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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 24, 2008 - 05:36pm PT
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The title says it all. The 2008 Yosemite FaceLift starts in only six months, on September 24th. The event will be over five days, September 24th (Wednesday) - 28th (Sunday). Start planning for a good time, now!
For news on the 2007 FaceLift, and Yosemite Climbing Association doings, see http://yosemiteclimbing.org/07newsletter10.html
I hope we will have an even bigger contingent at the FaceLift this year of SuperTopians, and climbers, camping together and helping, and that will be as much fun as it always is. Perhaps sometime soon Ken will emerge from hibernation, and let us know what the plans are.
If anyone wants to know more about the FaceLift, arrangements, and what goes on, see the following threads from last year, which are not in any particular order.
Speaking of FaceLift http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=474842
FaceLift 08 http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=464998
FaceLift’s 1951 Hudson http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=464032
Another FaceLift TR http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=458965
FaceLift FollowUp – Finally http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=460693
FaceLift on TV http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=460001
ChickieMan on ABC News http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=461466
Tee-shirts http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=461012
Yosemite FaceLift (TR) http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=457799
Latest Gossip from FaceLift http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=455197
ANOTHER FaceLift Thread http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=459032
Yosemite FaceLift – A Modest Proposal (Part III – Pancakes!) http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=439745
Yosemite FaceLift – A Modest Proposal (Part II) http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=412653
Yosemite FaceLift – A Modest Proposal http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=407002
Yosemite FaceLift – Sushi RSVPs Required http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=424067
Friggin FaceLift? http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=454474
Supreme Ruler of Raw Fish http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=453106
Crimpie is Attending the FaceLift! http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=450864
FaceLift in Two Weeks http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=448593
Ken Yager Receives Yosemite Fund Award http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=403725
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nature
climber
Santa Fe, NM
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Mar 24, 2008 - 06:26pm PT
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I was about to inquire as to the dates so that I may put in for my vacation time.
I can't wait!
What is the earliest I can get a camp reserved in Yosemite? It's a long drive for me and I'd love to roll in on Saturday.
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Domingo
Trad climber
El Portal, CA
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Mar 24, 2008 - 07:33pm PT
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I believe they get the volunteer campgrounds so that you don't have to reserve a campsite. Wasn't it at Yellow Pines last year?
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Ihateplastic
Trad climber
Lake Oswego, Oregon
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Mar 24, 2008 - 07:37pm PT
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Here is an open question for Ken and anyone with input they want to... put in.
What happens if a small start-up company (or, for that matter, a larger established company) wanted to sponsor some aspect of the FL... What is the procedure? Are there any guidelines, suggestions, mandates, policies? Would the Fl (and the Park Service) allow product to be showcased/sold at the event?
Thanks for your wit and wisdom.
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WanderlustMD
Trad climber
Lanham MD
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Mar 24, 2008 - 07:51pm PT
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Sweet, I'll actually be around!
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 24, 2008 - 07:52pm PT
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Ken may not yet have had a chance to do much planning for 2008, and perhaps this will prompt him. Remembering that our job is to help Ken and the YCA, and hopefuly have some (licit) fun doing so. I'm sure it will all work out in time.
I'm hoping that arrangements will be similar to last year, or better. Half a dozen of us showed up five or six days before the FaceLift started, to help Ken with whatever he needed help with. We mostly stayed in Camp 4 through the whole event. That seemed to work quite well - Ken definitely needs bodies beforehand, and there's lots to do.
The SuperTopo/SushiFest/FaceLift gang took over Yellow Pines (group volunteer camping) from Tuesday night through Friday. Friday and Saturday we nominally had only half of Yellow Pines. The main sushi event was on Tuesday (Wednesday?) night, with follow up on most of the other nights, plus Tim and friends provided pancake breakfasts several mornings.
Some people from Yellow Pines may have had to move to other campgrounds for the last few days - I didn't keep track. Plus many people who came for the weekend stayed at Camp 4, or Upper or Lower Pines.
I suspect that camping arrangements will be much like last year - free camping for volunteers (no freeloaders), must be arranged in advance, all going well group camping. But it's up to Ken and the NPS.
I'm sure Ken would welcome help with planning, and suggestions - bearing in mind that if you suggest something, you may be volunteering to make it happen!
All going well, I plan to be there again, and help. Last year was a bit stressful due to family responsibilities, and some sort of stomach bug. Hopefully there'll be a bit more fun this year.
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Jaybro
Social climber
The West
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Mar 24, 2008 - 08:28pm PT
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So, still no '07 Tee- shirts for working stiffs? (XL!)
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nature
climber
Santa Fe, NM
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Mar 24, 2008 - 08:32pm PT
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worked for me. My calendar is filled in and my paid vacation time requested.
I'd be happy to be the pre-FL chef (so long as I can be put up in Yellowpines when I get there so I don't have to move). hmm... that might not work. But you know what I want so there!
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 24, 2008 - 08:36pm PT
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Thank you, locker, for your words of wisdom. The 2007 FaceLift involved about 3,000 volunteer days, spread over five days. The SuperTopo/SushiFest part alone involved about 100 people. If the FaceLift was a true success, it would get smaller each year, as there'd be less to clean up. The reality is that, if anything, it will get larger. The bureaucracy and permits alone are substantial. It takes lots of organization and time.
I assume that you order rubber and glue several weeks before you need them. Same idea, different scale.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Mar 24, 2008 - 09:50pm PT
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I'm there!
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nita
climber
chica from chico, I don't claim to be a daisy
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Mar 24, 2008 - 10:44pm PT
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So looking forward to this years Facelift, it was big fun and very rewarding. Loved seeing old friends and meeting- many tacoheads.
Khaonom, you sould keep the cooler, and stop wearing my favorite shoes.;-)
Stzzo, I will try to remember your blue bowl.
edit: Crimpie, are you bringing Dave?
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L
climber
Green grass and high tides forever...
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Mar 25, 2008 - 12:26am PT
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I'm in. You guys had too much fun last year for me to miss '08.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 25, 2008 - 11:50am PT
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A good time WILL be had by all. And floggings will continue until morale improves...
Seriously, I'm looking forward to seeing lots of old friends, and meeting some new ones. I probably can't get to the spring SushiFest in Santa Fe, or the event in Ogden, though I hope to get to Montana in June. So seeing everyone in September will be a treat.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 25, 2008 - 04:31pm PT
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The FaceLift is a project that we all agree is important to the climbing community. It's a chance for us to give something back to an area that's special to us all, and show some leadership. It also sets an example for climbers in other areas.
As far as I'm concerned, anyone who's willing to help is welcome. Anyone. The FaceLift is inclusive. There were over 60 SuperTopians there last year, and probably more. People of all different types, united around our common campfire, and helping look after it.
So yes, I hope Crowley will be there. And Blinny. And Jennie. And Jody. And nature. And LEB, and TiG, and dirtineye, and Tarbuster, and Rajmit, and on and on and on. Perhaps we don't all quite get along in some parts of our lives, or even disagree about minor things to do with politics or even religion, but we can check those small differences at the park entrance for a few days.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 25, 2008 - 09:21pm PT
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Perhaps #46 will be there, too. Or at least his sidekick, who came last year.
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Chicken Skinner
Trad climber
Yosemite
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Mar 25, 2008 - 11:17pm PT
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Hello Everybody!
I guess I am finally out of hibernation. I am glad everyone is psyched for the Facelift and as previously mentioned, it is scheduled for September 24-28. It will be similar to last year’s event. I have already reserved Yellow Pines and am sure I will have Camp 4 sites available too. All the camping has to be arranged through me as I do all the reservations allotted to the event for the Park Service. I give them out in the order that I am contacted. When I am ready, I need to know your name, for which evenings, for how many people, and which Campground you would prefer (no guaranties). It can be a real nightmare when people change the dates, campground preference, number of people, etc…I will do the best that I can.
I am working on the evening programs for the event and will announce them when it is finalized. If you have suggestions or requests I would be glad to hear them. Should I have a band on the final evening again? Are we doing a Sushifest to start it off? From you folks that have been to a Facelift, any way to improve the event? I do need some help setting it up and running things, for these people that commit for the whole event and the preparation or to help clean up the day after, I will make special camping arrangements for you and try to give you some free time to enjoy the Park.
I have been attending monthly NPS compliance meetings for the cleanup and for 11 special projects. It is amazing how much work it is to get permission for this thing, sometimes I feel like an NPS employee. The Facelift has grown at such an astronomical pace that it has opened up eyes around here, perhaps scaring some. I think this is a good event for all climbers and Park visitors. I hope it continues to grow and will still be going strong when I am long gone.
Simon, as far as sponsorship goes, we love to give out raffle prizes, we take monetary donations with any extra going to paying for YCA activities during the rest of the year. We welcome any sponsor to advertise their support of the event (can supply pictures if needed, sponsors will receive a public thank you and mention, and they are welcome to supply a banner which we can hang if it is not too large.
Don’t know if there will be media this year so you may not get on TV but, it should be a lot of fun anyway. This year I hope it is bigger than ever.Thanks you all.
Ken
AKA: Chickenskinner
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Chicken Skinner
Trad climber
Yosemite
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Mar 26, 2008 - 12:32am PT
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This is kind of interesting. Looks like you all might get paid next year.
Call California Senate Committee to
Ensure Volunteers can do Public Works Projects - like Restoration, Invasive Weed Removal, etc
Good morning,
I am writing on behalf of CaliforniaVolunteers regarding a piece of legislation that is important to all volunteer and service organizations in California. On Wednesday, March 26th, the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee will hear SB 1345 (Ashburn). This legislation is intended to permanently create a prevailing wage exemption for any work performed on a public works project by a volunteer or service member.
Background
By 2003, state labor laws and regulations evolved to the point where strict limits on donated labor on public works projects limited volunteers and service members from working community projects that could be classified as public works. This meant that volunteers that wanted to work on a public works project – tree plantings, habitat restoration, school beautifications, etc. – were required to be paid a prevailing wage. A local volunteer organization was fined $33,000 in 2003 for failing to pay volunteers a prevailing wage for their service restoring a local creek bed.
In response to the limits placed on volunteers, the Legislature passed AB 2690 in 2004, which exempted volunteers from the prevailing wage requirement. As a result of this legislation, volunteers were able to serve in their communities on public works projects. The bill contained a sunset clause that will expire on January 1, 2009.
Information Needed
Unless the prevailing wage exemption is protected, nonprofit organizations may be required to pay prevailing wages to volunteers and service members for work done on public works projects. If volunteer activities you currently engage in could be impacted, we encourage you to share that information with Senator Ashburn, the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee, and the Senators serving on the committee. Their contact information is listed below.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at (916) 650-6671 or Tess.Mason-Elder@CaliforniaVolunteers.ca.gov if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Tess Mason-Elder
Policy and Legislative Affairs Associate
CaliforniaVolunteers - Office of the Governor
1110 K Street, Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95814
Office: (916) 650-6671
Cell: (916) 217-1608
Tess.Mason-Elder@CaliforniaVolunteers.ca.gov
http://www.CaliforniaVolunteers.org
Contact Information:
Senator Roy Ashburn
State Capitol, Room 3063
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4018
Fax: (916) 322-3304
Labor and Industrial Relations Committee
1020 N Street, Room 545
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-1556
Fax: (916) 327-5703
Senator Carole Migden (Chair)
State Capitol, Room 5114
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916)651-4003
Fax: (916) 445-4722
Senator Mark Wyland
State Capitol, Room 4066
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4038
Fax: (916) 446-7382
Senator Dick Ackerman
State Capitol, Room 305
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4033
Fax: (916) 445-9754
Senator Sheila Kuehl
State Capitol, Room 5108
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4023
Fax: (916) 324-4823
Senator Alex Padilla
State Capitol, Room 4032
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4020
Fax: (916) 324-6645
Ellen Lapham
elapham@aimhigh1.com
Director, American Alpine Club
Chairman, AAC Conservation Committee
President, Snowlands Network
Nevada City, CA
530-265-9117
Ken
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 26, 2008 - 12:40am PT
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Thanks, Ken! Interesting news, with a challenging public policy backdrop.
Doesn't Yosemite National Park currently get some additional federal funding based on volunteer hours in the park, e.g. at the FaceLift? How much does that work out to, and what is it used for?
I suspect that the result will be that volunteer organizations will end up back where they were. They'll be allowed to do "public work", and won't be "fined" for doing it, even if it's the sort of work that would or should usually be done by a public employee - which seems to be the real issue. But volunteers won't be paid, either. Neither state nor federal government has enough money to pay volunteers, and both want to encourage volunteerism. Vested interests, e.g. unions, may not like it, but the financial reality is often that if volunteers don't do it, there's no money for it anyway.
I don't expect to be paid as a volunteer - a paid volunteer is an oxymoron. Being paid isn't the point, at least not pay in the material sense. Though I wouldn't mind if for every hour I put in the YCA got $1, or something along those lines, in addition to whatever the park gets.
I suspect that most of those who help at FaceLift willingly do as volunteers things that they wouldn't do for pay.
Perhaps some of Jeff's real and imaginary friends could help with this - the "emperor of Yosemite" should be good for something. :-)
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nature
climber
Santa Fe, NM
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Mar 26, 2008 - 12:56am PT
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If you are required to pay me for my volunteer work I would like to donate said wages to the YCA.
BTW, I went to the Banff Mtn. Film fest tonight in Santa Fe and proudly wore my Facelift T-shirt.
Sushi to start it off? YES!!!
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Mar 26, 2008 - 12:59am PT
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isn't the park a FEDERAL jurisdiction?
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