THE NEWSLETTER. Spring In the winter, I plot and plan. In the Spring, I move. CHAPTER OUTINGS LEADERS, SAN DIEGO

Transcription

1 Spring 2018 THE NEWSLETTER CHAPTER OUTINGS LEADERS, SAN DIEGO Sedona Bus Trip/ October 2017 PC: Pauline Jimenez INSIDE THIS ISSUE Quarterly Report Contributor s Corner Leader Resources Ask First Aid Gone Wild Leader News Leader Training Outings Committee Meeting Minutes In the winter, I plot and plan. In the Spring, I move. Henry Rollins

2 QUARTERLY REPORT from the Outings Committee WBC REUNION AT PALOMAR MTN ON APRIL MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Join your fellow students, WBC outing leaders and WBC staff for a weekend of fun on Palomar Mountain. There be camping (limited to 55), day hikes, food and socializing, and the WBC graduation ceremony. The Reunion starts on Friday at 2PM and ends on Sunday at noon come for any part or all of it. No cost except for $10 state park entry fee. You can bring one guest, sorry no dogs. For more information, or to sign-up for updates, Randal.Moore@yahoo.com. Last year, 110 of us had perfect weather and a great time hiking and camping in the forest on beautiful Palomar. We hope you will plan to join us! (UPDATE-camping spots are full but feel free to come for the day!) --Randy Moore and Wendy Garcia (Reunion Chairs) PC: CeCe Canton

3 QUARTERLY REPORT from the Outings Committee UPCOMING BUS TRIPS -Grand Canyon May 16-20, 2018 One bus camping trip plus 3 backpack trips -Yosemite July 11-15, Backpack trips -Mammoth August 15-19, 2018 One bus camping trip and 3 backpack trips -Santa Cruz Island (Channel Islands) September 13-16, 2018 Tent and backpacking options -Mammoth Fall Colors October 5-7, 2018 For more information see the Sierra Club San Diego Chapter web page Sequoia Bus Trip 2017 PC: Wendy Gray-Bois

4 A great time was had by all on the Sedona Bus Trip. Well known for its iconic red rock formations, Sedona is also known as a spiritual power center because of its numerous vortexes. Vortices are thought to be swirling centers of energy that draw in. everything around them. The subtle energy that exists at these locations interacts with who a person is inside. They are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. Although all of Sedona is considered to be a vortex, there are specific sites where the energy is most intense. The four best known are: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon each radiating its own particular energy. CONTRIBUTOR S CORNER The first day all the groups spent time exploring the West Fork of Oak Creek. The canyon was ablaze with colors; both from the towering cliffs which bounded it and the trees just starting to show their fall foliage. The shade and cool water were a welcome relief from the 90 degree heat. Many hikers also tackled the North Wilson Trail. (cont.) Text and Photos by PJ Jeffery

5 (Cont.) Mount Wilson was named for a grizzly bear hunter who was killed by a grizzly in a nearby canyon. Starting through a new growth oak forest, (after the Brins. Fire of 2006) the trail switch backed up to summit. With a gain of about 2700 feet, it was breathtaking! And the views at the top made it all worthwhile. Those who made it to the top were rewarded with 360 degree views that stretched over hundreds of square miles and included Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Coffee Pot Rock, Capitol Butte, Sterling Canyon and the Verde Valley. Back at the campground, we shared food and stories around a communal campfire. The following day there were four hiking options. My group started at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This chapel was built right into the rocks by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright about 5 years ago. Amazing architecture and great views. (especially of that really huge house down the hill!) We then traveled cross country on the Mystic Trail, Llama Trail and Courthouse Loop to visit the amazing rock formations of Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock among others, We then topped that off with pizza, beer and ice cream before returning to camp and the camaraderie shared while waiting in line at the showers. Day three we climbed Doe Mountain. The steep, narrow trail ended on a mesa with 360 degree views of west Sedona. We could have spent all day here. Gorgeous! That afternoon was spent in Sedona with shopping, pizza, Mexican food, and beer. CONTRIBUTOR S CORNER

6 CONTRIBUTOR S CORNER Michelle Roberts sharing photos of her WBC fun.. Car camp was to Agua Tibia/Dripping Springs. It was 14 miles Saturday and 9 miles Sunday to Cahuilla Mountain. Text and Photos by Michelle Roberts Navigation backpack to Anza Borrego to the psychedelic eye and waterfall. About 18 miles hike over 2 days. (cont.)

7 CONTRIBUTOR S CORNER. Anza Borrego Whale Peak and Scavenger s Canyon. About 16 mile hike over 2 days. Snow camp to San Jacinto cross country ski in freezing cold pouring rain

8 LEADER RESOURCES FIRST AID GONE WILD Standard First Aid April 14 th in La Mesa me at for discount code. Sign up at: PC: First Aid Gone Wild PC: First Aid Gone Wild Wilderness and Remote First Aid Wilderness First Aid (in La Mesa) starts May 22, Sign up now space is limited. This is a 16 hour course, class dates on May 22, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Saturday 5/26/18 and Sunday 09:00 AM-4:00 PM. Class will be held in La Mesa, CA. Price is $155.00, there is a $50.00 discount for all COL 2 s and COL 2 candidates that are registered in the COL 2 class, FirstAidGoneWild@gmail.com for the discount code. Click the link to register. Wilderness First Aid (in Escondido) starts Sept 29, Sign up now space is limited. This is a 16 hour course, class dates as follows Saturday 9/29/18 and Sunday 9/30/18 08:00 am- 05:00 pm. Price is $155.00, there is a $50.00 discount for all COL 2 s and COL 2 candidates that are registered in the COL 2 class, FirstAidGoneWild@gmail.com for the discount code. Click the link to register. Participants must possess current adult CPR/AED certification. CPR/AED certification will be verified by the instructor at the start of the course and are required for student participation in this course. There will be an in-class opportunity to obtain CPR/AED for an added fee. Please me for details. Also, volunteering to be a victim is a great way to sharpen your first-aid skills, me if interested. Please visit firstaidgonewild.com for more information and future classes. For First Aid Reimbursement, please send your receipts to: Marty Stevens, sdbckpkr@gmail.com.

9 COL FACEBOOK GROUP Restricted to COLs and trainees, this group page allows leaders to post requests, links, etc. related to leading outings. OUTINGS MEETUP Hike with San Diego Sierra Club COL DATABASE sierraleaderssd.net BUS TRIPS sdsierraclub.org CHAPTER WEBSITE sandiegosierraclub.org CHAPTER CALENDAR (activities) sandiegosierraclub.org/news/activities-calendar LEADER RESOURCES WHERE TO SEND YOUR OUTING SIGN-IN SHEETS Your completed liability waivers need to be sent to your Section Outings Chair ideally within two weeks of the outing. San Diego Main Chapter outings: Send to Phil Birkhahn Main Chapter Outings Coordinator High Mesa Ct. San Diego, CA ed scans: North County section: Send to Cheryl Knapp, or snail mail, 3162 Via Loma Vista, Escondido, CA CHAPTER CALENDAR (outings) sandiegosierraclub.org/get-outdoors/hike/outings-calendar CHAPTER BLOG sandiegosierraclub.org/news/scsd-blog

10 ASK First Aid Gone Wild PC: Google Images How to Treat a Blister The best way to treat a blister is to avoid getting one in the first place. Blisters are caused by heat from friction that occurs between your skin and inner surface of your boot. Moisture from sweat or water provide the perfect environment to soften skim making it more susceptible to blisters. Usually when a spot on your ankle or heel is rubbing against your shoe, the skin begins to get red hot creating what we call a hot spot. If you start to feel a hot spot, stop and treat it as soon as possible. Left untreated, the hot spot will form a painful, fluid filled blister. Prevention: Select well fitted footwear that is breathable to ventilate sweaty feet, but can protect against excessive moisture and sand entering the shoe Try your footwear out locally before taking on long treks Tighten laces for downhill hiking Take your shoes off and let your feet dry out at rest stops Use socks that wick away moisture such as Marino wool, avoid cotton socks Early treatment: Stop at first sign of hot spot, removing any sand or gravel allowing feet to dry off and cool down Cover with silk tape, moleskin, band aid or blister pad to protect the area After hiking uncover the area and allow skin to recover overnight and asses the area for possible need for protection the next day Treatment for friction blister Leaving the blister intact is the best way to prevent infection. Popping the blister and opening the skin, opens the wound to possible infection. Also, your blister is filled with healing enzymes inside the fluid, so if you can, leave the blister intact. If it is too painful, you may need to pop the blister. If you need to pop the blister do it as instructed below. If possible, leave the blister intact, clean the area with soap and water, allow to dry and cover with moleskin donut or blister pad to reduce the friction If you must pop the blister, cleanse the area thoroughly with soap and water or bacterial wipe. Sterilize a needle or knifepoint by holding over a flame. After cooling, gently and carefully hold the needle or knife parallel to your foot or ankle and gently prick the blister to open it. Using clean hands, gently drain the fluid out of the blister by applying gentle pressure. You may apply antibiotic ointment and cover with moleskin or blister pad Never deroof or peel the skin off your blister. This will cause more pain and open the wound to infection If using tape to cover your blister, remember to use a non-adherent dressing over the wound itself to prevent ripping or tearing of the blister when removing the tape

11 Congratulations to Our Newest Chapter Outings Leaders! LEADER NEWS Each year the Sierra Club San Diego hosts two leader training sessions. Once in the Spring and Fall for both Level I and Level II Leaders. What's the difference? COL I's can lead day hikes and car camps and COL II's can also lead backpacks. In 2017, we had an exceptional group of people participate in the training and become leaders and we'd like to congratulate their efforts: COL I Anna Lee Bonnie Ferri Craig Rubinoff Christy Stanley Christina Picardi DJ Strong Ellen Greenfield Eric Williams Kristiana Watkin Lisa Allen Marilyn Bochstahler Michael Bush Mike Shaffer Natalie Rubin Natasha Jaksch Oscar Brambila Rose Williams Shankar Sadasivam Sonya Shaffer Tiffany Albrecht COL II Craig Rubinoff Doug Grover Elize Quinn Eric Williams (These lists have been updated to include the 2018 COLs) PC: Stefanie Maio

12 LEADER TRAINING Would you like to lead backpack trips for the Sierra Club or the Wilderness Basics Course? To do so, leaders are required to take COL II training. COL II training is offered twice a year. To sign up for this training, you must meet all 5 of the following criteria: COL II s Melody and Michael PC: Wendy Gray-Bois 1. Be a COL I with all certifications current. 2. Have led at least 4 Type I trips (this includes your two COL I evaluations). 3. Have graduated from the Wilderness Basics Course or its equivalent. 4. Have a current Wilderness First Aid Certificate by the time of the evaluation backpack. 5. Plan, publish and execute 1 evaluation backpack outing before June The class will be a fun day learning advanced leader techniques for planning and executing wilderness backpacking trips, plus a nice hike in Mission Trails Park! Class size is limited to 15. Sign-up by April 23, Our next COL II Training will take place on October 21, For more information and to register, please visit sandiegosierraclub.org/learn/leader-training I'm happy to answer any questions, please at sd.col.training@gmail.com or via messenger as well. North County: For additional information, contact Cheryl Knapp at knappfield@cox.net Happy Hiking!!! Stefanie Maio GENERAL COL QUESTIONS Many of your questions can be answered by reading the FAQs on the COL website at sierraleaderssd.net

13 OUTINGS COMMITTEE NEXT MEETING Wednesday, April 25th, 201At 5:30PM REI: 5556 Copley Dr. San Diego, CA To ensure plenty of pizza, if you are not a member of the Committee, please sign up at: sandiegosierraclub.org/news/activities-calendar All leaders and trainees are invited to attend and contribute! COMMITTEE MEMBERS Bicycle Section: Marty Hambright Bus Trips Coordinator: Mike Fry Chair, Outings Committee: Kevin Neal Database Coordinator/Master Calendar: Jim McCleary Executive Committee Liaison: Karenlee Robinson Family Section: Jennifer Douglas Main Chapter Outings Coordinator: Phil Birkhahn Inspiring Connections Outdoors: Bill Tayler Inspiring Connections Outdoors : Ed Barber Inspiring Connections Outdoors: Ellen Feeney Leader Review & Safety Committee Chair: Michael Taylor Training Coordinator, San Diego: Stefanie Maio Training Coordinator, North County: Cheryl Knapp Medical Training Coordinator: Melody Eues Member At Large: Diane Purkey Newsletter Editor: Wendy Gray-Bois North County (Inland): Cheryl Knapp Pacific Crest Trail Section: Rob Langsdorf Outings Committee Secretary: Pauline Jimenez Social Section: Dina Campbell Ski Section: Mike Fry Technology Committee Chair: Byron Cook Treasurer (Acting): Orion Hudgins Wilderness Basics Course, San Diego: Michael Taylor Wilderness Basics Course, N. County: Lee Ledford Wednesday in the Mountains: Merrilyn Pope (858) , hammarty@hotmail.com (858) , mnfry@cox.net (619) , sd.outchair@gmail.com (760) , jim@jimmc.com (619) , klrobinson@cox.net (858) , jennifercdouglas@yahoo.com (858) , pbirkhahn@outlook.com (858) , btayler@taylerlaw.com (619) , rebsd@yahoo.com (858) , ellenf92126@yahoo.com (619) , sd.lrsc@gmail.com (858) , sd.col.training@gmail.com (760) , knappfield@cox.net (619) , mellah222@cox.net (619) , dianepurkey2012@gmail.com (619) , sierraclubnews@gmail.com (760) , knappfield@cox.net (858) , mctrob@yahoo.com (619) , hiknlady@me.com (858) , dinacampbell07@gmail.com (858) , mnfry@cox.net (619) , bdcster@gmail.com (858) , sd.outtreas@gmail.com (619) , info@wildernessbasics.com (858) , lledfor1@san.rr.com (858) , merrilynp@sbcglobal.net

14 MEETING MINUTES MINUTES OF THE OUTINGS COMMITTEE MEETING Sierra Club, San Diego Chapter January 24, 2018, 6:30 p.m. Kearny Lodge Clubhouse, 6460 Convoy Court, San Diego WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS Kevin Neal (Outings Committee Chair), called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Counting Kevin, there were 12 members in attendance: Phil Birkhahn (Outings Coordinator), Melody Eues (Medical Training Coordinator), Mike Fry (Bus Trips/Ski Section Chair), Pauline Jimenez (Outings Committee Secretary), Rob Langsdorf (Pacific Crest Trail Section), Stefanie Maio (LTC, South County), Jim McCleary (COL Database Coordinator/Master Calendar), Diane Purkey Wilson (Member at Large), Karenlee Robinson (ExCom Liaison), Marty Stevens (Outings Committee Treasurer) and Michael Taylor (WBC San Diego). There were 10 members absent: Byron Cook (Technology Committee), Jennifer Douglas (Family Section), Ellen Feeney (Inspiring Connections Outdoors), Doug Grover (WBC North County), Marty Hambright (Bicycle Section), Wendy Gray-Bois (Newsletter Editor), Cheryl Knapp (LTC North County), Merrilyn Pope (Wed in Mtns.), Christian Soria (Social Section, and Bill Tayler (Inspiring Connections Outdoors). There were 13 guests in attendance: Dave Cowan (North County Group), Alice Fichandler (Bus Trips Committee), Rochelle Hancock (Chapter Treasurer), Ron Manherz (Bicycle Section), Richard Miller (Communications & Development Coordinator), Starla Rivers (Chapter Outing Leader II), Suzi Sandore (North County Group), Bob Stinton (Lodge Committee), Marcy Stinton (Foster Lodge Committee), Brian Swanson (Chapter Outing Leader II), Paul Webb (Foster Lodge Committee), Rose Williams (Chapter Outing Leader I), and Cynthia Wooton (Conservation Committee). 1. APPROVE OCTOBER 25, 2017 MEETING MINUTES The minutes for the October 25, 2017 meeting were approved via TREASURER S REPORT (Marty Stevens) Marty submitted a Profit and Loss Statement for January-December, 2017 which reported our net income of $6,024.63, and a Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017 that listed $19, in total liabilities and equity. Our net income for the year was $6,024.94, but this does not account yet for potential refunds to bus trip participants under the shared cost policy. Marty said he needs to know which participants desire refunds, and Mike Fry said he needs to know the total trip expenses in order to compute refund amounts. Starla explained that we used to verbally offer a refund if we charged more than the trip actually cost. Participants were informed that they were eligible, but in the past everyone has simply donated the excess. Mike responded that this year the Bus Trips Committee has been working on a transition from verbal to written notification. Richard Miller and Kevin Neal have been concerned because it is important for notifications and/or refunds to be received promptly. Alice commented that this speaks to our committee s integrity (if we say there will be a refund, then that is what we need to do). She noted that the website needs to be immediately updated because we need to get information from the site that would help us determine who and how many participants were on each trip. Stefanie added that Veronica had also inquired as to when expenses that she paid out-of-pocket will be reimbursed. Richard Miller and Rochelle Hancock will work with Mike to draft a form to be used ask all participants and leaders whether they would like to donate their potential refund. The forms would be passed out and collected while riding home on the bus. Marty will calculate trip and PayPal expenses so Mike can process potential refunds for past trips within the next two weeks. Kevin noted that an accounts payable line needs to be added to the Balance Sheet to account for refunds. Marty s report was tabled for later discussion. 3. FOSTER LODGE UPDATE Paul Webb reported that electricity has been restored at the lodge, which is a big accomplishment. Now we need to seal the walls from last year s damage, lay 40 yards of pipe, and modify the valve to put a lock on the water tank. Now that we have electricity, this would be a good time to have a work party to do clean-up. The Lodge Committee has working drawings, is ready to solicit soft bids, and will start negotiating with the Forest Service to restore our use status. The next step will be to submit the soft bid to National for approval so we can do fundraising to start work. Karenlee added that the lodge still looks sad, but people need to stop by to see the remarkable work that has already been done. Paul Webb informed the Outings Committee that he will be stepping down from his role on the Steering Committee as it transitions to elect members to an Executive Committee. With the new ExCom in place later this fall, succession planning for our next steps will be very important 4. BUS TRIPS COMMITTEE AND SKI SECTION REPORT (Mike Fry) Mike reported that the Ski Section s trip to Montecito Lodge was cancelled due to bad weather, and the ski trip to Bear Valley was changed to a hiking trip because there was no snow. However, the Thanksgiving ski trip to Mammoth was an outstanding success. Snow levels are lower than previous years, and he believes we are facing another drought. Six bus trips are planned for 2018: (Cont.)

15 MEETING MINUTES March 24-25, Joshua Tree Wildflowers Bus Camp Registration opens February 3 at 6:00 a.m. Pauline Jimenez is the coordinator. May 16-20, Grand Canyon Bus Camp and/or Backpacking Registration opens April 2, 6:00 a.m. After several years, we can finally offer this trip as a non-commercial even under our shared costs policy. Many thanks to Alice Fichandler and Mike Fry for their patiently careful persistence to make this happen! July 18-22, Yosemite National Park Bus Camp and/or Backpacking Registration opens June 1, 6:00 a.m. PJ Jeffery is the coordinator, and one more leader is needed. August 15-19, Mammoth Lakes Bus Camp and/or Backpacking Registration opens July 1 at 6:00 a.m. We are offering this trip again because last July it was cancelled due to snow. September 13-16, Santa Cruz Island (Channel Islands) Tent Camping and/or Backpacking Registration opens July 28 at 6:00 a.m. Kristi Anderson is the coordinator. October 5-7, Mammoth Fall Colors Stay in condos, day hikes Registration opens August 20 at 6:00 a.m. Sharon Young is the coordinator. Starla explained that the bus trips website is down because it is currently vulnerable to attack. We are trying to get the site updated and cleaned, and to update at least key pages prior to February 3 (the registration opening date for the Joshua Tree trip). Mike and Kevin reported that Stefanie Maio (The Maio Group) has submitted a formal proposal for this work. The item was tabled for later discussion. 5. SPECIAL TOPICS a. Marijuana Policy from National Richard Miller explained that the Sierra Club s policy is still no because it is a narcotic that is still listed as dangerous on federal lists. A lot of trips are on federal land, where marijuana is not legal. If people were arrested, it could cause the Club to have trouble getting permits. Mike added that this will need to be included in leaders pre-trip announcements. Kevin suggested this be published in the COL Newsletter and/or distributed to Chapter Outings Leaders. b. First Aid Requirements from National Kevin explained that our chapter is in compliance with National s new requirements, but other chapters will need to scale up their requirements. c. New Waiver from National Kevin explained that there will be a new release from indemnity form to replace our old waiver form, but the effective date is not certain yet. One advantage is that there will be only be one waiver used for every Club activity. National is working on a transition to on-line waivers, which will be more convenient. d. Outings Conservation Collaboration Karenlee explained that several months ago there was a brainstorming session with Outings and Conservation Committee representatives on how our committees can collaborate to work more together and involve more people on issues such as golden eagle nesting areas, community clean-ups, removing invasive species, public education projects, etc. It will be important to post notices in the Hi Sierran to invite interested members, and the Women s March in January also attracted people who signed up for conservation-oriented outings. It is crucial for the Chapter to develop stronger connections between Outings and Conservation, and next steps will include creating an action plan. Since the Conservation Committee has no outing leaders, Cynthia Wooton agreed that when potential conservation areas are identified she will send an to Kevin Neal, Karenlee Robinson and Phil Birkhahn so it can be forwarded to Chapter Outing Leaders to see who might be interested leading such an outing. Kevin agreed with the idea, and will provide a point of contact. Stefanie Maio can also provide a list of Chapter Outing Leader trainees who could possibly use these ideas as training opportunities. Brian Swanson indicated that he could lead interpretive walks for certain areas. Phil Birkhahn suggested that we could engage participants with MeetUp, perhaps changing the name so there could be outings and conservation listings. Mike Fry commented that his trail work in Poway has been a source of great satisfaction, and he believes others should have the same opportunities. Karenlee added that WBC is having a Sierra Club Sections Night on February 24, so it will be a great opportunity to present this program. e. Evaluation Requirements Michael Taylor asked if there should be a minimum lead time for an outing to be posted to allow the public to sign up, or should instant trips be allowed. Stefanie added that an evaluated outing should be very similar to the kinds of outings a leader plans to lead in the future. Michael agreed, and noted that more learning comes when there are strangers on an evaluated outing (not just the trainee s friends). Suzi Sandore commented that she believes there should be definite guidelines regarding lead times. Michael also asked if we want rookies evaluating new leaders, and Stefanie added that new evaluators may not understand what they should be looking for and how to help a leader develop. Kevin suggested that evaluation requirements are worth discussing in further detail and moved to table the discussion. Melody moved that the requirement for Main Chapter outings be seven days in advance of the hike for-

16 MEETING MINUTES automatic approval. It was noted that this would involve technical considerations, and the motion was tabled. f. Campfire Replaces OARS There was no discussion on this item. 6. COMMITTEE AND SECTION REPORTS Bicycle Section, Marty Hambright Marty was absent, but Ron Manherz submitted her report. The Bike Section had a total of 24 rides during the October-December quarter. A mixture of Express and Social rides were led by 8 leaders. Social events included a slide show about biking in the Burgundy region of France, along with a potluck. An October weekend in Borrego Springs included rides to view the sculptures created by Ricardo Breceda, and a potluck at the desert home of two of our members. The annual Holiday Party in December was well attended, and the gift exchange (which goes on and on) was the highlight of the evening. On the 24th Annual Jingle Bell Ride, participants donated toys to the Salvation Army. In order to help riders decide whether to choose a Social ride, an Express ride or a Junior Express Ride, the board conducted a survey of members and published guidelines for Express and Junior Express rides. The guidelines give indications of length of ride, rolling, moderate or steep hills and pace in mph. Bus Trip Committee and Ski Section, Mike Fry See Mike s report under Item 4, Bus Trips Committee. COL Database/Master Calendar, Jim McCleary Jim McCleary had no new information to report. COL Newsletter Editor, Wendy Gray-Bois Wendy was absent and no report was presented. Family Section, Jennifer Douglas Jennifer was absent and no report was submitted. Main Chapter Outings Coordinator, Phil Birkhahn Phil had no new information to report. Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO), Bill Tayler and Ellen Feeney Bill and Ellen were absent, and no report was presented. Leadership Review & Safety Chair, Michael Taylor Michael had no new information to report. Leadership Training Coordinator San Diego, Stefanie Maio Stefanie reported that since our October 25 meeting, three leaders have completed their COL II evaluation outings: Elize Quinn (from the Spring Training), Craig Rubinoff and Eric Williams (both from the Fall Training). Doug Grover has planned his evaluation backpack for January 27-28, During the same period, seven trainees have completed their COL I evaluations: Oscar Brambila and Rose Williams (both from the Spring Training), Anna Lee, Ellen Greenfield, Marilyn Bockstahler, Kris Watkin and Natalie Rubin (from the Fall Training which had 15 attendees). Michelle Roberts, Steven Prager and Tiffany Albrecht have all led one evaluation outing (and Tiffany has published her second for January 27). Marin Vaughn is also planning to submit her day hike soon. All COL I leaders have received a notecard of congratulations, ten Adventure 16 bucks, and an outings patch. COL II leaders have received a notecard and a ticket to go to the Columbia Employee Store any time this year. Evaluators have received a notecard expressing thanks, along with ten Adventure 16 bucks for the first time they do an evaluation that year (not every time they evaluate). Stefanie has been posting a picture the Facebook COL Page to acknowledge these accomplishments. Congratulations to our newest leaders! Leadership Training Coordinator North County, Cheryl Knapp Cheryl was absent, and no report was submitted. Medical Training Coordinator, Melody Eues Melody reported that a Wilderness First Aid training will be held in North County in October, and San Diego s session will be scheduled for March or April. Member at Large, Diane Purkey Wilson Diane had no new information to report. Outings Committee Secretary, Pauline Jimenez Pauline had no new information to report. Pacific Crest Trail Section, Rob Langsdorf Rob no new information to report. (cont.)

17 Sierra Social Section, Christian Soria Christian was absent and no report was submitted. MEETING MINUTES Steering Committee Liaison, Karenlee Robinson See Karenlee s report under Special Topics, Item 5d. Richard Miller also commented that the chapter is looking to hire a part-time conservation organizer, and that he has 2018 Sierra Club desk and wall calendars available for purchase. Outings Committee Treasurer, Marty Stevens See Marty s report under Item 2, Treasurer s Report. Technology Committee, Byron Cook Byron was absent and no report was submitted. Wednesday in Mtns, Merrilyn Pope Merrilyn was absent and no report was submitted. Wilderness Basics Committee (San Diego) Representative, Michael Taylor Michael reported that WBC is now in its third week, and everything is going well. The students first outing is this weekend. Wilderness Basics Committee (North County Group) Representative, Doug Grover Doug was absent, but Suzi Sandore reported on his behalf. This year s third WBC meeting was held on January 23, with a full quota of 100 students. Their first Car Camp is scheduled for February 3-4. ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION Mike Fry was very proud to report that his daughter has been invited to attend a training next month at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. Stefanie Maio advised that she would like to look at more ways for leaders to lead other outings for the Main Chapter besides WBC and bus trips. Her goal is to see at least one hike per week published for the Main Chapter. She added that we need to be more inventive about ways to recognize leaders. We need to boost and feature their activities to inspire them to give back in new ways. 8. DATE AND LOCATION OF NEXT QUARTERLY MEETING/ADJOURNMENT Quarterly meeting dates for 2018 are set for the fourth Wednesdays: April 25, July 25 and October 24. Meeting dates (and possible changes in location) will be posted in the COL Newsletter and on the Master Calendar. The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. ADDENDUM On January 25-31, 2018 Outings Committee members continued via a discussion concerning the formal proposal submitted by Stefanie Maio (The Maio Group) to upgrade and clean our bus trips website at sdsierraclub.org, and to restore a secure PayPal link prior to February 3 (which is the date registration opens for Joshua Tree, our first bus trip of the year). Starla Rivers commented that bus trips used to allow us to explore, enjoy and protect, while raising money for the Chapter at the same time. She added that, in the current environment of intense competition for participant time/attention and added land use restrictions, it takes a lot of advertising to reach a big enough population to attract participants and a very robust website to manage them. She suggested that, if the proposal is approved, ski trips should also be included on the site. Starla also commented on some information on National s website: Land agencies use specific criteria to differentiate between commercial and non-commercial outings. Non-commercial outings collect trip fees (if any) that only go to direct trip costs (consumable food and supplies expenses used on the outing, concessionaire expenses for services such as transportation or packing, and/or campground or lodging expenses). Commercial outings, on the other hand, charge a fee to collect trip fees that are for direct trip costs as well as additional costs such as those for fundraising, leader wages, leader travel, leader honorarium, advertising, overheads, or equipment depreciation. Commercial outings, since they are making money from operating on public lands, need to have a commercial use permit in order to gain access It is for these reasons that our trips must operate under a shared cost policy, leaders pay the same price as participants, and all must have the option of either keeping or donating their share of any excess. This is also why we cannot simply charge more to raise money for website upgrades. Phil Birkhahn explained that although outcomes are not yet available, it appears we have enough money in our accounts to complete any refund/contribution processes that may have been pending over the last two years. He believes money to cover the past is there in our accounts, and potential earned funds from 2018 s trips seem likely to cover future expenses (which could include the website upgrade). The $4,000 we may spend on the website upgrade is about what we usually transfer annually. We will consequently not be transferring funds to the Main Chapter this year, but the Chapter is likely to get a transfer in the 2019 season. No one likes to decide without knowing the past and future, but we have no prospect of knowing this without sacrificing potential income for There are always risks, but he is in favor of the upgrade to ensure chances for a successful Bus Trips season. (cont.)

18 MEETING MINUTES Phil noted that working out these risks also involves recruiting leaders for upcoming bus trips. He understands that it used to be an honor and a privilege to lead a bus trip, and leaders were typically subsidized for their costs. He suggested that we measure, recognize and reward COLs who lead more outings beyond a higher minimum. For instance, bus trips would count more than day hikes and onenight backpacks. Additionally, our current reward structure for first aid support only incentivizes one trip every two years. Perhaps that subsidy could focus on leaders who do more. Mike Fry noted that his greatest concern is cost, and Marty Stevens was vehemently opposed for the same reason. Mike explained that website development and maintenance is very expensive. Five years ago, we paid $2,500 for our website (and now five years later it will cost $4,000 to keep it viable). Although this is the nature of the industry, we will not want our website to eventually absorb all donated income from the bus trip program. If our program was much larger, we could easily pay this cost. But finding leaders for the six trips we have scheduled for this year is already a challenge, so we are unlikely to enlarge our program any further. We can t increase our trip fees because federal land agencies (US Forest Service and National Park Service) require all excess funds be refunded to the participants. Website upgrades are not considered trip costs by these agencies, so we can only pay for them from donations of the excess funds. Options beyond our own custom website (such as combining the WBC, Chapter and Bus Trips websites, or using a travel website like Kayak) are not feasible at this time. National Sierra Club may create a website that all 62 chapters can use, but it is not available yet. Mike did not realize a website could be this expensive, but does not see any alternative to the current proposal under discussion. Kevin submitted a motion to approve the proposal, which will obligate the Outings Committee to pay The Maio Group $4,000. Pauline moved to amend Kevin s motion to include the $1,000 per month payment plan offered in the proposal. Diane Purkey-Wilson seconded the motion. Kevin Neal sent an on January 31, 2018 to explain that vocal support at the January 24 meeting and the current tally of official votes were sufficient to pass the motion. He shared many of the concerns that had been raised, but given the information available he believes this is the best course of action. He requested that the discussion be closed by Friday, February 2. Mike Fry did not cast a clear vote because he was out of town. Diane Purkey-Wilson seconded the motion, but also did not cast a clear vote. No further votes or opinions were offered. Therefore, the January 31, tally stands. The motion passed with 7 in favor (Kevin Neal, Pauline Jimenez, Melody Eues, Starla Rivers, Michael Taylor, Christian Soria and Phil Birkhahn) and 3 opposed (Marty Stevens, Rob Langsdorf and Ellen Feeney). #