Highlights of The Year 2009

Compiled by Webmaster

The following accounts of field operations are the best efforts of the newsletter editor, are NOT official reports, and may have errors and omissions, for which apologies and regrets are expressed in advance.

January

Officers for 2009 were approved: President - Jutta Schmidt, Vice President - Jeff Holmquist, Equipment Officer - Dave Michalski, Financial Officer - Daniel Hansen, Training Officer - Barry Beck, Secretary - Marie Pavlovsky.

Successful AVY Savvy event at the Forest Service auditorium on January 8, chaired by Dori Leyen.

January 10, 2009. 09-030 #1. The Team responded to a report of overdue skiers in the Red Cones area. The subjects returned prior to the teams leaving the roadhead. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Michalski, Schmidt, and Holmquist.

January 15-16, 2009, 09-043 #2. Marco Casco, 49, and Pedro Gonzalez, 55, both of Las Vegas, Nevada, were returning home from an errand to Gardnerville. The two men were reported overdue, and CHP, Sheriffs Department Deputies, and the SAR team were dispatched. The victims' vehicle was located by CHP on closed Hwy 120 E near Sagehen Summit.

A Sheriffs Deputy successfully drove along snowy Hwy 120 following the tracks and located the subjects not far from the intersection with Benton Crossing Rd. at 2 am. Both Casco and Gonzalez were cold but uninjured. Responders were: Holmquist (Ops), Schmidt, Michalski, Beck, Jim Lemon, Brenninkmeyer, and Weatherly.

January 26, 2009, 09-073 #3. Cindy Zane, 43, from Camarillo, California became lost while hiking in the Inyo Craters area with her dog. She spent four hours attempting to find her way back to her car without success, then called 911 from her cell phone as darkness fell.

The Team responded with snowmobiles and located the subject at a trail intersection, and also a party of lost snowmobilers. Zane was transported back to her car, and had no injuries or need for medical care. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Holmquist, Pavlovsky, Jim Lemon, and Brenninkmeyer.

January 31, 2009, 09-085 #4. Serina Tran and Jenny Dang from Southern California became lost while snowboarding in the Dragon's Back area on Mammoth Mountain. The Team responded to Tamarack Lodge to coordinate search efforts with Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol. Cell phone contact was made between SAR base and the missing subjects but their location was still unknown.

Ski Patrol eventually located the two and escorted them to Tamarack Lodge. The Team sent two field teams to Horseshoe Lake for possible transport to Tamarack Lodge. The subjects were not injured, and were happy to be found. Responders were: Michalski (Ops), Beck, Leyen, Pavolvsky, Jim Lemon, Brad Schilz, Carole Schilz, Holmquist, Corning, and Vetter.

February

February 26, 2009, 09-147 #5. Stephen Coates, 21, from Mammoth Lakes, was snowboarding on the Hemlock Ridge line with a group of friends. He became separated from them after dropping too low to return to the ski area. After he failed to return home, his roommate reported him overdue.

The Team responded on skis and snowshoes searching outside the ski area boundary. To aid in containment, a MMSA snowcat went down to Reds Meadows. The subject was found uninjured near Pumice Flat campground, and transported back to Main Lodge by snowcat. Responders were: Holmquist (Ops), Pavlovsky, Jim Lemon, Corning, Vetter, Greene, Schmidt, and DeGeorge.

March

A recruiting open-house organized by Jim Lemon was held at the Shilo Inn on March 18 and eleven new candidates were signed up: Martha Claassen, Emily Cooley, Kirk Hartstrom, Al Rubalcava, Mike Rushing, Ryan Salay, Cesar Schilling, Edward Syc, Chris Thompson, Wayne Toussaint and Jake Winder.

Paul Zahn passed the 10-year mark as a team member and was presented with a special award.

March 6, 2009, 09-165 #6. Jonathan Penson from Los Angeles was last seen the previous day near the Main Lodge area. After being reported missing, the Team responded to search, as well as a MMSA snowcat. Mr. Penson was found at Reds Meadow by the snowcat driver, and was transported back to Main Lodge. Responders were: Michalski (Ops), Holmquist, Schmidt, Carole Schilz, Jim Lemon, Zahn, Leyen, and Hansen.

March 7, 2009, 09-167 #7. Geoff West, 25, from Pacific Palisades, California was reported missing in the Dragon's Back area of Mammoth Mountain. As the Team was responding, Mr. West arrived at his condo, with no injuries. Responders were: Michalski (ops)

March 11, 2009, 09-180 #8. Katrina Fraser, Josh Laney, and Ivana Burkett from South Lake Tahoe, California became lost and stranded in snow in Little Antelope Valley. A tow company was unable to find them on the snow drifted roads, and the SAR Team was called out to search. They were located and taken to Mammoth Lakes to arrange to lead the tow truck to their vehicle. Responders were: DeGeorge (Ops), Holmquist (Ops), Schmidt, Michalski, Pavlovski, Vetter, and Corning.

March 15, 2009, 09-185 #9. Edward Brown, 38, from Los Angeles, hit a tree while snowmobiling on the I trail near Deadman Summit. The Team responded with snowmobiles and transported Mr. Brown to the Deadman trailhead via rescue toboggan. Medic 7 transported him to Mammoth Hospital for treatment. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Holmquist, Schmidt, Michalski, Corning, and Brad Schilz.

April

Long time member Jim Wright died suddenly and unexpectedly. Thanks go to Dave Michalski for organizing the Team's memorial gathering at the tent. We received the following in a card from the Wright family:

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all of your efforts and kindness during the passing of our beloved Jim Wright. The service you held was perfect and touching and we are humbly grateful. We will miss him immensely, and we know you will too. With warm regards, the Wright Family (and Mandy too!).

A successful fund raiser organized by Dave Michalski was held at Ben & Jerrys in the Village on April 21 raising $700.

The bill which will allow the team to lease Mammoth Community Water District land for a building has been signed by the President.

April 27-May 1, 2009, 09-277 #10. Allen Melendy and Mary Beth Hayden from Canon City, Colorado were reported overdue on a flight from Tonopah, Nevada to Modesto, California. Their plane, a Valantin TAIFUN motorized glider, went missing at approximately 1600 on 4/24. The pilot and passenger were on a cross country flight from Colorado to Modesto.

FAA began the notification process when they failed to reach their destination as indicated on their flight plan. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was designated the primary search agency, as typical in these large search area missions covering many counties and possibly two states.

They searched in various areas along the route, starting with the last radar hit near the intersection of 120 east and Benton Crossing Road. The plane dropped off Hawthorne, Nevada radar due to leaving the radar coverage area of the Hawthorne radar facility. That day was very windy and snowy.

Mono County SAR became involved when information developed that the passenger's cell phone received a text message that originated on the AT&T tower on the top of Mammoth Mtn at approximately 2000 4/24. Further investigation pinned down the exact panel on the cell tower that communicated with the cell phone. This panel was pointed at 080 degrees, and had a beam width of approximately 100 degrees.

After working with AT&T technicians and the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) in Langley, Virginia, they were able to develop a pattern coverage map that significantly reduced the potential search area. Effective range for the tower on this type of cell phone communication mode further reduced the distance to roughly a 30 mile radius from Mammoth Mtn.

CAP flew many missions during this search. Three grids (each grid is approximately 8 x 8 miles) were flown the first day (Saturday), starting with the radar coverage drop point. Subsequent days involved many more grids (multiple times), involving over 20 CAP each day from California and Nevada air wings.

On Monday, the team was dispatched to Montgomery Canyon, east of Benton, to follow up on a possible sighting of glider wreckage reported by CAP aircraft. Four teams of two entered the area in 4x4 vehicles and the Sheriffs Office 6x6 Ranger. The four teams then began a ground search up the canyon in various combinations of personnel. No wreckage was located.

On Tuesday a unified command structure commenced with Mono SAR/CAP, and we also began receiving helicopter assets for search missions. First on scene was a CHP helo, followed in subsequent days by many Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters. The last day (Friday) also included a C130 in-air refueling plane for four Pavehawks from Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Mono SAR and Inyo SAR personnel flew many observer missions in helos during the week, and also did ground searching with binoculars along 395 and the Glass Mountains.

The high probability grids were searched multiple times by CAP planes flying at 1,000 feet above-the-ground (AGL), while helicopter assets flying the same grids maintained a 500 foot AGL ceiling to keep separation. High probability areas shifted slightly during the week as additional information was developed on potential route, weather data, pilot habits, prior day search results etc.

The aircraft was located mid-day Friday by a helicopter crew approximately two miles northeast of the Caltrans Crestview Maintenance facility in a high probability search grid. The plane had clipped a tree in what looked like a northerly path. and impacted the ground upside down. Both wings were torn off in the impact, and both occupants were deceased in the aircraft. No ELT transmissions were received while at the crash site, which could have been a function of battery drain, switch settings, damage, etc. Recovery operations finished just as the rain began at the crash site. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Holmquist, Schmidt, Beck, Pavlovsky, Brad Schilz, Carole Schilz, Corning, Vetter, and Leyen.

May

Building committee met with Mammoth Community Water District to begin the steps leading to a lease of land for our building.

Our Webmaster Don Deck has been working very hard to build a real database for the Team. He can produce a number of reports for training hours, operations, attendance, year-end statistics, etc.

May 23, 2009, 09-373 #11. A 17 foot boat belonging to Craig Ruzicka, 46, from Simi Valley, California sank at the dock at the Convict Lake marina due to a torn bellows. The Team responded with dry suits and were able to lift and move the vessel to the launch ramp where it was de-watered and trailered without further damage. Responders were: DeGeorge (Ops), Greene, Michalski, Holmquist, and Schilling.

May 30, 2009, 090531012 #12. An aircraft was reported to be flying very low in the Owens Gorge area, and was assumed by the observer to be in distress. The Team responded with two vehicles with ELT receivers to attempt to pick up a distress signal. None was heard, and no crash was reported. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Case, Schilling, Salay, Rushing, Claassen, Holmquist, Winder, Schmidt, Pavlovsky, Hartstrom, Rubalcava, Jim Lemon, and Weatherly.

June

June 2, 2009, 09-393 #13. A ten year old minor, of Bishop, apparently shot himself in the finger on Saturday, May 30, 2009, while playing with a handgun in a field in Chalfant. He claims to no longer have the weapon, and the SAR team was dispatched on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, to search the field and neighborhood for the handgun.

The team did not locate the weapon or any other evidence despite an intense search. Responders were: Holmquist (ops), Schmidt, Vetter, Corning, DeGeorge, Greene, Michalski, Weatherly, Salay, Pavlovsky, Schilling

June 19, 2009, 09-453 #14. Shannon Ferguson from Ellerslie, Georgia was hiking with a college geology field trip just above Fantail Lake. At approximately 3:30 PM as she was jumping from rock to rock during a stream crossing, she injured her left knee and was unable to walk. One of the teaching assistants hiked out to the Yosemite entrance station to seek help.

The SAR team responded with 15 members. The subject was evacuated by litter to the roadhead at the campground at the bottom of the Saddlebag Lake road, and was transported to Mammoth Hospital via a college vehicle. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Gilbreath (Ops), Carole Schilz, Brad Schilz, DeGeorge, Holmquist, Schmidt, Leyen, Beck, Michalski, Salay, Rushing, Weatherly, Case, Pavolvsky.

June 20, 2009 - Helicopter Training

June 20, 2009 - Annual Family Picnic at the Mono Lake County Park. Nearby is Rick Mosher's grave which we do clean-up each year. Rick is the only SAR member who has died during an operation - he was a spotter aboard a search plane that crashed.

July

Dori Leyen organized our participation in the Mammoth Lakes Fourth of July parade.

July 2, 2009, 09-478 #15. Lawrence Eugene Mitchell, 81, from Los Angeles was last seen fishing from his boat in the Bridgeport Reservoir on July 1.

An observer on the shore saw that the boat had become flooded, and called 911. On July 2 the Team responded to assist with the search.

The victim's body was eventually recovered on July 3 by San Bernardino dive team members. Responders were: DeGeorge (Ops), Beck, Hartstrom, Holmquist, Rushing, Salay, and Schilling.

July 3, 2009, 09-487 #16. Scott Kellerman, 63, of Nevada City, California, fell and hit his head while descending Red Slate Mountain. He hiked back up for cell service and called to report that he had sustained head lacerations and possible vision impairment, and he would try to hike out.

SAR team members hiked in with medical supplies, litter and wheel for potential transport of the subject. A CHP helicopter from Fresno also responded, but was released. Scott was encountered on the trail 5 miles in, and was able to hike out with the team. He was accompanied to Mammoth Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Responders were: Schmidt (ops), Beck, Case, Corning, DeGeorge, Holmquist, Lemon, J., Lemon, L., Rushing, Salay, Schilling, Thompson, Vetter

July 5, 2009, 09-502 #17. Renowned climber John Bachar, 51, residing in Mammoth Lakes, was free-soloing the Dike Wall above Lake George when he fell. There were no witnesses to the actual fall, but nearby climbers reached him in less than one minute after he fell.

The Team was called to assist Mammoth Fire Department and Mono County Paramedics with the evacuation. Responders treated the climber on scene (who had sustained major injuries), did a hand-carry of the liter through the boulder field, and a wheeled litter carry-out down the trail to the boat dock. He was transported across the lake to Medic 3's ambulance. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Mammoth Hospital. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Michalski, Schilling, Salay, Rushing, Jim Lemon, Schmidt, and Holmquist.

July 7, 2009, 09-513 #18. Roger Patrick, 59, from Thousand Oaks, California was hiking near Lake Helen when his leg postholed through the snow and he injured his knee. Eight Team members hiked to his location, splinted his leg, provided first aid and began the carryout.

Due to difficult terrain, a second calling post was initiated and 7 additional Mono County SAR members responded and hiked in to assist. The injured person was brought out to the Saddlebag Lake trailhead where he was escorted to Mammoth Hospital by a Team member in the injured person's personal vehicle. Responders were: Michalski (Ops), Rushing, Salay, Hartstrom, Jim Lemon, DeGeorge, Case, Beck, Pavlovsky, Greene, Brenninkmeyer, Holmquist, Corning, Vetter, Schmidt, and Thompson.

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July 8, 2009, 09-517 #19. Donald Hall, 52, from Dallas Port, Washington and Sherril Wilson, 54, from Turner, Oregon were enroute from Phoenix to Fresno, California in a Cessna 182P. No flight plan was filed After refueling at Mammoth Lakes Airport, the aircraft was reported by a witness to be flying very low on a westerly heading over the Twin Lakes area, as though it was sightseeing and that it didn't have enough altitude to clear the pass to the west.

The aircraft impacted trees while maneuvering at a low altitude, and the pilot and his passenger were killed. The Team did a search grid around the crash site for debris and assisted with the recovery of the remains. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Schmidt, Holmquist, Michalski, Weatherly, Case, Pavlovsky, Brad Schilz, Carole Schilz, Rushing, Salay, Schilling, Corning, Vetter, and DeGeorge.

July 10, 2009, 09-524 #20. Denette Hardy, 48, from Ontario, California fell while hiking 4 miles up the Minaret Lake trail, and injured her ankle. Her husband hiked out to obtain help. The SAR Team responded with litter and medical supplies, accompanied by Park Service personnel from Devils Postpile. The subject was evacuated via litter to the trailhead, and was transported to Mammoth Hospital by private vehicle for treatment. Responders were: Schmidt (Ops), Holmquist, Michalski, Pavlovsky, Corning, Vetter, and Case.

July 14, 2009, 09-534 #21. Bryce Keel, 18, from Victorville, California was camping above Gem Lake with a Scout organization when he injured his foot while chopping wood. Four field teams responded.

One team hiked to the subject directly, and the other three teams hiked to Agnew Lake then were aided by SCE employees who activated the tram system and boats.

The subject was carried by litter to the upper end of Gem Lake, then moved by SCE boats across Gem and Agnew Lakes, and down the tram to the power plant on Rush Creek.

SAR members transported Mr. Keel via Rescue 2 to Mammoth Hospital for treatment. Responders were: Michalski (Ops), Greene, Salay, Beck, Pavlovsky, Merchant, Holmquist, Schmidt and Schilling.

July 28, 2009, 09-577 #22. Catherine O'Neil, 50, from Anaheim Hills, California was reported missing while walking with her 9 year old son in the Mammoth Lakes Basin area. The Team was called out to search for them. While driving across the bridge between two lakes, the operations leader heard shouting coming from the far side of the lake just to the east of the cascade from Lake Mamie. Searchers were able to reach the two quickly, who were uninjured. They had lost their way in the brush around the cascade, and stopped when it became too dark to move. They were escorted back to their campsite at Twin Lakes. Responders were: Greene (ops), Michalski (ops), Salay, Holmquist, Schmidt, Pavlovsky, Brad Schilz, Carole Schilz, and Thompson.

August

Carole Schilz, Heidi Vetter and Lee Scotese were elected full Rescue Members on August 12.

Golf Tournament fund raiser at Snow Creek Golf Course was rained out on August 23. Organizers Dave Michalski and Carole Schilz and their helpers had gathered 52 raffle prizes, $3,900 in hole sponsors. Mammoth Brewing Company donated beer. A BBQ is being planned as a replacement.

August 1, 2009, 09-584 #23. The Sheriff's Office received a report of a partially submerged raft on Ski Lake, near Leavitt Lake.

A SAR team was dispatched to investigate. An object was visible in the water, so the team donned immersion suits and swam to the object to investigate.

The object turned out to be a large novelty balloon with a rock attached. Origin unknown. Responders were: Holmquist (ops), Beck, Leyen

August 5, 2009, 09-593 #24. The Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from Diana Kikovsky, who's husband, 62 year old Sergey Dikovsky of Brooklyn, New York, was experiencing severe abdominal pain while backpacking near Thousand Island Lake. The team responded, and also requested the assistance of a California Highway Patrol helicopter from Fresno.

Due to high winds the helicopter was unable to land near the subject, so Search and Rescue Team members were transported, along with a wheeled litter, to a spot approximately one mile from his location. He was located by team members and transported to the waiting helicopter which transported him to Mammoth Airport. He was taken by ambulance to Mammoth Hospital for treatment. Responders were: Greene (ops), Michalski, Pavlovsky, Jim Lemon, Rushing, Salay, Vetter, Corning, Pete DeGeorge, Holmquist, Schmidt.

August 8-9, 2009, 09-597 #25. Jack Winkler, 76, of Mammoth Lakes, was taken by Reds Meadow Pack Station to a camp near Cold Creek on July 24 with a wilderness permit for 11 nights. He was due to be picked up by the packer on August 4. He was not at this camp then or on subsequent days on August 5, 6, and 7.

The Team began a ground and air search on August 8. Mr. Winkler was located by ground teams at his second camp near the confluence of Fish Creek and the San Joaquin River late in the afternoon of August 8. He declined assistance, and indicated he intended to stay there until August 11. SAR Team members spent the night and came out on August 9. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Gilbreath (Ops assistant), Michalski, Holmquist, Schmidt, Pavlovsky, Corning, Vetter, Rushing, Salay, Jim Lemon, Scotese, and Pete DeGeorge.

August 11-12, 2009, 09-605 #26. On August 11, Jack Winkler, subject of operation #25 on August 8-9, reported by cell phone that he was stranded Northwest of Pond Lily Lake, had been without food and water for 3 days, and that his dog had left him.

The Team responded with a member inserted by CHP helicopter H40, located him, moved him to a safe place, and stayed with him that night. On the morning of August 12, the Team member located his dog near the confluence on the north side of the river, and brought her back to Mr. Winkler.

CHP helicopter H40 again landed nearby, and after medical evaluation transported Mr. Winkler to the Forest Service helipad near Mammoth Lakes, where he refused medical care by the County Paramedics, and was taken by a Mono County Sheriff Deputy to the local medical clinic. Responders were: Greene (ops), Holmquist, Michalski, Salay, Rushing, Rousek, Corning, Gilbreath, Thompson, Pavlovsky, and Pete DeGeorge.

August 14, 2009, 09-619 #27. Steve Mays, 36, from Elk Grove, California became ill while ascending to Sherwin Lakes on a backpacking trip. A hiking partner jogged out to obtain help. Team members hiked in with a wheeled litter, accompanied by Mono County paramedics. Mr. Mays was transported to the trailhead via litter, then to Mammoth Hospital via ambulance. Responders were: Schmidt (ops), Holmquist, Greene, Salay, Pete DeGeorge, Brad Schilz, Carole Schilz, Case and Brenninkmeyer.

August 16, 2009, 09-611 #28. Larry Goodman, 63, from Sausalito, California was reported overdue while hiking from Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass. Team members began searching south from Sonora Pass, and quickly encountered Mr. Goodman, who had underestimated the time needed for his trip. Responders were: Green (ops), Hartstrom, Holmquist, Schmidt, C. Schilz, B. Schilz, P. DeGeorge.

August 20, 2009, 09-626 #29. Chris Horton, 50, and his 14 year old daughter called for help after becoming stranded on a steep talus slope while trying to get from Crystal Lake to the Mammoth Crest. The SAR team was able to reach the subjects in class 3 terrain, and assisted them up to the Crest Trail where they were able to hike out with Team members to the trailhead. Responders were: Greene (ops), Beck, Michalski, B. Schilz, C. Schilz, Salay, Holmquist, Schmidt, Pavlovsky, Weatherly, Rushing, Hall, P. DeGeorge.

August 30-31, 2009, 09-653 and 2009-LAW-0288 #30. Jeff Maurer, 47, of El Portal, California suffered fatal injuries as the result of a climbing leader fall on the lenticular limbo climbing route on the Third Pillar of Mount Dana near Lee Vining. A nearby climber hiked out to report the incident. A CHP helicopter was unable to assist in the recovery due to high winds, downdrafts and steep terrain.

A Mono SAR ground team was dispatched, but was turned back by steep-loose terrain and darkness. At 5:00 am on August 31, a second Mono SAR team started climbing and reached the victim. Helicopter 551 from Yosemite was unable to do a short haul due to continued high winds, but assisted by transporting ground teams from Yosemite and Mono SAR teams to the Dana Plateau. Mr. Maurer was raised 700 feet to the plateau, from which he was transported by helicopter. Responders were: Greene (ops), Schmidt (ops), Holmquist, Salay, Michalski, Pavlovsky, Case, Corning, Rousek, J. Lemon, Rushing, Winder, Claassen and P. DeGeorge.

September

The Snowcreek golf tournament fund raiser which Dave Michalski and others worked so hard to promote and organize with the generous donation of the golf course for the day by Snowcreek - got rained out!. Bummer.

To recover as much as possible and use up the food generously donated by VONS, we held a SAR-BBQ at the tent on September 3, and invited the general public to attend. It was a lot of work for many of the Team members to put this on with a short schedule to get permits, etc. Listing them all is beyond the editor's ability, but Carole Schilz and Dave Michalski certainly deserve special mention. The event was a success, and though we are not yet finished with the paperwork, it appears we may clear roughly $10,000 for the building fund.

Ryan Salay voted in as full rescue member. Congratulations Ryan!

Congratulations to Petra and Greg Dallas on the birth of their daughter, Stella Rose, on September 8th at 12:52 PM. Stella was delivered at 6 lbs 2 ounces, measuring 18 inches long. She is named after her two living grandmothers Stella Spartos and Rose Markvart. Stella is the English translation for the Greek name Stylani, or St. Stylianos who is the Greek Orthodox Patron Saint that watches over children.

Dori Leyen organized the teams support of the 15th Annual High Sierra Fall Century Bike Ride on September 12, which was participated in by over 700 riders.

September 3, 2009, 09-666 #31. On September 2, Edmundo Saenz, 52, of Fairfield, California was reported as overdue from a solo climb of Split Mountain that began on September 1. Air search by a CHP helicopter began on the afternoon of September 2.

On the morning of September 3, Mono County SAR Team responded to a mutual aid request, joining ground teams from Inyo SAR, China Lake SAR, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to search the area. Helicopters from CHP, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and China Lake Air Naval Weapons Station responded to insert ground teams and search from the air.

That afternoon, search base received word that Saenz had been picked up on a road to the northeast of the search area and was uninjured. The climber had taken the incorrect descent gully, spent the first night stuck in a gully, descended the gully and spent the next night near Tinnemaha Creek, walked out to a road on September 3. Responders were: Holmquist (Ops), Beck, and Salay.

September 4, 2009, 09-671 #32. Jonathan Flaa, 35, of San Bernardino, California and Kevin Anderson, 42, of Running Springs, California set out from the shore near Lee Vining in a tandem kayak to tour Mono Lake. During their trip the winds began to increase, creating large waves that prevented them from returning to Lee Vining. They were able to beach their kayak, on Gaines Island near the northwest shore of Mono Lake, and called for help with their cell phone.

The Mono County Sheriff boat patrol and the Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team responded to the lake. Due to the shallow water near where they beached their kayak, the search and rescue team used an inflatable boat with an electric motor to reach the two who were approximately a half mile from shore. The winds and waves had decreased since they had become stranded, allowing them to paddle their kayak to shore while being guided by the SAR Team. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Brenninkmeyer, Holmquist, Schmidt, Rushing, Pavlovsky, Brad Schilz, Salay, Vetter, and Hall.

September 6, 2009, 09-673 #33. Richard Lease, 26, and Karen Vesco, 27, of Goleta, California got off-route during a climb of Laurel Mountain from Convict Lake and became stranded amid difficult terrain on the evening of September 5.

The Team was activated and staged near the mountain at 6 AM on September 6. Ground teams carrying technical equipment climbed to the summit from Laurel Creek while a CHP helicopter responded to search. The ground teams descended on the Convict Lake side to the stranded climbers and belayed them past a difficult section of poor quality rock to the summit, and then descended with them to Laurel Creek. Responders were: Holmquist (Ops), Schmidt, Greene, Gilbreath, Brad Schilz, Winder, Schilling, Scotese, Case, Hall, and Rushing.

September 9, 2009, 09-681 #34. Patricia Rothwell, 65, of Thousand Oaks, California was reported overdue by her husband while hiking from the summit of Mammoth Mountain to Tamarack Lodge. A brief cell phone call with the subject verified that she was not injured, was on a trail, but was unable to identify her location or direction of travel.

Three ground teams responded (from our monthly meeting) to the search area, and were able to establish voice contact and reach the subject quickly. She was guided to the parking area at Horseshoe Lake, and driven to join her husband at Tamarack Lodge. Responders were: Greene (ops), Gilbreath, Holmquist, Schilling, B. Schilz, C. Schilz, Case, Rushing, Schmidt, Michalski, Pavlovsky, Corning, Vetter, Beck, Claassen and Walker.

September 12, 2009, 09-687 #35. Doug Canepa injured his lower leg while hiking to Glacier Pass above Thousand Island Lake. Jeff Butler, a member of the party, encountered a USFS backcountry ranger, who radioed for assistance. The SAR Team responded as well as CHP helicopter H80. When the ranger arrived at the patient about an hour later, Mr. Canepa refused further assistance. Responders were: Holmquist.

September 15, 2009, 09-691 #36. Megan McGovern, 39, of Los Angeles, became stranded while hiking above Sky Meadows in the Lakes Basin. She was not injured, but was unable to go either up or down safely, and called for assistance.

Teams were dispatched to the area to begin looking for her and then assist with getting her to a safer location. The SAR team successfully located her in steep terrain, set up a series of belays, and escorted her to the trailhead. Responders were: Michalski (ops), Greene, Brad Schilz, Carole Schilz, Pavlovsky, Salay, Schilling, Walker,and Corning.

September 18, 2009, 09-695 #37. The Team was called out for a report of rock fall on Crystal Crag, and searched the area for possible victims. None were found. Trail block interviews located a climber who reported initiating the rock fall, but no climbers were injured. Responders were: Greene (ops), Holmquist, Pavlovsky, Walker, Thompson, Salay, and Brad Schilz.

September 20, 2009, 09-704 #38. Austin Plummer, 20, of Santa Cruz, California was reported to be injured from a fall when descending Matterhorn Peak. Mr. Plummer tumbled approximately 200 feet down a snow field on the east side of the mountain.

Helicopter 551 from Yosemite National Park was able to insert a ground team from YOSAR to an LZ approximately a half mile from the victim. They determined that Mr. Plummer had not survived the fall. Helicopter 551 did a long-line haul to the LZ, then transported the body to Bryant Field. Mono SAR members hiked in to retrieve the victim's equipment. Responders were: Greene (ops), Holmquist, Schmidt, Hartstrom, Winder, Thompson, Walker, Schilling, Brad Schilz, Pavlovsky, and Beck.

September 24, 2009, 09-708 #39. Donna Nilsen, 49, of Salinas, was reported overdue from a day hike between Tuolumne Meadows and Silver Lake. She had been expected to arrive on the evening of the 23rd, but did not.

The SAR team was activated on the morning of the 24th, and a ground team began hiking from Silver Lake towards Donahue Pass, where she had her last cell phone contact with her friends. Repeated attempts to reach her by cell phone were finally rewarded, and the team learned that she was only about a mile from the trailhead. The field team reached Nilsen and escorted her to Silver Lake. Responders were: Holmquist (ops), Schmidt, Vetter, Beck, DeGeorge, Pavlovsky, Walker.

September 25-26, 2009, 09-715 #40. About 10 PM on September 25, 2009, the Team was activated to search for an overdue day hiker. Mabel Grall, 44, of Aiea, Hawaii, started hiking from the June Lake loop at 12:30 PM with the intention of being at Thousand Island Lake at sunset.

The SAR team searched through the night and the next day with assistance from California Highway Patrol helicopter H80 and the Inyo County SAR team. The subject made a very long and difficult descent from Clark Lakes on a direct cross country route, reaching the the June Lake Loop road about 4 PM. She experienced numerous slips and falls in the steep terrain and water courses, but despite injury was able to keep going. She was evaluated by the Mono County Paramedic crew, and transported to Mammoth Hospital for treatment. Responders were: Holmqist (ops), Greene (ops), Schmidt, Salay, Case, Rushing, Rousek, Gilbreath, Brenninkmeyer, Schilling, Brad Schilz, Carole Schilz, Vetter, Pavlovsky, Claassen and DeGeorge.

September 28-October 2, 2009, 09-730 #41. Our Team was requested to provide mutual aid to Calaveras County to search for Devin Smith, 37, of Angels Camp, who did not return from a solo daytime hunting trip on 28 September. He had been hunting a few miles northwest of the nearby community of Dorrington, and search efforts began on the 29th. The terrain was rolling, with much brush, deadfall, and logging debris, and was covered with a dense network of logging roads. By Friday, 2 October, teams from Calaveras, Amador, Alpine, El Dorado, Tuolumne, Merced, Mariposa, Mono, and Marin counties had joined the search assisted by air resources from CHP. Smith walked out on his own on Friday afternoon. Mono responder: Holmquist.

October

WE GET LETTERS - lots of them

Just in case you ever wondered if what we do is worth your time, be aware that we frequently get letters and cards from people expressing their appreciation for what the team does. Here's some excerpts from cards and letters we received. I have to admit my eyes were leaking a bit as I typed these paragraphs. Please take the time to read them all. The writers sincerely want you to know how important your work is to them.

We got a beautiful hand-made card quoting Maya Angelou: "People who face life with passion, encourage others to live their lives with spirit."

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for all your hard work in finding our loved ones. Please accept these messages with our heartfelt thanks. The family and friends of Allan Melendy and Mary Beth Hayden.

To those who took part in the search for Allan Melendy and Beth Hayden, Words cannot begin to describe the depth of our gratitude to each and every one of you for the incredible search you conducted for our loved ones. Your selfless dedication and the sacrifice of your time, energy and resources are deeply appreciated.

We now know that unfortunately, a rescue was not possible. But thanks to your unwavering efforts, we are each able to have closure and to give Allan and Beth a final resting place on Monarch Pass in Colorado. The pass at 13,312 feet sits on the continental divide surrounded by magnificent mountains. It is a spot near their home, where birds and gliders can find a good thermal on which to enjoy the sunshine and the view of the mountains.

We never knew that there are volunteers and government organizations who come together to conduct such intense and thorough searches for the average citizen. We are amazed and thankful to live in a country where each individual really matters. Flying was Allan's passion since he was a teenager, when he was the youngest-ever licensed member of the Rochester Soaring Club. His time in the U.S. Air Force enhanced the love of flying. He flew across the country and back in his Grumman Tiger. His final plane gave him the ability to fly free.

Allan and Beth would be honored by all that you have done. We will be forever grateful for the care and expertise you demonstrated throughout the search mission. Please accept our donation. We hope it will help you continue to help those who are lost. You serve a noble purpose. Sincerely. Jean Sikora (Allan's sister), Taine Vinci. David & Barbara Resch & Trina Hendri (Allan's nieces and nephew)

Dear Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team: On behalf of Beth Hayden and Allan Melendy, thank you for all your efforts in locating them. Your search efforts were extraordinary. You are much appreciated. The father of Mary Beth, Herb Knowles.

Words cannot express our gratitude for the effort all of you put in searching for my sister Beth Hayden and her partner Allan Melendy. It was such a comfort knowing you were out there searching, and thank you also for the recovery of them in a prompt and I know very caring manner. Please accept this donation in their memory. Sandi Allen (Beth's sister)and all my family.

Our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to each and every one who helped search for our loved ones. The volunteer hours put into this effort were astonishing to us. It only reinforces our belief that there are heroes among us daily.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to your loved ones who must share precious time that could have been spent with them. Not to mention their worries over the risks taken by all of you on these searches. Your dedication and caring will be remembered by all of us. We hold all of you forever in our thoughts and pray for your safety going forward. Bud Allen, Sandi Allen (sister and brother in law), Deanna Hickson (niece), Darci Strait (niece), Denise Simmons (niece).

Your service and efforts in locating and evacuating our loved ones is a true comfort to us. Not knowing would have left us with too much anxiety. Thank you is not quite adequate, but you have our loving gratitude forever. Ron Knowles (Beth's brother), Gayle Knowles.

Please accept this donation in memory of my friends Beth Hayden and Allan Melendy of Canon City, Colorado whose motorized glider went down near Mammoth lakes late last month. I understand that yours is a volunteer organization. Thank you very much for putting your skills and efforts toward such a noble cause. You are heroes. Stay Safe. Sincerely, Janise Zyment

Please accept the enclosed check for $25 in memory of Mary Beth Hayden and Allan Melendy to continue your good work. We so appreciate your efforts to help so many families. Rachel Forman

Thank you for not giving up. Thank your for looking over and over for flight after flight. The uncertainty that we felt that was overwhelming when Beth and Allan were missing was put to rest when you found their crash site. Thank you for your hours of dedication and many prayers. Eilene Chay

When we first learned that Beth and Allan's glider had gone missing, the news was surreal and nerve wracking. Your mind races as you imagine them, you fear for their safety, and while your emotions swing between pessimism and optimism, it is heart achingly frustrating to be separated from being able to actively help by thousands of miles. As each day passes, you wait anxiously for the next update, and dread receiving word that the search may be called off.

When I've described your efforts to others I've called them "heroic". I'm amazed, overwhelmed, and proud of the search and rescue operation undertaken. You gave us hope when we needed it, and you have my heartfelt appreciation. Stephen Forest.

Thanks you so much for all that was done to find my aunt and uncle. No words can express our gratitude. My children and I are very touched by your efforts. Thank you again. Dawna, Sarah, and Benjamin Knowles.

Through the terrifying week of not knowing where Beth and Allan were, I took great comfort in knowing you were looking for them. Receiving your updates gave us hope that you would find them. Because of the extraordinary lengths you went to I knew you would find them.

Even though the outcome was not what we'd hoped, I can't imagine living without your finding them. Your efforts for our family will never be forgotten. I imagine that you don't like the word "hero", and it is over-used in society today, but you are heroes to me, and always well be. In Gratitude, Sarah Hayden (Beth's daughter)

With much gratitude, enclosed is a donation. Dave Michalski and his team (Brad, Carole, Ryan, Cesar, Dan, Marie) were exceptional. Thank you for providing such an amazing service! Life Savers! Best to you all. Megan McGovern

I understand from some of your volunteers a building fund has been established for a SAR headquarters and storage. I would like this contribution to go to that fund. Sincerely, Bev Langston.

This is a letter of appreciation to the members of your rescue team. I was injured on the summit of Red Slate Mountain from a fall. I had temporary loss of vision in my right eye, and lacerations. I called my wife who alerted your search and rescue team. I was met by a group of well informed, well equipped, and engaging rescue members. The team was very thorough and supportive. Jeff Holmquist even accompanied me to the Mammoth emergency room and remained with me until my family arrived from Nevada City.

Your search and rescue team assisted me at a very difficult time as I was alone and injured. I am exceedingly grateful for all that you did. I run a 75 bed acute care hospital in Uganda and perform occasional rescues in the Baindi Impenetrable Forest. Come on over. Webau Munonga (Thank you). Scott Kellerman, MD. Medical Missions to Batwa Pygmies, Uganda

Please accept my donation of $100 as my means of thanking you and all the people involved in the search and rescue of Jack Winkler and his dog. My son, Kevin has told me how helpful all of you were. Kevin was able to keep all of us informed thanks to your help and that of the Reds Meadows Pack station. Thanks again for your successful rescue-may you have a quiet summer and winter. Joan Connolly

October 9, 2009, 09-751 #42. Bert Howard, 75, of Groveland, Callifornia became separated from the rest of his hiking party while walking along roads in the Lookout Mountain area. Mono County Sheriff deputies and CHP responded, and the SAR team was dispatched shortly thereafter to search the area. Meanwhile, Mr. Howard encountered a truck, not involved in the search, and the driver took him to Hwy 395 where a Sheriffs Office vehicle was flagged down, ending the search. Responders were: Holmquist (Ops), Madrid (MCSO), Riley (CHP), Pete DeGeorge (MCSO/SAR), Schmidt, Minder (MCSO), Case, Pavlovsky, Carole Schilz, Hartstrom, Greene, and Michalski.

October 16, 2009, 09-758 #43. Kevin Garbi, 36, and Randall Dennis, 46, both from Louis, California were on a backpack trip beginning from Lake Mary. During their trip, a storm with rain and snowfall across much of their route stranded them in the Reds Meadows area. Their boots and camping gear became water soaked from the wet snow, and they were unable to continue.

They called 911 from the pay phone at Red's Meadows Pack Station. SAR Team members staged at the USFS helispot in Mammoth Lakes. Snow and road conditions prevented use of snowmobiles or wheeled vehicles to reach the two. A CHP helicopter was utilized to fly them out. They were cold but uninjured and declined medical attention. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Pete DeGeorge, Holmquist, Schmidt, Michalski, Rushing, Pavlovski, Brad Schilz, Carole Schilz, Schilling, and Corning.

October 27-31, 2009, 09-777 #44. On the evening of Monday, October 26, Kenneth Wade Brunette, 73, of Hansville, Washington was reported 24 hours overdue from a solo day hike of Mt. Whitney on the previous day. Interviewed hikers reported seeing Brunette 1.5 miles south of the summit, on the trail, moving slowly toward the summit at 3:30 on Sunday afternoon.

Conditions on Sunday were clear and warm. Inyo County SAR responded Tuesday morning assisted by personnel from China Lake and Mono County SAR teams. As the search continued, teams from Sequoia/Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks, Kern, Montrose, Sierra Madre, Fresno, Tulare, Los Angeles, Contra Costa joined the effort and were supported with National Guard, CHP, and Park Service helicopter units.

Conditions deteriorated by the start of the search on Tuesday and weather was generally cold, windy, and stormy, and snow slowed travel.

On Saturday, October 31, Brunette's body was located by a ground team at the southeastern base of Mt. Muir on a steep snowfield at the bottom of cliffs. The body was lowered by rope on the snowfield and carried to a point from which a CH-47 helicopter was able to do a hoist raising. Mono SAR was in the field on all search days. Responders were: Holmquist, Pavlovsky, Beck, Leyen, and Greene.

October 31, 2009, 09-786 #45. Hadi Darejeh ,51, and Darius Chakur, 37, both from the Los Angles area, were exploring the White Mountain range near 12,000 feet when their vehicle became stuck in snow drifts on USFS road 4S01 near the Barcroft station. They used a cell phone to call 911 for help. A tow truck was unable to reach them due to snow. Team members hiked in approximately two miles and escorted them to a point where the Sheriff's Department Ranger UTV picked them up. They were not injured, and were transported to a motel in Bishop. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Holmquist, Pavlovski, Beck, and Pete DeGeorge.

November

Greg Dallas has been named a Senior Vice-President at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. He oversees Information Technology, Lift Maintenance, Equipment Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Motocross, and Snowmobile Rentals. "Greg is a perfect example of what makes Mammoth Mountain a great company," said Rusty Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of Mammoth Mountain. "He is an expert in a wide variety of relevant fields, a natural leader driven to perform and, most importantly, loves his people and our mountains."

November 1, 2009, 09-788 #46. Gwen Gifford, 37, from Vermont, was participating in a cross country paragliding clinic near the Hi Head hydro power station in the White Mountains. She was unable to maintain altitude and impacted the mountainside.

The Team responded to the launch site to assist with the Life Flight helicopter loading. Her injuries were severe, and she died during the helicopter to Minden, Nevada. Responders were: Pete DeGeorge (Ops), Greene, Holmquist, Schmidt, Pavlovski, Weatherly, Case, Scotese, and Beck.

November 21, 2009, 09-821 #47. Michael Boykin, 69, from Coleville, California was found deceased just inside the Douglas County, Nevada line. Team members responded to assist with transporting Mono and Douglas County Sheriff personnel to the site via the Polaris Ranger. Responders were: Greene (ops), Michalski, and Hartstrom.

November 29, 2009, 09-832 #48. Christopher Schreur, 27, from Orange City, Iowa, Robert Double, 23, from Farmington, New York, Andrew Bard, 23, from Harleyville, Pennsylvania, and Timothy Zorchenko, 21, from Sacramento, California were stranded in the White Mountains when their vehicles were unable to travel through heavy snow drifted across the road. With the aid of Tim Winkler of the Inyo County SAR Team and their snowcat, the victims were found, along with another stranded party of two people. All were transported to clear road, and later to Bishop by Mr. Winkler. Responders were: Pete DeGeorge (ops), Greene, Pavlovsky, Tim Winkler (Inyo SO).

November 30, 2009, 09-835 #49. The team was called to assist a Lyon County, Nevada search and rescue operation to aid two groups of campers stranded in deep snow in the Risue Canyon area and the Dry Lake area. Mono County Sheriff deputies assisted with the snowcat. The Polaris Ranger and two of the team's snowmobiles were deployed. A rescue helicopter from Naval Air Station Fallon responded, and extracted nine people and a dog. Responders were: Beck, Leyen, and Hartstrom.

December

Dave Michalski, Marie Pavlovsky, Bill Greene and Jim Lemon were elected for 2-year terms on the Board of Directors.

Our end of year holiday party was held at the Convict Lake restaurant on December 16, 2009, and was an excellent affair with delicious food.

Each year, the Team honors members for their individual excellence and public service, and two awards are given by the Team each year to honor members who have excelled.

The team's main honor for achievement is the Pete Schoerner Rescue Member of the Year award. The award is named in memory of a beloved teammate who was killed in an ice climbing accident in 1996.

The Pete Schoerner Rescue Member of the Year for 2009 is Jim Lemon. Jim serves the Team on the Board of Directors and participated in 41 team events in 2009, including 16 field operations. Since 2007, Jim has served the County on 132 team events, including 34 rescues and searches. He is one of the team's key players in all types of missions.

New members in training are called Candidate Members, and must undergo training, practice, and testing in eighteen skill categories before being considered for advancement to Rescue Member. Examples of these skills include first aid and victim care, tracking, technical rescue, mountain navigation, helicopter operations, and skill with electronic aids such as computers, radios, avalanche transceivers, and GPS receivers. Completion of all requirements takes a lot of dedication and faithfulness over a period that is typically a year or more.

The team honors one candidate member each year with the Rick Mosher Candidate Member of the Year award. Rick Mosher is the only team member to have died in the line of duty and was killed while searching in a small airplane that crashed during an operation on August 15, 1979.

This year the team selected Ryan Salay as the Rick Mosher Candidate Member of the Year. Ryan has been very active and faithful in both his training and in rescue operations and has recently advanced to Rescue Member status. He has participated in 58 Team events, including 21 operations since he began his training in April of this year.

December 10, 2009, 09-849 #50. Jay LaFontaine, 49, from Pleasanton, California was reported overdue from a backroads trip between Bodie and Death Valley. His vehicle was found unoccupied in the Bodie Hills, and the SAR team was called out to search for him. His tracks were located in the snow leading away from the vehicle. The Team tracked on snowshoes then on snowmobiles, and discovered his remains. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Salay, Schmidt, Hartstrom, Winder, Vetter, Corning, and P. DeGeorge.

December 17, 2009, 09-860 #51. Melissa Sneekes, 25, of Fullerton, CA., lost control of her snowmobile while riding in the Big Springs area, east of Hwy 395. She sustained moderate injuries to her shoulder, hands, and leg, and the SAR team and Mono County paramedics were dispatched. Two medics were transported to the site by other members of Sneekes' snowmobiling party, followed by the SAR team snowmobiles and toboggan. The patient was transported to the trailhead by toboggan and then to the hospital by ambulance. Responders were: Holmquist (Ops), DeGeorge, Michalski, Jim Lemon, Pavlovsky, Walker, Greene, and Salay.

December 29, 2009. 09-881 #52. James McCurrie, 51, and Kevin McKown, 46, both from Irvine, California were snowshoeing on the Sherwin mountains ridgeline and become disoriented/stranded due to darkness, high winds and blowing snow. The only light source they had was a small AA flashlight, leaving them at risk to safely descend the mountainside in the poor weather conditions.

The SAR Team was called out and staged at the Tamarack Lodge winter gate closure. Field teams accessed the area by snowmobiles and snowshoes. Following a ground search, the victims were located un-injured at the top of the ridge line. They were provided with head lamps and escorted down. Responders were: Greene (Ops), DeGeorge, Salay, Thompson, Schilling, Pavlovsky, and Vetter.