hostelling international usa golden gate council

HI-San Francisco City Center
685 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 474-5721
sfhostels.com
HI-San Francisco Downtown
312 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 788-5604
sfhostels.com
HI-San Francisco Fish. Wharf
Fort Mason Building 240
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 771-7277
sfhostels.com
HI-Marin Headlands
Fort Barry Building 941
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 331-2777
marinhostel.org
HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse
210 Pigeon Point Road
Pescadero, CA 94060
(650) 879-0633
pigeonpointhostel.org
HI-Point Montara Lighthouse
16th Street & Highway 1
Montara, CA 94037
(650) 728-7177
montarahostel.org
HI-Point Reyes
1390 Limantour Spit Road
Point Reyes, CA 94956
(415) 663-8811
pointreyeshostel.org
HI-Redwood National Park
14480 Highway 101
Klamath, CA 95548
(707) 482-8265
redwoodhostel.org
HI-Sacramento
925 H Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-1691
sacramentohostel.org
HI-Hidden Villa
26870 Moody Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
(650) 949-8650 hiddenvilla.org
Operated by the Trust for Hidden Villa
Printed in the USA with vegetable-based inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, processed chlorine-free.
Cover photo: Redwood National and State Parks
ALL PHOTOS BY CHERI M. LARSH, EXCEPT:
HI-Hidden Villa photo (page 1 and back cover) courtesy of the Trust for Hidden Villa
Outdoor Hostel Adventure photos (page 6) by Stephanie Don, Barbara Wein, et al
HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse 25th Anniversary Festival photos (page 14) by Jeffrey Parry and Barbara Wein
HI-Redwood National Park 20th Anniversary Open House photos (page 15) by Barbara Wein and Ryan Forsythe
HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL USA
GOLDEN GATE COUNCIL
Annual Report 2007
welcome
GOLDEN GATE COUNCIL MANAGEMENT STAFF AND BOARD
HI-MARIN HEADLANDS
Mary Gabriel-MacGabhann, general manager
Dear Friends,
We are delighted to share with you our mission achievements and financial
results in this 2007 Annual Report. In addition, this year’s report highlights
the environmental aspects of our hostels and programs, which move us
toward our vision of inspiring hostellers to be “stewards of the earth.”
Over the past year, our 10 Golden Gate Council hostels have made many
improvements which add comfort and value for our guests. The hostel
staffs have embraced the Quality Standards set by Hostelling International
USA, working hard not only to meet them, but to exceed them. All have
achieved high scores on their annual evaluations—in fact, nine out of ten
received scores of more than 100% by earning bonus points for their environmental conservation measures.
We celebrated two important anniversaries this year. More than 1,000 people turned out to mark the 25th anniversary of the Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Hostel with a festival of music and dance, tours and exhibits, crafts and
activities. The Redwood Hostel had a more intimate party to celebrate its
20th anniversary, which brought together hostellers, National Park Service
staff from 1987 and today, and members of the DeMartin family, whose
ancestors built the original homestead and lived there until the 1950s.
We are very excited to introduce new cultural programs in addition to
our long-standing outdoor environmental programming. For example, the
Marin Headlands Hostel hosted a Cultural Kitchen weekend for 58 Girl
Scouts who shared the food and culture of Jamaica, China, Italy, the Philippines, and India. At the Sacramento Hostel, a local Girl Scout troop created
a mural through the Community Walls program, to share their perspectives
on their hometown with hostellers from around the world. Several World
Travel 101 workshops enlightened young people about how to travel affordably, safely, and respectfully. In all, more than 1,500 young people participated in an array of mission-based programs! We have launched a new
website focused on our program offerings at HostelAdventures.org.
Financially, with more people traveling, we have increased overnights and
are continuing to improve our bottom line, enabling us to invest in all of
our hostels, and to gain equity in the Council-owned San Francisco City
Center Hostel.
We are doing well while doing good. We wish to thank the many people
who contribute to our success: our talented staff, dedicated board, motivated volunteers, and generous supporters.
Sincerely,
Walter Knoepfel
President
HI-PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Jeffrey Parry, general manager
CONTENTS
HI-POINT MONTARA LIGHTHOUSE
Christopher Bauman, general manager
Being Green
1
The ongoing greening of our hostels and
programs
Getting Green-Certified 2
Marin Headlands and Point Reyes Hostels become certified green businesses
Going Green in the City
by the Bay
4
Cafe Franco’s Healthy Traveler Initiative
& Green Facilities Practices at HI-San
Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
Green Educational
Programs
6
Serving Green
Organizations
8
Voices
10
Celebrating 25 Years
14
Celebrating 20 Years
15
Financial Reports
16
Thank You
18
In Memorium
20
Outdoor Hostel Adventures introduce
urban youth to the natural world
Tahoe-Baikal Institute & Pigeon Point
Environmental Education Program
Who We Are: Donors, volunteers, and
staff speak out
HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse
HI-Redwood National Park
Donor Acknowledgements
HI-POINT REYES
Hanna Morris, general manager
HI-REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK
Kaci Elder, general manager
HI-SACRAMENTO
Steve Haynes, general manager
HI-SAN FRANCISCO CITY CENTER
Jose Lima, general manager
Sam Hussein, assistant general manager
Yvonne Garcia, facilities manager
Michael Foyder, front desk manager
HI-SAN FRANCISCO DOWNTOWN
John Burnett, general manager
Chaka Miller, assistant general manager
Molly Salyer, front desk manager
HI-SAN FRANCISCO FISHERMAN’S WHARF
Jeanne Comaskey, general manager
Michael Byrnes, assistant general manager
Jon Dockery, facilities manager
Jennifer Tsang, front desk manager
SAN FRANCISCO SERVICES
Jeanne Comaskey, director of operations
Danny Case, food services manager
Nannette Mickle, group sales manager
Nicki Rapp, activities coordinator
CENTRAL SERVICES
Barbara Wein, executive director
Javier Bujanda, finance manager
Molly Mitoma, marketing & communications manager
Michael Yoshioka, educational programs coordinator
Stuart Bousel, office manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Walt Knoepfel, president
Vatche Kalfayan, vice president
Andrew Mowat, treasurer
Aimee Scott, secretary
Victor Bekhet
Thierry Hugand
Divya Kapasi
Emily Pimentel
HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL USA
GOLDEN GATE COUNCIL
425 Divisadero Street Suite 307
San Francisco, CA 94117
phone: (415) 863-1444 fax: (415) 863-3865
info@NorCalHostels.org
NorCalHostels.org
SFHostels.com
OUR MISSION
To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding
of the world and its people through hostelling.
OUR VISION
Hostel guests become caring global citizens who are catalysts for
intercultural exchange and understanding, and stewards of the earth.
Barbara Wein
Executive Director
Founded in 1958, HI-USA Golden Gate Council is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
being green
The ongoing greening of our hostels and programs
by Barbara Wein, Executive Director of HI-USA Golden Gate Council
K
ermit sings, “It’s not that easy being green.” Yet with
all the recent attention on global warming, it seems
like almost everyone is jumping on the green bandwagon,
from oil companies to hotel chains.
The Golden Gate Council’s hostels in Northern California have been leaders in adopting sustainable practices, and
increasing public access to the outdoors with their wonderful National and State Park locations. The Sustainable
For Hostelling International, our green wagon is already Living Center Action Guide created by Hostelling Intera long way down the track. The commitment to preserv- national USA, and the Environmental Charter from the
ing the environment and operating hostels in a sustainable International Youth Hostel Federation, have informed and
inspired our hostels to become greener.
manner is neither trendy nor new.
Since its earliest beginnings in Germany, the hostelling Programmatically, our staff and volunteers have provided
environmental education and outdoor adventures to San
movement has focused on taking
Francisco Bay Area youth for nearly
youth out of the city to experience
“The commitment to
and appreciate the natural world. In preserving the environment 40 years. Through these programs,
some 1,400 young people per year
the old days, hostellers were expected
are turned on to the natural world
and operating hostels in
to get to hostels by traveling under
and learn about stewardship for our
their own steam (e.g. hiking or biking,
a sustainable manner is
National and State Parks.
or using public transportation). And
neither trendy nor new.”
hostels have been masters at operatAt the same time, our hostels and
ing their facilities in a sustainable manner and leaving a programs do not rest on their laurels. We continue to work
small footprint.
on improving the sustainability of our operations and proThese traditions are the result of both our organizational gramming, and to influence others to do the same. Leadethic and economic necessity. In order to keep the costs ing by example, our environmental practices demonstrate a
low for hostellers, we have always solicited their help in conservation ethic to more than 200,000 overnight guests
conserving resources. The very model of a hostel, where annually.
people share space and live cooperatively, is more environ- Our guests return to their communities with newfound
mentally friendly than each person occupying their own knowledge and appreciation for simple ways individuals
room, as in a hotel.
can make a difference. In this way, our hostels succeed in
spreading environmental stewardship around the world.
Top left to right: HI-San Francisco City Center; HI-San Francisco Downtown; HI-San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf; HI-Marin Headlands; HI-Point Montara Lighthouse. Bottom
left to right: HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse; HI-Redwood National Park; HI-Point Reyes; HI-Sacramento; HI-Hidden Villa.
NorCalHostels.org 1
getting green-certified
Marin Headlands and Point Reyes HostelS
become Certified Green Businesses
by Hanna Morris, General Manager of HI-Point Reyes
Hanna Morris began working as a Hostel Assistant at HI-Marin Headlands in 2002, and was promoted to Deputy General Manager in
2005. In March of 2007, she became General Manager of HI-Point Reyes.
Through her leadership, both HI-Marin Headlands and HI-Point Reyes have become certified green businesses.
is a “green” idea. The act of taking care of each other is
absolutely necessary for any kind of sustainable society.
ostels pioneered the modern meaning of the word
Indeed the mission of Hostelling International is fostering
“green” before we ever heard that term referencing
cooperation and a sense of community in the hostel envienvironmental sustainability. People sleeping in bunk beds
ronment, in a world that is increasingly isolating.
in the same room—instead of a conventional hotel room
(one person, one room, one king-sized bed, one bathroom, As consumers, we often fall into the “what is the cheapest
one television, and one lock)—is about as “green” as you possible option” rut. This line of thinking can keep initial
financial costs down, but we all pay the higher price of a
can get in the hospitality industry.
compromised environment.
I recently stayed in a hotel (because there was no hostel nearby) where they gave me the option of having my It is continually proven, in the hotel industry and many
sheets laundered every day or not until I checked out. This other fields of businesses, that customers appreciate conis a great new step that the hotel industry is taking to con- servation measures, and that they are in fact looking for
serve resources; it’s also something that hostels have always them. The greening of businesses also boosts employee
moral, not just because staff know they’re not poisoning
done, along with much more.
themselves with the products they have to work with, but
Hiking, bicycling, or taking the train from hostel to hostel,
sharing moments with other people, living on pennies and
“What information and experiences
having the time of your life—these are the images I get of
our visitors take home
the first hostellers in this country. I believe that this is still
reverberate throughout their
the essence of hostelling. It would be a natural progression for Hostelling International USA to lead the way in
lives and the lives of others.”
sustainable lodging. With the recent Green Initiative as a
also because they know that they’re working for an organimain topic at the 2007 National Operators Meeting, it’s
zation that’s doing the right thing.
clear that we want to.
It’s just plain good for business. Even if you were only
What does it mean to be “green?” To me it means more
concerned with numbers, it’s a competitive marketing tool.
than recycling and buying one-ply toilet paper. It starts
I believe this is the edge that will differentiate us from othwith communities. “Think globally, act locally,” is a phrase
er hostels and types of accommodation.
that has been around for almost 40 years. Acting on these
words is what will really make a difference, with all of the The “living simply” model of hostels, HI’s commitment
compounded social and environmental problems we face to conserving resources, reduced consumption, recycling,
today. We all need to take care of our neighbors, support protection of natural environments, environmental edulocal family farms, and buy goods and services from people cation, as well as fostering interpersonal connection with
people from different backgrounds—these things already
within our communities rather than “big box” stores.
set us apart from other hostel/hotel businesses. We have
Communities are an endangered species, and the concept
the unique opportunity to reach out to thousands of
of sharing and being communal with other people really
What does it mean to be green?
H
2 Annual Report 2008
people every day. We should take full advantage, and be a model for others to emulate.
What information and experiences our visitors take home reverberate throughout
their lives and the lives of others. “Live simply, so that others may simply live.”
What does it mean to be green-certified?
T
he Bay Area Green Business Program was developed to recognize businesses
in the San Francisco Bay Area that comply with environmental regulations and
take steps to conserve energy and water, reduce waste, prevent pollution, and operate
more sustainably. By providing independent evaluation and certification, the program
allows consumers to identify and support businesses that are more environmentally
responsible, and in doing so, contribute to making their communities greener.
Conserving Energy and Water
The process of certification starts with energy and water audits by local utilities. These
audits suggest ways to conserve natural resources, such as replacing inefficient appliances, using compact fluorescent light bulbs, improving insulation, and installing lowflow toilets and showerheads.
The biggest project HI-Marin Headlands undertook to achieve certification was replacement of toilets to meet the low-flow requirement. Luckily, the hostel was able
to take advantage of a program of the Marin Municipal Water District, which paid
for all of the parts and labor, as well as disposal of inefficient toilets. HI-Point Reyes
was already equipped with low-flow toilets, showerheads, and washing machine. Both
hostels switched to using only compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Recycling and Reducing Waste
The second part of the certification process looks at what businesses do to reduce
solid waste and recycle. Many of the requirements focus on limiting consumption of
paper and paper products, by buying products with the least amount of packaging
and largely recycled content, reusing office paper and envelopes, and recycling paper
waste.
HI-Marin Headlands
Fort Barry Building 941
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 331-2777
marinhostel.org
Both staff and guests at HI-Marin Headlands and HI-Point Reyes recycle paper, glass,
aluminum, tin, and plastic, and HI-Point Reyes also composts food waste. Both hostels use recycled paper products—from office paper to toilet paper—and staff employ conservation methods like printing paper on both sides.
Preventing Pollution
Pollution prevention is the final aspect of the certification process. The evaluation
looks at what cleaning products you use, types of paint, maintenance materials, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
As part of the certification, both HI-Marin Headlands and HI-Point Reyes switched
to 100% post-consumer recycled, non-chlorine bleached office paper, which not only
saves trees, but also helps keep chlorine out of our water tables.
Green-certification also evaluates transportation for your employees, whether they
drive, take public transportation, or get there under their own steam. Both hostels
have on-site housing for all employees, so we aced that test!
In truth, the certification process was fairly easy for both hostels. We had already adopted many of the required practices, most of which are covered under the Golden
Gate Council’s Green Hostel Initiative, begun more than a decade ago.
Thanks to Dana Armanino, coordinator of the Green Business Program for Marin County, who is creative
and easy to work with, and thanks to Hostelling International for their commitment to conservation and
environmental stewardship!
HI-Point Reyes
1390 Limantour Spit Road
Point Reyes, CA 94956
(415) 663-8811
pointreyeshostel.org
NorCalHostels.org 3
going green
in the city by the bay
CAFÉ FRANCO’S HEALTHY TRAVELER INITIATIVE
by Danny Chase, Food Services Manager for the three HI-San Francisco hostels
Café Franco at the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel serves espresso drinks and three meals a day to travelers and locals, in
addition to providing box lunches and catering for groups.
C
afé Franco has always been dedicated to offering the best quality foods at the
lowest possible prices to our many guests.
Starting in winter 2006, Café Franco began adding more organic ingredients and
products, implementing composting and recycling systems, acquiring the latest in biodegradable utensils, napkins, and to-go packaging, and upgrading the hostel’s vending
machines to include 50% organic and healthy snacks. We are dedicated to providing
our guests with the healthiest food options, as well as the opportunity to participate in
San Francisco’s groundbreaking recycling and composting programs.
Café Franco serves fair-trade organic coffee, organic teas, rBST-free milk and creamer, organic soy milk, and organic raw and cane sugar. Organic vegetables are used in
prepared menu items such as salads, and sandwiches are prepared with hormone-free
deli meats. The café also offers organic vegetarian soups, energy bars, and fruits for
sale. In addition, Café Franco provides healthier snack options in the hostel’s vending
machines, including baked and kettle-cooked chips, multi-grain snacks, trail mix, nuts
and seeds, organic Clif bars, and non-soda beverage options like 100% juices.
Café Franco uses biodegradable/recycled napkins, utensils, to-go packaging, and trash
bags, and has shifted many of its disposable items from plastic or foil to paper and
wood, in order minimize waste and introduce more compostable items (such as wood
coffee stirrers, wax-paper butter pats, and paper bags). We have also provided guests
with vivid, colorful displays and signage to encourage participation in our recycling
program.
Café Franco is continually seeking more ways to keep our guests healthy and happy
and is committed to providing the best products available to compliment our Healthy
Traveler Initiative.
HI-San Francisco Fisherman’s
Wharf
Fort Mason Building 240
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 771-7277
sfhostels.com
Left to right: Entrance to Fort Mason; view of Alcatraz from HI-San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf; rear view of HI-San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf; dorm room; Fort Mason
and Golden Gate Bridge from HI-San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf.
4 Annual Report 2008
GREEN FACILITIES PRACTICES AT
HI-SAN FRANCISCO FISHERMAN’S WHARF
by Jon Dockery, Facilities Manager
ENERGY AND WATER
CONSUMPTION
●
All toilets, faucets, and showerheads are low-flow
rated, and are checked regularly for drips and leaks.
Our laundry facilities use water-saving, high-efficiency, front-loading washers.
HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS
●
Our facility has dramatically reduced its
use of toxic cleaning products, and substitutes
nontoxic alternatives (borax, vinegar, etc.) wherever possible.
●
Wherever possible, we use only fluorescent lighting. Exterior lighting is regulated by photo sensors
and/or motion detectors. Interior lighting is reduced
or turned off in daylight hours. All exit signage has
been converted to energy-saving LED bulbs.
●
We donate old paint for reuse, and avoid using highVOC products (oil-based paints, sealers, and solvents)
whenever we can.
●
We purchase only Energy-Star rated appliances and
office equipment.
●
We also abide by National Park Service Integrated Pest Management guidelines to reduce or eliminate our use of hazardous pesticides and herbicides.
●
All cooking appliances in the hostel use energy-efficient natural gas.
●
Our new high-efficiency steam boiler has reduced
both energy consumption and emissions by 75%
compared to our previous unit.
RECYCLING AND RE-USE
●
We run an aggressive recycling program which includes bottles, cans, cardboard, and paper recycling, as well as
composting. All of our food waste and yard waste is composted, and more than 90% of our paper towels are
recaptured for composting. We have recycling bins located in every guest room, as well as in both kitchens and
the cafe.
●
Our hostel uses only 100% recycled (40% post-consumer waste) chlorine-free paper products (paper towels
and toilet paper). Our restroom and kitchen soap dispensers are made from recycled materials and are 100%
recyclable when empty. We use recycled-content office paper and double-sided copying whenever possible.
●
All spent light bulbs and ballasts are shipped out for full mercury recycling at a licensed reclamation facility. All
empty toner and printer cartridges are returned to the factory to be refurbished and refilled. All spent batteries (dry-cell, wet-cell, rechargeable, and lithium) are sorted and returned to the appropriate recycling facilities.
●
We make every effort to repair broken or malfunctioning computers, appliances, tools, or equipment before
replacing them. Equipment that cannot be repaired is disposed of in strict accordance with state and local laws,
and is recycled if possible. We also donate old office equipment, furniture, fixtures, and linens for reuse whenever possible.
NorCalHostels.org 5
green educational programs
Outdoor Hostel Adventures
introduce urban youth to the natural world
by Michael Yoshioka, Educational Programs Coordinator for HI-USA Golden Gate Council
The Outdoor Hostel Adventure program has been introducing urban youth to the natural world for more than 20 years. This experiential, environmental education program is targeted towards youth in grades K-12, and is available at HI-Marin Headlands, HI-Point
Montara Lighthouse, and HI-Point Reyes.
L
“Though I do not believe that a plant will
spring up where no seed has been, I have
great faith in a seed. Convince me that you
have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.” —Henry David Thoreau
ike seeds before the healthy strivings of tomorrow’s
tallest trees, most Outdoor Hostel Adventures begin in
a simple and similar way: A bus pulls into the hostel parking lot at 10 a.m., rattling with the excitement of Northern
California’s urban youth inside. Overnight bags are quickly
unloaded and day packs stocked with water, lunches, jackets, and journals. In a matter of minutes, a group is circled
in front of the hostel, beginning introductions under the
slow spiraling gaze of a turkey vulture.
The second question, “Who does this place belong to?”
results in a range of answers, but through further investigative and collaborative dialogue participants come to a
realization: This park belongs to us.
With these two simple introductory questions, our participating youth begin to establish their sense of place within,
and ownership of, our region’s most beautiful and ecologically significant areas—their values for the environment
begin to take root.
As owners of these public lands, Outdoor Hostel Adventure participants are charged with the responsibilities of
exploring the natural world, discovering environmental
concepts and values, and actively expressing their vision
for the future of our environment. This type of healthy
The first questions posed to the participants are straighfor- youth development, like a seed’s sun-striving sprout, is a
ward: “Where are we?” and “Who does this place belong natural human right, and it is with great pleasure that the
to?”
Golden Gate Council enjoys the privilege of creating the
The first question results in one of three answers: the Marin fertile opportunities for such growth.
Headlands, Point Reyes, or Point Montara. Put simply, the
group has arrived at one of California’s most ecologically
valuable National or State Parks.
Top left to right: Latchkey Program at Marin Headlands; Frick Middle School at Point Montara; Latchkey Program at Marin Headlands; Girl Scouts at Marin Headlands; Frick
Middle School at Point Montara. Bottom left to right:Yick Wo Elementary School at Marin Headlands; John Morse Waldorf School at Point Reyes; Girl Scouts at Marin Headlands;Yick Wo at Marin Headlands; Sierra Gardens Elementary School at Marin Headlands.
6 Annual Report 2008
OUTDOOR HOSTEL ADVENTURE
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS, 2006–2007
Allendale Elementary School
(Oakland, CA)
Buena Vista Elementary School
(San Francisco, CA)
Claire Lilienthal School
(San Francisco, CA)
Clarendon Elementary School
(San Francisco, CA)
Cornerstone Family School
(Concord, CA)
Edison Charter Academy
(San Francisco, CA)
Fairmont Elementary School
(El Cerrito, CA)
Frick Middle School
(Oakland, CA)
Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program – West
(San Francisco, CA)
Jefferson Elementary School
(Berkeley, CA)
Lafayette Elementary
(Lafayette, CA)
Lincoln Elementary School
(San Francisco, CA)
Live Oak Charter School
(Petaluma, CA)
Longfellow Middle School
(Berkeley, CA)
Manzanita Charter School
(San Francisco, CA)
McKinley Elementary
(San Francisco, CA)
Pacific Rim International School
(Emeryville, CA)
R. L. Stevenson Elementary School
(San Francisco, CA)
Rooftop Elementary School
(San Francisco, CA)
Ruus Elementary School
(Hayward, CA)
Sanchez Elementary School
(San Francisco, CA)
Sarah Winnemucca Elementary School
(Reno, NV)
Sierra Gardens Elementary School
(Roseville, CA)
St. John’s School
(San Francisco, CA)
Valencia Elementary School
(San Francisco, CA)
Waldorf School
(San Francisco, CA)
Yick Wo Elementary School
(San Francisco, CA)
Girl Scouts of Northern California
Latchkey Program, San Francisco Recreation
and Park Department
Over the past year, more than 1,400 youth have gone on Outdoor Hostel Adventures,
many subsidized by scholarships provided through the generosity of our donors. In
addition to the school groups and Girl Scout troops we serve, the Outdoor Hostel
Adventure program has established ongoing relationships with three fellow nonprofits
in providing environmental education and leadership development training for youth.
A Home Away From Homelessness
or many urban youth it can be difficult to envision a future beyond the
bustle and burden of their inner-city neighborhoods. In 2007, the Golden Gate Council again partnered with A Home Away From Homelessness to
provide park access and outdoor, environmental experiences to some of San
Francisco’s most deserving youth.
F
A Home Away is a respite program for shelter-based children with the goal
of providing safe and fun places where children can be temporarily relieved
of the stresses of being homeless—a place where they can “just be kids.”
The Outdoor Hostel Adventure program works to help these children find
their footing and reach for new heights, as they explore windswept coastal
scrub by day and starry skies by night.
Skylab Youth Leadership Program
he environmental education provided by Outdoor Hostel Adventures
continues to inspire youth to community engagement. In 2007, the
Golden Gate Council again partnered with Cottage Housing Incorporated, a
Sacramento-based organization that provides services to families transitioning out of homelessness. Their Skylab Youth Leadership Program identifies
and cultivates youth artists and community leaders.
T
Each semester 6–8 youth are selected by their peers to participate in Skylab’s
intensive semester-long training program, during which they become active
participants in their community. Last year, their leadership training began
with a weekend retreat at the Marin Headlands Hostel, where youth made
discoveries about the natural world. Based on these discoveries, they generated a list of guiding environmental principles and values, before deciding on
an environmental community project to pursue for the semester.
Coro Exploring Leadership Fellows
t is not enough that we bring urban youth to these parks and provide them
with environmental education—we must also give them the tools to envision themselves as the creative and empowered environmental leaders of
tomorrow. In 2007, the Golden Gate Council again partnered with the Coro
Center for Civic Leadership, to provide environmentally-based leadership
training for their 2007 Exploring Leadership Fellows.
I
Exploring Leadership is a summer and after-school program that engages
high school students to become active citizens who have the tools to participate in and improve their communities. During the second week of the
program, 36 Youth Fellows from San Francisco and the East Bay venture out
of their urban neighborhoods and head to the Marin Headlands and Point
Reyes hostels, for overnight retreats that focus on environmental education,
leadership development, and team-building. Through these Outdoor Hostel
Adventures, Youth Fellows learn that caring about the health of their community means caring about the health of the environment, and that true
community leadership requires sincere environmental stewardship.
NorCalHostels.org 7
serving green organizations
Golden Gate Council hostels are important resources for many nonprofit organizations engaged in environmental work, from political
advocacy to education to scientific research. Here are just two examples of these successful partnerships.
TAHOE-BAIKAL INSTITUTE
HI-SACRAMENTO, HI-MARIN HEADLANDS & HI-SAN FRANCISCO
FISHERMAN’S WHARF
by Jennifer C. Smith, Programs Director for the Tahoe-Baikal Institute
T
he Tahoe-Baikal Institute (TBI) was established in 1990 Wharf. We like the Marin Headlands Hostel because of its
to help preserve Lake Tahoe in California and Lake more remote and natural setting; we typically stay there for
Baikal in Siberia, as well as other significant and threatened a night or two at the beginning of the program when we
lake ecosystems around the world.
are trying to introduce the participants
to each other and do a number of teamTBI’s flagship program is the annual Sumbuilding activities. The San Francisco
mer Environmental Exchange (SEE),
Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel is a perfect
a 10-week program for up to 20 North
place for the group to stay the last few
American, Russian, Mongolian, and other
days they are in the U.S. before they leave
international participants, including stufor Russia, when they can take advandents and young professionals. From June
tage of all of San Francisco’s sightseeing,
to August, participants spend five weeks at
shopping, and cultural opportunities.
Lake Baikal and five weeks at Lake Tahoe,
learning about the natural and cultural history of the Tahoe and Baikal watersheds,
as well as current initiatives in environmental science and policy.
F
or many years, TBI has chosen to stay
at Hostelling International hostels
while we are in the San Francisco Bay Area
and in Sacramento.
In general, we like to arrange accommodations in hostels for several reasons: the
affordable cost, the community living atmosphere (which is an important theme
throughout our exchange), and the opportunity for our participants to interact
with other hostel guests.
A
s Programs Director for the Institute, I personally appreciate the fact
We typically spend a few nights at the Sacthat the hostels all offer interpretive inramento Hostel while we are in the Capitol
formation about their buildings, neighHI-Sacramento
to learn about the California state legisla925 H Street
borhoods, cities, etc. I am also happy to
tive system and to meet with representaSacramento, CA 95814
know that I can find accommodations
(916) 443-1691
tives of the California Resources Agency,
for my group with another organization
sacramentohostel.org
the California Energy Commission, the
that includes environmental stewardship
state Attorney General’s office, and the
as
part
of
its
mission.
This helps me model for my proState Water Resources Control Board. We specifically like
the Sacramento Hostel because of its convenient location gram participants that making environmentally conscious
near the Capitol and the offices of the other environmen- choices can (and should) be a part of all program planning
and business models.
tal agencies that we meet with.
We always include at least one, if not two, weekends in the
Bay Area, and have historically spent a few nights at both
HI-Marin Headlands and HI-San Francisco Fisherman’s
8 Annual Report 2008
For more information, please visit tahoebaikal.org.
PIGEON POINT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
HI-PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE
by Heidi Plowe, PPEEP Program Director & Tracey Weiss, PPEEP Executive Director
E
stablished in 1985, the Pigeon Point Environmental Education Program (PPEEP) is one of the three
programs of Exploring New Horizons, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young people
through awareness and understanding of the beauty and
diversity of nature and each other.
able, homey atmosphere, and act as a base for PPEEP activities.
Many teachers and parent chaperones, who are an integral
part of the program, comment that it feels like they are
“on vacation” while staying in the hostel houses. While
dishwashing after a meal is considered
“The
Pigeon
Point
LightExploring New Horizons strives to
a cumbersome chore by many people,
nurture intelligent, active citizens who house Hostel’s facilities are the ocean-view windows of the hostel
will work together to create a healthy
a key component to the kitchens make it an enjoyable experiand sustainable environment and soence. The hostel tradition of asking
success of PPEEP.”
ciety. This coordinates with the misvisitors to clean up after themselves is
sion of Hostelling International, which is “dedicated to carried into the PPEEP experience, as students learn selfpromoting intercultural understanding, environmental responsibility and teamwork through the completion of
stewardship, and world peace through travel.” Hostelling chores to keep the hostel space tidy throughout their stay.
International and PPEEP are an example of a positive The Fog Signal Building, which is managed by the Pigeon
partnership between nonprofit organizations who help Point Lighthouse Hostel, serves another important funcone another to accomplish their goals and
tion for PPEEP. Not only does the buildmore completely fulfill their missions.
ing itself provide a wealth of historical in-
E
lementary and secondary school students from throughout California
and Nevada attend the Pigeon Point Environmental Education Program, which
offers a range of day and overnight trips.
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse provides an
exceptional location for environmental
education due its rich cultural and natural
history.
Nearby tidepools provide an outdoor laboratory for students to have a hands-on
experience with a wide array of colorful
inter-tidal invertebrates. Pigeon Point also
offers ample marine mammal watching
opportunities, from the California grey
whale migrations to the resident harbor
seals. In addition, Pigeon Point is located
in close proximity to other dynamic outdoor classrooms, including the northern
elephant seal rookery of Año Nuevo State
Reserve and the old-growth redwood forest of Memorial County Park.
formation and interpretive displays, meals
are served and enjoyed family-style there.
Additionally, evening campfire programs
with songs and the famously entertaining elephant-seal puppet show are held
in the Fog Signal Building. This building
provides a perfect gathering space for the
group, and the picturesque wood-burning stove creates a warm atmosphere that
makes the community camaraderie of
PPEEP programs flourish.
T
he partnership between PPEEP and
the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel
is one that is mutually supportive in goal
and function. The facilities of the hostel
provide what we need to successfully run
a comfortable and safe environmental
education program in an excellent locaHI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse
tion. Likewise, the focus and mission of
210 Pigeon Point Road
PPEEP is one that highly coordinates
Pescadero, CA 94060
(650) 879-0633
with the mission of Hostelling Internapigeonpointhostel.org
tional—we both strive to engage today’s
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel’s
youth, promote a greater understanding
facilities are a key component to the success of PPEEP. and appreciation of our natural world, and cultivate a sense
The hostel dorms which house participants, and the guest of connection with the greater global community.
kitchens where they cook their meals, provide a comfort- For more information, please visit exploringnewhorizons.org.
NorCalHostels.org 9
voices
WHO WE ARE
DONORS,VOLUNTEERS, AND STAFF SPEAK OUT
HI-USA Golden Gate Council’s hostels and programs exist because of the hard work and dedication of our 140 staff members, hundreds of donors, and dozens of committed volunteers.
Here we introduce a few team members, who share their personal experiences with Hostelling International, and talk about why they’re
devoted to its mission.
Gary Emich has been a Leadership Circle donor to HI-USA
Golden Gate Council’s Hostel Adventure Program since 2004.
A
s a young child, my aunt unknowingly and unwittingly ignited my love and passion of the outdoors and
travel, and spawned my wild imagination of all the adventures that are out there to be had during one’s life. Several
years ago she decided that she was tired of writing Christmas and birthday checks, calculated how much longer she
was going to live, did the math, and gave me all the future
money in a lump sum.
awe and surprise
at
what many
of us take
for granted: flowers,
wildlife, sea“I am so very thankful
shells, hills, trails, the smell
that Hostelling
At about the same time, I attended a fundraising concert of the outdoors and the
International can
given by George Winston and discovered Hostelling In- sea.
make such a
ternational. What particularly seized my emotions was the And when I consider the
potential impact
Hostel Adventure Program that affords inner-city kids the relatively inexpensive cost
on otherwise
opportunity to spend a few days in the Marin Headlands, to provide this opportunidisadvantaged youths.”
connecting with nature.
ty—about what you might
expect to spend on a good
I decided then and there that I would use the annual interest from my aunt’s money to sponsor a Hostel Adventure dinner and night out at the theater—I am so very thankProgram, hoping that perhaps each year, at least one kid ful that Hostelling International can make such a potential
impact on otherwise disadvantaged youths. I don’t have the
would be influenced the way that I was by my aunt.
time to volunteer to help improve these kids’ lives, but I
In reading the descriptions of what these youngsters expe- thank HI for having a program in place that I can help to
rience during and after a Hostel Adventure Program, I am fund instead.
always astounded that many live within 10 or 20 miles of
the ocean but have never seen it before and have similarly Thanks to my aunt, I continue to travel and have adventure
never been in a wide-open natural space. They are full of after adventure. In the same way, hopefully HI and I similarly can change the future for these young kids.
10 Annual Report 2008
Erin Harvey is an intern working as the Educational Programs
Assistant for HI-USA Golden Gate Council, while pursuing a master’s
degree in Nonprofit Management.
A
fter graduating from college in 2006, I took a chance
and traveled to the most remote place I could imagine. I landed in a small rural village in Malawi, Africa. As
I lived and taught in the village school my experience encouraged me to understand the importance of education
through travel.
sential components:
travel, education, and
community.
I
believe
these
elements combine
It was truly an uncomfortable experience to be surrounded
by a culture so different from my own. I was the only young to create a wonderful atwhite woman for miles and it was challenging learning how mosphere for all people
to relate with others. By attending local events, teaching to learn about the world
classes, and living among the villagers I began to notice a around them, and I wanted
change in the way I felt. As time went on, it was the reas- to be a part of an organisurance and acceptance of the community that made me zation that upheld similar
beliefs.
feel at ease.
It was in that village, enveloped in the ancient traditions
of the community, that I finally understood the course my
own life would be taking. I wanted to take my experiences
of another culture and community and educate others on
the importance of diverse encounters.
After my move back to the United States, I enrolled in a
nonprofit management program at the University of San
Francisco and began looking for local organizations to work
for. I chose to volunteer for HI because it unites three es-
“I chose to volunteer
for HI because
it unites three
essential components:
travel, education,
and community.”
In October 2007, I began working as a volunteer with the
Golden Gate Council as the Educational Programs Assistant. Currently, we are piloting two exciting programs for
the San Francisco area: Cultural Kitchen and Community
Walls. These programs continue to expand our horizons by
bringing youth together to experience new cultures through
food and art. I look forward to assisting with new developments in all of our Hostel Adventures programming.
Jeff Parry is the General Manager of HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and
has worked for the Golden Gate Council since 1997.
B
ack in 1986, when I was a junior at Palo Alto High
School, a friend who was going to Europe for a
month to visit relatives convinced me to join him. My parents were thrilled to help me expand my cultural horizons
abroad, and I remember driving up to the Golden Gate
Council’s travel store in San Francisco to get my Hostelling
International membership card and Eurail pass.
hostel where we
could melt into
the cliffside hot
tub. Since then,
I have hostelled
in Costa Rica,
Guatemala, and
The whirlwind trip took me to Germany, Austria, Swit- Ecuador.
zerland, Italy, France, and Denmark. My eyes were really In 1996 I volunteered with
opened by meeting so many interesting people along the California State Parks doway, and I really enjoyed all the different hostels I stayed ing native plant restoration
in.
in the sand dunes of PesIn the summer of 1990, I bicycled a 2,000-mile loop around cadero and at Año Nuevo
the Pacific Northwest with a group of people, camping State Reserve, where I led
and staying at hostels. As a student at the University of public tours to see the elCalifornia, Santa Cruz, my friends and I would bicycle ephant seals. Año Nuevo
up the coast to Pigeon Point to go surfing and stay at the docents get to stay for free
“To me, hostels are
intercultural-exchange
zones, where people
open up to each other and learn to break
down the barriers of
ego and division.”
NorCalHostels.org 11
at HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and I found out that they
were looking for a naturalist to work with the Pigeon Point
Environmental Education Program, as well as a part-time
live-in hostel assistant. For the next six years I worked as
a hostel assistant, taught children environmental outdoor
education, and guided the public around the parks in the
area. It was a dream come true!
medium-sized HI hostel in the country. In January 2007,
I celebrated 10 years of working for Hostelling International. But the real reward was designing the vision for the
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel’s 25th anniversary celebration last September.
Pigeon Point is one of those magical places where people
come to visit the lighthouse and discover so much more
In May 2002 I was hired as General Manager of the Pigeon then they ever expected because of the hostel. I see people
Point Lighthouse Hostel. During my employment here, I transformed in just a couple of hours, simply by exploring
have stayed at all of the Northern California hostels as well the site, meeting people, and discovering all that this area
as Chicago, New York, Portland, and San Diego. During has to offer with new friends. To me, hostels are interculeach of these visits, I learn new ways to improve HI-Pi- tural-exchange zones, where people open up to each other
geon Point Lighthouse.
and learn to break down the barriers of ego and division.
In 2006 the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel received the The experiences that people have here are brought back
highest satisfaction rating on guest comment cards of any with them to their communities, where they continue to
influence the people and environment around them.
Nannette Mickle is the Group Sales Manager for the three
HI-San Francisco hostels, and has worked for the Golden Gate Council since 2002.
“T
ry it! You just might like it.” I live by that motto and
because of it, I find myself experiencing things I
wouldn’t have dreamt of as a young girl. Keeping myself
open to new ideas allows me to make the kinds of choices
that take me down diverse and exciting paths.
I became
the Front
Desk Manager of the
Fisherman’s
I came to San Francisco after receiving my degree in broad- Wharf hoscast journalism from Arizona State University. I arrived in tel in July 2003, and then
“It’s important for me
a new city, ready to pursue my career in television. I did in March 2005 I became
the
Group
Sales
Manager
this for a number of years, but then other doors opened
to believe in
up and I found myself entering into the world of theater. for all three San Francisco
what I do.
Stage fright no more! I traveled around the country with a hostels.
HI makes that easy.”
wacky theater troop and I realized how much of an impact This organization is full
traveling had on my life.
of challenges and opporComing back to San Francisco, I decided to work in the tunities. I am thrilled to be
nonprofit sector at a number of homeless shelters and part of something where I do meaningful work and have a
youth group homes. Offering service to disadvantaged lot of fun at the same time. It’s important for me to believe
communities in my home city was both rewarding and in what I do. HI makes that easy.
humbling. And of course I had to become a waitress at a
24-hour diner. (Everybody should work in retail or food
service at least once in their lives! Right?)
Every day I interact with groups such as a ballet company
from Israel, gymnasts from Denmark, an Australian women’s softball team, or Chilean national park rangers. I find
myself in conversations where the subject of hostelling
comes up and immediately we’re sharing memories of exotic locations and fascinating travel partners.
So, what was next? I saw a job listing on craigslist.org and
I realized I didn’t know the first thing about hostels. It was
time to learn something new. I started at HI-San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf as a night hostel assistant in December For those who haven’t heard of hostelling, I am overjoyed
of 2002. (The graveyard! How exciting!)
to give them a taste of something new. I want them to exThe variety of guests that stay at hostels and the stories they perience something that can change the way they travel and
carry with them made me realize that I had a lot to learn about how they interact with other people. I simply tell them to
the world of hostelling. I was hooked from the beginning. “Try it! You just might like it.”
12 Annual Report 2008
Emily Pimentel is a Board member of HI-USA Golden Gate
Council, and an Environmental Scientist for the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
I
n 2006, through a chance encounter with Barbara Wein
(Executive Director of HI-USA Golden Gate Council)
I learned about the impressive programs being carried out
by Hostelling International’s Northern California region.
I was already familiar with some of the tremendous services being offered by the Council to our local community
and travelers from around the world. However, I realized
that by joining the Council’s Board, I would be able to apply and experiment with the many exciting environmental
practices that are necessary to sustain our environment.
door Hostel
Adventure
program,
which provides environmental
“I [am] able to apply
education as part of a hosand experiment with
tel experience. Each year,
the many exciting
hundreds of kids spend
environmental
one to three days learning
practices that are
For the past 25 years, I have worked as an environmental about the environment
in
places
like
the
Marin
necessary to sustain
professional in industry, consulting, and government, and
Headlands,
Point
Reyes
our environment.”
have been engaged in a variety of volunteer efforts, most
National
Seashore,
and
recently as a Board member of the Pan American Society.
Being a Golden Gate Council Board member gives me the Point Montara. For many
opportunity to “act locally.” Besides the great hostels pro- kids, it’s their first visit to these beautiful coastal areas.
vided for both local and international travelers, the Council Through special fundraising efforts, the Council has prooffers valuable environmental and educational services to vided scholarships for many kids who could not otherwise
afford to attend.
our guests and communities.
Ultimately, the importance of these hostels lies in the access they provide at a reasonable cost to so many travelers, and the invaluable connections people make with each
other when they stay in hostels. As a parent and a resident
of this area, I feel fortunate to have access to these hostels,
in most cases within an hour or two. In fact, my daughter
and I stayed at HI-Marin Headlands twice as part of her
elementary school’s participation in the Outdoor Hostel
Adventure program, and more recently, she visited again as
For the future, I am particularly excited about the possibili- part of her high school’s sophomore retreat.
ties of expanding our existing Point Reyes Hostel and others based on “green building design” standards which ad- These programs are supported by a group of capable and
dress materials, energy, and other building efficiencies. The dedicated individuals, but they require constant support
greening of our operations and buildings not only serves from volunteers and donors to ensure that they will remain
to reduce our environmental footprint, but also offers im- sustainable. As a Board member, I believe that one of my
most important roles is community outreach—spreading
portant firsthand educational experiences to our guests.
the word about these great services and finding the supOne of the Council’s most important projects is the Out- port necessary to keep them going.
Many of our hostels are on public lands, and by operating these hostels, the Council facilitates access to some
of the most beautiful coastal areas in the world. In many
cases, our hostels are in historically important buildings,
such as lighthouses or former military quarters. Maintaining these facilities is challenging, but because of the vision
of many before me, these hostels have instituted practices
that “green” the operations and buildings.
NorCalHostels.org 13
celebrating 25 years
HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse
T
he Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel opened in February 1981, a year after the
Golden Gate Council opened the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel. Both hostels were part of a bold and exciting Coast Hostel Facilities Plan, developed under Governor Jerry Brown and Huey Johnson, head of the California Resources
Agency.
The Coast Hostel Facilities Plan was the result of state legislation enacted in 1974,
which encouraged the development of recreational trails and hostels utilizing regional and local park sites. Unfortunately, there were no accompanying appropriations passed to realize the vision—ultimately, HI-Point Montara Lighthouse and
HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse were the first and only hostels to be established from
the plan.
The development of HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse, as well as HI-Point Montara
Lighthouse, was helped along by Bob Coppock, a member of the Council’s Board
of Directors in the 1970s and ’80s. As a volunteer, he helped to procure the sites,
and worked with other Council volunteers to turn these abandoned, vandalized light
stations into warm, welcoming hostels. Twenty-five years later, we remember Bob
with fondness, and the others who have developed and improved the Pigeon Point
Lighthouse Hostel for the enjoyment of nearly 12,000 overnight guests each year.
HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse
210 Pigeon Point Road
Pescadero, CA 94060
(650) 879-0633
pigeonpointhostel.org
On September 8, 2007, a sunny Saturday afternoon, 1,400 visitors gathered for the
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel’s 25th Anniversary Festival. Festivities included a
concert by the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers, the Banana Slug String Band, and
Sazda marimba band, as well as interpretive exhibits and guided tours provided
by California State Parks. Scottish country dancers, puppet shows, arts and crafts
booths, and a barbeque rounded out the event. Previous HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse staff member Mark Nolan was honored for his 25 years of promoting and
protecting the environment, both at Pigeon Point and around the region.
Top left to right: HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse staff member Annie Siemer; Banana Slug String Band; face painting by Pescadero High School students; San Francisco Scottish
Fiddlers; puppet show by Pigeon Point Environmental Education Program. Bottom left to right: Scottish country dancers; Mark Nolan with Barbara Wein; Sadza marimba band;
silent auction benefitting Golden Gate Council; Banana Slug String Band.
14 Annual Report 2008
celebrating 20 years
HI-REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK
T
he Redwood National Park Hostel opened in July 1987, following a two-year
construction project which stabilized, rebuilt, and added on to the historic
DeMartin homestead outside of Klamath. The project was a public-private partnership involving Hostelling International, Redwood National Park, the California
State Coastal Conservancy, and the California Conservation Corps. The resulting
31-bed hostel has welcomed more than 100,000 overnight guests since its opening.
The Redwood Hostel’s 20th Anniversary Open House was a cozy, intimate affair
with approximately 75 people attending, all of whom had a professional or personal
connection with the hostel and its history. Redwood National Park staff (current
and retired), community members, DeMartin family members, HI staff, and hostellers all shared their stories, enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, and later that evening
gathered for a bonfire and performance by a local band that rocked the redwoods.
We were particularly excited to host Douglas Warnock, retired Superintendent of
Redwood National Park, as well as retired Chief of Maintenance Joe Lusa. When
the Redwood Hostel was founded, Doug and Joe were both key partners at Redwood National Park, and their encouragement and support was crucial to the development of the hostel.
Also in attendance was Joe Mateer, the Redwood Hostel’s first manager, who shared
a tale about the time the National Park staff wanted him to remove the fuschsia
plants—a non-native, invasive species—from the hostel grounds, and a hosteller
mounted a protest to “Save the Hummingbirds!” In the end, both the fuchsias and
the hummingbirds remained.
HI-Redwood National Park
14480 Highway 101
Klamath, CA 95548
(707) 482-8265
redwoodhostel.org
Top left to right: Redwood Hostel staff member Ryan Forsythe with Louis DeMartin; retired Park Superintendent Douglas Warnock with retired Chief of Maintenance Joe
Lusa; Dave DeMartin, Jr, Sherrie Morris (descendent of the Rudisill family who purchased the home from the DeMartins), and Louis DeMartin; Ryan Forsythe and Redwood
Hostel Manager Kaci Elder; local band The Joint Chiefs. Bottom left to right: Renovation of the hostel and grand opening ceremony in 1987.
NorCalHostels.org 15
financial statements
Golden Gate Council of American Youth Hostels, Inc.
Statement of Activities for the years ending March 31, 2007 and 2006
2007
Operating Revenue:
Hostels and education
Membership
Contributions
Interest and dividend income
Sales and miscellaneous
Total Operating Revenues
$
5,522,878 $
28,028
60,685
27,048
316,575
5,955,214
4,998,801
73,734
47,558
32,736
247,894
5,400,723
$
5,308,085 $
597,166
5,905,251
4,963,622
587,017
5,550,639
Change in net assets before nonoperating activities
Nonoperating activities
Change in net assets
$
49,963 $ <149,916>
<47,467>
<25,066>
2,496
<174,982>
Net assets, beginning of year
$
3,437,324 $
3,612,306
Net assets, end of year
$
3,439,820 $
3,437,324
Operating Expenses:
Hostels and education
General and administrative
Total Operating Expenses
16 Annual Report 2008
2006
Golden Gate Council of American Youth Hostels, Inc.
Statement of Financial Position as of March 31, 2007 and 2006
ASSETS
2007
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
Reimbursable hostel relocation costs
Minority interest equity share receivable
Note receivable - current portion
Inventory
Prepaid expenses
Deposits
Total Current Assets
$
827,137 $
28,161
3,858
33,178
168,294
37,405
1,098,033
826,662
50,191
3,858
72,462
40,000
32,824
130,785
92,012
1,248,794
154,265
113,376
9,425,685
149,767
40,000
140,871
9,537,140
9,693,326
9,867,778
$ 10,791,359 $
11,116,572
Long-Term Assets:
Restricted cash
Notes receivable - long-term portion
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
and amortization
Total Long-Term Assets
Total Assets
2006
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Current Liabilities:
Mortgage loan payable, current portion
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Advance deposits
Minority interest equity share payable
Total Current Liabilities
271,289 $
434,876
340,712
2,934
1,049,811
254,033
494,365
396,606
1,145,004
Mortgage loan payable, net of current portion
5,923,318
6,194,607
Total Liabilities
6,973,129
7,339,611
378,410
339,637
300
9,721
3,429,799
3,439,820
300
7,016
3,430,008
3,437,324
$ 10,791,359 $
11,116,572
Minority Interest
$
Commitments
Net Assets:
Permanently restricted
Temporarily restricted
Unrestricted
Total Net Assets
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
NorCalHostels.org 17
thank you
HI-USA Golden Gate Council donors, April 11, 2006 – September 30, 2007.
We apologize for any inadvertent errors or omissions.
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
$1,000 and up
$250–$499
Shirley Baker
Hostelling International USA
Vatche Kalfayan
James Kaumeyer
Walt Knoepfel
Margaret De Sylvester Charitable
Foundation
Marshal Merriam
Anonymous
Linda & Dave Allen
Kathleen Bernard
Harris Bostic II
Monica Conrady
Gary Emich
Christa Foerchtgott
Eleanor Mary Guilford
Thierry Hugand
Don & Ellen Irie
Chris & Sabrina Johnson
Beryl Kay
Barry & Carol Livingston
Deena Maise
Andrew Mowat
Tobey H. Roland
Miriam Schafler
Alex & Nadine Terman
Alek Vernitsky
Barbara Wein
$500–$999
Helen Dannelly
GAP Foundation
Ursula Gummett
Ed & Mary Hackie
Dennis Isaac
Kathleen McAdam
Gloria Newhouse
Richard Spear
Lynn Thompson
Judy Tierney
18 Annual Report 2008
$100–$249
Anonymous
Nicholas Andrade
Marilyn Bancel
Karen & Bud Banker
Victor Bekhet
John & Susan Bollinger
Paul Brody
Clorox Company
Robert Cole
Anne Cottrell
Roberta Deering
Fredrick Demarse
Gerald Dickinson
Lucy Dilworth
Mike Eaton
Dan Eisenstein
Roger & Muriel Fry
Fred Fukasawa
Mary Gordon
Nina Janopaul & Bart
Naylor
Joyce Johnston
CJ Jordan
John Kaeuper
Neal Kramer
Nancy Lawrence
John & Bonita Luts
Mary MacGabhann
David Madson
Richard & Linda Martyr
Stanley McConner
Marshall McDonald
Dana Merryday
Bruce & Gala Mowat
Dale Olsen
Emily Pimentel
Jean Reyes
Jeffrey Rigo
Jean Rusmore
J. Thomas Schroeder
Aimee Scott
Joseph Vondracek
Lynne Weil
Dick Wilhelm
W.R. Wisecarver
$25–$99
Colin Armitage
Isabel Auerbach
Carol Bailey
Linda & Dave Batcheller
Olive Bavins
Sandra Berrigan
Brian & Beryl Bourke
Ori Brafman
Nancy Brown
Robert Brown
Joan Buckingham
Ali & Jessica Cannon
Phyllis Carrozza
Bjorn Conrad
Joan Crotty
William Dallas
Richard & Alice Davis
Wayne Dawson
Bruce Edwards
Ben & Mary Ann Fleming
Myra Forsythe
Charles Glass
Anne Goldberg
Edward & Catherine Goldberg
Lucio Gonzalez
Susan Gordon
Hilda & Orville Gotcher
Jonathan & Roxanne Gray
Russel Hamilton
Marilyn Harrison
Elizabeth & Robert Hawthorne
Roy Hendrickson
William & Lois Hoskins
Luis Huaman
Ruth E. Hurtado-Waidelich
Patricia Kaspar
Robin Kehoe & Brandel
Eiger
Charlotte Knoepfel
Vicki Knoepfel & John
Cane Jr.
M. Knoop
Diane Kotta
Nicholas Lahey
Alice Macondray
Sheila & Chris Maher
Mary Marsden
Irma & Rudi Marx
Sara Mathews
Elinor Mattern
Cindy McGerty
Marie McLoughlin
Mary Ann McNicholas
Christopher Mei
Joyce Mihanovich
Gloria Miyashiro
Valerie & Ron Montes
Virginia & James Moose
Kat Morgan
Judith Nelson
Theron Nelson
William & Ruth Nelson
Brad Newsham
K.C. Oppenheim
Beatrice Phillips
Eugene Plant
Lois Revak
Shea Rosen & Susan Silber
Wolfgang Rosenberg
Joanne B. Rovno
Hans & Beryl Schmid
Lois Schwarze
Janet & James Scott
Arleen Shippey
Jeff & Gretchen Shopoff
Charles Stadelman & Sarah
Woo
Susan Stordahl
Fred Tealdi
Hedda Thieme
Rosemary Trowsdale
Herbert & Francesca Tyrnauer
James Walsh
Ann Watters
Dennis Wells
Judy Whitney
Kimberly Wicoff
Janice Williams
Elizabeth Worden
In-Kind
Victor Bekhet
Javier Bujanda
Cater Marin
Costanoa Lodge & Camp
Days of Wonder Inc.
Fantasy Flight Games
Firefly Restaurant
GAIAM
Gazo’s Grill
Hidden Villa Hostel
Hostelling International,
San Diego Council
Michael W. Jacob
Christina Kan-Duley
KBM Workspace
Lonely Planet
Lorrie’s Shuttle Service
Morrell’s Bread
Andrew & Kristin Torres
Mowat
Osmosis Day Spa
Paradise Valley Produce of
Bolinas
Point Reyes Farmstead
Blue Cheese
Salina Rain
San Francisco Giants
Sue Schaffner
Stagg’s Leap Winery
Steyer Lowenthal
Boodrookas Alvarez &
Smith LLP Attorneys
SKYY Spirits
Jordan Swank
Barbara Wein
Wildblue Farms of Tomales
in memoriam
The Golden Gate Council sadly notes the passing of these friends over the past year:
Shirley Baker, active volunteer with the Council from the early 1960s through the 1990s. A registered nurse by
profession, Shirley enjoyed a life filled with music from grand opera to folk music, and entertained with guitar and song
on Council-sponsored camping trips. Cooking was another of her talents, exhibited over the campstove and at our annual Thanksgiving dinners. In more recent years Shirley volunteered her time staffing the information desk and advising
travelers at HI-San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf.
Philip Lawrence, long-time donor and early San Francisco Hostel Committee member. Phil, husband of former
Board member Nancy Lawrence, practiced law in San Francisco up until the time of his death. He was a frequent smiling
face at Golden Gate Council alumni events and annual member meetings.
Ray Monteleone, Hostel Assistant staff person at HI-Marin Headlands and HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Ray
was a Renaissance man who brought beauty to everything he touched. From music to figure skating, fine art to bread
making, he was a perfectionist through and through. His humor, wisdom, and kindness were evident in his every action.
William J. Whalen III, member of the Golden Gate Council’s Board of Directors from 1982–1986. Bill was
Director of the National Park Service from 1977–1980, and was credited with doubling the size of the National Park
system during his tenure. He continued to be an invaluable advisor to the Golden Gate Council on National Park issues
even after his Board tenure ended.
welcome
GOLDEN GATE COUNCIL MANAGEMENT STAFF AND BOARD
HI-MARIN HEADLANDS
Mary Gabriel-MacGabhann, general manager
Dear Friends,
We are delighted to share with you our mission achievements and financial
results in this 2007 Annual Report. In addition, this year’s report highlights
the environmental aspects of our hostels and programs, which move us
toward our vision of inspiring hostellers to be “stewards of the earth.”
Over the past year, our 10 Golden Gate Council hostels have made many
improvements which add comfort and value for our guests. The hostel
staffs have embraced the Quality Standards set by Hostelling International
USA, working hard not only to meet them, but to exceed them. All have
achieved high scores on their annual evaluations—in fact, nine out of ten
received scores of more than 100% by earning bonus points for their environmental conservation measures.
We celebrated two important anniversaries this year. More than 1,000 people turned out to mark the 25th anniversary of the Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Hostel with a festival of music and dance, tours and exhibits, crafts and
activities. The Redwood Hostel had a more intimate party to celebrate its
20th anniversary, which brought together hostellers, National Park Service
staff from 1987 and today, and members of the DeMartin family, whose
ancestors built the original homestead and lived there until the 1950s.
We are very excited to introduce new cultural programs in addition to
our long-standing outdoor environmental programming. For example, the
Marin Headlands Hostel hosted a Cultural Kitchen weekend for 58 Girl
Scouts who shared the food and culture of Jamaica, China, Italy, the Philippines, and India. At the Sacramento Hostel, a local Girl Scout troop created
a mural through the Community Walls program, to share their perspectives
on their hometown with hostellers from around the world. Several World
Travel 101 workshops enlightened young people about how to travel affordably, safely, and respectfully. In all, more than 1,500 young people participated in an array of mission-based programs! We have launched a new
website focused on our program offerings at HostelAdventures.org.
Financially, with more people traveling, we have increased overnights and
are continuing to improve our bottom line, enabling us to invest in all of
our hostels, and to gain equity in the Council-owned San Francisco City
Center Hostel.
We are doing well while doing good. We wish to thank the many people
who contribute to our success: our talented staff, dedicated board, motivated volunteers, and generous supporters.
Sincerely,
Walter Knoepfel
President
HI-PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Jeffrey Parry, general manager
CONTENTS
HI-POINT MONTARA LIGHTHOUSE
Christopher Bauman, general manager
Being Green
1
The ongoing greening of our hostels and
programs
Getting Green-Certified 2
Marin Headlands and Point Reyes Hostels become certified green businesses
Going Green in the City
by the Bay
4
Cafe Franco’s Healthy Traveler Initiative
& Green Facilities Practices at HI-San
Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
Green Educational
Programs
6
Serving Green
Organizations
8
Voices
10
Celebrating 25 Years
14
Celebrating 20 Years
15
Financial Reports
16
Thank You
18
In Memorium
20
Outdoor Hostel Adventures introduce
urban youth to the natural world
Tahoe-Baikal Institute & Pigeon Point
Environmental Education Program
Who We Are: Donors, volunteers, and
staff speak out
HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse
HI-Redwood National Park
Donor Acknowledgements
HI-POINT REYES
Hanna Morris, general manager
HI-REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK
Kaci Elder, general manager
HI-SACRAMENTO
Steve Haynes, general manager
HI-SAN FRANCISCO CITY CENTER
Jose Lima, general manager
Sam Hussein, assistant general manager
Yvonne Garcia, facilities manager
Michael Foyder, front desk manager
HI-SAN FRANCISCO DOWNTOWN
John Burnett, general manager
Chaka Miller, assistant general manager
Molly Salyer, front desk manager
HI-SAN FRANCISCO FISHERMAN’S WHARF
Jeanne Comaskey, general manager
Michael Byrnes, assistant general manager
Jon Dockery, facilities manager
Jennifer Tsang, front desk manager
SAN FRANCISCO SERVICES
Jeanne Comaskey, director of operations
Danny Case, food services manager
Nannette Mickle, group sales manager
Nicki Rapp, activities coordinator
CENTRAL SERVICES
Barbara Wein, executive director
Javier Bujanda, finance manager
Molly Mitoma, marketing & communications manager
Michael Yoshioka, educational programs coordinator
Stuart Bousel, office manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Walt Knoepfel, president
Vatche Kalfayan, vice president
Andrew Mowat, treasurer
Aimee Scott, secretary
Victor Bekhet
Thierry Hugand
Divya Kapasi
Emily Pimentel
HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL USA
GOLDEN GATE COUNCIL
425 Divisadero Street Suite 307
San Francisco, CA 94117
phone: (415) 863-1444 fax: (415) 863-3865
info@NorCalHostels.org
NorCalHostels.org
SFHostels.com
OUR MISSION
To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding
of the world and its people through hostelling.
OUR VISION
Hostel guests become caring global citizens who are catalysts for
intercultural exchange and understanding, and stewards of the earth.
Barbara Wein
Executive Director
Founded in 1958, HI-USA Golden Gate Council is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
HI-San Francisco City Center
685 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 474-5721
sfhostels.com
HI-San Francisco Downtown
312 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 788-5604
sfhostels.com
HI-San Francisco Fish. Wharf
Fort Mason Building 240
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 771-7277
sfhostels.com
HI-Marin Headlands
Fort Barry Building 941
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 331-2777
marinhostel.org
HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse
210 Pigeon Point Road
Pescadero, CA 94060
(650) 879-0633
pigeonpointhostel.org
HI-Point Montara Lighthouse
16th Street & Highway 1
Montara, CA 94037
(650) 728-7177
montarahostel.org
HI-Point Reyes
1390 Limantour Spit Road
Point Reyes, CA 94956
(415) 663-8811
pointreyeshostel.org
HI-Redwood National Park
14480 Highway 101
Klamath, CA 95548
(707) 482-8265
redwoodhostel.org
HI-Sacramento
925 H Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-1691
sacramentohostel.org
HI-Hidden Villa
26870 Moody Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
(650) 949-8650 hiddenvilla.org
Operated by the Trust for Hidden Villa
Printed in the USA with vegetable-based inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, processed chlorine-free.
Cover photo: Redwood National and State Parks
ALL PHOTOS BY CHERI M. LARSH, EXCEPT:
HI-Hidden Villa photo (page 1 and back cover) courtesy of the Trust for Hidden Villa
Outdoor Hostel Adventure photos (page 6) by Stephanie Don, Barbara Wein, et al
HI-Pigeon Point Lighthouse 25th Anniversary Festival photos (page 14) by Jeffrey Parry and Barbara Wein
HI-Redwood National Park 20th Anniversary Open House photos (page 15) by Barbara Wein and Ryan Forsythe
HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL USA
GOLDEN GATE COUNCIL
Annual Report 2007