1. A BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE KERN-KAWEAH CHAPTER OF SIERRA CLUB
MAY-JUNE, 2009
The Roadrunner
COURT FORCES ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Gordon Nipp and Sierra Club attorney Naficy bring about cha"enge to Tulare’s General Plan Update
Global warming, urban sprawl, issues. The public role of Sierra should require global warming
and farmland conservation were Club is to watch them.” mitigation for new projects," said
three considerations leading to The Tulare decision represents Bressett.
Sierra Club’s March 19 victory in a growing trend of California "We're in a new era. America is
a lawsuit over development plans cities to include environmental turning to a clean energy
in the City of Tulare. Tulare concerns such as global warming economy, and smart city planning
County’s Superior Court in in their planning. Attorney is a key part of that.”
Visalia ordered the city’s planning General Jerry Brown has called Nipp also hopes that the Tulare
commission to address such on local governments to address decision has an impact throughout
environmental issues in its especially the global warming California “We’ve been working
General Plan Update. impacts of land use planning and on these issues for a long time,
Kern Kaweah Chapter vice- has provided resources to and we’ll continue to be working
chair Gordon Nipp was decision makers to identify, on them.”
instrumental in bringing about the quantify, and mitigate greenhouse Nipp and Naficy have
lawsuit. Assisted by San Luis gas emissions. successfully leveraged many
Obispo attorney Babak Naficy, "Every city, town and state lawsuits into settlements out of
Nipp and Sierra Club have needs to do its part to fight global court in Sierra Club’s favor,
worked for several years to warming," said Sierra Club including the 2007 suit against
pressure cities and counties to attorney Holly Bressett. "Cities the Rosedale Ranch project. Soon
direct attention to the can have vibrant growth without a new effort will involve 600
environment in plans for contributing to global warming. acres north of Bakersfield, which
development. We're thrilled that the court has are planned for 20-acre parcels
“Cities and counties ought to be recognized that. We hope to work “Deep thanks and appreciation
following the law,” Nipp said in a with Tulare to develop the kind of go to Gordon and Babak for the
phone interview. He urges Climate Action Plan that Stockton tremendous amount of work and
citizens to be watching planning has created. time spent on these cases,” Kern
departments and city councils for The Tulare decision should Kaweah chair Georgette Theotig
signal other cities in California. commented.
legal violations.
to take global warming seriously. —Sierra Club Press Secretary
“They are used to having no Kristina Johnson and
“They need to put together
one speak up about environmental Roadrunner Editor Marjorie Bell
Climate Action Plans, and they
LOCALS TO CELEBRATE JOHN MUIR’S BIRTHDAY AND EARTH DAY THIS MONTH
One of the chapter events celebrating John Muir’s Club is an official sponsor, includes a Climate
birthday as well as Earth Day is a wine and cheese Change panel discussion on April 23 at 7 p.m. in the
social from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at Student Union multipurpose room. The Inaugural
the SURFACE Gallery, 1703-20th Street (across CSUB Sustainability Summit key note speaker on
from the Fox theatre downtown). For details, call April 24 is Majora Carter, founder of Sustainable
Ann Gallon at 661.589.7796. South Bronx and an environmental justice advocate.
Of possible interest also are CSUB events on and On Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. till 12 noon, at
around the official Earth Day celebration. The CSUB the chapter will host a table of brochures and
Charles Kegley Memorial Lecture and other items for a celebration of Earth Day and
Sustainability Summit, of which the local Sierra Green Careers.

2. THE ROADRUNNER
MAY-JUNE, 2009
FROM THE CHAIR
Club honors Dudley, Burge, Newton at annual spring banquet
Congratulations are in order to our three honorees
at the annual banquet on March 28 at Benji's
restaurant. Receiving the Ruth Allen/Susan B. Miller
Award was Joanne Dudley, from Visalia. The Sierra
Club Cup was awarded to Dennis Burge, from
Ridgecrest. Last, the Long Trail Award was presented
to Brian Newton, of Visalia. The Chapter thanks
these honorees for their contributions to the Chapter,
and we appreciate all their good work for the
environment.
I want to again express gratitude to Arthur Unger
for his past two years serving as chapter chair.
Arthur's persistence and dedication have been much
appreciated. In addition, many thanks to all members
who gave time for chapter causes in 2008, as
committee members, officers, or in other ways. You Joanne Dudley and Brian Newton (both from
made a difference. Visalia) won recognition for chapter leadership.
I ask that you re-read the March Appeal letter in
the March/April Roadrunner. Did you see the part world. The same is true for Earth Day. We all know
about volunteering your time instead of your dollars? that Earth Day is every day—what are you doing to
Volunteering in the Chapter has a ripple effect—what make a difference today?
—Georgette Theotig
you do spreads out to create a positive change in the Chapter Chair
FOX TALES
Murphy’s work locally benefits endangered kit fox population
Since the early 1970’s when first the southwest have kit foxes in them because they easily fall prey to
coming to Kern County to teach them,” Murphy said. feral dogs and coyotes.”
science at Cal State University “Look for soft tracks because of A native of North Carolina, Dr.
Bakersfield, professor emeritus Dr. the fur between their toes and prey Murphy received advanced degrees
Ted Murphy has taken on the remains.” They often eat pigeons, in zoology and botany from Duke
mission of getting to know doves, ground, squirrels and eggs. University. His work with the kit
Bakersfield’s favorite endangered Some of them have also been fox involved many hours of
species, the elusive kit fox. known to hoard golf balls from local observation, trapping, radio-
“Very few things I’ve done have courses. tracking, rearing and sometimes
been as much fun as working with In the 1980’s very few people paid rehabilitating the animals. He and
kit foxes,” Dr. Murphy told Sierra much attention to the little canines. his wife once even nurtured six
Club members and friends at a Murphy recalled instances in which orphaned pups in a spare room in
breakfast talk at the Camino Real human carelessness caused their home before releasing them
restaurant earlier this month. “They fatalities. For example, the little into the wild.
are just so darn sweet.” foxes have been welded into pipes, His activism has informed many
Dr. Murphy’s interest in the local caught in soccer nets at CSUB, citizens through local public
fox population started in 1972 when trapped in chain link fences and information efforts as well as
he saw his first fox while exploring even poisoned in dens near the bike national media such as TV's "Wild
for toads in a canal near CSUB. path. About Animals" and the
Later he began taking pictures and There remain about 200 to 400 kit Smithsonian magazine.
studying them closely. Kit foxes foxes within the city and maybe Dr. Murphy is founding director of
often live in sumps, sometimes in 6000 or a few more totally. “I don’t the Facility for Animal Care and
the banks of freeways and even in have a lot of hope for them,” Treatment (FACT) at CSUB.
ice plant and under piles of trash. Murphy said. “Not even wild
“A good 10 percent of the sumps in preserves are the best habitat for —Marjorie Bell

3. THE ROADRUNNER
MAY-JUNE, 2009
Sequoia extends
management
project comment
period to April 20
Porterville, CA — The
Sequoia National Forest is
extending the public comment
period for the Motorized Travel
Management Project Draft
Environmental Impact Statement
(DEIS), which was published in
the Federal Register on Jan. 30,
2009, originally for a 60-day
comment period.
Forest Supervisor Tina Terrell
has received requests for more
time to review the documents, so
the comment period has been ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS: Off road vehicles do serious damage to
extended for an additional 15- &agile mountain ecosystems causing soil erosion in Sequoia National Forest. The date
days, from March 31 to April 20, for public comment has been extended to April 20.
2009. Comments must be Photo by Ara Mardarosian
received no later than April 20,
2009, at 4:30 p.m. Porterville, CA 93257, or by information are available on the
Federal, state, tribal and local facsimile to (559) 781-4744. Sequoia National Forest website
government and other interested Following the analysis of public at: www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/
parties are requested to comment comments, Forest Supervisor Tina projects/ohv or a CD with the
on the DEIS. Comments will be Terrell will make a final decision Draft EIS and maps can be
accepted by email at comments- and create a Final Environmental requested by contacting Chris
pacificsouthwest- Impact Statement (FEIS) and Sanders, Project Team Leader, at
sequoia@fs.fed.us, or by mail to Record of Decision (ROD). This (559) 784.1500.
Chris Sanders, Travel decision is scheduled to be made
Management, Sequoia National in summer, 2009. The DEIS, 10 —Contributed by Ara Mardarosian
maps representing the Forestkeeper, Sequoia National
Forest, 1639 South Newcomb St.,
alternatives, and other project Forest
Buena Vista group co-sponsoring Muir event at CSUB on May 14
Dick Shore, a former Bakersfield an MBA from Toledo in 1974, in both
resident, will be portraying John Muir ecology and economics. He is a Certified
through story and song at the CSUB 60+ Quality Engineer, and in his parallel career
group on May 14 at 2 p.m. in the capacity has served in both industrial and
Stockdale Room of the Runner cafeteria. government organizations. Shore's
The event is being co-sponsored by the enthusiasm for the theater has enhanced
Buena Vista group, CSUB History his John Muir presentation.
Department, and 60+ Club members. For more information about Dick Shore
Born in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada, as John Muir, check out: http://
Shore hiked and camped in Yosemite and www.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/
throughout the West Coast, as well as over frameindex.html?http://
half of the remaining states. He received www.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/
his Ph.D. in zoology at Duke in 1963 and live_presentations/shore.html

4. THE ROADRUNNER
MAY-JUNE, 2009
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 paints 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 four or five miles are at 7 p.m. at the corner of Highways 178 and 184. Trails hiked
vary from week to week. Contact Gordon (gnipp@bak.rr.com) or Larry (661.873.8107) for more information
about .Sierra Club, Buena Vista Group upcoming urograms.
Wednesday, April 22—Sierra Club Wine & Cheese Social 5 to 7 p.m. at SURFACE Gallery, 1703-20th St, Bakersfield (across from the
Fox Theatre). This is an informal opportunity for new and old members to get acquainted. RSVP to Ann at 661.589.7796.
Saturday, May 2—Wind Wolves, a Wildlands Conservancy Preserve; presentation at 10 a.m. by Dave Clendenen, staff ecologist, and
Sherryl Clendenen, outdoor education director. Wind Wolves, at the foot of the Grapevine, is the largest nonprofit preserve on the West
Coast with 97,000 scenic and ecologically diverse acres open for hiking, picnicking and (by permit) camping. Camino Real Restaurant,
3500 Truxtun Avenue at the corner of Truxtun and Westwind, just west of Oak St. Brunch is served for $7.50/person (tip not included).
Info: 661.589.7796
Saturday, May 16— Adopt-A-Highway cleanup. Meet at the corner of Old River Road and Highway 119 at 9-11 a.m. Bring water, a
hat, and good hiking shoes. We will provide gloves and cleanup gear. For info call 661.319.6996.
Saturday, June 6—FACT at CSUB, Tour & Ice Cream Social, 10 a.m. The Facility for Animal Care and Treatment was founded by Dr.
Ted Murphy as a wildlife rescue, conservation and education project for California State University, Bakersfield. Tour will include a
garden maintained by the Cactus & Succulent Society and the Tortoise Compound. We are capping BV Group's year of programs with a
fun site visit and ice cream treat. Bring cameras. Directions to FACT: Enter SE corner of CSUB campus from Camino Media; pass the
info booth and turn right through parking lot - pass recycling area and field to dirt road to FACT. HYPERLINK "http://www.csub.edu/
FACT/BIGmap.htm” For info call 661.203.2770.
Saturday, June 20—Adopt-A-Highway cleanup Meet at the corner of Old River Road and Highway 119 at 9-11 a.m. Bring water, a hat,
and good hiking shoes. We will provide gloves and cleanup gear. For info call 661.319.6996.
BVG Recycles—Bring your household batteries and unbroken CFL’s to our meetings, and we’ll recycle them for you. Meeting Notices—
If you would like to receive Buena Vista Group meeting and activity notices by email, please contact Donnel Lester, at
donnelc3bvg@earthlink.net, with Add me to the email list. You can opt out of the email notices at any time. We try to limit this to once-a-
month emails.
CONDOR GROUP
More info? Mary Ann Lockhart (661.242.0432). Hikes? Dale Chitwood (661.242.1076)

5. THE ROADRUNNER
MAY-JUNE, 2009
Saturday, April 25— Mt. Guillermo. Meet at the PMC tennis courts at 8 a.m. to join the car pool trip to Pine Springs Campground
located off of Lockwood Valley Road where the hike begins. This is considered an easy hike of about 4 miles round trip. The elevation
gain is only about 600 ft. and is rewarded with a gorgeous view of the Cuyama Badlands to the west. Wildflower displays are expected.
Reservations are essential. Call Dale Chitwood 661.242.1076 or Mary Ann Lockhart 661.242.0432.
Saturday, April 25—Nature Fest, noon till 3:30 p,m. Frazier Park Elementary School, Frazier Park. Hands on activities for young and
old, displays, story times, and much more. Free to all. More info? call 551.242.0432
May 23/June 27 (fourth Saturday of the months) —Due to Forest Service closures and uncertainty of wildflowers these hikes do not
have designated destinations. The hikes will happen but we can not determine where at this time. Please call for information the first of
May. 661.242.0432
Saturday, June 6—Ara Marderosian of the Sequoia ForestKeeper and our Sierra Club will be speaking about the Sequoia Monument 's
present and past, the lessons learned and future prospects. Potluck is at 6 p.m. and program at 7 p.m. Meeting is held in the Pine Mountain
Clubhouse. For directions please call 661.242.0432.
Sunday Strolls. (Sundays, 8 a.m.) —By request, the Sunday Strolls will begin on the first Sunday in May this year and will continue on,
weekly, throughout the summer. Children accompanied with parents are welcome. Strolls are one hour and half long, all in the vicinity of
Pine Mountain Club. Mainly easy walking. Need to wear good shoes. There is plenty of time for observations as well as chatting along
the way. Meeting Place is the Pine Mountain Club's parking lot. No need to register. More info? Call 661.242.0432
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, April 18—Flower hike. We will find another good flower display and hike to that, and maybe bag a peak in the process. We
want to see how the patterns develop before picking the exact locations. The hike will be announced a week before via email or you can
call the numbers below. This will be an easy/moderate hike and a great photo opportunity. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Ridgecrest Cinema
parking lot. For more information, call Dennis Burge at 760.375.7967 or Jim Nichols at 760.375.8161.
Saturday, May 16 —Andrews mounain (a peak in the Wacoba complex of the Northern Inyos, 9461 ft max elev, 1030 ft elevation gain,
3 mi RT). This is an easy peak to reach from the high clearance roadhead S of the Eureka Valley access road. With 4x4s, we may explore
a bit of Squaw Flat, a bit of Papoose Flat, and maybe also bag Andrew Bench Mark with its great overview of Owens Valley. Meet at 7:30
a.m. at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. For more information, call Dennis Burge at 760.375.7967 or Jim Nichols at 760.375.8161.
Saturday, June 20—Pine Creek Trail to Pine Lake (first lake reached on the Eastern Lateral Access Trail from the Pine Creek
Trailhead, 9942 ft max elevation, 2500 ft elevation gain, 7 mi RT) This hike is part of our program of exploring the major eastern access
trails to the Sierra. The Pine Creek Trail leads to Italy Pass and Pine Creek Pass. This will be an moderate hike. Meet Sat, June 20, at
7:30 a.m. at the Ridgecrest Cinema parking lot. For more information, call Dennis Burge at 760.375.7967 or Jim Nichols at 760.375.8161.
MINERAL KING GROUP
More info? Call 559.761.0592. Please also visit mineralking.sierraclub.org for more info.
Saturday, April 18—Middle Fork Trail to Panther Creek Falls (Sequoia National Park - 7 mile round trip, 1400 foot elevation gain)
This is a moderate hike. The trail passes through chaparral and grassland above the middle fork of the Kaweah River to Panther Falls.
Rain cancels. For more information contact Dave Keller at 559.688.4813 or COACHK24@aol.com
Wednesday, April 22—6 p.m. Dinner/social. Please join us for a “no host” dinner at Thai Basil Restaurant, 1423 E. Noble Ave., Mary’s
Vineyard Shopping Center, Visalia. Contact Beverly Garcia for reservations at bev.garcia@kernkaweah.sierraclub.org or 559.624.0199.
Friday, May 1— Film Series: "Blue Vinyl." 7 p.m. program at 210 Cafe, Visalia. With humor, chutzpah and a piece of vinyl siding
firmly in hand, Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Judith Helfand and co-director and award-winning cinematographer Daniel B. Gold
set out in search of the truth about polyvinyl chloride (PVC), America's most popular plastic. “Blue Vinyl” is an Emmy nominee and

6. THE ROADRUNNER
MAY-JUNE, 2009
Sundance Film Festival Winner. “Frightening and funny! ‘Blue Vinyl’ has left audiences lingering in the hallways for hours to debate and
question.” ~Sharon Waxman, The Washington Post. Free admission. For more info contact kim.loeb@kernkaweah.sierraclub.org.
Wednesday, June 10—6 p.m. DINNER SOCIAL: Please join us for a “no host” dinner at Panera Bread Restaurant, 4103 South Mooney
Boulevard, Visalia. Contact Beverly Garcia for reservations at bev.garcia@kernkaweah.sierraclub.org or 559.624.0199.
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-Monday, April 18-20—Furnace Creek Backpack (In the White Mountains): On the east side of the White Mountains near
Dyer, Nevada, Furnace Creek is a beautiful stream. We'll backpack up the creek on Saturday, do a day hike beyond the head of the canyon
to Tres Plumas Flats on Sunday, and backpack out on Monday. This is an easy to moderate trip. We should be back at our cars by late
morning on Monday. Limit 12. Leader: John Wilkinson 408.876.8295 or e-mail johnfw1@mac.com
Friday-Sunday, May 29-31 —Wilderness Restoration in Death Valley NP: Work project in Middle Park/South Park area of the
Panamint Mountains to repair vehicle trespass damage. Also, possibility of clearing up trash and debris from the vicinity of a couple of
the old cabins in the area. Requires 4 WD, possibility of carpooling at trail head. Meet Friday afternoon and drive up Pleasant Canyon to
campsite. Work Saturday and Sunday. Happy hour/potluck on Saturday night. Contact leader Kate Allen at kj.allen@wildblue.net, or
661.944,4056. CNRCC Desert Committee
Saturday-Sunday, June 6-14—Gorge Scramble: Tonto Creek, Hellsgate Wilderness, Arizona. Spectacular four-day gorge scramble
of Tonto Creek, a seldom visited granite canyon in the Mogollon Rim. It offers a desert riparian habitat, unadulterated wilderness, and
varied colors and geology in the canyon walls. Lots of polished granite and many lengthy pools to float thru on your air mattress. Call for
participant requirements, available space, itinerary and outing details. Leader; Paul Plathe 209.476.1498. Delta-Sierra Group
Saturday-Sunday, June 13-14—Domeland Wilderness Basecamp: In the very southernmost Sierras, this wilderness includes ponderosa
pines, sage meadows, and the flowing South Fork of the Kern River. Elevation is modest and weather should be comfortable. On Saturday
we backpack four miles to Rockhouse Basin, set up camp, and explore through the valley and along the river. Sunday will be a leisurely
return to our cars. An easy to moderate journey for learning backpackers. Leader: Craig Deutsche at craig.deutsche@gmail.com,
(310.477.6670). CNRCC Desert Committee
Friends honor legendary Pam Clark, Bugs
Fontaine, Theresa
Jim Clark at April 4 event Stump (standing)
and Ruth Smith and
One of the pleasures of membership in the Sierra Club is Joe Fontaine are
in sharing history with special people who made a fine looking at old
contribution to the life of the organization. One such man photos of trips with
was Jim Clark, in whose honor old friends from the Kern- the late Jim Clark.
Kaweah chapter joined with his daughter, Pam, for a Photo by Maria Polite
special memorial on April 4. Their meeting place,
Audubon’s Kern River Preserve in Weldon, was
appropriate since it represents what he held most dear: preserve. Except for good boots and an all-weather
advocacy for the preservation of the natural world. jacket, he wore old street clothes on his mountain
Jim died only a few months prior to his 100th birthday, adventures, and he always wore the same old felt hat. He
after a long history of adventures backpacking and slept soundly every night in all weather on a pad barely
mountain climbing from Alaska to Mexico. A native of thicker than a postage stamp. On one hike early in his
Missouri, he came to California and very soon became career, Jim met a family carrying light, comfortable packs
enchanted with the Sierra Nevada. In a library he made in the man’s garage. His name was Kelty! Jim
discovered Starr’s Guide to the John Muir Trail and the invested in one of the first commercial Kelty packs and
Sierra Nevada. The book was too large to carry on the used it for the rest of his hiking days.
trail, so he went to the library several nights after work In Jim’s honor the Kern-Kaweah chapter donated 16
and copied it into a small notebook that would fit into his good binoculars to add to the 16 already given to the
shirt pocket. He carried it with him for many years on Audubon Preserve for use by visitors, especially children.
Sierra trails.Only a very special person could inspire such Nothing would have pleased him more.
stories and such laughter as was shared that day at the —Ann Williams

7. THE ROADRUNNER
MAY-JUNE, 2009
MIDGEBUZZINGS
Although I am almost exclusively a patron of public broadcasting, where I can depend upon reasonable
discourse, I am nevertheless over my head in the news of the day. I have reached the saturation point and have
decided to drop out for a while from grim reports and prognostications. As much as possible I want to
concentrate upon what is both beautiful and available to us.
The idea for this tiny revolt came to me two Sundays ago on one of the most exquisite days in local
weather history. By late morning a strong wind was arranging colossal cloud formations in the lower valley with
such an effect of light and shadow as I have rarely seen here. I reached for my camera, my wallet and my car
keys, and took off after it, driving eastward. I chose the road to Caliente, and what a fortunate decision! I am
looking now at the resulting photographs, and I must say that at least one qualifies for enlargement and framing.
Another result of the day was a poem that I took great pleasure in writing.
This week I decided to tune in exclusively to natural beauty and began by playing my audio tapes of Vita
Sackville-West’s classic, In Your Garden, and listening with deep pleasure, while going about household chores,
to the cultivated and lovely voice of an English narrator. Sackville-West wrote a gardening column for the
London Observer. The tapes in my library cover the late 40’s, after the Blitz, when England was cleaning up the
mess of war and everyone was in mourning and doing without all but the basic necessities. Here is a sentence
from that recording: “Agreeable incidents do continue to occur from time to time, even in 1948. And there still
seem to be days when things go marvelously right…rarities to be recorded with gratitude before they can be
forgotten.” Exactly! Here are the photographs and here is the poem to remind me, when I need cheering up, of a
beautiful day.
Those of us in our 70’s and older will remember a radio newscaster with a marvelous name who was loved
by the listening public, much as Walter Cronkite was venerated years later. Throughout World War II, when the
news was grim and when a whole generation was serving in combat in Europe and Asia, Gabriel Heater would
begin every evening’s broadcast with the announcement that we had waited for all day: “Ah, there’s good news
tonight!” Then, before getting to the worst reports, he would tell us of some hopeful event, such as the advance
of a troop line, or a skirmish won by allied forces.
Keep in mind that we had not yet come out of the effects of The Great Depression, and the Dust Bowl had
devastated the lower Midwest, making masses of people homeless and desperate. All of this was a living reality
for me from the time I was seven years old until just before junior high school. Some of my school mates were
migrant children, and my mother, who had become a teacher to help with family finances, requested that she be
assigned especially to those children, whom she found beautiful.
I believe that it is the duty of a good citizen to remain informed. But we must also be wary of becoming
hopelessly caught up in grimness, real as it is and necessary to understand. To focus upon beauty is not to deny
what is horrific and appalling, but to be better prepared to respond to it effectively.
Look for the spirit of Gabriel Heater in the next “Midgebuzzings.”
—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:
Arthur Unger (Bksf), 661.323.5569. 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. Mary Ann
Lockhart (PMC), 661.242.0432. Ara Marderosian (Kernville), 760.378.4574.
Chapter ExCom Meetings: All Sierra Club members are always welcome to attend these meetings. The next
meeting is at 10 a.m., April 26, at the home of Arthur and Lorraine Unger.. Call 661.323.822.4371 to confirm all
meeting dates as well as location and time.

8. THE ROADRUNNER
MAY-JUNE, 2009
Non-Profit Org.
ELECTED OFFICIALS The Roadrunner U.S. POSTAGE
Gov. Arnold Swarzenegger (R) PAID
916.445.2841 Permit No. 498
Bakersfield, CA
STATE SENATE
Dean Florez (D)
916.651.4016
Roy Ashburn (R)
916.651.4018
STATE ASSEMBLY
Danny Gilmore (R)
916.319.2030
Jean Fuller (R)
916.319.2032
U.S. SENATE
Barbara Boxer (D)
202.224.3553
Dianne Feinstein (D)
202.224.3841
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Jim Costa (D)
202.225.3341
Kevin McCarthy (R)
202.225.2915
EARTH DAY
CELEBRATION—FRESNO
“Building An Ethical Economy....
One Dollar at a Time”
Ellis Jones, UC Davis and author of the
Better World Shopping Guide
Saturday, April 25th, 2009, 2-5:30 p.m.—
Dr. Jones speaking a 3 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno
2672 E. Alluvial Ave.
(between Chestnut and Willow)
STAYING INFORMED:
Join our KERN-NEWS & KERN FORUM e-mail lists at: http://kernkaweah.sierraclub.org
Chapter Ex-com meetings: All Sierra Club members are always welcome to attend.
Earth friendly socks are available at www.sierraclubsocks.com to benefit both Sierra Club
and the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Submit articles to The Roadrunner at sierraroadrunner@gmail.com. To contact Marjorie
Bell, the editor, by phone, call 661.322.4891.
The Roadrunner is printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper.