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Put Climate Action in the Driver’s Seat.
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Join us for Climate Fridays Santa Barbara to celebrate National Drive Electric Month and hear from the Santa Barbara Sierra Club and Third Act about upcoming local calls to action.
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Friday, Sept. 4, 4–5:30 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
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There’s no time to idle when it comes to climate action. Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC), the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter for September’s Climate Fridays Santa Barbara as we celebrate National Drive Electric Month and explore how our community can take action for cleaner air and a healthier climate.
CEC Climate Mitigation Program Manager Sean McArthur will share the latest on EV incentives and rebates that can make switching to electric more affordable, like the MyFirstEV program that launched this month. Whether you’re already driving electric, considering an EV, or just exploring your options, you’ll learn how you can maximize your savings with support from CEC along the way.
Maureen Ellenberger, chair of the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter and Phil Glosserman, co-chair of the Third Act SoCal Working Group, will also be there to share upcoming opportunities to get involved in local climate activism and advocacy more broadly. One of those opportunities is Hands Across the Sand, a statewide grassroots action on Sept. 26 bringing communities together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act and stand up for a future free from oil drilling.
Climate Fridays is a monthly gathering for climate activists, students, allies, and community partners to come together and build momentum for the climate movement. Part of our A Year of Active Hope series, these events aim to spark collective action and inspiration.
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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.
UC Environmental Stewards Statewide Conference Comes to Santa Barbara
October 9–11
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. .
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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, and Lucid, 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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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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