Sierra Santa Margarita Group activities, October 2016

Michael H. Momeni, Environmental Nuclear Scientist

   

Visit our interactive blog “What’s up” at: http://sierraconservation.blogspot.com/

Sierra Santa Margarita Group report was submitted to Palm and Pine for publication.

We are back

After our brief summer vacation, we started working hard on our agenda.  We met at the pool at Laurie and David Webster's house (Fig 1). 

Figure 1: Members of Executive Committee and Associates

Those attended were:

Pam Nelson, Laurie Webster, Margaret Meyncke, Michael Momeni, Jim Mitchell, Fred Bartz, Ray Johnson, Teri Biancardi, Bob Audibert, George McMackin, Caren Hanson, Scott Smith, Elena Garcia. 

Transportation Task Group

Exhaust from gasoline engines has been a major contributor to the air quality of Temecula Valley.  We are tasked to examine local transportation problems, seek methods to promote mass-transit systems, and collaborate with other organizations pursuing similar objectives.  Multiple studies have identified air pollution as an initiator for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lung cancer.  

Highway 15/215 in Temecula Valley is the main artery for connecting San Diego to the highways 10, 40 and route 91.  In addition, it is the principle route for commuters to Los Angeles, Riverside, Escondido and San Diego.  These vehicles all have contributed to the airborne pollution in our valley. 

The existing train connecting Perris to Riverside is infrequent and very slow to be useful for commuters.  The proposed rapid train linking San Francisco to Los Angeles or San Diego would be many years to come; in addition, it would be infrequent and could not function for commuters.  The frequently stated justification for these deficiencies has been few commuter are using the present transit system in town; the commuters complain the system is infrequent, or not in existence, and very slow to be practical.

What are the solutions?  Our Task Group will be examining both short term and long term practical objectives.  We will pursue a greater access to local public transportation within our community.  Our agenda includes:

• participating in the T-Now meetings;
• organizing outings using mass transit systems.

Wildlife Corridor

The Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve and the Santa Margarita River are essential to wildlife in the region and should be permanently protected.  Highway 15 in Temecula divides the natural routes for wildlife passage between the western section of Cleveland National Forest, Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, and the eastern section of the Forest (Fig. 2).

Figure 2: Temecula Valley and the natural wildlife habitats

Two proposed major developments in Temecula, Altair and Temecula Inn Golf Course, close to Highway 15 would further exasperate the problem.  The Altair development would be located on the western side of Temecula, adjacent to the Old Town (Fig. 3).  The Temecula Inn Golf Course Development would be located on the present golf course land. We are working and consulting with other local organizations pursuing the same objective of a wildlife corridor.  We have been examining the details for development of both projects.  We are recommending elimination of Phase 4 so that the wildlife crossing at Temecula Creek is less impacted.

Figure 3:  The rugged topography and Highway 15 within the southern section of Temecula.

Meadow Day

Teri Biancardi notes: “The next Meadow Day is on Saturday, October 29th. It would be a model for Riverside County’s watershed management.”  Among the topics to be presented are:

·       Grasslands and greenhouse gasses: California’s new energy policy;

·       Meadowview’s milestone stream restoration: a first for Riverside County;

·       Working with Nature to Heal the Harm;

·       Restoring the meadow: a comprehensive land management plan; 

·       A team on the ground: Meadowview’s service minded volunteers;

·       The state of the meadow: where we are and where we’re going

Election: Tim Sheridan

Maryellen Garcia recommended: “Tim Sheridan of California’s 42 Congressional District supports our Sierra Club goals.”  Tim will challenge Ken Calvert, who has had an abysmal anti-environmental record in the House. The Santa Margarita Group enthusiastically encourages voting for Sheridan in November.

Reflections on California Naturalist Certification Conference

Margaret Meyncke offered feedback: “This conference was Fabulous!   It is a great opportunity to get training as a naturalist and also connect with citizen science projects throughout the state of California.  

How do we connect this fantastic opportunity with the Sierra Club?

• Get the word out through social media and other means of communication.  This program is a solid fit with the mission and goals of the Sierra Club.
• Create a chapter-wide campaign of support that will unify us and provide a common cause to create connection.  
• Take personal responsibility.

Monthly Speaker

Professional investment advisor Scott Smith’s presentation, September 8, focused on investment in socially responsible companies that would not abuse or pollute the environment. 

Schedule of Events

·       October 15^th: Tour of Primal Pastures, a Murrieta humane and sustainable farm, including a picnic for the whole family;

·       November 6^th: Tour of Temecula Olive Oil Ranch. Located in Aguanga;

·       December 11^th: Holiday Party at Vail Lake Resort Village.

Hikes

·       August 6, Palomar Mountain State Park;

·        September 6, Suicide Rock above the town of Idyllwild.

The family: goats are beautiful and smart.