July 2015
Newsletter of the Santa Clarita Sierra Club, a group of the Angeles Chapter, online at angeles.sierraclub.org/scv
The Friends of the Santa Clara River, longtime allies of the Santa
Clarita Sierra Club working to protect local water resources, and the Santa Clara River Symposium Planning Committee, are sponsoring a symposium titled Take Me to the River: Caring for
Creation Starts at Home to be held on Saturday, August 15. The
Santa Clara River continues to be threatened on several fronts, including drought and groundwater depletion, diminished water quality, the proposed Cemex mega-mine, ongoing development with its associated loss of habitat for native species, and the threat of invasive species. The Take Me to the River Symposium will be an opportunity for conservationists to build connections with local faith-based organizations. Topics to be discussed will include the role of rivers and water in faith traditions, the history and ecology of the Santa Clara River, and a discussion of current issues facing the river.
This is an excellent opportunity to reach out to like-minded members of the community who care about our valley and its future. And the timing couldn’t be better given the release of
Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Environment last month. The
Pope’s letter contained stern warnings on the danger to the planet from global warming and degradation of the biosphere, and a call to action especially in the area of environmental justice.
The symposium will be held at Renehan Hall, St. Clare of Assisi
Parish, 19606 Calla Way, Canyon Country on Saturday, August
15, 8:30 AM-3:30 PM. Registration is free. A box lunch is available for $10, payable by check which must be received by
August 1. Visit Facebook page at “Take me to the River Caring for Creation for information on registering, or call (661) 255-
6899.
I NSIDE T HIS I SSUE
Notes from the Chair
Outings Outpost
Schedule of Hikes and Events
Sunday, October 18, 2:00-6:00 PM
Call Dave at (661) 254-5245 for details.
2
3
4-6
Come join us at the home of Robin and Dave Morrow for our annual party and fundraiser. Bring a side dish or dessert to share. Main dishes and drinks will be provided. Donation: $20 for singles, $30 for couples.
Spring is tabling season for the Santa Clarita
Group. Sandra, Ed and Dave are working the crowd at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Open House on May 9.

By Dave Morrow
Don Mullally, noted local biologist and conservation activist, was the guest speaker at our monthly Santa Clarita
Group meeting twice this spring, in March and in June, speaking on two apparently disparate topics, the blue belly lizard (a.k.a. western fence lizard) and himself, but the two talks together gave the listener a very keen appreciation for the man and his life, his passion for the issues and his sardonic wit. I appreciate everyone who came out to hear him speak. Thank you, Don.
The Earth Day/Arbor Day tabling was a success thanks to the assistance of Ed Benison, Ken Kerner, Kate Okamoto and Katherine Squires, who helped me get the word out on all the good work we are doing for the Santa Clarita Valley.
I also want to thank the City of Santa Clarita for sponsoring this event each year. The City does a wonderful job.
The Santa Clarita Group was out again in May tabling at the annual Placerita Canyon Nature Center Open House.
Many thanks go Sandra Cattell, Ken Kerner and Ed Benison for helping me table. The nature center recently underwent refurbishment and I hadn't visited since it had reopened and, wow, what an exciting place it has become, with new exhibits and lots of information on local flora and fauna. If any of you reading this haven't visited then I definitely recommend that you do.
Sandra Cattell is now our newest hike leader, having taken the Chapter's Outings Leadership Training Seminar this past April and leading her provisional hike in Placerita
Canyon in June. She did a great job and if you haven't been on a Sierra Club hike lately then you should consider going on one of Sandra's hikes as she uses her skills as an educator to make the excursion informative. You can check out her upcoming hikes, along with the rest of the hike schedule through October, elsewhere in this newsletter.
The annual River Rally hosted by the City of Santa Clarita is coming up on September 19 and we will be there to rally for the Santa Clara River. Hope to see you at our table.
Finally, our annual party/fundraiser is scheduled for
Sunday, October 18. It is our group’s only fundraiser this year so make plans to attend.
The Climate Circle
Sierra Club at Earth/Arbor Day on April 18
Sandra and friends drop by the Sierra Club’s table at the Placerita Open House following her hike.

Canyon Connection
By Dave Morrow
Editor's Note: We are bringing back the Outings Outpost, a favorite of readers, with accounts of outings sponsored by the
Santa Clarita Group. The Outings Outpost grew out of a previous
Outings Chair, Casey Bialas, who moved to Las Vegas several years ago. Contact Dave Morrow if you would like to contribute an article. Photos are very welcome.
After several days with highs in the mid-90s the weather turned slightly cooler but still cloudy and humid on July 1 as we drove to the trailhead in Granada Hills for the Mission
Peak Moonlight Hike. It ended up being beautiful weather, as it almost always is on this hike, as we began the 1200 foot climb at 7:00 PM. There were seven of us, Ken (my coleader), Eugenia, Galen, Marilyn, Bart, Gary and me. This is one of the best local hikes I know of, held on the
Wednesday evening before the full moon, with a steady but not too steep climb over a distance of 2.5 miles; so it's good exercise after a day at work, with great views, and always the opportunity to see wildlife, owls, deer, even tarantulas, which are more active at dusk. It took us a little more than an hour to reach the top with a colorful sunset awaiting us.
We didn't spend too long at the top since the moon was hidden by clouds and I wanted to get back to the cars before it became too dark. The trail was still well illuminated, though, and we had no difficulty on the hike down. (It's wise to bring a flashlight, just in case.) Usually the moon is amazingly bright for the hike down. You should consider joining us for our next Moonlight Hike on July 29.
See the Schedule of Hikes and Events for more details.
Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual writers and do not reflect official Sierra Club policy unless expressly stated as such.
Editor: Dave Morrow dlrchmorrow@sbcglobal.net
The Canyon Connection is a publication of the Santa Clarita
Sierra Club Group, 26920 Monterey Ave., Valencia, CA
91355
Published March, July, November
Monthly Meeting & Program
2nd Thursday each month at 7:30 p.m. (except Aug. &
Dec.)
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, meet in lounge on upper level, enter on E. Side, facing RiteAid/O'Reilly's parking lot, opposite main church entrance.
Visitors are welcome! Information: Dave (661) 254-5245
Mission Peak Moonlight Hikes: Sunset on July 1
(above), Nina Riga reunion with friends on May 27
(left).

Canyon Connection
Sierra Club Waiver – All Sierra Club outings require that you sign an “Acknowledgment of Outing Member Responsibility, Express
Assumption of Risk, and Release of Liability” before participating. If a minor participates then the minor’s guardian must sign on the minor’s behalf.
Thursday, July 9, 2015, 7:30 PM
Monthly Meeting
Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Orchard Village Rd just ½ block N of Lyons. Topic: Viewing of film documentary, “Merchants of Doubt.”
Sunday, July 19, 2015, 8:00 AM
Mt Baden Powell Hike
Raymond Lorme 661-296-0246 rlorme@aol.com
Geraldine Lorme 661-296-0246
O: Moderate 8 mi rt, 2800' gain/ loss hike on shaded switchbacks on the PCT Popular, classic hike with panoramic views of
Angeles Forest high country, Devil's Punchbowl, and Antelope Valley. Meet 8 AM at Canyon Country Rideshare (Von’s
Sand Canyon off 14 Freeway, meet on Soledad Side by Kenroy Ave entrance) or 9:30 at Vincent Gap parking lot. Bring water, lunch, and lugsoles. Rain cancels
Wednesday, July 29, 2015, 7:00 PM
Mission Peak Moonlight Conditioning Hike
David Morrow 661-254-5245 dlrchmorrow@sbcglobal.net
Kate Okamoto 661-288-7391 kate.okamoto@gmail.com
Gaylon S Rodin 661-263-0568 grodin2@gmail.com
Ken Kerner 661-259-8800
Mary Ellen Dittemore 661-254-8543 maredittemore@yahoo.com
O: Moderate 5 mile, 1200' gain to view San Fernando Valley. Meet 7 PM at Neon Way trailhead. Exit on Balboa Ave off 118
Freeway N 2 miles to Sesnon, W 1 mi to Neon Way, R to end of street. Bring water, lugsoles, flashlight.
Saturday, August 1, 2015, 9:00 AM
Pt. Hueneme Beach Stroll
Sandra Cattell 661-259-0433 sumcatt@yahoo.com
Kate Okamoto 661-288-7391 kate.okamoto@gmail.com
O: Easy 3 mile beach stroll from Ormond Beach to the Lighthouse. Lunch afterwards in town at a local restaurant. Beat the heat with a nice day by the beach. Meet 9 AM in north Valencia by the Embassy Suites. Take I-5 to 126/Newhall Ranch Rd, take R off freeway to 1st light (Vanderbilt), take R to Westinghouse and park. Bring water, sunscreen, and hat.
Saturday, August 22, 2015, 6:30 PM
Santa Clara River Walk/ Dinner
Sandra Cattell 661-259-0433 sumcatt@yahoo.com
David Morrow 661-254-5245 dlrchmorrow@sbcglobal.net
O: Easy 3 mile evening hike along the Santa Clara River. Check out plants and wildlife at dusk. Optional dinner afterwards at a local restaurant. Meet at the shopping center on the corner of Magic Mtn. and McBean Parkways. Enter on Creekside across from the US Post Office. Park closest to the river by Haggens. Bring water and flashlight.

Canyon Connection
Wednesday, August 26, 2015, 7:00 PM
Mission Peak Moonlight Conditioning Hike
David Morrow 661-254-5245 dlrchmorrow@sbcglobal.net
Kate Okamoto 661-288-7391 kate.okamoto@gmail.com
Gaylon S Rodin 661-263-0568 grodin2@gmail.com
Ken Kerner 661-259-8800
Mary Ellen Dittemore 661-254-8543 maredittemore@yahoo.com
O: Moderate 5 mile, 1200' gain to view San Fernando Valley. Meet 7 PM at Neon Way trailhead. Exit on Balboa Ave off 118
Freeway N 2 miles to Sesnon, W 1 mi to Neon Way, R to end of street. Bring water, lugsoles, flashlight.
Thursday, September 10, 2015, 7:30 PM
Monthly Meeting
Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Orchard Village Rd just ½ block N of Lyons. Topic: “The Other Yosemite:
Exploring the south park backountry.
Sunday, September 13, 2015, 8:00 AM
Mt Pinos to Grouse Mtn Hike
David Morrow 661-254-5245 dlrchmorrow@sbcglobal.net
Raymond Lorme 661-296-0246 rlorme@aol.com
O: Moderate 9 mile, 1200 ft. gain over Mt Pinos (8831), Sawmill Mtn toGrouse Mt.(8650) in Los Padres National Forest.
Meet 8 am in Valencia by Embassy Suites (5 Fwy. N, exit 126/Newhall ranch Rd, turn R[E] at exit, R on Vanderbilt Way [1st light], R on Westinghouse, park on street). One hour drive to trailhead. Bring water, lunch, lugsoles, fsp.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015, 7:00 PM
Mission Peak Moonlight Conditioning Hike
David Morrow 661-254-5245 dlrchmorrow@sbcglobal.net
Kate Okamoto 661-288-7931 kate.okamoto@gmail.com
Gaylon S Rodin 661-263-0568 grodin2@gmail.com
Ken Kerner 661-259-8800
Mary Ellen Dittemore 661-254-8543 maredittemore@yahoo.com
O: Moderate 5 mile, 1200' gain to view San Fernando Valley. Meet 7 PM at Neon Way trailhead. Exit on Balboa Ave off 118
Freeway N 2 miles to Sesnon, W 1 mi to Neon Way, R to end of street. Bring water, lugsoles, flashlight.
Saturday, September 26, 2015, 5:00 PM
Iron Horse Santa Clara River Hike/ Tailgate Dinner
David Morrow 661-254-5245 dlrchmorrow@sbcglobal.net
Sandra Cattell 661-259-0433 sumcatt@yahoo.com
O: Easy 2-3 mile walk along Santa Clara River to see the areas where the city is doing Arundo removal
Meet 5 pm at the Iron HorseTrailhead, on north side of Magic Mtn. Parkway 1/2 mile east of Interstate 5. Bring your own main course plus dish to share, folding chair, water and flashlight. Good for beginners and Easy Hikers.
The mountains are calling and I must go.

Canyon Connection
Saturday, October 3, 2015, 9:00 AM
Newhall History Hike
Sandra Cattell 661-259-0433 sumcatt@yahoo.com
Kate Okamoto 661-288-7931 kate.okamoto@gmail.com
O: Easy 300 ft. gain 3 mile hike thru Hart Park, Saugus Train Station, and historic downtown Newhall. See the local historic sights and wild bison. Meet 9 AM at Hart Park on Newhall Ave in downtown Newhall. Park on south side of animal enclosure. From the 14 Freeway exit at Newhall Ave and go north, Hart Park will be on the left after crossing the railroad tracks. Optional lunch at one of the local restaurants afterwards. Good hike for beginners and Little Hikers. Bring water and good walking shoes.
Thursday, October 8, 2015, 7:30 PM
Monthly Meeting
Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Orchard Village Rd just ½ block N of Lyons. Guest speaker: Alan Pollack, San Fernando Valley Audubon Society speaking on how to make your yard and garden wildlife friendly and drought tolerant.
Saturday, October 17, 2015, 8:30 AM
South Fork Trail to Holcomb Canyon Hike
Ken Kerner 661-259-8800
Gaylon S Rodin 661-263-0568 grodin2@gmail.com
O: Moderate 6 mile RT 500 ft gain/loss on the South Fork Trail north to Holcomb Canyon. Spectacular scenery, high desert and pine forest area. Meet 8:30 at the Canyon Country rideshare (Vons Sand Canyon) near the Rite Aid brick wall.
One hour drive to trailhead. Bring water, lunch, and lug soles. Two low level boulder hop stream crossings. Rain cancels.
Sunday, October 18, 2015, 2:00 PM-6:00 PM
Annual Santa Clarita Group Party/Fundraiser
This is our one fundraiser for the year and will be at the home of Robin and Dave Morrow. Call Dave at 661-254-5245 to
RSVP. $20 donation per person or $30 per couple. Everyone is welcome. Bring side dish or dessert. Main dishes and drinks will be provided.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015, 7:00 PM
Mission Peak Moonlight Conditioning Hike
David Morrow 661-254-5245 dlrchmorrow@sbcglobal.net
Kate Okamoto 661-288-7931 kate.okamoto@gmail.com
Gaylon S Rodin 661-263-0568 grodin2@gmail.com
Ken Kerner 661-259-8800
Mary Ellen Dittemore 661-254-8543 maredittemore@yahoo.com
O: Moderate 5 mile, 1200' gain to view San Fernando Valley. Meet 7 PM at Neon Way trailhead. Exit on Balboa Ave off
118 Freeway N 2 miles to Sesnon, W 1 mi to Neon Way, R to end of street. Bring water, lugsoles, flashlight.

Canyon Connection
Santa Clarita Group
Sierra Club
26920 Monterey Ave
Valencia, CA 91355
Phone:
(661) 254-5245
E-Mail: dlrchmorrow@sbcglobal.net
To Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet
We’re on the Web!
Visit us at: angeles.sierraclub.org/scv
Santa Clarita Sierra Club
26920 Monterey Ave.
Valencia, CA 91355
Customer Name
Street Address
City, ST ZIP Code