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| Introducing Central Coast AgLink |
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| A new way to access support for your land |
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| The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is launching Central Coast AgLink, a free platform that streamlines support for land stewardship and creates a stronger, more connected agricultural community on the California Central Coast. |
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Farmers, ranchers, and land stewards: No matter the size of your operation or the type of land stewardship project you’re interested in, CCAL can:
- Find funding opportunities and help you apply
- Assist you with planning climate-smart projects, such as healthy soil practices, irrigation upgrades, pollinator habitat creation, renewable energy infrastructure, and more
- Connect you with regional organizations, agencies, and partners to reach your goals faster
Fill out our short online form, and our team will reach out to help you get started.
Agriculture professionals, experts, and organizations: Central Coast AgLink can help you receive direct referrals from local producers, expand your outreach to new landowners, and collaborate through shared events and technical assistance. |
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| Success Story: Bassi Vineyard, Avila Beach |
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| When winemakers and grape farmers Gina and Mikey Giugni were approached by their long-time mentor about purchasing his vineyard property in Avila Beach, they knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The 112-acre parcel of rugged terrain included two wildlife corridors and three 10-acre vineyards that had been farmed organically for decades, providing an ideal foundation for the regenerative, climate-smart approach they had planned. But after spending every dollar they had to make their dream of land ownership come true, they needed help implementing their vision for the property.
CEC guided the Giugnis to apply for a Pollinator Habitat Program grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture. With support from our team, Gina and Mikey received $60,000 to create pollinator meadows, install wildlife habitat, and plant hedgerows that support carbon sequestration, improve soil health, and save water.
As they look forward, the Giugnis have set their sights on bolstering their land’s
wildfire resilience, working with a local shepherd to graze down the wilder, fire-prone areas of the property that back up to See Canyon. “We hope our story inspires other farmers to take action.” |
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| Together, we can grow a more resilient future. |
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| Make Polluters Pay Inaugural Meeting
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
Polluters Pay Santa Barbara aims 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 natural disasters fueled by climate change. Join us for an informational session on bill progress and tactics to advocate for legislation that will fund natural disaster recovery, resilience, and a clean energy transition in our communities. Learn more.
Plastic-Free Expo
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
The Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s 4th annual Plastic-Free Expo features over a dozen local organizations, businesses, and government agencies offering information and resources for eliminating plastic. Join us to learn how to reduce plastic in your life, enjoy free refreshments, and chances to win eco-friendly prizes! Learn more and register.
Application Assistance: Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP)
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
3:30 – 6:30?p.m.
Santa Maria Public Library
421 South McClelland Street, Santa Maria
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Lompoc Public Library
100 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc
If you want to purchase or lease a new or used battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell vehicle, now is the time to take advantage of incentives offered through the California Drive Clean Assistance Program. Join us for this in-person event and meet with one of our expert team members who will guide you through the application process. Don’t wait, this funding won’t last! Fill out this form to see if you qualify and secure your spot.
Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
For 75 years, the Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group has been working to protect wildlife and wildlands, clean air and water, public health, a sustainable future and a healthy environment across the Santa Barbara region. Join them at their next monthly gathering. Learn more.
| Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Friday, July 11, 2025 (AND every first Friday in 2025)
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month. At these events, climate activists, students, community partners, and friends gather to learn about regional climate change issues and how to take collective action to protect our planet. July’s gathering will focus on plastic reduction and feature talks by CEC and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. Learn more and register. |
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| “Single-Use Planet” Santa Barbara Premiere and Panel Discussion
Thursday, July 17, 2025
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
Don’t miss the Santa Barbara premiere of “Single-Use Planet,” a powerful documentary exploring the political, economic, health, and environmental impacts of single-use plastics. Inspired by jaw-dropping encounters with massive ocean plastic gyres, director Steve Cowan exposes the full lifecycle of single-use plastics, from petrochemical plants to polluted coastlines. Following the film, CEC and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper staff will lead a panel discussion on local plastic pollution challenges and ongoing efforts to reduce single-use plastic distribution. 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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