The PV-South Bay Group welcomed five new members to our all-volunteer communications team in 2021: environmental journalists Isabelle Jeng, Christopher Ozomgi and Christian Paullin, social media specialist Erin Gonzales and copy editor Marvin Contreras. Christopher bade farewell to us in August as he began his studies at Cornell Law School. We wish him success in his chosen career in environmental law. Unsurprisingly, Marvin found a paying job as an editor, and we welcomed Liane MInckler onboard in January, 2023. Many of you already know Bill, Kevin, Susan and Judy.

Environmental Journalists

Christian Paullin

 is an avid outdoorsman and lifelong surfer born and raised in the South Bay. He says, “I have a passion for preserving California’s precious outdoor resources. I have grown up seeing first-hand the effect we can have on our surrounding environment and I want to bring these issues to the public eye.”

Isabelle Jeng

is passionate about the environment, which is one of the reasons she loves living in California where others share her concern. She’s looking forward to putting her skills in journalism, photography and social media to use in reporting on environmental issues in Palos Verdes and the South Bay.

Social Media Specialist

Erin Gonzales

 is an avid hiker, outdoor enthusiast, marketing professional, and storyteller. She is passionate about the environment and creating meaningful content through photography, words, and visuals that inspire audiences to take action. After spending a decade in Chicago, she is proud to call Los Angeles home.

Copy Editor

Liane Minckler

Colorado-based Liane Minckler enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and skiing. She also loves water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and lake activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking.

She says, “This love of outdoors and appreciation for the environment has remained steady throughout the years, prompting me to choose a career that is dedicated to preserving the beauty and prestige of nature.”

Liane recently earned a Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, in Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder.

“Along the Path” Columnist

Susan Rothrock Deo writes “Along the Path: A Young Person’s Guide to Exploring Nature,” a column that appears in every issue. Susan holds a master’s degree in environmental education. She has taught life science, marine biology, and environmental education from pre-school through the college level. A longtime docent with Los Serenos de Point Vicente, Susan has published short stories and essays and is working on several picture books and middle grade novels.  

Facebook Manager

Bill Lavoie has been a Sierra club member for 20 years and a hike leader for 15. He serves on the Executive Committee (Excom) of the PV-SB group as Membership Chair. He invites you to follow and contribute to our Facebook page.

Instagram Manager

Kevin Schlunegger is a hike leader. As Outings & Safety Co-chair he is a member of the group Excom. He invites you to follow and contribute to our Instagram feed.

Webmaster and Foggy View Editor

Judy Herman edited the Foggy View from March 2017 – March 2023