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“The Carbon Wave: A Story of Democracy, Parenthood, and the Race to Protect Our Planet”
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Join us at The Hub for an intimate author talk with
Dr. Leah Stokes as she debuts her new book.
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Join the Community Environmental Council for an evening with Dr. Leah Stokes, professor, climate policy expert, and author of the new book “The Carbon Wave: A Story of Democracy, Parenthood, and the Race to Protect Our Planet.”
Dr. Stokes will join Marianne Partridge, editor-in-chief of the Santa Barbara Independent, for an intimate conversation about “The Carbon Wave,” which takes readers behind the scenes of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the largest federal climate law in U.S. history. They’ll explore the people, political negotiations, and pivotal moments that shaped its passage. Drawing on the perspectives of three new parents working in and out of government — as well as her own experience with a high-risk pregnancy — Stokes brings a personal lens to the story of how this landmark climate law came to pass.
Following the conversation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet Dr. Stokes, and have their copy of The Carbon Wavesigned. Chaucer’s Books will be on hand with copies available for purchase.
Dr. Stokes is the Anton Vonk Associate Professor at UC Santa Barbara and Policy Director of The 2035 Initiative. Her work has helped advance more than $20 billion in federal funding for clean energy and climate infrastructure, and she is also the author of “Short Circuiting Policy” and co-host of the climate podcast “A Matter of Degrees.”
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Embodied Arts Workshop:
Co-Creating with Nature —
A Mindful Art Experience
Tuesday, August 25
6:30–8 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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Join us for a contemplative evening of creativity, connection, and nature-inspired expression at Co-Creating with Nature: A Mindful Art Experience, part of the Embodied Arts Workshop Series. Led by Santa Barbara-based artist and mindfulness facilitator Kathy Leader, this workshop invites participants to slow down, observe the natural world, and explore drawing through a playful, unique, and imaginative lens. Guided by the lines, curves, and textures of plant materials, participants will imagine themselves as insects navigating the landscape, creating lively drawings without the need for prior art experience. As we create together in community, we’ll reflect on our own interconnectedness with all living things. Please wear old clothes you don’t mind getting stained. Learn more and register.
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Climate Fridays Santa Barbara: National Drive Electric Month
Friday, September 4
4–5:30 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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Join us for September’s Climate Fridays Santa Barbara as we celebrate National Drive Electric Month and explore ways our community can take action for a cleaner, more sustainable future. CEC Climate Mitigation Program Manager Sean McArthur will share the latest on EV incentives and rebates that make driving electric more affordable. We’ll also hear from a representative of Third Act about the upcoming Hands Across the Sand event and other opportunities to get involved in local climate activism and advocacy. We’ll also hear from Maureen Ellenberger of the Santa Barbara Sierra Club and Phil Glosserman, co-chair of the Third Act SoCal Working Group, about opportunities to get involved in local climate action. Climate Fridays Santa Barbara are hosted by CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to create space for fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends to take collective action and collaborate to protect our planet. 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.
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CEC Is Hiring: Office Manager and Board Liaison
Looking for a job in the the heart of Santa Barbara’s environmental community? CEC is hiring an Office Manager & Board Liaison to help lead day-to-day operations at our Environmental Hub. You’ll work alongside climate changemakers, non-profit leaders, passionate board members, and community partners. This full-time, onsite role is ideal for an organized, people-oriented professional who thrives on variety and enjoys creating a welcoming, well-run space. Experience in office management, facilities, venue management, or a similar role is required, with non-profit and event experience a plus. Learn more and apply.
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CRCD Seeks Executive Director
The Cachuma Resource Conservation District (CRCD), a CEC partner, is seeking an Executive Director to lead the District’s work advancing natural resource conservation and community resilience across Santa Barbara County and portions of San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties. This full-time leadership role will oversee organizational strategy, operations, fundraising, partnerships, and grant management while serving as a key representative to agricultural, environmental, regulatory, and community stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, communication, fundraising, and natural resource management experience, along with a collaborative approach to building partnerships. Learn more and apply.
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New $3,500 Incentive to Go Electric
California’s new MyFirstEV program is making it more affordable to make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV). Californians purchasing their first ZEV can now receive $3,500 off a new vehicle or $1,750 off a qualifying used vehicle, with the savings applied directly at the dealership — no application or waiting required. The program is currently available through Hyundai, Lucid, and Tesla, with additional automakers joining in the coming months. You may be able to stack savings. For personalized assistance finding EV rebates and incentives you qualify for, visit cec.pub/electrify-yourlife and fill out the EV Assistance sign-up form or contact CEC Climate Projects Associate Sachi Shiroma at sshiroma@cecmail.org or (805) 730-0203.
Learn more about the latest chapter in California’s clean energy leadership.
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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 and 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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Where Santa Barbara’s Changemakers Gather
Planning a board meeting, strategic retreat, workshop, or community event this fall? The Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub offers flexible, sustainably designed meeting and event space for nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies.
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With competitive nonprofit pricing, professional AV, and versatile spaces for meetings, trainings, film screenings, and community gatherings, The Hub provides the perfect setting to bring people together. Every booking also supports CEC’s work to advance climate solutions across the Central Coast.
Explore the space and book your event.
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Summer of Ocean Love Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, June 20 – Saturday August 29
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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