Southern California is famed for its sunny weather and majestic Pacific coastline, and many outdoor enthusiasts travel to the region to go hiking. Both high winds and snow have made hiking potentially dangerous at times these past few months in certain areas, and since mid-December, more than a dozen rescue operations were called for lost or stranded hikers in the San Gabriel Mountains.
On this week’s “In Focus SoCal,” host Tanya McRae met a team of volunteers in San Bernardino County that conduct search and rescue operations for the sheriff’s department.
“Things can change on a dime. You can leave in the morning and it could be a bluebird, beautiful day. And within no time at all, it can be raining and snowing, sleeting and make things really, really complicated for the hiker on the mountain, as well as the search and rescue effort,” said Justin Wheaton, California region chair of the Mountain Rescue Association.
Donna Newlin, director of the Inland Empire Search and Rescue Council, showed McRae the essentials you should always carry in your backpack when going for a hike, including a physical map of the area you’re hiking, food for 24 hours, rain gear and a glow stick. She said many hikers they search for during this time of year aren’t properly dressed.
“Wearing gym shoes and yoga pants, and no extra layers at all,” said Newlin.
McRae also met Bill Furey, founder of the Heritage Hiking Club based in Orange. He shared why he started hiking in middle school after his father passed away and how his hiking community has benefited from going out into nature.
“We have hikers that are experiencing, as you know, just all kinds of crazy things in their life and they get out and they get some soul care, and they get a chance to refresh. Push the restart button,” said Furey.
“In Focus SoCal” also celebrated Women’s History Month with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, the board’s newest member representing the Third District. She shared with McRae about women’s issues that still need more attention today, including pay equity and helping women who left the workforce amid the COVID-19 pandemic to take of their families.
Horvath noted that she is honoring Emiliana Guereca, founder of the Women’s March Foundation.
“She has been a fierce and outspoken advocate, and she has brought people together from throughout Los Angeles County,” said Horvath.
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