Southwest Section
We had four main events in 2012 and also met frequently at Cal Tech for programs such as the Reel Rock Film Festival and the Banff Film Festival tours, sponsored by the Cal Tech Alpine Club. On March 23 the section participated in a service project at Happy Valley campground in Joshua Tree, during which 200 new plants were put in the ground, watered, and protected in wire cages. Thanks to Bernadette Reagan for arranging the project. On June 2 the section helped sponsor the second annual Idyllwild Climbers Festival. Volunteers were treated to coffee and pastries in the morning, after which they worked on the three trails to Tahquitz and Suicide. The day ended with a raffle that raised money for the Idyllwild Climbers Alliance. The section also helped sponsor the Fall Highball in Bishop, which included a work party at the Buttermilk area and a great fundraiser for the regional Live Your Dream grant program.
Finally, we hosted a holiday dinner at Taix French Restaurant in Los Angeles, featuring a slideshow and film by Mark Richey on the first ascent of Saser Kangri II. With the assistance of a no-host bar and appetizers, about 60 people enjoyed visiting with old friends and making new ones. In addition to Mark’s excellent presentation, there was a silent auction that raised $1,000 for the section. Thanks to Regional Coordinator Jeff Deikis for his help with this event, along with Chris Savage, Tony Yeary, and Jim Pinter-Lucke for organizing the dinner, and Claudia Pinter-Lucke for her assistance at the dinner.