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Build the Climate Future You Want to See
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Join CEC’s Climate Stewards course and start creating change in your community.
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Tuesdays, Sept. 15 through Oct. 27, 2026
6:30–8:30 p.m. PDT via Zoom
(Plus weekends for in-person field trips)
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Solving big climate challenges starts with local solutions and people ready to put them into practice. The Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Climate Stewards course connects you with the science, people, and projects shaping climate action across the Central Coast, and the next cohort starts September 15!
Take this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the issues affecting our region, discover new ways to engage in the climate movement, and have space to ask questions and challenge your thinking. Over seven weeks, you’ll explore real-world solutions and learn from local climate champions to gain practical knowledge you can bring back to your community. The course culminates in a stewardship project focused on a climate issue you care about. Past alumni have focused on everything from wildlife conservation and habitat restoration to youth climate education and community resilience.
We welcome people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Whether you’re a student, educator, non-profit professional, business owner, retiree, or just looking to get more involved, there’s a place for you in the Climate Stewards community.
Since 2020, 256 people throughout the Central Coast have completed CEC’s UC-Certified Climate Stewards course. They’ve gone on to bring what they learned into classrooms, workplaces, nonprofits, local government, neighborhoods, and beyond.
Join the next cohort and add your voice to this growing movement.
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Join our next Climate Stewards course that begins
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
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Anyone can be a CEC Climate Steward!
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“The Climate Stewards course motivated me to stop waiting for collaboration and start building it. These issues are too urgent and too big for any one organization to tackle alone. When we come together around shared values and a common cause, the energy is unstoppable.”
— Marisol Diaz, Activator
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Marisol Diaz has always believed that community is the engine of change. As a Volunteer Program Specialist at Ecology Action, she was already on the frontlines of climate action. She joined CEC’s Climate Stewards course to strengthen her skills as an educator and organizer and learn new ways to bring people together around shared climate goals.
Through the Climate Stewards course, Marisol deepened her understanding of how relationships, shared values, and community engagement can drive climate action. Combined with her non-profit experience, that insight became the catalyst for her Stewardship Project. Marisol launched the Sustainable Volunteer Professional Network (SVPN) in Santa Cruz — a monthly gathering where nonprofits across the Central Coast share missions, combine resources, and show up for one another to amplify their reach.
The response was immediate. In its first year, each monthly SVPN meeting was packed, and the momentum is only building. Now with 50 members and 12 guest presenters each year, including a recent visit from CEC’s own Kathi King, the network provides an essential space for climate activists to connect, collaborate, and build collective impact.
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Next Cohort: Fall 2026, Sept. 15 – Oct. 27
Schedule: Tuesdays from 6:30–8:30 p.m. PDT via Zoom
Field Trips: Multiple in-person field trips
Course Fee: $360; 50% scholarships are available to Central Coast residents who express financial need. For 2026: eight scholarships are available for K-12 teachers in Santa Barbara County.
Know a teacher who would benefit from this course?
? Share this opportunity
Instructor: Kathi King, CEC Director of Education & Operations
Instructional Assistant: Maeve Merwin, CEC Climate Stewards Alumna
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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, 2026
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.orgto 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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CEC Is Hiring: Office Manager & 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.
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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, 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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