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Learn how your facility could support your community during a disaster.
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CEC launches Accelerator to turn local spaces into emergency-ready Community Resilience Hubs.
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You don’t need to wait for the next disaster to make a meaningful impact. Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Central Coast Resilience Hubs Accelerator is here to support local leaders who recognize the growing threat of climate disasters and are ready to take action.
If you work with a neighborhood school, church, library, community center, nonprofit, or similar facility, you may be in the perfect position to host a Resilience Hub — a safe space that offers shelter, safety training, clean air, off-grid power, cooling, and/or food before, during, and after a disaster.
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Equipping Hubs to Lead During Climate Emergencies
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Building a connected, climate-resilient California Central Coast starts with activating the resources we already have. CEC is working to grow a network of trusted local facilities ready to step in and serve communities when disasters strike.
To do this, we are offering:
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Access to local resources and programs, such as energy audits and regional electrification incentives
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Coordination with key government agencies, including emergency services, air quality, public health departments, and sustainability offices to ensure aligned and supported hub development
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Evaluation of risks and climate hazards specific to your facility and surrounding area
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Training for staff and leadership on how to incorporate Resilience Hub services into your organization’s operations
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Strategic guidance for hub operations, including developing funding plans, identifying grant opportunities, and limited grant writing support
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Community outreach strategies and support to help engage local residents in the planning and use of your hub
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Help establish a Resilience Hub in your community.
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If you manage — or know of — a facility that could offer critical services like cooling, clean air, or community support, we can help you turn it into a Community Resilience Hub.
Facilities currently serving as cooling centers or offering other essential services may also qualify for a no-cost backup power solution through the Statewide Solar and Storage Equity Rebate Program. This program ends December 31, 2025, so don’t wait.
Complete our intake form to get started, and we’ll help you explore next steps.
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The Central Coast Climate Collaborative’s (4C’s) toolkit is designed to guide local leaders and organizations through the process of turning their site into a Resilience Hub. Inside, you’ll find an introduction to resilience hubs, step-by-step instructions for activating your facility, and a collection of curated, regionally tailored resources.
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Resilience Hub Spotlight:
Blue Sky Center Strengthens
Emergency Response in Rural Cuyama
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“Disasters aren’t waiting, and neither can we. Resilience Hubs are our community’s oxygen mask, helping us stay grounded, act fast, and support each other through wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate emergencies.”
-Tara Saylor
Resiliency Project Manager
Blue Sky Center
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In the remote Cuyama Valley, where emergency services are limited and disasters are increasingly common, Blue Sky Center (BSC) has emerged as a vital Community Resilience Hub. With only a handful of firefighters and police officers serving the area, this rural North Santa Barbara County community, which sits roughly 60 miles from Santa Maria to the west and Bakersfield to the east, depends on local resources to meet urgent needs in an emergency.
During the recent Madre and Gifford wildfires, BSC hosted firefighters and offered a landing zone for helicopters — helping to drastically speed up response times. The Center collaborates with the Family Resource Center, Cuyama Valley High School, and other local organizations to serve as designated evacuation sites, cooling centers, and food distribution points during extreme weather and smoke events.
Home to just 1,200 residents, the Cuyama Valley has always relied on its own community in times of crisis. That’s why BSC is currently working with the County of Santa Barbara to explore cold storage feasibility for medications, food, and other supplies, and to install a solar microgrid to provide uninterrupted electricity during power outages.
Local facilities that provide shelter, power, or resources in a crisis help strengthen a more connected, resilient California Central Coast. From community centers to churches, schools, and businesses, these everyday spaces hold untapped potential that the Central Coast Community Resilience Hubs Accelerator can help unlock.
“CEC laid the groundwork — guiding us through risk assessments, training, and coordination with emergency agencies — so Blue Sky Center could leap into action when disaster struck,” said BSC Resiliency Project Manager Tara Saylor.
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Other Opportunities and Resources
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Introducing Central Coast AgLink: A New Way to Access Support for Your Land
We are excited to launch Central Coast AgLink (CCAL), a free platform that streamlines support for land stewardship and creates a stronger, more connected agricultural community on the Central Coast.
Farmers, ranchers, and land stewards: No matter the size or your operation or the type of land stewardship project you’re interested in, CCAL can help. This free service can help you find funding, plan your project, and connect you with partners to reach your goals faster. Fill out a quick two-minute form and CEC will reach out to get started.
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Agriculture professionals, experts, and organizations: CCAL can serve as a resource to receive direct referrals from local producers, expand outreach to new landowners, and collaborate through shared events and technical assistance.
Learn more about CCAL and sign up here.
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Introducing the Sustainable Chill Guide: Energy-Efficient Refrigeration for a Healthy Planet
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Commercial refrigeration units consume a lot of energy and the refrigerants that keep them cool contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. By replacing old units with healthy, energy-efficient options, businesses can lower their energy bill, reduce their environmental impact, and keep their perishable goods fresher for longer.
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Climate Fridays
Friday, October 3, 2025
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
Kick off each month by connecting with a passionate community of climate activists, students, allies, and local partners dedicated to protecting our planet. Hosted by CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club, these monthly meetups offer an inclusive space to learn about regional climate issues, collaborate on solutions, and take meaningful, measurable action. October’s gathering will focus on Marine Protected Areas, what they are and how they function, featuring expert speakers from the Environmental Defense Center and the National Resources Defense Council. Learn more and register.
National Drive Electric Month
Friday, September 12 – Sunday, October 12, 2025
Locations throughout the California Central Coast
National Drive Electric Month is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. If you’re considering an electric vehicle, now is the time to take advantage of thousands of dollars in savings. Join CEC’s team at one of these free regional events to learn about EV rebates, incentive programs, and the benefits of switching to an electric vehicle.
Ventura County EV Showcase
Sunday, October 5, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ventura Harbor
1591 Spinnaker Drive, Main Lawn, Ventura
Learn more.
Thousand Oaks Rotary Street Fair & EV Showcase
Sunday, October 19, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
449 N Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks
Learn more.
A Conversation with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, author of Wild Life: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World
Friday, October 10, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
Join renowned wildlife ecologist, National Geographic Society Fellow, and storyteller Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant for an intimate evening as she shares the journey behind her memoir, Wild Life: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World. During this lecture, Dr. Wynn-Grant will explore the constantly evolving relationship between humans, animals, and the Earth. From a nature-deprived childhood in urban American to becoming a trailblazing scientist working to protect our endangered species, this event, co-hosted by CEC and Central Coast Riviera Roses, offers a rare opportunity to hear her poignant, powerful, and deeply personal story firsthand. Following the lecture, guests will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Wynn-Grant during a meet-and-greet and book signing. Learn more and purchase tickets.
The Issue with Tissue Screening and Filmmaker Discussion
Thursday, October 30, 2025
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
Join CEC and the Sierra Club Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter for The Issue with Tissue film screening, followed by an enlightening discussion with writer, director, and producer Michael Zelniker, moderated by CEC board member and UC Santa Barbara professor Dr. David Pellow. This documentary reveals the powerful connection between the boreal forest and the Indigenous Peoples who call it home — and the deforestation threats they now face from the toilet paper industry. Scientists, activists, and First Nations Elders and Leaders speak out on why conserving this ancient forest is not only necessary, but deeply human. Learn more and register.
Youth Climate Workshop
Saturday, November 8, 2025
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
Students in grades six through 12 who want to take meaningful climate action are invited to a free, hands-on workshop at CEC’s Environmental Hub. Join CEC staff and local leaders to dive into environmental policy advocacy and learn how to use your voice to stand up for climate justice. You’ll hear from inspiring guest speakers from the Environmental Defense Center and Make Polluters Pay Santa Barbara as they share how their organizations are leading the charge on high impact campaigns in our communities. A lively panel discussion with local elected officials will give you an opportunity to learn what they are doing on environmental action and connect with them one-on-one afterwards. Co-hosted by CEC and Santa Barbara High School’s Environmental Advocacy Club, the workshop will include complimentary snacks and drinks, opportunities to collaborate with peers, and tools to help you lead positive change in your community. Learn more and register.
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Support Critical Work Like This
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Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and a City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero, CEC is led by CEO Sigrid Wright, 2022 Congressional Woman of the Year. See our most recent impact report to learn how we are serving California’s Central Coast by advancing rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.
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Learn more about how you can invest in CEC’s work to accelerate regional climate solutions at cecsb.org/donate.
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