pocketbooks were too full, not with money, but with membership, credit and identification cards. So we decided to issue a Certificate of Membership to all of our new members. This will be a 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 diploma, not "suitable for framing," and will carry a place for endorsement upon completion of your Emblem climbs. We will have some at the March meeting. Those of you who wish a copy and have earned it in the past may receive one by sending a STAMPED self-addressed envelope to our Secretary at 237 Desert Candles Drive, Ridgecrest, California. Please include the name of your qualifying peak and the date of the climb. A note from Bob Bear reports that the Board of Geographic Names has approved the use of the name, Parkinson Peak. We are planning another ascent of this peak this fall, and plan to place an official Sierra Club register on the summit at that time. In view of all this progress, I am sorry to report that the DPS Guide is moving forward, as someone has said, "with all the speed, but not the majesty of a glacier." If you are one of the select few who promised to help scout and did so, then you are entitled to toss a small rock in my direction. Another field that needs work is our Desert Peak Scrapbook. We would like a volunteer for the job of the keeper of the Archives. Any offers? The following peak has been proposed for Qualifying status, and this constitutes notification thirty days before a regular scheduled meeting:   OROCOPIA MOUNTAIN (3815)                      Orocopia Range Highest point in the Orocopia Range, located NE of Salton Sea and south of Interstate Route 10. Extent of range, east-westerly. Is about 22 miles, and it has no qualifying peaks at present. The range is characterized by flat-floored washes with steep high walls. Climb from end of a rough desert road is about 3000 feet in elevation gain, class 2; about 6 miles round trip. A short dry waterfall which tests your fingertip strength adds interest to the climb. (This waterfall can be bypassed by climbing and descending the nearby ridge.) Colorful green mineral veins can be seen along the route. Views from the top are excellent; Salton Sea can be seen in its entire length at close range. In addition, one gets a good view of the Chocolate Range, which unfortunately is still held by the Navy as a bombing range. An added attraction is the area's closeness to Smogville (about 170 miles.) A worthwhile qualifying peak.   submitted by Harry Melts
Word has come that the Navy is again attempting to seize Saline Valley as a missile site. To reduce pressure on this latest land grab, an offer has been discussed to give up Randsberg Wash Range "B", but no plans have been made to decontaminate this range. At present writing, we have heard of no planned public hearings on this attempt.
				See you on March 15th
				Chairman.

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