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A Community Q&A with the
North American Center for Post-Growth Research
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Explore how our economic systems shape the climate crisis and how alternative approaches can support a more equitable future.
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Our economies shape the way we interact with each other and the natural world, and it plays a significant role in the climate challenges we face today.
Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and the North American Center for Post-Growth Research on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 6:30—8 p.m. at The Hub (1219 State St., Santa Barbara) for Degrowth and Climate Justice: A Community Q&A. This engaging conversation will explore how we can reimagine economic systems to better support our people, communities, and planet.
We’ll examine the connections between degrowth, post-growth, and climate justice, unpacking how our current models contribute to environmental harm and inequality while discussing alternative approaches that prioritize ecological balance and community well-being.
This interactive Q&A offers an opportunity to learn, ask questions, share perspectives, and reflect on how we can move beyond extractive systems toward models rooted in sustainability, equity, and compassion. Part of our A Year of Active Hope series, this event invites you to imagine an economy that works in harmony with the environment — and consider what it will take to make that vision a reality, together.
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Climate Fridays Santa Barbara: Better Buildings for a Resilient Climate Future
Friday, August 7, 2026
4-5:30 p.m.
CEC Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC), the Sierra Club Santa Barbara, and the Society of Fearless Grandmothers for August’s Climate Fridays Santa Barbara as we explore how smarter building policies can help create a more sustainable, resilient region. Hear from Dennis Allen, founder of Allen Construction and CEC President’s Council member, Karl Hutterer, Santa Barbara Museum Of Natural History Emeritus Director and CEC Board Member, and Alelia Parenteau, City of Santa Barbara Sustainability and Resilience Dept. Director, about the City of Santa Barbara Sustainability Department’s Better Buildings Pilot Program. The program’s incentive-based approach rewards development projects delivering measurable benefits for climate, housing, mobility, ecological health, and public spaces. Learn how innovative policy can encourage higher-performing buildings while supporting community priorities. Learn more and register.
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CEC’s Green Gala
Saturday, September 19
4:30-9 p.m.
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
136 E. De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara
Join us for Green Gala 2026, an unforgettable evening celebrating community, connection, and climate action on California’s Central Coast. Inspired by this year’s theme, Rooted in Hope, guests will enjoy a lively welcome reception and Green Gala Market, exceptional local wine, a climate-smart dinner created by Elizabeth Poett of Rancho San Julian and The Ranch Table in partnership with Duo Catering, live auction experiences, and inspiring stories of local impact. Proceeds support CEC’s work advancing clean energy, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and environmental leadership throughout the region. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Learn more and reserve your place.
Seeking Green Gala Auction Donations
The Green Gala Market celebrates the people, products, places, and experiences that make California’s Central Coast so special. We’re currently seeking silent and live auction donations, including unique experiences, travel packages, dining opportunities, artwork, handcrafted goods, outdoor adventures, and other one-of-a-kind offerings. Your contribution helps support local climate solutions while introducing Green Gala guests to some of our region’s most inspiring businesses, makers, and destinations.
Submit an auction donation or contact Katie Hershfelt at khershfelt@cecmail.org to discuss ideas and opportunities.
UC Environmental Stewards Statewide Conference Comes to Santa Barbara
October 9–11, 2026
UC Santa Barbara’s Corwin Pavilion
6085 UCEN Rd, Isla Vista
Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) as we welcome the UC Environmental Stewards Statewide Conference to Santa Barbara this fall. Bringing together climate changemakers from across California, the conference will feature keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, community conversations, and field trips exploring climate resilience, participatory science, and equity in conservation. CEC is proud to serve as the local partner for this gathering. CEC CEO Sigrid Wright will join Mia Lopez, Chumash Cultural Educator and Founding Director of Su’nan Protection, to welcome attendees on opening day. CEC Director of Education and Operations Kathi King will also lead a workshop highlighting how CEC’s Climate Stewards course empowers community members to take climate action. Learn more and register.
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Become a CEC Climate Steward —
Learn to Lead Climate Action in Your Community
Tuesdays, September 15 – October 27, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Online classes via Zoom + in-person field trips
Our Climate Stewards program is your chance to become a leader in the climate movement and turn concern for our planet into meaningful local action. Addressing the climate crisis takes many of us — non-profit leaders and staff, professionals, business owners, recent college graduates, retirees, high school students, and community members — to work together. Register to join a cohort of motivated changemakers, explore climate solutions through lessons and field trips, and design a personal Stewardship Project that makes a difference in your community. Through the course, participants gain access to resources, forge community connections, discover the science behind climate change, and learn how to effectively communication about the climate crisis. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification course is offered in September, January, and April. Learn more and register.
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Summer of Ocean Love Scavenger Hunt
June 20 – August 29, 2026
Throughout Santa Barbara County
Looking for a fun way to celebrate and protect the coast this summer? Join the Summer of Ocean Love Scavenger Hunt, a free, all-ages adventure featuring ocean-inspired missions across Santa Barbara County. Using the GooseChase app, participants can complete challenges such as creating ocean-themed art, joining beach cleanups, spotting local wildlife, learning about coastal conservation, and visiting community organizations like CEC. Missions are available in both English and Spanish, and new challenges will be added throughout the summer.
Created by local ocean advocate Katie Joseff in partnership with CEC, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, 805Action, The Surf League, and Save Our Shores, the scavenger hunt offers a joyful way to connect with nature while supporting the health of our coastline. Participants can join at any time, compete for prizes throughout the summer, and vie for a $500 grand prize awarded to the winning team. Learn more and sign up.
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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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