As the Angeles Chapter prepares to nominate their candidates for our upcoming Chapter Elections, we want to highlight some of our active leaders and the important work they do. Please take a moment and read all about Sandra Cattell!
I'm Sandra Cattell and I'm the Chair of the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) Group, and our ExCom Representative. I'm also an outings leader, and part of our Conservation and Political committees, local and chapter, and the CA Political Committee. I love to interface with the public at tabling events, and the political work of endorsements, and working with candidates and elected officials. However, my main focus is the protection of the environment, especially our lands.
I was already environmentally active when about 25 years ago a friend asked me to join the Sierra Club and help stop a heinous development, which I did, and we did stop it. My most important work ia few years after that nvolved working with Sierra Club members and others, to pass the Open Space Benefit District in Santa Clarita (where we assess ourselves to have funds to purchase open space).
We have now protected over 13,000 acres in about 20. years. Although I have received the top conservation and political chapter awards, and a Sierra Club Ca award in conservation, my proudest moments are when I hike, or even drive by a place I have helped put into conservation protection. And yes, that first heinous development that was my first endeavor, is also now protected open space. I never dreamed that becoming involved would have such a major impact on the environment.
Interested in joining our Leadership Team? Want to nominate someone?
If you share our passion for environmental protection and are interested in running or nominating someone for a leadership position on the Angeles Chapter Executive Committee, please contact Donna Specht, Chapter Nominating Committee Chair at donnaspecht@juno.com. If you would like to be considered for leadership with your Regional Group, please contact your Group’s chair to discuss the process.
Are you ready to vote this year?
Only active Club members (as of September 29, 2026) may vote. If you need to verify your membership, you can visit https://myaccount.sierraclub.org/ or call Sierra Club member services at 415-977-5500. For instructions for how to create or access your membership account online, visit here.