Welcome...2026
GO SBVC Monthly Meeting & Dinner Enjoy an evening of community, connection and conversation
Wednesday, January 21, from 6:00-8:00PM
**Why Come? - Meet Core Group members and fellow outdoor enthusiasts - Share your ideas, questions, and feedback - Help shape future GO Santa Barbara/Ventura adventures - Enjoy delicious food and great company **When & Where: - 6:00 PM - Meeting begins, all are welcome to join - 7:00 PM - Dinner and socializing - Parking is free in the restaurant lot or across the street - Please RSVP and we'll save you a seat - We meet in the back private dining area next to patio - Pepe's has a "no separate checks" policy so please be prepared to pay with Venmo, Zelle, or cash
We meet monthly to collaborate and socialize—building and strengthening our community together. Whether you're a longtime Great Outdoors member, brand new to the group, or just exploring, we'd love to see you there! Pepe's Mexican Restaurant-Old Town Goleta 254 Orange Avenue
Speaker Series:
Why Do You Rarely See
Animals on Our Hikes?
Come join Darin Furry as he discusses
animals of the Coachella Valley.
This presentation will be held before our monthly Core Group meeting located at:
The LGBTQ Center Center: 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr., Room 3, Floor 3, Palm Springs 92262
Light refreshments will be provided before the presentation.
For questions about the event, contact Dennis Curran at [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROOM, WE MUST LIMIT THE NUMBER OF ATTENDEES. ADDITIONALLY, ONLY ONE GUEST REGISTRATION PER INDIVIDUAL IS ALLOWED.
IF THE EVENT IS FULL, PLEASE REGISTER ON THE WAITLIST. IN MOST CASES THERE ARE CANCELLATIONS PRIOR TO THE EVENT AND WE CAN USUALLY ACCOMMODATE EVERYONE.
GOPS Monthly Core Group Meetings are usually held on the fourth Tuesday of each month starting at 6:30 pm, subject to change due to holidays and conflicting events. Meetings can be attended online via Zoom each month. Meetings are held simultaneously in-person in January, March, May, July, September and November 2026. In-person meetings are held at the Center, 3rd floor Meeting Room 3, 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA.
Check the event registration details for the date and the particulars of the meeting.
GOPS members can attend by registering for the meeting. For best results in attending via Zoom, plan to use a computer or tablet equipped with a camera and microphone. Information on how to enter the Zoom meeting will be provided to registrants in their Confirmation and Reminder emails.
Calendar Planning Meeting
This meeting is for the GOLA Core Group and anyone else who would like to lead, share ideas, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Let’s come together and plan amazing outdoor experiences to make GOLA even better!
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to Noon
Location: Home of John & Lin (SW of the 405 & 10 Freeway Junction)
Exact address will be emailed to registrants well before the meeting.
Continental breakfast will be provided.
Meeting will be in the backyard so bring a hat.
Come be part of the conversation and help shape upcoming adventures.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Please register now so the hosts know how many to plan for.
Russell Hammerl [email protected]
© 1981 - 2026 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC.,
a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQIA+ and Allies organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy
Hike, bike, and day activities planning meeting. We meet in the back room for breakfast. We will review the calendar for the next 3 or 4 months and schedule accordingly.
If you are unable to attend, you may submit your hike, bike or other event and we will work to get them scheduled. Contact VP of Outings click here.
Check out the listing of hikes in the Santa Rosa National Monument on the Friends of Desert Mountains website:
https://www.desertmountains.org/trails/
OCLB- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park &
Hawaii Big Island Day Hikes
Tues 4/28/26 and Thu 4/30/26
Hawaii is full of attractions that are unlike anything else in the world, but even among these unique wonders, Hawaii’s volcanoes stand out as truly remarkable. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii protects some of these natural marvels, including two of the world's largest and most active volcanoes.
Come join me for day hikes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and on the Big Island of Hawaii to experience stunning landscapes created by these volcanoes.
Registration: Limited to Great Outdoors members
Day Hike: Tue. Apr. 28th, 2026 at 9 am- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Day Hike: Thu. Apr. 30th, 2026 at 9 am- Big Island Hawaii, local trail. Location TBA.
Transportation & Lodging: Air, ground transportation, lodging, meals, fuel, and travel costs on the Big Island of Hawaii is the responsibility of each member. It is strongly recommended that members purchase travel insurance to insure their trip costs in the event of cancellation or interruption.
Fees: Day hikes are FREE. There is a vehicle entrance fee of $30 to enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. A valid national park pass waives the entrance fee. There may be parking and entrance fees charged at the trailhead of a local hiking trail on the Big Island.
What to Bring: Day Pack with Ten Essentials. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and rain protection. Pack a lunch, snacks, and water.
Important information
Great Outdoors is not arranging air, ground transportation, or lodging for members on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Register- Please RSVP for a day hike so I know who is coming.
I will email attendees with essential details such as trailhead location, parking, and hike mileage and elevation gain for each day hike up to two weeks before the event.
I am visiting the Big Island of Hawaii the week of 4/26 to 5/03/26 and inviting other Great Outdoors members to join me on day hikes on Tuesday 4/28 and Thursday 4/30/26.
I am staying in Kailua-Kona, so if you are also visiting the Big Island of Hawaii during the last week of April 2026, reach out and let’s meet up.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Climate- In late April, the climate on the Big Island of Hawaii is generally pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging in the high 70’s to low 80’s F and evening temperatures dropping into the 60’s F. This month marks the end of the rainy season, so you can expect fewer rain showers, although it’s still possible to experience some rain, especially at night.
Questions?
Email Michael at [email protected]
Disclosure- I do not respond to emails immediately due to my non-traditional work schedule. I will respond to emails about this event on my days off.
The Morro Bay Car Show is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community spirit. Each year, it brings together classic car enthusiasts while supporting local businesses, charities, and organizations. With a focus on creating an inclusive and fun experience, the show fosters a sense of togetherness throughout Morro Bay and beyond. Website: https://www.morrobaycarshow.org/
WHEN: April 30 to May 3. More info to follow... *Registration is not open at this time*
Flying Club / Primetimers BBQ
Fire up the grill, let's make some noise, Burgers, dogs, and happy joys! Good food, good friends, a perfect day, Come hang with us, don't delay!
WHEN: Sept 12, 2026 @ TBD WHERE: Goleta Beach Park *Registration is not open at this time. More info to follow...*
Lake Lopez - Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival The Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival is a local favorite event that features everything from entertainment to food, scarecrow and baking contests, games for the kids, movie night, and so much more! This family-friendly event highlights the best of Arroyo Grande and its neighboring communities. When: Sept 24 - 27, 2026 @ TBD *Registration is not open yet at this time. More info to follow...*
© 1981 - 2025 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQIA+ and Allies organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy