We may or may not need to adjust the requirements for obtaining a Section Emblem, but this unsound toying with the peaks list degrades all of our emblem peaks. The Mountaineering Committee must be called upon to propose a set of guidelines for uniform selection of qualifying peaks as well as emblem peaks, before asking the Section to make such major changes in the peaks list. Otherwise the list over the years will become a hodge-podge of the personal preferences of a passing few. It will be difficult to undo such work; we are acting in haste and will repent at leisure.
PEAKS LIST COMMENTS	--	John Vitz
We asked for comments from the membership and received none, so here are my "nonprejudiced" thoughts. Additions: Black Butte - Better than average Colorado Desert peak, close to LA, moderate difficulty, higher and more difficult than Orocopia or Chuckwalla. Hard to find a reason for not including it. Class 2, 4504. Mt. Palmer - Moderately difficult, looks imposing, fine views of Titus Canyon and surrounding areas, rarely visited, good peak to do with Grapevine. However, it is not the highest peak in the area and it is close enough to Grapevine to do both in a hard day. Class 2, 7979. Tres Palomas - Cluster of three granite peaks on eastern escarpment of the San Pedro Martir, beautiful views of Big Picacho, have no other peaks on the plateau on the list, nice 14 mile backpack to rocky summits. However, many people feel we already have enough Mexican peaks; no maps and tourist card required increase the amount of hassle; not the highest point on the plateau (Blue Bottle is). Class 3, 9200. East Ord Mtn. - Marginal peak, would be in bottom ten, but is close to LA (south of Barstow), fairly easy (2000 ft, 6 miles), probably comparable in quality to Chuckwalla or Palen but not as rocky. Class 1, 6120+. Deletions: Coso Peak - Lies entirely within China Lake Naval Warfare Center, we have repeatedly been refused permission to climb it, it is cut up by roads and gun emplacements, could get someone into serious trouble. Trespassers subject to 6 months & $10,000 fine. Marble Mtn. - Worst peak on the list, no views, easy climb, nothing to recommend it and a new road has reduced it to a 35 minute walk.
Emblem Peaks Comments
Additions: South Guardian Angel - Probably the first or second most scenic peak on the list, superb canyon traverse, beautiful views, presents various number of difficulties not found on other peaks, class 6 canyon, class 2 peak. However, it is nine hours from LA, severe route finding problems, probably cannot be done by real small group, short climbing season.

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