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Be part of the plastic-free conversation at Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
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Discover how local and statewide policies are tackling single-use plastics and where you can make an impact.
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Local and state legislation have mapped a path to a plastic-free future — come be a part of the conversation on Friday, July 10, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at CEC’s Environmental Hub (1219 State St.). This month’s Climate Fridays Santa Barbara will focus on the latest efforts to reduce single-use plastics locally and across California.
Hear from experts at Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and the Community Environmental Council (CEC) as we share updates on local and statewide legislation, explain what these policies could mean for our community, and discuss practical ways you can help reduce plastic pollution through advocacy and everyday action.
Whether you’re a familiar face or joining us for the first time, you’ll leave with a better understanding of plastic policy, actionable ways to get involved in the sustainability movement, and new connections within Santa Barbara’s climate community.
These events are part of our A Year of Active Hope series, offering concrete ways for the community to practice active hope through inspiration, joy, and collective action. Please note that Climate Fridays Santa Barbara typically take place on the first Friday of each month, but July’s gathering has been moved to July 10 due to the holiday weekend.
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“Seaweed Stories” Film Screening and Panel Discussion
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
6:30-8 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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Join us to explore how kelp and seaweed-based innovations are helping tackle some of our most pressing environmental challenges. We’ll screen Seaweed Stories, a film narrated by Forest Whitaker that takes viewers around the world to meet innovators, scientists, and Indigenous leaders using seaweed as a solution — from replacing plastic packaging to strengthening climate resilience. Following the film screening, a panel moderated by Karla Mora, Alante Capital CEO, will feature Julia Marsh, Sway CEO, Adam Bent, Lonely Whale CEO, and Gracie White, Director of Global Ocean Investments at Conservational International Ventures LLC, who will discuss the growing role of seaweed in building a more sustainable future. Enjoy refreshments and conversations with fellow community members passionate about ocean and climate solutions and stay until the end for audience Q&A. Learn more and register.
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Repair Cafe Santa Barbara
Saturday, July 18, 2026
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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Join us for Repair Cafe Santa Barbara, a completely free, community-powered event where volunteers help fix broken items instead of sending them to the landfill. Bring up to two items—such as clothing, electronics, bikes, furniture, toys, small appliances, or knives for sharpening—and work alongside skilled fixers to bring them back to life. Enjoy light refreshments, live music, and community conversation while learning new repair skills. This is not a drop-off service; you’ll collaborate directly with a volunteer who will assess your item, guide you through the repair process, and share practical skills along the way. Open to the public and designed to empower you to repair your favorite items, this is a hands-on, educational experience rooted in sustainability and community connection. Interested in getting involved? Contact info@repaircafe.org to volunteer your skills, attend future events, or simply help us spread the word! Learn more.
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Embodied Arts Workshop
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
6:30-8 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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Join us for the next Embodied Arts Workshop — a chance to spark joy and reconnect with yourself, your community and the world around you. Specific workshop details and registration will be announced soon. Learn more.
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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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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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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:
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Provide clean air during smoke events
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Act as cooling locations during extreme heat
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Distribute food
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Serve as an emergency shelter or hub for emergency services
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Facilitate disaster preparedness training and neighborhood organizing
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Host off-grid charging during power outages or shutdowns
Learn more about Community Resilience Hubs, take our short survey, and use our toolkit to get started today.
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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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