Eddie, "E.C." Joe, a native of Bakersfield started climbing in the Southern Sierra in 1974, and spent most of his free time exploring new climbing opportunities in the scattered locations in and around the Kern Canyon. He had established many first ascents; routes that are highly regarded by rock climbers worldwide. Back in the day, Eddie was generally regarded as the single most knowledgeable person for climbing information in the area. In the '90s, he assisted in the research of Southern Sierra peregrine falcons and was a founding member of the Southern Sierra Climbers' Association.