressing coastal projects before the San Diego City Council and California Coastal Commission. In 2004, she organized an environmental coalition to testify successfully before the California Coastal Commission for adoption of the La Jolla Local Coastal Program Update, which resulted in acceptance by the City of San Diego and the California Coastal Conservancy of all outstanding public accesses along the La Jolla coastline. In 1994, Joanne received recognition from the California State Assembly “in honor of her commitment to preserve and enhance our coastal environment, and for her in-depth research and effective testimony before the California Coastal Commission.” In 1997, she was named the California State Assembly “Woman of the Year” for the 78th Assembly District.
Joanne’s family, represented by her daughter Sarah Gauger, wanted to publicly acknowledge the commitment and often unrecognized costs of volunteer service for those who represent the public interest. This award is a sincere and heart-felt thank you to those who sacrifice time away from family, pay their own costs for copies, computers, phones, travel and the like, who are often pitched against well-financed and well-heeled interests and forces, and who despite it all, advocate for positive change in the interest of the greater public. Sarah spoke lovingly of her mother and presented the Award and $1000 check to the first recipient, Ellen Shively.
Ellen has been an activist with the Chapter for 30 years. Her journey started with a Chapter hike, which led to attending hearings and rallies for no-offshore oil drilling, stopping orca captures for commercial interests and walking to protest SDG&E power lines cutting through Anza Borrego Desert State Park. She began serving on the Chapter Conservation Committee, which she still does. She served on the Chapter Executive Committee and as Chapter Chair then became Chair of the Conservation Committee. For the past 10 plus years her mission has been to help save and protect the harbor seals of La Jolla. That journey continues today; she works to educate the public, speaks with school children, attends street fairs and public events, meets with elected officials, Coastal Commissioners and anyone willing to listen. Most of her days and weekends are spent at the La Jolla Cove where she is only too happy to explain the difference between seals and sea lions. She has helped recruit volunteers, train docents and provide leadership. In acceptance of the Joanne Pearson award, Ellen thanked several of her mentors and spoke highly of Joanne Pearson as one of her cherished mentors. Ellen stated her $1000 Award would go immediately back to the Seal Society of the Sierra Club San Diego .
Recognition was also extended to several other Chapter leaders and volunteers who have contributed their time and effort to the success of the Chapter and who have worked hard to safeguard the environment and address issues of environmental justice.
Rochelle Hancock, Chapter Treasurer, was awarded the rarely given Chapter Service award for her exemplary efforts to manage the Chapter finances in very special circumstances. In 2016, she volunteered to assist Chapter Treasurer, Rob Morris, with bookkeeping and treasurer duties. Then with his sudden and untimely passing in July 2017, she agreed to step up and assume the full responsibilities of Chapter Treasurer. This meant learning all the enormous complexities of Sierra Club finances, completing the End-of-the-Year fiscal reports from all 13 sections, groups and the Chapter finances much of which she had not even seen before. She spent hundreds of hours successfully completing this herculean task.
Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Stefanie Maio recognizing her consistent, dedicated, multiple and outstanding efforts to further the Club’s overall mission. Since her introduction to the Wilderness Basics Course in 2006, Stefanie Maio has been has been a one-woman army covering a variety of roles with WBC including Advertising, Public Relations, Social Media, Email Marketing, Outings Coordinator, Website Designer and Chairperson of the 2016 and 2017 Wilderness Basics Course overseeing a staff of 70 volunteers in teaching backpacking fundamentals to the community. Stefanie has also been the Communications Coordinator promoting the trips for the Bus Trip Section. In addition to being a Chapter Outings Leader Level II, she is currently the Leader Training Coordinator and is instrumental in developing new Chapter Outings Leaders to explore, enjoy and protect the planet! In 2017, Stefanie along with other key Chapter leaders participated in the National Sierra Club Growing for Change Workshop dedicated to changing the culture of the Sierra Club to focus not just on environmental protection but to do it with justice and equity and inclusion for all.
Michelle Di Nicola was recognized with the Rookie Activist Award for her volunteer activism as a new member around zero waste management. After attending a few Conservation Committee meetings during the past year, Michelle took a leap and became the Zero Waste Chair of the Conservation Committee, and soon after, became a member of the Sierra Club California Zero Waste Committee. Michelle spoke on behalf of the Sierra Club at the 5th Annual Zero Waste Symposium in San Diego and attended the First Annual Environmental Leadership summit. She is also involved in Environmental Justice and has been a leader in helping with the Chapter’s member Orientations. Many times, you can find Michelle at the Chapters booths and tabling events. It is the enthusiasm and hard work of […]
Beat the Heat! Be Safe when Hiking this Summer in San Diego!
As summer approaches, the days become longer, the weather warms up and many of us want to get outdoors and explore the trails to local watering holes and waterfalls. Two of the most popular hikes in the area are Cedar Creek Falls and the Three Sisters Falls. What many people don’t realize is that these trails can get extremely hot and have little shade. In addition, they are canyon hikes…meaning the hike starts with a descent and to finish the hike you must go uphill. On a weekend in July 2017, 8 people were rescued from the Three Sisters Falls trail due to heat related issues and recently a young woman died due to dehydration and being overheated. Even for the most fit, these hikes can be extremely challenging on a hot day.
Many of the trails in San Diego county get can extremely hot during the summer months, with proper planning and avoiding the hot days, you can experience many of the hikes the county and the surrounding area has to offer.
Do the following before heading out on a summer hike to beat the heat:
1. Check the Weather Report
Weather in San Diego county can vary drastically from the coast, to the mountains, to the desert and therefore, it’s a good idea to check the weather report prior to heading out for your hike any time of the year. If you have a hike in mind and the weather report calls for a hot day…save that hike for another day and choose a destination that is cooler or consider a different activity.
2. Choose Hiking Locations with Shade or at Cooler Temperatures
San Diego and the surrounding area provides a variety of hiking options. On hot days, choose to hike in locations that provide shade or are along the coast or at higher elevations where are temperatures are often cooler. Hikes along streams, rivers and lakes are a bonus! Not only can you cool off in the water, you can carry less drinking water providing that you have a water filter or bring chemicals to treat the water. Be sure to check on the water levels for safe entry and to ensure that there is water to filter as many natural water sources tend to dry up in the summer months in Southern California.
3. Avoid Hiking During the Hottest Times of the Day
Go hiking early in the morning, late afternoon or in the evening when the sun is not at its hottest temperatures. Avoid hiking between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drink a liter or quart of water prior to starting your hike so that you are hydrated. Keep hydrated by drinking small amounts of water frequently. Remind others that you are hiking with to keep drinking. It’s easiest to drink water from a bladder reservoir while hiking. Bring along a 500ml bottle of water, so if you run out of water in your reservoir, you’ll have a backup and you’ll know that it’s time to look for a stream to filter water or head back to the trail head. In addition, it’s a good idea to keep extra drinking water in your car. When it’s hot, freeze a bottle of water, so it melts along the way and you can have a cold drink! On a regular day, the body needs roughly four liters or a gallon of fluids. In hot weather or with heavy exertion, your body will need more. For a hike to the Three Sisters Waterfalls, a minimum of a gallon of water per person is recommended. Warning signs: if you have a dry mouth, or “cotton mouth” or you are thirsty, if you don’t feel the need to urinate or your urine is dark/bright yellow (not due to the vitamins you just took), you might be at risk for dehydration and your body make not be working at its optimal level.
5. Replenish Electrolytes
As you sweat, your body loses electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium which may cause fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, confusion and nausea. You normally replenish your electrolytes with a balanced diet. When it’s hot and you are exerting yourself, your body loses electrolytes at a greater rate. Electrolytes can be replenished with sport drinks and powder mixes, electrolyte gels and chews. On hot day hikes, you can freeze coconut water drink boxes and then enjoy a slushy drink packed with electrolytes at the peak. This also makes a great ice pack to keep other foods chilled until lunch or an ice pack for a minor injury.
6. Create Your Own Shade – Use an Umbrella
Many of the hikes in San Diego tend to be void of shade when you need it the most. Create your own shade by carrying an umbrella. Several instructors with the San Diego Wilderness Basics Course carry the Liteflex Hiking Umbrella from Gossamer Gear for its durability, lightweight, extended canopy and UV protection fabric.
7. Wear Breathable Loose Fitting Clothing
Choose clothing that is lightweight, loose fitting and breathable to help regulate your body’s temperature. Avoid dark clothing as it tends to attract the sun’s rays and make you hotter. Go for a lighter color palette…plus dirt doesn’t show up as much on sand color and grey clothing. The Wilderness Basics Course has a saying “Cotton Kills”, however, in the hot summer months, cotton clothing is acceptable as the sweat trapped in the fabric can provide a cooling effect. Also, you can soak a cotton top in a stream or in a wide-mouthed Nalgene bottle with water to cool you off!
8. Wear a Hat, Sunglasses & Sunscreen
From baseball style hats, trucker hats, wide brim hats to gardening hats…pick one that you like and wear it! Hats with broader brims tend to be better in shielding your eyes, face, neck and ears from the sun. Even with a hat, it’s important to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and sunscreen to prevent your skin from burning. Remember to apply sunscreen to the back your ears…as it’s a spot that can easily burn and most people forget this area until it’s too late!
9. Know Your Limits
Before going on any outing, it’s always a good idea to assess the physical demands of the hike for you and your entire group. A hike that seems effortless on a cool day could easily deplete your energy on a hot day. If you or anyone in your group, is having a hard time with the hike, it’s better to turn around and do the hike another day, than to never hike again.
10. Know the Signs & Symptoms of Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke
Learn about the signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and what first aid measures to take in this article by the American Red Cross. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early and knowing what to do, can make the difference between life and death.
11. Leave your Dog at Home
We all love to take our dogs with us when we go for a hike as what dog doesn’t love the opportunity to get outdoors? However, when the temperatures heat up, it’s best to leave your four-legged friend at home where it’s not hot. Dogs can easily get heat exhaustion as they don’t have the same mechanisms as we do to shed heat.
12. Carry the 10 Essentials
If an emergency does occur and you find yourself having to spend unexpected time in the outdoors or even the night, the 10 Essentials can make the difference. There are more than 10 essentials, but all experts agree on carrying the following: navigation (map and compass), sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat), insulation (clothing), illumination (headlamp, flashlight), first aid kit, fire starter (matches, lighter), repair kit (knife, tools), nutrition (extra food), hydration (extra water), and emergency shelter (rain gear, poncho, space blanket).
13. Have an Emergency Contact
It’s a great idea to have an emergency contact if you don’t return from your hike. Tell a reliable family member or friend your hiking plan. Provide them with the following information: who you are hiking with, the location of the trail head, the route you’ll be taking, when you plan to return and what to do if you don’t return. Remember to check in with your emergency contact when you get back to the car and have cell service, as you would hate for your emergency contact to send out a search & rescue team and you’re at a restaurant celebrating the day!
The Sierra Club mission is to explore, enjoy and protect the planet. The San Diego Chapter offers free hikes to the public with leaders trained in hiking and first aid. In addition, the award winning Wilderness Basics Course is offered in North County and San Diego each year from January to April. The course teaches the […]
Ride List for April 2018
March 25 – SUNDAY
MISSION BAY SUNDAY RIDE
Difficulty Rating: 21 to 35 mi, rolling hills.
On the 3rd and 4th Sunday of each month, join us for the Sunday Ride starting from Mission Bay. Meet at 9 am in the parking lot immediately north of the Mission Bay Visitor Center. Route & leaders vary each week. Come for the social pace of this ride. Leader: Marty Hambright, 858-587-0272.
March 25 – SUNDAY
RANCHO SANTA FE-CARLSBAD-ENCINITAS EXPRESS RIDE
Difficulty Rating: over 35 mi, moderate hills, 12-14 mph average pace.
Meet at 8:30 am at Carmel Valley Community Center (3777 Townsgate Dr.) for a scenic 43 mi ride through Rancho SF, Carlsbad and Encinitas with a snack stop in Solana Beach on our coastal return. Rain cancels. If weather is questionable, call ride leader on morning of ride. Leader: Myles Pomeroy, 858-565-7262, Mobile: 619-246-1893.
April 1 – SUNDAY
NORTH COUNTY SUNDAY RIDE
Difficulty Rating: 21 to 35 mi, rolling hills.
The 1st, 2nd & 5th Sunday of each month, meet at 9 am at the Carmel Valley Community Center, 3777 Townsgate Drive, across the street from the Del Mar Highlands Shopping Center, 1/2 mi E of I-5. Route & leaders vary each week. Come for the social pace of this ride. Leader: Ellen Scott, 619-405-4819.
April 1 – SUNDAY
CHAMPAGNE EXPRESS
Difficulty Rating: over 35 mi, steep grade(s), 12-14 mph average pace.
Join us at 9 am in the parking lot west of the Admin Bldg of the Lawrence Welk Resort (8860 Lawrence Welk Dr off Champagne Blvd, 10 mi N of Escondido) for a 40 mi scenic loop over to Rainbow. This ride has four long uphill climbs, each followed by a spectacular downhill cruise. Bring $ for a mid-ride snack. Rain cancels. Leader: David Johnson, 858-483-5877.
April 8 – SUNDAY
NORTH COUNTY SUNDAY RIDE
Difficulty Rating: 21 to 35 mi, rolling hills.
The 1st, 2nd & 5th Sunday of each month, meet at 9 am at the Carmel Valley Community Center, 3777 Townsgate Drive, across the street from the Del Mar Highlands Shopping Center, 1/2 mi E of I-5. Route & leaders vary each week. Come for the social pace of this ride. Leader: Ron Manherz, 858-587-0272.
April 8 – SUNDAY
NORTH COUNTY JR EXPRESS RIDE
Difficulty Rating: 21 to 35 mi, rolling hills, 12-14 mph average pace.
Meet at 8:45 am at Westfield Mall in Escondido. Take Via Rancho Pky east off I-15 to Beethoven Street, turn left and park in lot behind 24 Hour Fitness Club. This 35 mi route explores the rural areas and neighborhoods of Escondido and San Marcos. Snack stop if the group decides. Rain cancels. Leader: Cynthia Katz, 818-823-7099.
April 15 – SUNDAY
MISSION BAY SUNDAY RIDE
Difficulty Rating: 21 to 35 mi, rolling hills.
On the 3rd and 4th Sunday of each month, join us for the Sunday Ride starting from Mission Bay. Meet at 9 am in the parking lot immediately north of the Mission Bay Visitor Center. Route & leaders vary each week. Come for the social pace of this ride. Leader: Lynn Reaser, 619-255-6819.
April 22 – SUNDAY
MISSION BAY SUNDAY RIDE
Difficulty Rating: 21 to 35 mi, rolling hills.
On the 3rd and 4th Sunday of each month, join us for the Sunday Ride starting from Mission Bay. Meet at 9 am in the parking lot immediately north of the Mission Bay Visitor Center. We’ll stop for a short visit to Earth Day in Balboa Park. Route & leaders vary each week. Come for the social pace of this ride. Leader: Marty Hambright, 858-587-0272.
April 22 – SUNDAY
SOUTH COUNTY OTAY LAKES JUNIOR EXPRESS RIDE
Difficulty Rating: over 35 mi, moderate hills, 12-14 mph average pace.
NEW ROUTE! Meet at 8:45 am at Pepper Park in National City (I-5 to Bay Marina Dr., right onto Bay Marina Dr., then left at Marina Way, right at bend at marina, left into pkg lot. These turns are very quick.) for a 35 mi junior express ride to Otay Lakes. This route has elements of my ride to the Olympic Training Center with some segments on busy roads and others on new roads with very little traffic. About 1,700 feet of climbing. Snack stop on the way back. Leader: Myles Pomeroy, 858-565-7262, Mobile: 619-246-1893.
April 29 – SUNDAY
NORTH COUNTY SUNDAY RIDE
Difficulty Rating: 21 to 35 mi, rolling hills.
The 1st, 2nd & 5th Sunday of each month, meet at 9 am at the Carmel Valley Community Center, 3777 Townsgate Drive, across the street from the Del Mar Highlands Shopping Center, 1/2 mi E of I-5. Route & leaders vary each week. Come for the social pace of this ride. Leader: Ron Manherz, 858-587-0272.
April 29 – SUNDAY
MISSION BAY TO CABRILLO JR EXPRESS RIDE
Difficulty Rating: over 35 mi, moderate hills, 12-14 mph average pace.
Meet at 8:30 am in the De Anza Cove parking lot of Mission Bay for a 35-40 mi ride along bike paths to Ocean Beach and Nimitz Blvd to the lighthouse in Cabrillo Nat. Monument. Please bring your park pass if you have one. Optional hill ride to tide pools. We’ll stop for snacks after the decent from the hill. Bring provisions, water and money. Leader: Dawn Nowlin, 858-254-8171.
My Experience at the 2018 Women’s March in San Diego
I asked a few members of the Sierra Club San Diego to tell me about their experience at the 2018 Women’s March. Approximately 1.6 million people participated in the March across the United States to celebrate women and to march for a number of issues that affect everyone nationwide! Over 37,000 participants attended the event in San Diego and roughly 4000 in North County at Palomar College. We would love to hear about your experience and what the march means for you. We welcome your comments below.
Karenlee Robinson, Sierra Club San Diego Steering Committee Member
Arriving at 7 am at the County Administrative Center on the morning of the Women’s March to set up the Sierra Club booth, my husband, Jay, and I worried that maybe not many people would attend the March this year. I feared that the publicity had not been as great nor as well orchestrated as last year. But as the morning progressed, slowly the crowd began to grow and then swell to fill the event area and then suddenly there was just a sea of people with signs galore. Most all of the signs were hand made with very personal, inspiring, creative and provocative messages. This definitely is a grass roots movement…you could just feel the energy in the crowd. One of the best signs was “Grab Them by the Midterms”. As always the goal is to somehow transform that energy into continued activism. At the Sierra Club Booth over 100 people signed post cards to send to Ryan Zinke, Secretary of the Interior, protesting the planned reduction of National Parks and the opening those areas to mining and drilling. People also signed up wanting to volunteer with the Sierra Club expressing the need to “Do Something” to insure our environment is protected and that our planet survives the growing climate change crisis. In short the March exceeded all expectations! It provided needed encouragement and support…We are Not Alone!
Jody Stell, Sierra Club Member and Chapter Outing Leader
This past Saturday was my first experience doing a march and I was very glad to have participated. Two friends and I carpooled then walked to the Waterfront Park, where the areas was buzzing with activity – representatives from groups manned booths and met with participants, sharing their vision, looking for petition signatures, or just drumming up excitement for their cause. People running for office were shaking hands and educating constituents. Reading signs alone could entertain you for hours – from profound, deep famous quotes to hilarious satirical drawings.
After about one and a half hours of speeches from a variety of women and organizations, the actual March began. We held our signs up high and proud, chanted along with megaphoned leaders, and enjoyed drumming and other music from the sidelines. It was a crisp gorgeous puffy-cloud day and I was very honored and humbled to be living in a country where this type of freedom of expression is welcomed and celebrated.
Starla Rivers, Sierra Club Member and Activist
For me, the Women’s March is about more than who sits in the White House. It is about environmental justice, reproductive justice, social justice and many other “justices” that are denied or abrogated under right wing regimes for women, people of color, immigrants, and worst of all – children. The individuals who scream the loudest about individual responsibility are among the first to deny individual rights. They want to classify families by color and gender rather than by love. They want to categorize children as either deserving (in utero) or undeserving (life long access to clean air and water, health care and education). They want to denigrate immigrants as rapists and murderers rather than welcome hard working people seeking what our immigrant ancestors sought – freedom and opportunity.
I find the women and men who participate in the March and other similar activist activities to generally be seekers of truth and compromise, believers in education and strong work ethics, supporters of law enforcement and military personnel, protectors of love and families, and caretakers of our Mother Earth. Celebrating accomplishments and setting goals with 37,000 other energetic and joyful people on January 20, 2018 gave me hope and commitment that I will carry into the November elections.
Cynthia Wootton, Sierra Club Conservation Committee Member
I feel deeply grateful to all the women, men, organizations, politicians, tribes and everyone who came to the Women’s March this January 20 2018 and the last one. I worked for many years in a corporate environment where there was gossip and back biting between women, gender inequality and sexual harassment. For me, this march filled me with empowerment, strength, renewed vigor and hope. As one sign said “EMPOWERED WOMEN EMPOWER WOMEN.”
The refrain of Muse song “Uprising” was sung by a local San Diego band The Resizters and seemed to fit the mood of the movement:
“They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious!”
There were women of all shapes, sizes, ages, colors, races. One sign said “DIVERSITY IS AMERICA’S SUPERPOWER.” Everyone was there for one purpose as someone’s sign said, “SOLIDARITY.” Some had signs saying “I’M WITH HER.” They had arrows pointing to all marchers around them, or of Star Wars Princess Leia, or of the earth, or the Statue of Liberty. Some faces were smiling and laughing, others were fierce. One sign said “PERSIST, RESIST, INSIST.“ There were no special outfits, everyone came only to share their commitment to each other, their determination to be the change, as a sign said “UNITED WE STAND.” Men were here too to support our cause. One sign said “PEOPLE OF QUALITY DON’T FEAR EQUALITY.” Some women brought their children and dogs. One sign said “UNITY, EQUALITY & JUSTICE FOR ALL” Although some faces looked tired, they continued to chant “TELL ME WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE? THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!”
There were many signs that expressed frustration with current government policies and commitment to help our planet earth, prevent climate change, support science and to change our government in the primaries and midterm elections this year.
Our movement needs a song the way “We shall overcome was the song of the sixties.” Maybe it’s the refrain by Muse I feel hopeful, as one sign said, “THERE IS A NEW DAY ON THE HORIZON”.
Suzi Sandore, Sierra Club North County Section Executive Committee
Being part of the Women’s March in North County was amazing! It was great to see so many people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds coming together to have their voices heard.
We had a number of new and existing Sierra Club members join us at Palomar College for the March.
In addition to promoting women’s rights, people were sharing their views on the current administration. We saw messaging on signs that were humorous in nature, some were angry and some were motivational. One of my favorite initiatives is “Turning Congress Blue”. People were promoting the “Blue Wave” wearing blue gloves and blue ribbons to spread the word!
We look forward to having an even larger contingency for next year’s March.
New Year’s Resolution: Going Green
Is Being Green on Your New Year’s List of Resolutions?
You may remember Kermit the Frog singing the tune “it’s not easy being green”. Here are some tips from Michelle De Nicola on what you can do to live a greener lifestyle. Choose a couple of items and include them in your New Year’s List of Resolutions.
Reusables, Not Disposables:
+ Towel Power – Use cloth towels instead of paper towels. Dedicate a few kitchen towels to drying produce after you wash it, and put a washcloth in with your baby greens to absorb moisture. Use a bar mob or sponge to clean up counter spills, and keep one for floor messes too.
+ BYO Towel – Keep a washcloth or small towel in your bag or car and at work, so when you are on the go, you can dry your hands with your own personal towel, instead of creating paper towel waste or using electricity from running electric hand dryer.
+ BYO Bags – Get reusable bags for all your shopping. Also try the mesh produce bags. Don’t buy into the so-called reusable plastic shopping bags or the paper bags at checkout. If you forgot your bags, grab a cart and wheel your groceries to your car.
+ Reusable Food Storage Bags – These will save you money and cut down on resources used to make virgin single-use plastic bags.
+ BYO Utensils – Not just for camping, you can get a set of reusable utensils for your lunch bag, backpack, briefcase, and car so you’re never in need of a plastic
“single use” utensil again.
+ Bye, Bottled Water – It takes more water to make the plastic bottle of bottled water than to fill it up. Get a reusable, washable bottle instead.
+ Rechargeable batteries – Buy a few sets of rechargeable batteries with chargers instead of buying single-use.
Go Tree-less
+ Paper & Paper Products – Switch you office paper and paper products to a tree-free alternative, such as paper made from sugar cane or 100% post-consumer product. Not just printer paper, but also toilet paper, tissues, napkins, and paper towels.
+ Public Paper – Opt out of using paper towel in public restrooms.
Go Paperless
+ Bills – Sign up for e-statements so your bills get delivered to your email inbox, not your mailbox. Less mail sorting, too!
+ Ditch the Receipts – Many retailers can now email and text receipts to you at the point of sale. Choose whenever you can. Plus, you’ll have more room in your wallet for other things, like cash!
To-Go Green
+ Say No to To-Go boxes – Bring your own sandwich box when you eat out. If you’re picking up an order, bring your own bag.
+ BYO Mug – Carry a travel mug or tumbler with you for beverages on the go. Or make beverages at home and enjoy them on the go
Plastic – Reduce & Replace
+ Water Filtration – Buy a water filter pitcher or a filter for you kitchen sink. It’ll give you more filtered water for less money than bottled water.
+ Bioplastic Bags – Replace your plastic trash bags and doggie doo bags with bioplastic. It’s made from plants and is biodegradeable, unlike its petroleum counterpart.
+ Straws – When you dine out, tell your waiter or bartender you don’t want a straw. If you must have a straw, choose reusable (& get a cleaning kit), bioplastic, or recycled paper.
+ Avoid Polystyrene – Polystyrene is often called Styrofoam, but they’re not the same thing. Polystyrene (PS) is what the foamy white cups and to-go containers are made from. It’s toxic to make and leaches toxins into your food, especially when hot.
Home Improvement
+ Bamboo, Baby! – Ditch the hardwood and choose bamboo for just about everything. It makes great flooring, countertops cabinets, fences, and furniture. And since it’s a quickly-growing reed, it’s super sustainable and naturally pest-resistant.
+ Recycled & Re-purposed – Recycled glass and recycled stone counter tops are beautiful, durable, easy to clean, and much friendlier to the planet than new quarried stone slabs.
+ Reuse – Check out thrift stores for decor, before you hit the retail stores.
Reduce Gas Usage
+ Use Public Transportation – Try Amtrak, the Coaster, the Trolley, bus lines, bike, or walking. Try splitting a cab or ride sharing too.
+ Carpool – You’ll use less gas and you can share the costs with your fellow riders.
+ Shop Local – Buy locally-grown foods at one of the many farmer’s markets in the county. There’s less transportation involved in getting the foods to you, thus reducing the carbon footprint of what you buy.
Water Conservation
+ Water Off – When you wash your hands, lather up with the water off. Keep it off while brushing your teeth, too.
+ Go – Put a water-filled container in your toilet tank for less water useage per flush.
+ Green Thumb: Make your yard and garden water-wise. The City of San Diego has water conservation tips on its website.
Reduce Energy Usage
+ Switch to LED lightbulbs – They use far less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, and less that compact fluorescents, too. Plus they don’t contain mercury like compact fluorescent bulbs, and put out very little heat.
+ Lights Out – For an easy way to power down, plug devices into power strips around you home. Just flip the switch to turn off everything at once.
+ Save with OhmConnect – Sign up at www.ohmconnect.com for free and join the Sierra Club team. You’ll save money and earn points while helping to keep the dirtiest power plants offline during peak hours.
Reduce Waste
+ Compost – Start a compost bin to keep food waste out of the dump, where it rots and releases methane, a major greenhouse gas. The City of San Diego holds free composting classes–just check their website, sandiego.gov.
+ Diaper Dilemma – Switch to cloth instead of using disposables, which sit around in landfills for 250 – 500 years. Rubber help with waterproofing. If you’re traveling, try biodegradable bamboo diapers.
+ Reuse & Recycle Foil – Don’t buy into the marketing of using foil to avoid doing dishes. Aluminum can be recycled using just 5% of the energy it takes to make a new product. If you must buy foil, go with 100% recycled product.
+ Packaging – Consider the packaging of products you buy and how you’ll recycle it.
Kind Food Choices
+ Go Organic – Pesticides are harmful for humans, animals, and pollinating insects, like bees. One of the most widely-used pesticides, Roundup, contains a key ingredient called glyphosate. It’s a probable human carcinogen that’s present in high amounts in some very popular foods—like a cereal brand often fed to toddlers, brand name chips, cookies, and more. Glyphosate also binds to nutrients, pulling them out of the soil and out of food, decreasing nutritional value. Because it’s water soluble, glyphosate in crop runoff pollutes soil and water sources beyond the area that’s sprayed.
+ Just Say ‘No’ to GMO – Many GMO plants are resistant to pesticides, so multiple rounds of pesticide are sprayed on them to repel insects. Because of the wind and pollinators, like bees, some of the DNA can travel to organic farms and contaminate the crops. To create GMOs, biotech companies alter DNA structure, adding in what nature never intended. This alteration also allows them to patent the plant, and thus own it. We human guinea pigs don’t yet know the full extent of GMOs on our health. Something else to consider–biotech and chemical companies are in control of more of our food supply than our farmers.
+ Real Food, Not Processed – The more you buy plants and grains that are in their whole form, the more nutrition they’ll have and the more money you’ll save. You’ll have less packaging waste, too.
+ Support Sustainable & Fair Companies – You vote with your dollars every time you buy products. Support food and beverage companies with sustainable farming practices—not those who destroy the rain forests and the soil, spray toxins onto our crops, or pollute our rivers, land, and air. Choose companies that are fair to people and humane to animals.
About the Author
Michelle became involved in the San Diego chapter of the Sierra Club this past January 2017. She’s a member of the Conservation Committee, working on Zero Waste and Environmental Justice issues, and the new Conservation Chair for the Social Sierrans.