The Central Group has been busy protecting and preserving existing open space and advocating for new parks.
The McCourt Gondola to Dodger Stadium Harms Hard-Fought Park Space
You would think that Frank McCourt could pay for his own gondola, after greedily setting the Dodgers up for failure while he owned them, but no. It appears more and more likely that taxpayers could foot the bill. But that’s not the worst of it. The gondola is set to hang at about 27 feet over parts of the State Historic Park, near Chinatown. The park was a hard-fought addition to a park-poor area and, if you haven’t been there, you should go. One of its best features is the open sky above it. The Central Group is part of a coalition to Stop the Gondola that includes community organizations such as Home Boys and Self-Help Graphics. We filed opposition to the Environmental Impact Report, attended hearings, lobbied and more. We also financially supported a Kite Festival in the park last May, which drew in 5,000 people. This is an ongoing matter, where success is an uphill battle. Stay tuned. Better yet, get involved.
The Living Schoolyards Coalition – Turning Asphalt into Green Space
We are a part of the Living Schoolyards Coalition, attempting to rid school yards of asphalt and replace it with green space and trees. Greening schools leads to better attendance and healthier students, and reduces heat spots, among other things. The Coalition aims to open the new green space to students and families on weekends and during the evening. This is not new; San Diego adopted the policy over 80 years ago. L.A. needs to get on the ball and we are working to ensure it does.
The County’s Coalition to Implement its Park Plan
Last fall, the County of L.A. came out with its long-awaited Park Needs Assessment + (PNA+) report. The 200-page document is a model in innovation, seeking not just to preserve open space, but also to remediate contaminated space to create parks in areas in L.A. where little open space exists. We were present for the rollout of the plan and whole-heartedly supported the adoption of PNA+ by the Board of Supervisors. We were invited to, and now participate in, a diverse coalition to select new park space in the County. We will be working with the coalition to select space for preservation/park land and, for those areas with no open space, to select places that can be remediated to create parks and open space.
Oil Fields to Parks
L.A. is the largest urban oil field in the country, but not for long. In early 2023, the County Board of Supervisors voted to phase out oil production in the County. We were there! What is going to become of the Inglewood Oil Fields? Well, we are hoping to make it into a park!
Fighting Zoo Expansion that Destroys Green Space in Griffith Park
Griffith Park is likely to die a death of a thousand cuts. Everyone wants “just a small part of it” for development. This year, we are working with communities and other Sierra Club entities to stop zoo expansion that takes up acres of park land for buildings and more. We were partially successful in that we stopped the zoo from taking land for a vineyard (why a vineyard at the zoo?) but the zoo is still attempting to take other now-protected land for buildings. We continue to support communities in their fight to keep as much of Griffith Park a park as Colonel Griffith intended, as “a place for rest and relaxation for the masses, a resort for the rank and file.”
We are the Lead on the Sierra Club’s 30x30 Campaign
The 30x30 campaign is a worldwide effort to protect 30% of open space by 2030. It has been embraced by the US and California governments. The Sierra Club is working especially hard on 30x30 as a national campaign, and so are we. Our group is not only a part of the County coalition but we also are developing our own list of places to preserve. We participated in lobbying the County Board of Supervisors and City Councilmembers to pass resolutions expanding the parameters of the San Gabriel National Monument as well. We viewed and hiked in potential park/open space areas and supported community efforts to protect space. Our ongoing campaign will last into and likely beyond 2024!
Award Nominations
By Jess Chow, Banquet and Awards Chair
Hey there! The Angeles Chapter is on the lookout for awesome individuals and groups in the Sierra Club who've been doing some outstanding work for the Chapter. Want to give a shout-out to someone from the Central Group? Nominations are open, and we want everyone to get in on the fun. We've even added more award categories this year, so check them out and let us know who deserves some recognition. Just a heads up, the deadline to send in your nominations is January 31, 2024. Don't miss out!
Are you passionate about the environment? Do you love to read? Do you want to engage in meaningful discussions about pressing environmental issues with likeminded folks? Look no further! The Central Group and West LA Group of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter are thrilled to announce the launch of its Environmentalist Book Club!
Every month, we will discuss a book that revolves around nature, the environment, or environmentalism. We will read capaciously, and will discuss books old and new, fiction and nonfiction, sobering and hopeful.
Our inaugural book will be Jeff Goodell’s The Heat Will Kill You First, a new acclaimed non-fiction bestseller that explains the effects of extreme heat caused by climate change. Our friends at Village Well Books & Coffee in Culver City, who are hosting our inaugural meeting, will be selling the book at a 20% discount to help support the book club. If you’d like, you can get your copy in-store there or on the Village Well website and help support a local independent bookstore! You can also download the book through the Libby app with your Los Angeles Public Library card!
Bring your enthusiasm, questions, and a passion for the environment. If you have any questions about the book club, please email the book club host, Avery Weinman, at averyweinman@gmail.com.
Here is a summary of important information for our first meeting:
When: Tuesday, January 9, 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Village Well Books & Coffee, 9900 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA
Book: The Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell
We can't wait to embark on this literary and environmental journey with you. Let's read, discuss, and take action to protect the planet we call home!
by Niv Ovadia
Hello there! Today, let's take a moment to reflect on something close to our hearts: our city parks. These green spaces are more than just pretty spots for picnics or afternoon jogs, they're vital parts of our urban society, reflecting our dreams of a sustainable and equitable city. That's where the Sierra Club, with our Trash Talk Saturdays, steps in – not just to tidy up but to care for and celebrate these essential spaces.
The Importance of Parks in Urban Spaces
Think about your favorite park in the city. Maybe it's the historic charm of Echo Park or the scenic beauty of Hollenbeck Park. These places have stories etched into every pathway and playground. They started as exclusive leisure spots but have grown into community treasures for all of us. This evolution is not just fascinating; it's crucial to understanding why we do what we do.
But our parks face challenges today – from addressing nature access inequity to dealing with environmental concerns like managing stormwater. Modern parks like Hawkins Park and the South LA Wetland Park are leading the charge, showing us how green spaces can be so much more than just places to relax.
Addressing Inequity and Environmental Issues
Today's parks, like Hawkins Park and South LA Wetland Park, are not just community spaces; they're ingenious solutions to some of the most pressing urban challenges, including nature access inequity, health disparities, and environmental concerns.
In an ideal world, everyone would have equal access to nature's bounty. Yet, reality often tells a different story. Parks like Hawkins Park are designed with this very thought in mind – to bridge the gap in nature access. They provide a green sanctuary in areas where such spaces are scarce, ensuring that all community members, irrespective of their background, can enjoy the health and wellness benefits of being in nature.
Parks play a crucial role in addressing urban environmental issues. Take stormwater management, for example. In cities where concrete and asphalt dominate, rainwater runoff can lead to flooding and pollution. Parks like South LA Wetland Park are designed to absorb and purify this runoff naturally, using vegetation and soil to filter pollutants, recharge groundwater, and reduce flooding risks. This not only helps manage stormwater but also enhances the park's ecological value.
The beauty of these modern parks lies in their holistic approach; they're not just patches of green, they're dynamic ecosystems that cater to diverse needs – social, health, and environmental. By integrating natural landscapes into urban settings, these parks demonstrate how we can create sustainable, resilient cities that cater to the well-being of all their residents.
Trash Talk Saturdays: A Deeper Dive
Since 2022, the Sierra Club's Trash Talk Saturdays have become a vital part of our commitment to urban parks. Throughout the year, we've conducted 22 Trash Talk events across 18 different parks, each with its unique landscape and community. From the ecological richness of South Wetland Park to the historical significance of LA State Historic Park, these events have touched diverse corners of our city, each time leaving them a little cleaner and a little brighter.
Our journey has taken us through a variety of parks, each with its story and significance. At South Wetland Park, our efforts have contributed to preserving an essential ecological habitat. In contrast, at places like Elysian Park and Griffith Park, we've helped maintain some of the city's most beloved and frequented green spaces. The sheer diversity of locations––including Ascott Hills Parks, Kenneth Hahn State Park, and Hawkins Park––reflects our commitment to addressing environmental and social issues across the urban landscape.
But what do these Trash Talk Saturdays involve? On the surface, it's about gathering volunteers to clean up litter, but the impact runs deeper. These events are opportunities for community engagement, environmental education, and advocacy. They're about understanding the role each park plays in its neighborhood and the broader cityscape. For instance, cleaning up the LA River isn't just about beautifying the area, it's about contributing to the health of an entire ecosystem that affects the well-being of countless residents and wildlife.
During these events, we often take the time to educate participants about the unique aspects of each park. Whether it's discussing the role of wetlands in stormwater management at South LA Wetland Park or highlighting the historical background of Hollenbeck Park, these sessions provide a deeper understanding of why we're doing what we're doing. This educational aspect turns each clean-up into a learning experience, enriching volunteers’ connection to the park and the environment.
Trash Talk Saturdays also serve as a platform for advocating for more sustainable practices and policies. By highlighting the challenges faced by each park, from waste management to environmental degradation, we're able to bring attention to broader issues. These events become a call to action, not just for those who participate but for the entire community, encouraging a collective effort in promoting and maintaining our green spaces.
The Impact of Park Cleanups
Our park clean-ups do a lot more than just clear away trash. They change the way people think and feel about their local parks. When someone helps clean up, they start to see the park as their own space to care for. This leads to more visits and a stronger community feeling around keeping the park nice and clean. It’s like a positive cycle: the more people help out, the better the park gets, and the more people want to keep helping.
These cleanups are also great for the environment. Picking up litter makes the parks look nicer, sure, but it also helps the plants and animals that live there.
Join the Movement
Each event we host, and every piece of trash we pick up, plays a part in making our city's parks better places for everyone. By getting involved, you're not just helping to clean a park, you're becoming part of a movement that values nature, community, and the well-being of our city.
Your involvement in our park cleanups has a ripple effect. When you join in, you're showing that you care about your community and the environment. You're also setting an example for others, encouraging more people to take part in preserving our natural spaces. Every volunteer counts, and your effort, big or small, makes a real difference. Whether it’s picking up litter, educating others, or even just enjoying the park more responsibly, your actions contribute to a larger change.
How to Get Involved
Participating in our Trash Talk Saturdays or other cleanup events is easy and rewarding.
Here's how you can join in:
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the Sierra Club's website and social media channels for upcoming cleanup events.
Sign Up: Once you find an event that interests you, sign up as a volunteer. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to help.
Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to join in. The more people involved, the greater the impact.
Show Up: On the day of the event, come ready to work and have fun. We provide the necessary tools and guidance; you bring your energy and enthusiasm.
Keep the Momentum Going: Beyond organized events, continue to advocate for and take care of your local parks. Small actions like picking up litter during your park visits or participating in community discussions about park improvements can have a big impact.
by Niv Ovadia
Welcome to our annual reflection on the great outdoors! As we look back at the past year, it's thrilling to share the strides and adventures we've embarked on at Sierra Club, especially through our hiking outings. What’s better than the morning sunlight on your face and the camaraderie shared on the trails? These experiences are at the heart of what we do here at Sierra Club; this year, they’ve been more enriching than ever.
Our hiking programs have always been about more than just walking through nature; they are about connections, understanding, and shared experiences. In collaboration with fantastic partners like Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO) and Hearts for Sight (HFS), we've turned each outing into an opportunity for growth, learning, and inclusivity.
Inspiring Connections Outdoors, an initiative close to our heart, opens doors to nature for young people, fostering a new generation of nature enthusiasts and environmental stewards. Their dedication to making the great outdoors accessible and enjoyable for all is truly inspiring.
Hearts for Sight, meanwhile, has been an invaluable ally in bringing the beauty of nature to the visually impaired community. Together, we've created spaces where everyone, regardless of their ability to see, can experience the wonders of the outdoors. This collaboration symbolizes our belief that the beauty of nature should be accessible to all.
As we recount our treks through stunning landscapes like Malibu Creek and Topanga Canyon, and our special camping trips to Leo Carrillo State Park, we're reminded of the power of nature to bring people together.
Thank you Hearts for Sight Foundation (HFS)
As we celebrate the success of our outdoor initiatives, we must highlight the invaluable partnership with Hearts For Sight (HFS). Since its inception in 2016, HFS, founded by Racquel Decipeda and Joseph Burton, has been a beacon of support and empowerment for the visually impaired persons (VIPs) in the L.A. area. Their commitment to reducing wellness barriers for VIPs through activities like bike rides, exercise classes, and mental health services is truly commendable.
Our collaboration with Hearts For Sight blossomed from a shared vision of inclusivity and empowerment in the great outdoors. Initially, HFS was conducting hikes but sought more trained leadership and volunteers to expand their reach. The Central Group stepped in, providing not just the needed manpower but also expertise in safely conducting outdoor activities. This partnership was more than just a meeting of minds; it was a fusion of hearts, all beating for the same cause.
Our hikes have spanned a variety of breathtaking landscapes, offering unique experiences at every turn. From the serene trails of Malibu Creek to the rugged paths of Topanga Canyon, each location has been carefully chosen to provide a blend of challenge and beauty. Other notable destinations have included the scenic vistas of Placerita Canyon, the coastal charms of Bolsa Chica, and the urban greenery of Griffith Park and Kenneth Hahn State Park. Not to mention our treks to Santa Monica Beach and El Dorado Park, where the beauty of nature meets urban accessibility.
Participation and Inclusivity
One of the most heartening aspects of these hikes has been the overwhelming participation. Routinely attracting over 40 enthusiasts, with some hikes seeing as many as 50 participants, these outings have been a melting pot of diverse individuals.
A unique blend of visually impaired persons (VIPs) and sighted guides has not only fostered an environment of inclusivity but also of mutual learning and respect. The exchange of experiences, stories, and laughter among the participants has been a joy to witness.
The Role of Volunteers
The success of these hikes can largely be attributed to our passionate volunteers. Their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm have been the backbone of our outings. Sierra Club members and leaders have played a pivotal role, ensuring each hike is not only safe but also a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all has been instrumental in the success of these programs.
Special Camping Excursions
In addition to our monthly hikes, we've also ventured into overnight experiences. Our two-night camping trips to Leo Carrillo State Park have been a highlight for many. These trips, accommodating over 16 people each, have allowed participants to immerse themselves in nature, building deeper connections with the environment and each other.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on these statistics and details, we not only celebrate our past achievements but also set our sights on future adventures.
The plan for the coming year is to continue with our current schedule and add exciting new destinations like Yosemite. We're also exploring the idea of a Harwood Lodge weekend and some easy weekday walks, broadening our scope to cater to a wider range of preferences and abilities.
Be Part of Our Journey
We invite you, our readers, and fellow nature enthusiasts, to join us in this ongoing adventure. Whether you're an experienced hiker, someone just starting to explore the wonders of the outdoors, or someone keen to support others in experiencing these wonders, there's a place for you in our community.
Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our outings. By joining us as a volunteer, you're not just giving your time, you're sharing in the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others experience the beauty of nature. Whether it's guiding a visually impaired person through the trails, helping organize logistics, or simply being a friendly face on the hike, your contribution can make a significant difference.
Trash Talks
This isn't a gathering or an outing - it's a conference call about a place. So turn on your headset, grab your grabber, and join us in freshening up a corner of the world!
At our April Trash Talk at Bosque del Rio Hundo we talked about the watershed, Marrono Beach, the creation of Whittier Narrows dam and the rehabilitation of Whittier narrows from the 90's to the present.
We're continuing the successful Trash Talks on the first Saturday of every Month! You can participate by dialing in from any location (or joining us in person, socially-distanced). Have suggestions for the next Guest Speaker, or want to get involved? Contact: lemathieubonin@gmail.com.
The Central Group is the heart of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, representing the areas from West Hollywood through East LA, and Griffith Park through South LA, and several Gateway Cities.
Our hikes have spanned a variety of breathtaking landscapes, offering unique experiences at every turn. From the serene trails of Malibu Creek to the rugged paths of Topanga Canyon, each location has been carefully chosen to provide a blend of challenge and beauty. Other notable destinations have included the scenic vistas of Placerita Canyon, the coastal charms of Bolsa Chica, and the urban greenery of Griffith Park and Kenneth Hahn State Park. Not to mention our treks to Santa Monica Beach and El Dorado Park, where the beauty of nature meets urban accessibility.
