SANTA BARBARA — At times when the world feels unsettled, the Community Environmental Council is the place where you can turn for hope, empowerment, and tangible action. That’s what we’ve been doing for over 50 years, and we’re good at it.
But building strong heart-centered, climate-resilient, environmentally-sound communities isn’t easy. It takes grit and — for real — we need your support. Here’s our plan of action:
SANTA BARBARA —The Community Environmental Council (CEC) recently welcomed new staff members as it expands its bold climate action across California’s Central Coast region.
The Community Environmental Council welcomed two new staff members and transitioned three staff members to new titles in recent months. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and local experience, building CEC’s capacity to go all in on halting the climate crisis — rapidly and equitably.
SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to welcome new members and officers to its Board of Directors as it expands its bold climate action across California’s Central Coast.
SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) recently welcomed three new staff members to its growing team, bolstering the organization’s ability to advance initiatives that respond regionally to the global climate crisis.
CEC’s newest staff members will play key roles in strengthening the organization’s outreach, fundraising, and project development capacities.
New staff include:
“As a Climate leader for California’s Central Coast, we recognize that without community resilience, extreme heat will continue to exacerbate the underlying inequalities within our region,” said CEC Director of Climate Resilience Em Johnson. “Leading a regional coalition of over fifteen government agencies, grassroots organizations and community-based organizations, our vision as an EHRA partner is to reduce our region’s economic and health disparities related to the prevalence of extreme heat.”
CEC Expands Capacity for Critical Climate Programs Work With New Staff & Board Member SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) welcomed three new staff members and one new board member to its growing roster, as the organization continues…
SANTA BARBARA — This week the Community Environmental Council (CEC) released its 2022 Impact Report, which provides key highlights of how the organization is working to immediately tackle the urgent threat of climate change on California’s Central Coast. The report is accessible at cecsb.org/impact.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces the recipients of its 2023 Santa Barbara Earth Day Environmental Hero Awards. CEC will honor Nalleli Cobo and Cesar Aguirre, who both work tirelessly in their communities to combat the devastating effects of the fossil fuel industry. The awards ceremony will be emceed by past Environmental Hero Award recipient Florencia Ramirez, kitchen activist, podcaster, and author of “How to Eat Less Water.”
Cesar Aguirre
Activists like Cobo and Aguirre have dedicated their lives to making an impact on climate change and set an example for people across California. Their activism lights the way for communities everywhere. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the main stage in Alameda Park.Both awardees will be on stage to accept their awards.
entura County is warming faster than any other county in the contiguous U.S., with neighboring Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties not far behind. Higher temperatures put the health and well-being of the most vulnerable—including agricultural workers, youth, and the elderly—in serious jeopardy.
On Thursday, June 1, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) will bring together local and national experts who are on the frontlines of developing solutions to safeguard community members when temperatures soar.
SANTA BARBARA — In September, wildfire smoke from as far away as Oregon impacted California’s Central Coast, prompting the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to issue an Air Quality Alert for Santa Barbara County. An air quality monitoring system established last year in Guadalupe recorded unhealthy levels of particulate matter for sensitive groups and ensured that the data was available to the community for the first time ever via the Guadalupe Community Air Project website.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and their Electric Drive 805 coalition partners are proud to sponsor a variety of free, in-person, and virtual events leading up to and during National Drive Electric Week, scheduled for September 23 to October 2, 2022. The public is invited to learn about the wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that can fit most every lifestyle and budget—and provide independence from fossil fuels.
National Drive Electric Week is a nationwide celebration aimed at helping the United States transition rapidly and equitably to cleaner transportation in order to protect communities from pollution and worsening climate change impacts. Transportation is the largest source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in California. To prevent further climate impacts and protect our air, the California Air Resources Board issued a rule last month that fully bans the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to welcome Em Johnson as its Director of Climate Resilience, charged with empowering California’s Central Coast communities to better respond, recover, adapt, and thrive in the face of climate change-related disruptions. Johnson takes the place of Sharyn Main who departed CEC in July after spending a cumulative 14 years with CEC, most recently as the Director of Climate Resilience.
Johnson brings a wealth of expertise around rural innovation, social enterprise, and nonprofit leadership to the position. During her five years as Executive Director of the Blue Sky Center, she brought creativity, innovation, and investment into the Cuyama Valley in Central California.
The community will gather in person for the first time since 2019 to celebrate Earth Day. Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting the free one-day event, in and around the Arlington Theatre from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. An evening concert, a separate ticketed event, will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Earth Day 2022 will highlight the critical role CEC has played across the region for more than 50 years, shining a light on the system changes, policy implementation and individual action needed to meet the urgency of the climate crisis. Key to this is the Annual Climate Leadership Summit, which starts at 3 p.m. The Summit will feature climate actions that organizations and individuals are undertaking throughout the region, with an emphasis on nurturing strategies that leverage intergenerational connections. Eric Cardenas, CEO of LOACOM, will act as the program’s emcee and co-facilitate the Climate Leadership Summit with CEC CEO Sigrid Wright.
The community is encouraged to ride and bike to the event, as well as bring reusable water bottles as water stations will be provided.
Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces the recipients of its 2022 Santa Barbara Earth Day Environmental Hero Award. CEC will honor Kenny Loggins, award-winning singer-songwriter and humanitarian, along with certified graduates of CEC’s UC Climate Stewards program. The awards ceremony will take place at this year’s Santa Barbara Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre.
The awards ceremony will feature a video acceptance speech from Kenny Loggins and live appearances from several UC Climate Stewards alumni. More info on CEC’s Earth Day event is available at SBEarthDay.org.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) on March 18 announced it is the proud recipient of a competitive grant for $300,000 to monitor and share findings on air pollution, wildfire smoke, and pesticide exposure at the neighborhood level throughout Guadalupe and the Santa Maria Valley.
“Everyone deserves to be air aware,” said Mireya Piña, Parent Engagement Coordinator for Family Service Agency at Little House by the Park in Guadalupe. “There are a lot of health-related concerns like asthma and stroke due to fire, smoke, and diesel exhaust in our air. At the end of the day, we’re talking about air equity. When we look at that lack of equity in Santa Barbara County, some people can stay protected and informed. But, at the same time, other groups in the community can’t afford that luxury and rely on organizations to stay informed of things like air pollution.”
Building on over fifty years of proven environmental leadership, today the Community Environmental Council (CEC) released the first-ever action plan for climate resilience in Santa Barbara County, with the intention for that action to grow and deepen across the Central California Coast.
The release of the action plan coincides with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published last week that delivered its strongest warning yet: climate disruptions are accelerating at a dangerous pace, and humanity’s window for a livable future is rapidly closing. CEC’s action plan, Achieving Climate Resilience on the California Central Coast, is a timely response
For the first time since 2019, Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting Santa Barbara Earth Day in person. The one-day event, in and around the Arlington Theatre, features a wide array of activities to generate the inspiration and motivation needed for building community support to tackle climate challenges.
As regions around the U.S. respond to the U.N. General Assembly’s focus this week on climate change and climate justice, the Central Coast Climate Justice Network (CCCJN) is proud to announce it has hired Michelle Sevilla as its first Network Manager.
CCCJN is a collaboration of organizations and community leaders committed to a climate movement that advances social, economic, racial, and environmental justice for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Through forging a regional partnership between social justice, anti-racism, and environmental movements, the network expands the region’s collective power to advance restorative actions and systems change. Their work centers on communities who bear the greatest burden of climate change impacts.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC), the Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and partnering social justice and environmental organizations launched the network in January 2018 amidst the backdrop of the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow. Relying on a collaboratively designed charter, the network maintains an intentionally horizontal leadership model that emphasizes leadership by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and consensus-based decision making.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce a new collaboration with the California Climate Action Corps (CalCAC) to engage youth in efforts to make electric vehicles more accessible to low-income communities.
With support through CalCAC’s Summer Program, CEC worked with two other climate-focused organizations in the state – Ecology Action and Regeneración – Pájaro Valley Climate Action – to select six Electric Vehicle Equity Fellows from a pool of applicants. CalCAC, the country’s first state-level climate service corps, empowers individuals in California to serve, volunteer, and take concrete climate action in their own communities. Statewide, there are 236 fellows across 78 host partners in California.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce that enrollment is now open for the second session of the new certification course, UC Climate Stewards, which is designed to empower local community members to take clear action on climate change.
For the second cohort, CEC is seeking a diverse, 25-person group that will meet July 7 through September 15. Class sessions will be held in person at CEC’s new offices, located at 1219 State St. in Santa Barbara and will adhere to all county health guidelines. The course fee is $225, not including course materials. Full and partial scholarships are available. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting #CelebrateClimateLeadership, a virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival dedicated to inspiration, community building, and climate action. The FREE livestream event begins on Thursday, April 22 at noon and runs until Saturday, April 24. It will be available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
The virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival – which will be fully online again this year due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions – is FREE to attend and will feature three days of conversations with climate leaders, musical performances, art contests, inspirational speakers, and opportunities for individuals to learn how they can lean into action at this urgent moment.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, as the recipient of its 2021 Environmental Hero Award, presented as part of CEC’s Virtual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival being held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 22-24. The free festival is available to view at SBEarthDay.org.
Annie Leonard will join the festival on Saturday, April 24 to share insights into her vital work and accept the award in an interview with Community Environmental Council CEO Sigrid Wright and UC Santa Barbara Dehlsen Chair of Environmental Studies and Director of the Global Environmental Justice Project Dr. David N. Pellow. Check SBEarthDay.org for the confirmed time closer to the event.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce new members to its Partnership Council. CEC’s Partnership Council is comprised of a broad spectrum of community leaders who act as ambassadors to advocate, network, and promote on behalf of CEC.
TEDxSantaBarbara and Community Environmental Council (CEC) announce the spring series of Making Waves: Conversations with Influencers and Disruptors, a weekly online broadcast on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. PT kicking off April 14, 2021.
The series features subject matter experts and change makers from around the world sharing thought-provoking insights on the current Pandemic, along with Sustainability, Creativity, and Social Justice.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year by District 37 Assemblywoman Monique Limón.
“For 50 years, CEC has stood out as an environmental leader, both in Santa Barbara County and across California. They understand that issues like the climate crisis are too complex and too big to be solved by a single organization and work collaboratively to treat a healthy environment as both a human right and the foundation for a thriving world,” said Assemblywoman Monique Limón. “We need the leadership of CEC to build momentum to reverse the threat of the climate crisis and safeguard our communities. Their work today is critical.”
Electrify America awarded Ecology Action and its partners (Community Environmental Council (CEC), GreenPower, and Regenerción) funding to help residents secure electric vehicle (EV) rebates to get more clean driving, low-maintenance vehicles on the road over the next 16 months.
This equity-focused EV initiative highlights the very affordable ($100/month) – even FREE for some – used and leased EV options available here on the Central Coast and across California. The Central Coast EV Equity team will guide income-qualified residents through the rebate process with direct personal assistance, easy to follow website instructions, and other digital support.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to share the critical work of two new staff members who are expanding CEC’s climate justice efforts and building climate resilience among vulnerable communities on the Central Coast: Community Ambassadors Ana Rico and Alhan Diaz-Correa.
Ana Rico was raised in Santa Barbara’s Eastside neighborhood. Over the past 30 years, she experienced many traffic dangers as a pedestrian, including a pivotal moment when she and her three kids were nearly struck by a vehicle on their daily walk to school. This experience sparked Ana’s career as a community advocate; ever since she has been committed to engaging and working hand-in-hand with frontline communities to develop truly sustainable solutions to climate change.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced a goal of achieving one megawatt of solar on regional nonprofit agencies by 2023, and has expanded their successful Solarize Nonprofit program to Ventura County to support this move toward a carbon neutral community. Nonprofits that own their buildings or are in long-term leases are encouraged to see if the no upfront cost program fits for them at SolarizeNonprofit.org.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation on Aug. 19, with support from 165 additional partners, announced the launch of Born This Way Foundation’s third annual #BeKind21 Campaign. As communities across the world face the trauma of a pandemic, the ongoing racial inequalities, and a host of global challenges, this year’s campaign has been uniquely designed to be responsive to today’s movements, showcasing that kindness is not an empty gesture; rather, kindness is a verb. To be kind is to speak up. To be kind is to prioritize your mental wellness. To be kind is to advocate for a world that values, validates, and respects all people.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of this year’s Solarize Santa Barbara – a community-led, group purchasing program for solar and battery storage systems open to residents of Southern Santa Barbara County from July 28 – October 31. CEC’s 2020 program is offered in partnership with the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria, and the County of Santa Barbara.
The Community Environmental Council (CEC), in partnership with Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and Just Communities, invites the community to participate in online and phone listening sessions as part of their Connected 2050/Conectados 2050 long-range planning effort.
The public is invited to request a listening session by visiting the Connected2050.org (English) or Conectados2050.org (Spanish) website. The public can also sign up to get updates and give input by texting “CONNECT” to (833) 956-0921.
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Kenny Loggins, Glen Phillips, more to perform at 50th anniversary event; Former Vice President Al Gore, other celebrities, environmentalists to speak SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting #TogetherWeEarthrise Earth Day Live…
The Community Environmental Council (CEC), in collaboration with Central Coast Climate Justice Network, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Environmental Office, will co-host Climate Resilience Roundtable: Historias de resiliencia desde las primeras líneas del cambio climático / Stories of Resilience from the Frontlines of Climate Change on Thursday, September 3, 2020 from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Click here for the entire e-newsletter As Ventura, like other CA communities, braces for widespread outages, solar-paired battery storage presents powerful solution VENTURA, CA — Community Environmental Council (CEC) and the City of Ventura present a free Home Energy Storage Workshop…
UCSB Professor Ken Hiltner and local nonprofits seek to spur local climate dialogue SANTA BARBARA — The Harvard Club of Santa Barbara, in conjunction with the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and the Wilderness Youth Project (WYP), present Exploring Climate Change &…
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson to present awards to celebrity environmentalist and student activist SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces the recipients of its 2019 Environmental Hero Award: Author Suzy Amis Cameron, and…
Regional Coalition Seeks to Increase Access to Electric Vehicles SANTA BARBARA — Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce the launch of “Electric Drive 805,” a new coalition of local government agencies and nonprofits that will lead local efforts to…
Click here for the entire media release CEC invites in strong environmental advocates to support in local climate resilience work SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is pleased to announce new additions to its President’s Council, Partnership Council, and…
Solarize program takes a new step to include energy storage options. Workshops to be held June 6, July 11 SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) announced the launch of Solarize Santa Barbara – a community-led, solar group-purchasing program for residents…
Earth Day Organizers Announce 2018 Environmental Hero & Youth Award Recipients and Activities for a “Climate Resilient” Future. Legendary singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins to play and copresent awards with Congressman Salud Carbajal SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) proudly announces the…
SANTA BARBARA — Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is holding its “Share Your Lunch” campaign from May 1 through 31. The program enables the community to help close the summer food gap by donating the amount one might typically spend…
