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Commununity Environmental Council (CEC) — What hope looks like in action

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2026 • Comments Off

ROOTED IN HOPE

Last Saturday, more than 250 people came together for CEC’s Green Gala: Rooted in Hope — a celebration of the people, partnerships and practical climate solutions shaping the future of the Central Coast.

Farmers and ranchers shared their work alongside local makers, winemakers and food producers in our first-ever Green Gala Market. We gathered around a locally sourced meal inspired by Elizabeth Poett and the traditions of Rancho San Julian. Throughout the evening, longtime supporters and new friends connected around a shared commitment to this place we call home.

It was one of CEC’s most meaningful community gatherings in years.

MORE THAN $200,000 INVESTED IN LOCAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

That spirit of community translated into extraordinary support. Green Gala inspired more than $200,000 in sponsorships, matching gifts, auction giving and paddle raises. Those investments help CEC:

REVERSE emissions through clean energy and transportation

REPAIR working lands and their climate benefits

PROTECT communities by building climate resilience

CONNECT climate leaders across generations

Four strategies and one goal: a healthier, more resilient Central Coast.

GOOD IDEAS + COMMITTED PEOPLE

For more than 50 years, CEC has served as an incubator for climate solutions — identifying promising ideas, bringing the right people together, testing what works, and helping it grow.

That approach has helped bring everything from curbside recycling and renewable electricity to new resilience hubs and climate-smart agriculture to our region. And it only works through partnership.

Green Gala was a beautiful example of that.

THANK YOU

Green Gala was made possible by an extraordinary community of supporters. We’re deeply grateful to our Green Gala Committee, auction donors, volunteers, Market participants, culinary and beverage partners, and everyone who joined us.

As Sigrid shared Saturday night:

“This is what it looks like to be rooted in hope, and in action.”

Green Gala may be over, but the work continues. Join us in building a healthier, more resilient Central Coast.

SUPPORT CEC