DOCSLIB.ORG

UC Riverside Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
UC Riverside Electronic Theses and Dissertations UC Riverside UC Riverside Electronic Theses and Dissertations Title Changing Perceptions and Policy: Redefining Indigeneity through California Chumash Revitalization Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/12g4759r Author Ranch, Kohanya Jessica Publication Date 2012 Peer reviewed|Thesis/dissertation eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE Changing Perceptions and Policy: Redefining Indigeneity through California Chumash Revitalization A Dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology by Kohanya Jessica Ranch March 2012 Dissertation Committee: Dr. Susan Ossman, Chairperson Dr. Christina Schwenkel Dr. John Johnson Copyright by Kohanya Ranch 2012 The Dissertation of Kohanya Ranch is approved: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Committee Chairperson University of California, Riverside Acknowledgments I am beholden to many individuals and institutions for their time, support and encouragement throughout the process of this research. It has been an extraordinary journey from which life-long friendships have been made. First, I offer great thanks to the generous funding by the National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant 2009-2010 and the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship for Graduate Research received in 2006. These awards were instrumental in enhancing this dissertation. I am deeply indebted to Dr. John Johnson and curators of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History including Dr. Jan Timbrook and Dr. Ray Corbett for their advice and insights to Chumash issues, access to archives, and permission to attend the museum’s California Indian Advisory Committee meetings. Dr. Johnson’s introductions with the Chumash communities made this research possible, along with his constant consultation and expertise. From his introductions, I became privileged to meet and know Chumash descendents Lew Silva, Alan Salazar, Beverly Folkes, Ernestine De-Soto, Frank Arredondo, the Lemos family, the Arellanas family, Lei Lynn Odom, Mona Tucker and the Tumamait family, all of whom privileged me an invitation to learn of their communities and lives. I sincerely thank Lew Silva, the first Chumash I met. When he and I first talked, I was an inexperienced and nervous student of anthropology, armed only with internet knowledge of Chumash existence and anthropology theories on revitalization. My lack of experience was evidenced to him in my interview style (as he later pointed out). Yet, he iv still let me interview and video record our conversation. He let me share his history and made me feel my endeavor worthwhile. “It is simple” he said, “just tell the story.” Five years later, we talked again during the time of my dissertation writing process at which time too much data created doubts of how to present particular sides of the story. He reminded me to, “just tell the story…tell the truth.” I still marvel at how circular the message and the journey have been. I am also incredibly honored by the time given by Ernestine De-Soto to share her family stories with me and for instilling her personal motto: “life is acceptance, perseverance and respect for culture.” A special thanks to Alan Salazar whose wit, storytelling and knowledge always kept me laughing, especially when jokes were directed toward me. I also owe much to Frank Arredondo, Fred Romero, and Monique Sonoquie who, on a continual basis, shared their knowledge, insights and opinions on issues pertaining to indigenous rights and policies. Much thanks also to the Talaugon family for their hospitality at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and to Kirby Truhawk for his introduction to the Thousand Oaks Interpretive Center. I enthusiastically thank Julie Tumamait-Stenslie who made time to drive me to her sacred places and village sites - where her father rests, her ancestors thrived and ceremony takes place. I cannot show enough gratitude to her for allowing me to experience Chumash endeavors and events through her eyes and for introducing me to her family and the Barbareño-Ventureño Band of Mission Indians Band. For the past six years this Band allowed me to record interviews and attend tribal meetings of which I cannot express enough appreciation. Julie also gave me a home during Christmas when my immediate family had left for New York, but I had to stay in California for exams. v She said it was okay to bring all the dogs, as long as they did not eat the chickens. Throughout our years of friendship, she taught me what it means to be American Indian: “when you see a dead animal on the road, you do not run it over and continue to disrespect it…. you remove it from a realm of disrespect. You help it lay in peace. You honor it as you should honor every aspect of life.” I extend this gratitude to your entire family and the Barbareño-Ventureño Band of Mission Indians for their time and thoughts including: Patrick Tumamait, Gloria Tumamait, Greg Sandoval, Grace Cronk and her family including her mother Anna Alvarez, Tanya Ruiz, Brenda Guzman, Kim Wachter, Eleanor and Benjamin Arellanes, Proud Eagle, Mokee Banuelos, Pete and Alex Ramos. Thank you for welcoming me into your communities and homes and for sharing your wisdom, perspectives and stories which guided this research process. While at the University of California Riverside, I was blessed to have exceptional committee members and mentors who have dedicated their time to my academic progress, especially Dr. Anne Sutherland who was my advisor throughout the stages to complete doctoral candidacy. I thank her for countless discussions, laughter and incredible support. I am grateful to Dr. Christina Schwenkel for many fruitful discussions and for her seminars which brought me to intellectual heights, making me think in ways I never thought possible. I very much thank Dr. Susan Ossman for her invaluable advice, timely suggestions, and outstanding availability as chairperson. Her seminars and poetic writing-style influence me every day. I have immense gratitude to both Dr. Eugene Anderson and Dr. Derick Fay whose expertise on indigenous identity and cultural matters is incredibly appreciated. I thank you both for both for your undivided attention in vi reviewing and scrutinizing my work, providing insights, detailed comments and inspiration. I owe much to MaryAnn Doherty, principle administrative analyst at UCR, who spent countless hours helping me to navigate the grant proposal procedure. I also wish to thank the faculty at California State University Los Angeles: Dr. Patricia Martz, who laid the foundation for my doctoral work in suggesting revitalization of indigenous cultures for a thesis topic, and Dr. James Brady who taught me how to take it all to the next level. His unconditional support throughout every step of my academic career has been invaluable. From my experience at the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship for Graduate Research, I am also very grateful to Dr. Ann McMullen and Dr. Robert Leopold for their advisement and access to archives. Most important, I thank those closest to me for their patience, love and support: my mother and father, Joyce and Lee, and my sister, Lealani. I thank Gregory Cascante, not only for his unwavering encouragement, but also for his patience in proofreading multiple versions of my dissertation. I am grateful to Dr. George Primbs, a wonderful friend who introduced me to his vast network of Santa Barbara residents. His introduction to beautiful Santa Barbara opened my life to the place I know call home. Scott Groff, I thank for his love and for bringing me home. Everything part of this endeavor is a reflection of those who gave to me. Lastly, I would really like to thank my old but trustworthy computer for not giving out on me. Writing a dissertation is a long a lonely route where we marry the instruments from which we create. It’s been a lovely marriage. vii Dedication In gratitude to my grandparents, Omar Zaki Ghobashy and Dolores Ambrose-Ghobashy. From up there, your love, guidance and lessons are still felt. viii ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Changing Perceptions and Policy: Redefining Indigeneity through California Chumash Revitalization by Kohanya Jessica Ranch Doctor of Philosophy, Graduate Program in Anthropology University California, Riverside, March 2012 Dr. Susan Ossman, Chairperson This research examines the significant rise of American Indian political power, rights claims, recognition endeavors and reaffirmation of Chumash identity through cultural revitalization projects in southern California. Increased efforts for Chumash recognition - including public visibility, federal acknowledgement, academic validation and engagement in policy process - are not without conflict, negotiation and compromise. Nor is meaningful and balanced participation and decision-making guaranteed in changing policies designed for indigenous inclusion. Central debates throughout politicized indigenous arenas involve who has the power to control, legitimate and represent Chumash history, culture and identity. Drawing on extensive ethnographic study among federally unrecognized Chumash groups who have been dramatically underrepresented in political, legal and social arenas, this research outlines the representational, material and organizational challenges they face in pressing for recognition, rights claims and balanced representation in policy.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • BACKGROUND ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT Existing Conditions | January 2020
    Thousand Oaks BACKGROUND ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT Existing Conditions | January 2020 EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT: BACKGROUND ENVIRONMENTAL Age, including mastodon, ground sloth, and saber-toothed cat CHAPTER 1: CULTURAL (City of Thousand Oaks 2011). RESOURCES Native American Era The earliest inhabitants of Southern California were transient hunters visiting the region approximately 12,000 B.C.E., who were the cultural ancestors of the Chumash. Evidence of significant and Cultural Setting continuous habitation of the Conejo Valley region began around The cultural history of the City of Thousand Oaks and the 5,500 B.C.E. Specifically, during the Millingstone (5,500 B.C.E – surrounding Conejo Valley can be divided in to three major eras: 1,500 B.C.E.) and the Intermediate (1,500 B.C.E. – 500 C.E.) Native-American, Spanish-Mexican, and Anglo-American. periods, the Conejo Valley experienced a year-round stable Remnants from these unique eras exist in the region as a diverse population of an estimated 400-600 people. During this time, range of tribal, archaeological and architectural resources. The people typically lived in largely open sites along water courses Conejo Valley served as an integral part of the larger Chumash and in caves and rock shelters; however, a number of site types territory that extended from the coast and Channel Islands to have been discovered, including permanent villages, semi- include Santa Barbara, most of Ventura, parts of San Luis Obispo, permanent seasonal stations, hunting camps and gathering Kern and Los Angeles Counties. The late 18th and early 19th localities focused on plant resources (City of Thousand Oaks 2011).
    [Show full text]
  • The Anza Trail Guide
    Coastal California The Anza Trail Guide Ventura County – Cuesta Grade and the Channel View Coastal California The Anza Trail Guide Ventura County – Cuesta Grade and the Channel View A detail of Font’s map shows the “Channel of Santa Barbara” with five islands, including Santa Cruz. Mission San Gabriel is labeled at “B” (camp #62) on the right side. Driving Directions for Auto Route Hiking/Biking Ideas Ventura From US 101 north, after entering the area of Thousand Oaks, Hikers can enjoy Point Mugu State Park take the Westlake exit east to Lang Ranch Parkway and the and the Santa Monica Mountains Oakbrook Chumash Interpretive Center. Continue north on US National Recreation Area. The latter 101 to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. contains nearly 17 miles of trail Traveling onward on 101 north,County look for signs to the beaches asMap designated for the Juan Bautista de you cross the Santa Clara River and come to the coastline in Anza National Historic Trail. The Ventura. Trails within these state parks provide an experience on coastal parks of San Buenaventura and the historic route of the Anza expedition. Near the Ventura Emma Wood State beaches, the Faria marina, visit the Channel Islandsgoes National Park visitor center. here and Hobson County Parks and the Continue north on US 101 towards the City of Santa Barbara. recreation trail on the Ventura beach boardwalk all provide memorable ocean views. 46 Coastal California The Anza Trail Guide About Your Visit to Ventura County The expedition traveled northwest, and descended a steep grade (cuesta) where they encountered the Chumash tribe for the first time, as well as a good-sized spring of asphalt.
    [Show full text]
  • Island Views Volume 3, 2005 — 2006
    National Park Service Park News U.S. Department of the Interior The official newspaper of Channel Islands National Park Island Views Volume 3, 2005 — 2006 Tim Hauf, www.timhaufphotography.com Foxes Returned to the Wild Full Circle In OctobeR anD nOvembeR 2004, The and November 2004, an additional 13 island Chumash Cross Channel in Tomol to Santa Cruz Island National Park Service (NPS) released 23 foxes on Santa Rosa and 10 on San Miguel By Roberta R. Cordero endangered island foxes to the wild from were released to the wild. The foxes will be Member and co-founder of the Chumash Maritime Association their captive rearing facilities on Santa Rosa returned to captivity if three of the 10 on The COastal portion OF OuR InDIg- and San Miguel Islands. Channel Islands San Miguel or five of the 13 foxes on Santa enous homeland stretches from Morro National Park Superintendent Russell Gal- Rosa are killed or injured by golden eagles. Bay in the north to Malibu Point in the ipeau said, “Our primary goal is to restore Releases from captivity on Santa Cruz south, and encompasses the northern natural populations of island fox. Releasing Island will not occur this year since these Channel Islands of Tuqan, Wi’ma, Limuw, foxes to the wild will increase their long- foxes are thought to be at greater risk be- and ‘Anyapakh (San Miguel, Santa Rosa, term chances for survival.” cause they are in close proximity to golden Santa Cruz, and Anacapa). This great, For the past five years the NPS has been eagle territories.
    [Show full text]
  • 2002 Volume Visit Us At: Visit
    PM 6.5 / TEMPLATE VERSION 7/15/97 - OUTPUT BY - DATE/TIME C W H A L E W A T C H I N G M Y K The waters surrounding Channel Islands National Park Whether you are C are home to many diverse and beautiful species of cetaceans watching from shore or M (whales, dolphins and porpoises). About one third of the in a boat, here are a Y few distinctive habits K cetacean species found worldwide can be seen right here in IslandIsland ViewsViews C our own backyard, the Santa Barbara Channel. The 27 to look for: M species sighted in the channel include gray, blue, humpback, Brad Sillasen Spouts. Your first Y minke, sperm and pilot whales; orcas; Dall’s porpoise; and indication of a whale K Blue whale Risso’s, Pacific white- will probably be its spout or “blow.” It will be visible for many miles on a calm sided, common and Bill Faulkner day, and an explosive “whoosh” of exhalation may be heard bottlenose dolphins. Watching humpback whales. This diversity of up to 1/2 mile away. The spout is mainly condensation cetacean species offers a created as the whale’s warm, humid breath expands and cools Many whales are on the endangered species list and should A Visitor’s Guide to Channel Islands National Park Volume 2, 2001-2002 great opportunity to in the sea air. be treated with special care. All whales are protected by F O R W A R D T O T H E P A S T NPS whale watch year-round.
    [Show full text]
  • Kanelt SPECIFIC PLANS 8 & 9 / ANNEXATION 89 LAND USE AMENDMENT LU$ 5- 143
    VOLUME IV Addendum: Final EIR No. 148 Consultant Studies — Exhibit Materials — Homeowner Association Submittals Project correspondence and signature petitions incorporated for reference purposes by the Thousand Oaks Planning Commission, July 9, 1987, per Section 15164(a) of the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA). Dos Vientos kanelt SPECIFIC PLANS 8 & 9 / ANNEXATION 89 LAND USE AMENDMENT LU$ 5- 143 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT I ADDENDUM TABLE OF CONTENTS TRAFFIC IMPACTS - SECTION I Letter; Martin Wallen, P. E., Wallen Associates/ Transportation Consultants Traffic Distribution and A. M. Peak Turning Exhibits prepared by Potrero Valley Home Owners Association NOISE IMPACTS - SECTION II Revised Noise Impact Information, BBN Laboratories Inc. Lynn Road Corridor Sound Contour Analysis, Sheets I - 4 Borchard Road Corridor Sound Contour Analysis, Sheets I - 2 Letter; Linda Sanderson AIR QUALITY - SECTION III Herald Examiner Newspaper Article submitted by Joan Corner SCHOOL IMPACTS - SECTION IV Letter; Vicki Sakakini representing Cypress PTA Letter; Mel Roop, Director of Planning and Facilities, Conejo Valley 1 Unified School District Letter; Therese Hughes, Cypress PTA t Letter; Renee Graves and Therese Hughes, Cypress PTA GRADING IMPACTS - SECTION V Planning Unit 15 Slope and Concept Lot Study VENTURAVENTURA COUNTYCOUNTY COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY COLLEGECOLLEGE DISTRICTDISTRICT - - SECTIONSECTION VIVI Letter;Letter; StephenStephen P.P. Deitsch,Deitsch, SaboSabo 66 Deitsch,Deitsch, AttorneysAttorneys atat LawLaw Letter;Letter; GregoryGregory P.P. Smith,Smith, AssociateAssociate Planner,Planner, CityCity ofof ThousandThousand OaksOaks Letter;Letter; ShawnShawn M.M. Mason,Mason, DeputyDeputy CityCity AttorneyAttorney VenturaVentura CountyCounty CommunityCommunity CollegeCollege DistrictDistrict DataData ElementsElements ARCHAEOLOGICALARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACTSIMPACTS - - SECTIONSECTION VIIVII Memorandum;Memorandum; NancyNancy D.D. GrasmehrGrasmehr I HYDROLOGICAL IMPACTS - SECTION VIII Letter; Nedjatollah Cohan Letter; David A.
    [Show full text]
  • Newbury Park Day Camp Age 5-10
    BOARD OF DIRECTORS BROCHURE DIRECTORY George M. Lange .........................Chair Summer Camps .......................................................4 Doug Nickles ...............................Vice-Chair Community Centers Susan L. Holt ...............................Director Chuck Huff er ...............................Director Borchard Community Center ..................................6 Nellie Cusworth ...........................Director Borchard Skatepark ....................................................9 The Board of Directors generally meets at 6:00pm two Thursdays per month at the Hillcrest Conejo Community Center. .................................. 10 Center, 403 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. Check www.crpd.org for specifi c dates. Outdoor Unit Programs.......................................... 12 Dos Vientos Community Center.......................... 14 STAFF Thousand Oaks Community Center .................. 16 Jim Friedl ....................................General Manager Old Meadows Center ............................................18 Tex Ward .....................................General Manager Emeritus Westlake Area Programs ......................................18 RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION Homeschoolers .....................................................19 Rochelle Callis • Administrator, Recreation & Community Services Melissa Ruwhiu • Recreation Services Manager Special Units Tim Duerr • Recreation Services Manager Goebel Adult Community Center ....................... 20 Hillcrest Center
    [Show full text]
  • Los Robles Trail
    Los Robles Trail elcome to the Los Robles Trail and Open Space system. This ridgeline trail system with its many neighborhood feeder trails is located at the southern portion of the Conejo Open Space and encompasses nearly 2,000 acres. The Los Robles Trail traverses several open W space areas including Skyline, Conejo Ridge, South Ranch, Los Robles, Hope Nature Preserve, Southern Ridge, Ventu Park, and Deer Ridge. The western terminus of the Los Robles Trail provides access to the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa section of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Point Mugu State Park, which together create a public backcountry of over 27,000 acres of open space that stretches to the Pacific Ocean at Sycamore Cove. This scenic region provides panoramic views of Hidden Valley, the Conejo Valley, and the Channel Islands. Many species of wildlife including the Southern Pacific rattlesnake, coyote, bobcat, and mountain lion inhabit the park. Los Robles Trail is also unique in its historical significance. On February 28, 1776, Juan Bautista de Anza and his band of 198 settlers and 1,000 head of livestock came through the Conejo Valley on their way from Mexico to San Francisco. Though the 101 freeway is the actual route, the National Park Service has designated the Los Robles Trail as the official recreational route so that everyone can enjoy the only national historical trail in the State of California. Approximately 25 miles of trails provide a contiguous route from Westlake Village to Newbury Park with several shorter loops into narrow canyons and up steep ridges.
    [Show full text]
  • From Great Hikes and Movie Locations to Epic Views, Explore the Range of Recreation Options in the Santa Monica Mountains by Matt Jaffe
    into our Wild From great hikes and movie locations to epic views, explore the range of recreation options in the Santa Monica Mountains By Matt Jaffe ate one afternoon many years ago, I headed out for a hike in Franklin Canyon above Beverly Hills. As I climbed the chaparral-covered slopes, a red-tailed hawk wheeled overhead and a coyote yipped in the hills. I had to re- mind myself that this wild landscape lies just a few miles from Rodeo Drive. I first learned this place was part of something bigger after seeing Lsigns bearing the National Park Service’s familiar arrowhead-shaped emblem. Franklin Canyon belongs to the Santa Monica Mountains OXNARD THOUSAND National Recreation Area (SMMNRA), the world’s largest urban national OAKS park. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the park rambles from BURBANK the Hollywood Hills to the Oxnard Plain and protects 150,000 acres. But unlike traditional national parks such as Yosemite and Yellowstone, MALIBU LOS ANGELES SMMNRA’s land is not contiguous; it is an amalgam of federal, state, and SANTA MONICA local parklands stitched together after a decades-long grassroots effort. I’ve been hiking the Santa Monica Mountains for about 30 years now, and in that time I’ve experienced the range’s many moods: meadows For a detailed map of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and brightened with California poppies and lupines, high peaks veiled in information on sites mentioned in this story, go fog, and even a fast-moving wildfire raging at the end of my street.
    [Show full text]
  • SOS PRESERVING the SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS Ecosystems UPDATE
    Winter 2012 –2013 www.saveopenspace.com Save Open Spac e g P. O. Box 1284 g Agoura, CA 91376 SOS PRESERVING the SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS Ecosystems UPDATE implementation of this Malibu Land Use Plan for adequate setbacks and other protections as critical to the health of Stokes Creek, the Malibu Creek Watershed and Santa Monica Bay. We thank Heal the Bay for their testing of Stokes Creek. This testing showed levels of three kinds of bacteria exceeding normal below the horse facility development where adequate setbacks and a bridge were not required by the Coastal Commission. Thanks go to Jeremy Wolf, Cal State Channel Islands student, who put together this grant request. CHESEBRO MEADOW/ LIBERTY CANYON SOS and Old Agoura’s efforts to preserve the Chesebro Meadow, located behind the homes on Chesebro Road, were Malibu Creek Watershed recently helped by the City of Agoura Hills winning in court. Photo by Janna Orkney, editor www.conejopost.com Agoura Hills had bought this 70 acre property at an auction, and this court win concerned the legality of their purchase. MALIBU CREEK WATERSHED/ In response to SOS’s request for parkland funds to STOKES CREEK purchase the property, Senator Fran Pavley recently sent a Patagonia recently awarded a generous grant to the Malibu letter to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Creek Watershed project. Malibu Creek Watershed is a one of supporting applying for the 1990 mountain lion proposition Save Open Space’s (SOS) projects of Social and (Prop 117) funds. See page three. Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE), a nonprofit which helps Many thanks go to Carrol McDonald and Carol Olson in environmental causes whose offices are now located in who were our area’s signature gathers for Prop 117.
    [Show full text]
  • Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa
    occ Geoc yx ca er lifo nn rn INFORMATION & SAFETY ru ia d n a u o s NATURAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES including rocks, R r e plants, and animals are protected by law and may not t a be collected or disturbed. Weapons, nets, and traps are e r not allowed in parklands. Do not climb on structures. Rancho Sierra Vista/ G BE PREPARED by taking water, food, flashlight and Satwiwa first-aid supplies. Learn to recognize and be alert for lt o ticks, bees, rattlesnakes, and poison oak. H g Welcome to the western edge of Santa Monica and sold to various lin ar : D WATER that comes from streams is not safe to drink Mountains National Recreation Area. This site to landowners. Modern Pho due to possible contamination or the presence of the was home to the Chumash, Spanish Rancho ranching began here in giardia protozoan. El Conejo as well as modern ranching and 1937 when Carl Beal christened the area farming operations. Rancho Sierra Vista. He constructed most of FIRE is a year-round concern. Fires and barbecues are prohibited. During times of high fire danger, the current ranch buildings, his house, and smoking and all fires are not permitted. Smoking SATWIWA barbecue pit in Sycamore Canyon. Richard is not permitted in Point Mugu State Park. For many years, the Danielson, the last private land owner, and TRAIL CLOSURES will be in effect during and following Santa Monica Mountains his family farmed and ranched here for 32 extreme weather or hazardous conditions. sustained the Chumash and years.
    [Show full text]
  • Dos Vientos Trail System and Provides Connectivity to Westlake Village
    Dos Vientos Open Space Trails elcome to the Dos Vientos Open Space trail system. This large open space area consisting of 1,216 acres and 41 miles of shared use trails (hiking, cycling, equestrain) was originally part of the Rancho Guadalasca Spanish Land Grant of 1836. Dominated by chaparral and coastal sageW scrub habitats, this area provides a home for a wide variety of wildlife as well as rare and endangered plants including Conejo buckwheat, Verity’s dudleya, and Conejo dudleya. Mountain lions are known (although uncommon) inhabitants, as are coyote, mule deer, and bob cat. This area is also considered an important wildlife movement corridor into the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area through Point Mugu State Park to the south. The trail system provides internal and regional trail connections, as well as views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. Directly to the south of Dos Vientos Open Space are Rancho Potrero (COSCA), Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa (NPS), and Pt. Mugu State Park, including the Boney Wilderness (CA State Parks) encompassing over 16,000 acres of open space. The Los Robles Trail and Open Space system is located immediately to the east of the Dos Vientos trail system and provides connectivity to Westlake Village. The Dos Vientos trail system is managed by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA), a joint powers authority created by the City of Thousand Oaks and the Conejo Recreation and Park District in 1977. Open Space Rules Please help us to maintain the beauty of this open space area by observing the following rules: Open space and trails are open from sunrise to sunset except during inclement weather and emergency conditions when trails may be closed.
    [Show full text]
  • Pomona Valley Audubon Society Members Brian Elliott and Gary
    VOL. 50 December, 2019 No. 4 General Meeting, Dec. 2 Western Foundation Pomona Valley Audubon Society members Brian Brian Elliott and Gary Charlton Elliott and Gary Charlton took an 18 day birding Birding Mongolia: The Gobi Desert and Beyond trip to Mongolia in the summer of 2018. Lodging on the trip was pimarily in gers, the traditional nomadic style of temporary shelter. They will share their images from the trip and discuss the unique birding adventure they experienced in this fascinating country, Conservation by Dee Lyon What's the matter with GMO's Genetically modified organisms are created to tolerate herbicides such as Roundup. Most Black Kite corn, canola and soybeans grown in the US are genetically engineered to withstand Mongolia is legendary for reasons which include herbicides. The use of toxic pesticides has its nomadic culture and Genghis Khan, the 13th increased sharply since the 1990s, which has century Mongol Empire leader. It is also a very fueled the emergence of superweeds which are interesting country for birding. Varied birding resistant to pesticides. locales include the immense and beautiful Gobi Whether consuming GMO ingredients in desert and its mountains. There are also lakes, wetlands, foods poses risks is still unclear. Consumer the grass environment of the steppe and the Reports has concerns and says “GMOs have evergreen forest of the taiga. More than 400 bird not been around long enough for us to know species are found, including many that migrate to and their longterm health risks or environmental from Siberia. Domestic camel herds range freely impact.” Choose organic or non-gmo throughout the Gobi as well as herds of horses.
    [Show full text]