THE DESERT PEAKS SECTION NEWSLETTER MAY-JUNE 1971        NUMBER 106 CHAIRMAN'S CORNER

The anarchy is at an end; my term of office is over. I have proven, as Nixon, Reagan, and Yorty are even now doing, that an organization can survive, in spite of little or no leadership, on inertia alone. We had high hopes, but accomplished little this year. However, there were at least two positive accomplishments. Due to my close association with the editor of the NEWSLETTER, our bi-monthly publication has been both prompt and regular if nothing else. And we have had a great deal of fun - at meetings, on trips, and at the banquet. We should probably be more active in the conservation and ecology thing, but as an outings group our first objective is to have a good time. And when and if we ever become so highly organized and serious that we cease to do this, the section should flick it in. Many thanks to Jon Inskeep for hassling with the schedule and to Fran Smith for keeping the books and padding the minutes. And especially to Les Stockton for his fine programs and fun-filled banquet. No thanks are needed for Jerry Haven as he did even less than the chairman.

ELECTION RESULTS

To everyone's surprise all five nominees were elected to the management committee. In an overwhelming "grass roots" movement, Fran Smith (known as the Gardener) was swept into office as chairman. Les Stockton and Jon Inskeep both wanted to be trip chairman, but Les won on two counts: the bylaws prohibit repeating and Les is bigger. Jon thereby decided to play with the money rather than the programs. This left Paul Nelson with that job (Paul has been busy dusting off his old slides ever since). And Ed Treacy, who was out of town and unable to defend himself, got the unenviable job of being the fifth member. He missed by one administration of getting the best job. Fran has plans for him. Poor Ed. Ben Romero agreed to be conservation chairman. Much to the disgust of Andy Smatko (see letters section) and others (Bill Schuler: "John, I don't believe that a peak should be added to the list just because you have climbed it." Editor's note: No hard feelings, Bill - I'm just canceling your subscription) all six peaks were added to the qualifying list. Votes were more than 5 to 2 in favor of all the peaks. The list has been updated and included in this issue. The questionnaire brought forth a wide variety of opinions and most of the comments are included below. Votes were overwhelmingly against limiting all trips and charging fees (only 8 in favor of the latter). Votes were split on restricting trips into "overused" areas, continuing to lead trips if reservations and fees became required, and attending trips for which there would be a fee. Votes were slightly in favor of continuing to lead trips into "overused" areas and slightly against paying Leaders and expecting more services from the leaders on paid trips. The names have been included below so as to not protect anyone. Milosh Benesch: "If these reforms are adopted I will quit the Sierra Club... There is not a single mountaineer among the 1971 national candidates and we are not even supposed to 'explore and enjoy' anymore." Bruce Arbuckle on paying leaders:"...maybe a gasoline allowance."

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