[Adobe Acrobat required]
Wm. S. Hart Union High School District What's Good &
School Board Roundup
College of the Canyons
Breaking News Bottom Line
Newhall School District NSD Today
Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center
The Mighty Oak
Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers Inc. Health Matters
Santa Clarita Valley
Historical Society
Heritage Junction Dispatch
Organization: Community Hiking Club
Date: March 1, 2009
Community Hiking Club Schedule for March
March 7 — Elsmere Canyon-Elsmere is an exquisite canyon with both Riparian and Oak woodlands. This area was recently burned, but it promises to have some spectacular fire followers (flowers). We will take the new loop which is 6 miles RT. To get to Elsmere Canyon (same parking area as Whitney), take SR-14 to San Fernando Road. Exit. Turn South towards the Park and Ride. Park. We will meet in the MRCA parking area to the left of the park and ride. We will begin at 8:30, so be prompt. Bring water.
March 8 — Snowshoe Mt. Pinos to the Summit. This of course is subject to road closures and snow conditions. If it is raining here, we will not go. Meet at the outside Towsley gate at 8:00 to leave for Mt. Pinos at 8:15. Bring a lunch/snacks. Snowshoes can be rented from Sport Chalet and REI. Reserve them in advance as stock is limited.
March 14 — Mendenhall Peak from Sand Canyon a 12 mile RT with 2000' gain. Meet at the gate outside of Towsley Canyon before 8:00 AM for an 8:00 AM departure to the trail head. Bring water, lunch, poles, and layered clothing.
March 21 — Rudy Ortega-Fernandeno Tataviam Indian Spiritual leader will teach us about the culture, heritage, and medicine of the local Indians. We will hike from the Nature Center to the Waterfall. Bring your camera. This will be an experience! 5 Miles RT with little to no gain. Meet at Placerita Nature Center in the amphitheater before 8:30 AM for the presentation. Bring water and snacks.
March 22 — Boy Scout Trail to Whittaker Peak-10 mile RT with 2,000’ gain. We should see some lovely wildflowers on the Boy Scout Trail. Part of this hike will be on a single track trail, and part of it will be on a fire road. There are some lovely views from the higher areas of this hike, and the area is also loaded with deer. Meet outside the Towsley gate at 8:00 for an 8:15 departure to the trailhead. Bring water and lunch.
March 28 — Chantry Flats- We’ll hike to 50’ Sturtevant Falls near Sierra Madre. It is a 9-½ mile hike with a 2100’ elevation gain. Despite the distance it is a fairly easy trail. Bring lunch, snacks, lots of water and wear sturdy boots. Poles help if you have them. Meet at the outer Gate of Towsley Cyn before 7:00 AM to carpool to the trail head at 7. Sorry for the early meet time, but it is essential to get there early for parking.
Community Hiking Club’s Nature Series The Community Hiking Club is pleased to welcome Rudy Ortega Jr. this month. Rudy is a Tribal Sáhovit (spiritual leader) and tribal member of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. Rudy began his journey at an early age. At the age of four Rudy began pow-wow dancing beside his five brothers and has been beside his father ensuring to preserve his heritage and the culture of his people.
Upon entering the mountains of his ancestors in a four day sacred ceremony, Rudy vowed to restore his people’s medicine and traditions. Rudy now teaches the traditional songs and medicine of his Tribe to all tribal members.
Very passionate for his Tribe at eighteen, Rudy was elected Vice Chairman where he created his tribe's non-profit, Pukúu Cultural Community Services. He also decided to continue working towards his father’s goals; protecting sacred sites, the rights of his people, and his life-long struggle to regain federal recognition for his Tribe.
Today, Rudy is the Tribal Administrator and has secured land and grants to assist in his Tribe’s effort of gaining federal recognition. With the passage of California State law SB18 and AB2641, Rudy has ensured that his Tribe is acknowledged by local and state governments, sacred sites are protected, and the safe return of ancestral remains to historical funeral sites. Rudy serves on three local community boards that focus on enriching and improving the American Indian life.
Rudy will be talking to us about his People’s medicine and traditions.
