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Since 1976 Sierra Club Palos Verdes – South Bay Group / Angeles Chapter May June 2013

PV-SB Group, Sierra Club PO Box 2464, PVP, CA 90274 http://angeles.sierraclub.org/pvsb

From the Editor It is Earth Day 2013 as I put together this May issue of the Foggy View. It’s a day to celebrate the progress that has been made to improve our environment since the first Earth Day in 1970 and a day to contemplate the challenges ahead of us.

Great strides have been made to improve our air and water quality through the Clean Air Act of 1970, the Clean Water Act of 1972, the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA—the Superfund law) of 1980. Do you recall the smog that blanketed LA Basin in the ‘60s and ‘70s? What about the stories of waterways and tap water so contaminated they caught fire? And the devastation to bird species caused by dumping DDT and other toxins off the PV Shelf? We are still cleaning up.

Congress passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973 to provide a framework for protection and conservation of threatened and endangered species and their habitats. We have also passed bond measures that enabled us to invest in preservation and restoration of dwindling habitats to protect and promote biodiversity and provide respite not only for migrating birds but for people to retreat from the concrete jungle.

We owe a debt of gratitude to those who fought to improve the health, safety, and well-being of our communities. It isn’t easy to face criticism for disrupting the status quo or for interfering with “progress”. Yet whether you call them “activists”,

“environmentalists”, or simply concerned citizens who took the time and made the effort to speak up, they have made the difference.

As we look to the future and the issues that confront us today, we can each seek to do our part. Climate disruption looms large before us. The draft Third National Climate Assessment, written by 240 scientists, business leaders, and other experts, reports that the impacts of climate change caused by human consumption of fossil fuels are occurring faster than had been predicted. Not willing to wait for leaders who are more focused on other foreign and domestic policy issues, some individuals and communities are taking steps on their own to reduce their carbon footprint. Most of us can do more. One family in Hermosa Beach is showing the way with their Green Idea House.

One Family’s Home: Green Ideas Realized

The Green Idea House (GIH), on Prospect Avenue in Hermosa Beach, is Robert and Monica Fortunato’s home—and so much more. When the Fortunato’s set out to remodel their home, they set goals of net zero energy, zero carbon (using only renewable energies that do not produce CO2 emissions), reusing and salvaging as much of the existing building and materials as possible, and LEED Platinum Standards and Green Point & Energy Star Certification, all with an eye on affordability to make it something that other homeowners could replicate.

Southern California Edison chose the Fortunato home to showcase their efforts to support the California Public Utility Commission’s goals for all new residential construction to be net zero energy by 2020.

(Green Idea, Page 2)

Write for the Foggy View! Do you want to share your knowledge about a conservation issue with other Foggy View readers? Submit an article by the next deadline. Prefer 400 words or less.

Deadline is June 10, 2013.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE *voting officer

Group Chair & Chapter Rep

Hersh Kelley* 310-832-0013

Vice Chair & Political Chair

Al Sattler* 310-831-0032

Secretary

Diane Wood* 310-245-8965

Treasurer

Sandy Graham* 714-282-5661

Conservation Co-Chair

& Foggy View Editor

Eva Cicoria* 310-648-9784

Conservation Co-Chair

Dave Wiggins* 310-529-2051

Outings & Safety Chair

Frank Atkin* 310-378-5008

Programs & Social Chair

Joyce White* 310-383-5247

Membership & Outreach Chair

Bill Lavoie* 310-378-8723

Special Projects

John Wessel* 310-377-8047

Shuja Oberoi* 310-567-8512

Website Coordinator

Terry Bass 310-539-8227

Webmaster

Michael Moore 310-398-8219

Publicity

Paul Rosenberger 310-545-3531

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(Green Idea, from page 1) At the April dedication of the GIH, Robert Fortunato described some of the technologies incorporated into the remodel.

Rooftop photovoltaic solar panels paired with energy efficiencies and use of electric appliances and systems eliminate the

need for CO2 producing energy sources like fossil fuels. Electric heat pumps heat the water for kitchen and bath use as well

as the water in their hot water-filled baseboard home-heating system. Passive solar technology—a five-foot roof

overhang—creates a cooling, umbrella effect against the high summer sun, while still letting in the warmth of winter sun,

reducing the energy demands for cooling their home in summer or heating it in winter. They supplemented this with

advanced insulation. Interior architectural design was also important—among other things they utilized an open stairwell and

skylight design to create a thermal chimney effect that enhances circulation and provides more even winter heating and

summer cooling. By using natural daylight, LED lighting, and energy efficient electric appliances, they further reduced their

energy consumption and eliminated the carbon output of gas appliances.

Water systems were also carefully planned. The tank from an old gas-powered hot water heater serves as a receptacle for

passive ambient air temperature warming of water (aided by an insulated and airtight garage that retains warmth) so that tap

water warms to room temperature before being heated to a higher temperature for kitchen and bath use. A gray-water

system recycles water from the bathtub, showers, and washing machine to fill the toilet tanks and water the landscape.

Rainwater from non-permeable surfaces is also captured onsite to minimize runoff and rejuvenate the water table.

The Fortunato’s took care to avoid toxins, using

formaldehyde-free wood and non-VOC paints and flooring.

And they made an effort to use low or no maintenance

materials such as siding that doesn’t require painting, thus

saving money and other resources.

The GIH and the Fortunato family received many awards and

recognitions prior to and at the April dedication event.

Multiple dignitaries attended the event, as did many Sierra

Club members. The intensity of the Fortunato’s dedication to

the project’s success was evident and the results of their

efforts are truly inspirational.

Find more at the Green Idea House website, at

http://www.greenideahouse.com/ --inspiring us all to try a little

harder, do a little more, to move toward a more sustainable

way of living. _________________________________________________________________________________

AES Redondo

Redondo Beach Measure A on the March ballot, attempting to rezone the AES power plant for open space and commercial and institutional uses, failed by a narrow margin—49% of voters favored the initiative, to 51% opposed. The Sierra Club endorsed the measure. It’s reasonable to assume based on the vote that greater than 50% of the voters oppose the power plant, but that some of those who oppose it simply

didn’t support the specifics of the rezoning.

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LPG Storage in EPA’s Sights

In March, the Environmental Protection Agency wrote to Rancho LPG Holdings LLC, owner of two 12.5 million gallon and five

60,000 gallon propane and butane storage tanks on Gaffey Street in San Pedro, notifying them of Clean Air Act violations.

The notice cites inspection failures as well as inadequate risk management and emergency response plans. The tanks sit in

the Palos Verdes Peninsula Fault’s fracture zone and residents worry that the fault can generate a higher intensity

earthquake than the tanks were designed to withstand.

Solar Energy Advances

Solar energy power in the US has increased more than 600% since 2008 according to US News and World Report (Apr 12, 2013), and in March 2013 “solar energy accounted for all new utility electricity generation capacity added to the grid for the first time.” LA Times estimates that the panels installed in 2012 “will generate about the same amount of electricity over a year as a medium-sized coal plant, enough to power 400,000 US homes.”

This is good news for those concerned about the dangers of fracking attendant to extracting natural gas and for opponents of natural gas-fired power plants such as the AES plant in Redondo. Less reliance on these forms of energy reduces the need to drill and the need to re-build.

The Angeles Chapter will be participating again this year in helping Sierra Club members to go solar through the Sungevity program. If you are interested, contact Jennifer Robinson, Angeles Chapter Conservation Coordinator, at jrobinson@sierraclub.org .

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Support the Angeles Chapter: Respond to the Annual Fund Appeal

Please strongly consider sending a donation in to support the Angeles Chapter in their Annual Fund Appeal. The Angeles

Chapter has the largest membership in the Sierra Club, with a small, hardworking staff supporting volunteer leaders running

a larger outings program than any other chapter, with responsibility for responding to conservation issues in Los Angeles and

Orange Counties. Chapter has been cutting costs, for example, by eliminating paper versions of the Schedule of Activities

and Southern Sierran and by moving to a smaller office, but the Chapter’s share of dues is not enough to sustain the

Chapter. You can donate or get more information at http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=298505.0 .

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Ponte Vista

Earlier this year, the Sierra Club submitted comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Ponte Vista Project, a

housing development proposed for 60 acres of land on Western Avenue in San Pedro.

The project proposal sought to reduce the open space requirement for the parcel and to increase the housing density to

permit up to 1,135 units. The DEIR justified the increase in zoning density by relying on the environmentally sound principle

of concentrating development in urban centers. While we acknowledged our support for compact development as a planning

tool within appropriate, existing urban centers to avoid urban sprawl that paves over natural areas, we opposed the upzoning

in this case. Barring the establishment of public transportation options that would be likely to reduce the traffic volume along

the Western Avenue corridor, an increase in development density in this area, which is already characterized by highly

congested and often gridlocked roadways, is inappropriate.

Any alternative that is supported by the current R-1 zoning for the site should be designed to comply with existing open space

requirements. The area presently has a small year-round stream running through it which should be preserved and restored

to attract wildlife, including at risk species such as the Palos Verdes blue butterfly and the California Gnatcatcher,

augmenting other restoration efforts on the Peninsula and providing important public open space for the community.

(Outings, from page 5) between Sepulveda & Carson. We’ll take the bus to the Hollywood Bowl. Bring picnic & beverage. The Bowl will honor music legends Steven Tyler & Joe Perry of Aerosmith into the Bowl’s Hall of Fame, with Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins, conductor, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. We’ll picnic at our seats. Program at 8:00 PM. We are in section Q. Send a SASE with your check for $25 to PVSB Sierra Club to: Joyce White 789 W 29th St, San Pedro CA 90731. $25 includes bus ride. Joyce’s cell # is 310-383-5247 for information.

Jun 29 Sat O: Portuguese Point Hike Moderate 6 mi, 1000’ gain, 3 hrs. Take Palos Verdes Dr South to Forrestal Dr north to gate. Meet at gate at 8:00 AM. Klondike Cyn, across Portuguese Cyn, Portuguese Pt, Sea Cave, Inspiration Pt. Wear lug sole boots, bring snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs Barry Bonnickson, Emile Fiesler.

Aug 8-11 Thu-Sun O: Mammoth-Yosemite Bus Trip Would you like to hike through meadows of wild flowers, soak your feet in pristine alpine lakes, and feast your eyes on vistas of snow-capped granite peaks? Join us for an adventurous 4 days of glorious hiking on some of the most spectacular trails in the Sierras and in the Hoover Wilderness area near Yosemite. Participants must be fit enough to hike 7 miles in hilly terrain at high altitudes. We

stay all three nights in Mammoth Lakes’ Sierra Nevada Lodge. Price includes bus, shared motel room, driver’s gratuity, and snacks (no meals). Depart early Thurs from Redondo Beach and return Sun night. Cancellation penalty is $40 and the balance is refundable until July 1 only if a suitable replacement is found. Send 2 business-size SASE,H&W phones, email, and check to PVSB Sierra Club for $304 to reservationist Bob Baldwin, 7500 Wystone Ave, Reseda, CA 91335. Ldrs: Judy Shane judyshane@aol.com & Bob Baldwin rbaldwin@unex.ucla.edu.

Sep 20-22 Fri-Sun O: Yosemite Volunteer in Parks Assist Yosemite personnel in Volunteer in Parks project in Yosemite Valley. No Cost. Must provide own transportation or arrange carpool to Yosemite. Volunteers’ dress: long pants, long sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes/boots. Work typically involves hiking over uneven, potentially rocky & /or wet, slippery terrain. Project may require ability to lift up to 40 pounds or 1/3 body weight (whichever is less). Adult Sierra Club members only; others only after consultation with Keith Martin. Send SASE to Keith Martin, 530 South Lake Ave, #708, Pasadena, CA 91101 or ESASE to keithwmartin@sbcglobal.net . Bring own food. For more details, see listing under Natural Science Section at http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/activities Ldrs: Keith Martin 626-396-9701 keithwmartin@sbcglobal.net, Sharon Moore 562-494-3080 justslm@earthlink.net , Beth Powis Martin 626-396-9701 whmscll@gmail.com.

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IMPORTANT NOTICES 1. In order to participate on one of the Sierra Club's outings,

you will need to sign a liability waiver. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please see http://sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms or call 415-977-5528.

2.

3. In the interest of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.

4. CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Weekly Activities

Conditioning Hikes: Wear lug sole boots. Arrive early. Rain cancels. Bring red lens flashlight.

Monday Nights O: Palos Verdes Estates: Slow moderate 2 hr 4-6 mi hike. Not for beginners. Leave 6:30 PM from end of Crenshaw (Del Cerro Park). Hike the trails of Portuguese Bend Preserve, Filiorum, and some streets. Some steep trails. Only one group. Wear sturdy shoes or lug sole boots and bring a red lens flash light. Rain cancels. Ldrs: Bill Lavoie, Jaques Monier, & Zoltan Stroll.

Tuesday Nights O: San Pedro/PV: Strenuous 2 hr, 5-8 mi hike. Not for beginners. Leave 6:30 PM from 8th and Averill. Ldrs: Brooks Chadwick, Barry Bonnickson, Joyce White, Dorie Chadwick, Jacques Monier.

Tuesday Nights O: Hermosa/Manhattan Beach: Moderate 1½ hr, 4 mi hike on greenbelt and hilly streets. Good for beginners. Leave 7:00 PM from far end of parking lot of Hermosa Valley School (1645 Valley Dr). Ldrs: Sharon Brossier, Alix Benson, Susan Johnson.

Thursday Nights O: Palos Verdes Peninsula: Strenuous 2 hr, 5-8 mi hike, flat/hilly streets/trails. Up to 5 hiking groups: slow, slow mod, mod, fast mod, fast. Not for beginners. Leave 6:30 PM from parking lot near Rite Aid Drugs at Hawthorne & Silver Spur. Ldrs: Linda Werk, Brooks Chadwick, Joyce White, Jacques Monier, Bill Lavoie, Judy Shane, Dorie Chadwick, Jerry Trager, Lois Vile, Zoltan Stroll.

Saturday Hikes: For all Sat hikes, wear lug sole boots, bring a snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear, See locations and other details at the website: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/pvsb

Bus/Air Trips. See details in listings that follow.

May 25-28, 2013 Sat-Tues O: Zion & Bryce National Parks Bus Trip Jun 15, 2013 Sat O: Palm Springs / San Jacinto Tram Outing Aug 8-11 Thu-Sun O: Mammoth -Yosemite Bus Trip

Monthly Activities

Executive Committee Meeting. First Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM the PVSB Group Executive Committee meets to discuss matters relevant to the Group. Meeting open to all Sierra Club members. Call secretary for meeting location.

Moonlit Hikes in Palos Verdes O. Friday before or on full moon. Meet 7:30 PM. Easy to moderate 1.5-2 hr hike in Palos Verdes hills. Go for pizza afterwards. See website for details.

Manhattan Beach Hike & Brunch O. First Sunday of every month at 9:00 AM. Easy 4-5 mi, 300' gain, 2 hr hike on streets, trails, ocean strand. Restrooms available. Optional brunch at local restaurant after hike. Meet by police memorial (1901 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach, under giant oak tree by tennis courts). Bring water, walking shoes, sun hat. Rain cancels. Ldrs: Lois Vile, Jerry Trager.

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PV-SB GROUP ACTIVITIES

Symbols used for outings: walk, hiking, flight,

backpack, educational, conservation, canine,

bird watching, slides, moonlit hike, bus

trip, flowers, skiing, lodge, trail work, snow shoeing . ________________________________________________________

See the PV-SB website (http://angeles.sierraclub.org/pvsb) for the most up-to-date information on all activities.

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May 4 Sat O: Malaga Cove Hike Moderate 6 mi, 600’ gain. Meet 8:00 AM at the Malaga Cove Plaza fountain (Palos Verdes Dr W & Via Corta). The route covers trails and fire roads overlooking Bluff Cove with exceptional panoramic views. Wear lug sole boots, bring snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs Barry Bonnickson, Catherine Whittington.

May 18 Sat O: Friendship Park Hike Moderate 7 mi, 1000’ gain. Meet 8:00 AM in the parking lot for Bogdanovich Recreation Center (from S Western Ave & W 9th St, in San Pedro, go west one block to Friendship Park Dr and go up the hill, turn left at intersection and proceed to parking lot). The route covers trails in Friendship Park and the Marymount, Switchback, and San Ramon Trails. Wear lug sole boots, bring snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs Barry Bonnickson, Alix Benson.

May 25 Sat O: Central Peninsula Hike Moderate 7 mi, 600’ gain, 2.5 hr. Meet at Rolling Hills Estates City Hall, NW corner of Crenshaw & Palos Verdes Dr North, at 8:00 AM. Trails: Moccasin, Howlett, Valmonte Cyn, Via Palomino. Wear lug sole boots, bring snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs Barry Bonnickson, Stephen Bradford.

Jun 1 Sat O: Miraleste Trails Hike Moderate 6 mi, 1000’ gain. Meet at 8:00 AM in the parking lot of Peck Park in San Pedro. The entrance to the park is at the South East corner of Western Ave and West Crestwood St. We will meet about 100 yards into the first parking lot. Wear lug sole boots, bring a snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs Barry Bonnickson, Steven Morris.

Jun 15 Sat O: Palm Springs/San Jacinto Tram Outing One day of hiking in San Jacinto Park & the San Bernar-

dino National Forest. Leave Sat 6:30AM from Redondo Beach or 7:00 AM Orange in the OC, return same day. Four levels of hikes with group size limited by permit: Hike 1: 14 mi, 2300’ gain to San Jacinto Peak (10,804), mod fast pace; Hike 2: 12 mi, 1500’ gain to Tahquitz Peak (8,846), mod pace; Hike 3: 10 mi, 1300’ gain to Hidden Lake & Wellman Divide, slow mod pace; Hike 4: 8 mi, 700’ gain to Hidden Lake & Willow Creek, slow pace. We take the Palm Springs Tram up & start all hikes at the top. All hikes end at Humber Park Car Parking Lot where cold drinks & the bus will be available. The bus then drives to Banning for a fast food stop & we return to O.C. drop-off at 8:20 PM, Redondo Beach. 9:00 PM. Price $45.00 includes bus transportation, driver gratuity, & drinks at conclusion of hikes. (Tram cost not included, est $25). Cancellation penalty is $10. If you cancel later than 30 days before trip, a refund will be made only if trip is full & you can be replaced. Send check made out to Sierra Club for $45, 1 big SASE, 1st & 2nd hike choice, H & W phone #'s, email, to reservations/leader: Sandy Graham, 2891 Wyngate Rd., Orange, CA, 92857.

Jun 15 Sat O: Chandler Preserve Hike Mod 6.5 mi, 600’ gain. Meet 8:00AM Palos Verdes Dr East 1/8 mile south of Palos Verdes Dr North, at trailhead. June’s, Botanical Garden, Moccasin, Chandler’s Park, Palos Verdes Drive North & School Trails. Wear lug sole boots, bring snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs Barry Bonnickson, Emile Fiesler.

Jun 22 Sat O: Ocean Trails Hike Slow mod 4 mi, 1000’ gain. Take Palos Verdes Dr South to La Rotonda Dr to end and into the trail parking lot (inside the gate). Meet at 8:00 AM. Take four trails that lead down to the ocean & a loop around Shoreline Park. Wear lug sole boots. Bring snack & water. If you anticipate rain, wear rain gear. Ldrs Barry Bonnickson, Steven Morris.

Jun 22 Sat O: Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl

Meet at 6:00PM at Wilson Park on Crenshaw (Outings, p.3)

Subscriptions Subscribe to Listserv: The Foggy View is published bi-monthly on the PV-SB website: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/pvsb/foggy-

view.html . To receive an email notice that the Foggy View has been published to the website, fill out the name, address, email address

and Sierra Club membership number lines in the box below and mail the form to PV-SB Group Sierra Club, PO Box 2464, PVP, CA

90274, or send that information to pvsbfveditor@gmail.com.

Subscribe to paper Foggy View: To receive a paper subscription to the Foggy View, fill out the form below and return it, with a check

for $12 to PV-SB Sierra Club, PO Box 2464, PVP, CA 90274. Contact the Membership Chair if you have any questions.

Name: __________________________________________Sierra Club #:____________________Expiration Date: _________ Address: _________________________________________________City:____________________ State: ___ Zip:_________ Phone No: (_____)__________________________E mail: _______________________________________________________

One year subscription to paper Foggy View New Renewal Check#: _______ Change of Address Thank you for your Membership! Remember to Renew!

PV-SB GROUP LEADERS

Current leaders active in the PV-SB Group Name Phone Rating

Frank Atkin 310-378-5008 I

Terry Bass 310-539-8227 O

Bob Beach 310-375-0898 M

Alix Benson 310-379-8066 O

Richard Boardman 310-374-4371 M

Barry Bonnickson 310-519-0778 O

Dennis Bosch 310-328-3874 O

Stephen Bradford 310-993-5501 O

Sharon Brossier 310-376-1416 O

Ursula Carmody 310-539-2259 O

Karen Cassimatis 619-955-5458 I

Brooks Chadwick 310-544-0600 O

Dorie Chadwick 310-544-0600 O

Arlene Chao 310-541-3902 O

Maggie Coble 310-378-9743 O

Michael Coble 310-378-9743 O

Mike Dillenback 310-378-7495 I

Debra DuVall 310-214-1873 O

Emile Fiesler 720-834-2878 O

Sandy Graham 714-282-5661 O

Kevin Gray 310- 631 2337 O

Greg Hitchings 310-541-3902 O

Dave Hixson 310-676-8848 O

Name Phone Rating

Barry Holchin 310-378-3780 M

Susan Johnson 310-545-4235 O

Liz Kennedy 310-547-1320 O

Donna Lauck 310-541-4416 O

Bill Lavoie 310-378-8723 O

Keith Martin 310-530-1268 M

Jacques Monier 310-320-1249 O

Steven Morris 310-530-8708 O

Mary Beth Oubre 310-640-8386 O

Cindy Pardi 818-346-6257 O

Richard Pardi 818-346-6257 O

Jerry Pupa 310-318-7101 O

Kent Schwitkis 310-540-5558 I

Judy Shane 310-379-1111 O

Zoltan Stroll 310-378-8975 O

Jerry Trager 310-316-7843 O

Lois Vile 310-316-7843 O

Linda Werk 310-676-6171 O

Phil Wheeler 310-346-2619 I

Joyce White 310-383-5247 O Catherine Whittington 310-532-2380 O

Diane Wood 310-245-8965 O

Linda Wooldridge 310-376-2542 O

PV-SB Group, Sierra Club

PO Box 2464, PVP, CA 90274

http://angeles.sierraclub.org/pvsb