Join CEC, SBHS students, elected officials and local climate champions on Nov. 8 for our next Youth Climate Workshop on climate advocacy, more upcoming events

This is a special chance to:

• Hear from a panel of elected officials – including three current Santa Barbara City Council members – as they share insights on the power of public participation. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and connect with panelists one-on-one

• Learn how the Environmental Defense Center and Make Polluters Pay Santa Barbara are leading the charge on high-impact campaigns in our communities and how you can get involved

• Find out how to make your voice heard, and practice speaking out with a fun round of Public Comment Mad Libs

• Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, receive community service hours, and take advantage of opportunities to collaborate with peers

Workshop Details

Students can earn community service hours for participating — all while building skills, confidence, and connections.

A signed permission slip is required for participants under 18 years of age. Please email permission slip to CEC staff or bring a printed copy with you on the day of the event.

If you have additional questions, please contact Kathi King at 805-730-0202 or kking@cecmail.org.

Other Opportunities

Gather for good this holiday season at CEC’s Environmental Hub

Book by October 15 and save 15%!

The holidays are just around the corner — host your end-of-year celebration in a space that reflects your values!

Introducing the Sustainable Chill Guide: Energy-Efficient Refrigeration for a Healthy Planet

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. The Community Environmental Council and the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network have developed a guide for California small businesses that explains the benefits of healthy refrigeration, offers affordable solutions, and points to funding sources and resources to help make the switch.

View Sustainable Chill: A Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient Refrigeration.

Become a Resilience Hub and Help Your Community Prepare for Disasters

The California Central Coast faces growing challenges from extreme heat, wildfire smoke, flooding, and poor air quality. Community resilience hubs — trusted local spaces like schools, libraries, community centers, and churches — can provide aid and resources before, during, and after these events. CEC can help activate your site to:

1. Provide clean air during smoke events

2. Act as cooling locations during extreme heat

3. Distribute food

4. Serve as an emergency shelter or hub for emergency services

5. Facilitate disaster preparedness training and neighborhood organizing

6. Host off-grid charging during power outages or shutdowns

Take our short survey to learn more and get support or use our toolkit to get started today.

Upcoming Events

National Drive Electric Month: 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

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 the Thousand Oaks Rotary Street Fair & EV Showcase to learn more. More details.

Make Polluters Pay Meeting

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Polluters Pay Santa Barbara is aiming to build on the statewide momentum to pass the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund bill that has been introduced in California. The bill will take the burden off of taxpayers by making fossil fuel companies pay for their role in disasters fueled by climate change. Join monthly calls to action to advocate for legislation that will fund disaster recovery, resilience, and a clean energy transition in our communities. October’s gathering will include a sign-making activity for upcoming protests. Learn more. 

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 N. 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.

Day in the Park: Sustainability Community Fair

Saturday, November 15, 2025

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Leroy Park

4689 11th St., Guadalupe

Join the Guadalupe–Nipomo Dunes Center, the County of Santa Barbara, and community partners for a free, family-friendly afternoon celebrating our community and the sustainable future we’re building together. Hosted at Guadalupe’s Leroy Park, this event offers something for everyone: free food, live music, kids’ activities, and a chance to get to know your neighbors. Discover sustainability tools and tips, learn about local projects that are improving life in Guadalupe, and speak directly with organizations who want to hear your ideas and feedback. This is your opportunity to have a voice in shaping a more resilient Guadalupe. Learn more.

Día en el Parque: Feria Comunitaria de Sostenibilidad

Sábado 15 de noviembre de 2025

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Leroy Park

4689 11th St., Guadalupe

Vecinos de Guadalupe, ¡unámonos para un día de conexión, aprendizaje y diversión! Comparte ideas, conoce los proyectos locales y descubre recursos que ayudan a nuestras familias y a nuestra comunidad a crecer. Disfruta de comida gratis, música y actividades gratuitas para niños. Nuestros aliados estarán presentes para escuchar, responder preguntas y brindar información en los idiomas que hablamos en nuestra comunidad. ¡Ven a celebrar Guadalupe con nosotros! El evento es organizado por el Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center y el Condado de Santa Bárbara. Más información.

Support Critical Work Like This

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.

Learn more about how you can invest in CEC’s work to accelerate regional climate solutions at cecsb.org/donate.