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Help maintain protection of the Peninsula Watershed’s drinking water quality and habitats for special status butterflies (Mission Blue), reptiles (San Francisco garter snake) and amphibians (California red-legged frog) while improving the existing public access programs on Fifield Cahill Ridge in the Watershed (photo above). Please write to the San Francisco Planning Department and PUC in support of “Alternative B” in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Southern Skyline Boulevard Ridge Trail Extension Project. Here’s what’s happening The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) proposes to improve and develop recreational trails in the 23,000-acre Peninsula Watershed lands, owned by the City and County of San Francisco. The project area includes watershed lands along the existing Fifield-Cahill Ridge trail north of Highway 92, and a new six-mile long trail along the east side of Skyline Boulevard extending south from Highway 92 to the Phleger Estate (GGNRA) in Woodside. The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed project has selected Alternative B, as the “Environmentally Superior Alternative” for the Alternative B maintains and improves the existing docent program for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians on Fifield-Cahill Ridge. Alternative B also proposes to allow unsupervised access along the new six-mile trail segment south of Highway 92, as this area is not as environmentally sensitive as the Fifield Cahill Ridge segment. Loma Prieta and Bay Chapters, Sierra Club, along with Golden Gate Audubon, Sequoia Audubon, Santa Clara Valley Audubon, Yerba Buena and Santa Clara Valley Chapters, California Native Plant Society, and Green Foothills have all supported increased public access through an improved and expanded docent program on Fifield Cahill Ridge. We are pleased that the EIR has also determined that this is the Environmentally Superior Alternative. What you can do Email Timothy Johnston <timothy.johnston@sfgov.org> in support of Alternative B for the Southern Skyline Boulevard Ridge Trail Extension Project. If you prefer, write to Timothy Johnston at: San Francisco Planning Department 1650 Mission Street, Suite 400 San Francisco, CA 94103. Written comments on the EIR will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on August 10, 2020. For more information: The Draft EIR for the Southern Skyline Boulevard Ridge Trail Extension Project is available for public review here. |
Do We Really Need More Distractions and Hazards in San Jose?
Electronic Billboards in San Jose -- Public Meeting
July 13, 2020 at 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Please Zoom in and help us ask hard questions about the impacts of electronic billboards along our highways.
After a 30-year ban on new billboards, the City of San Jose wants to allow electronic billboards on private property. These billboards may advertise anything - from Vegas to accident injury attorneys! Most identified sites are along Highways 237 and 87, including several sites adjacent to the Guadalupe River Park.
Has the City fully considered the aesthetic impacts, the impacts of nighttime lighting on animals (especially birds) and people, the traffic safety impacts and more? Is there analysis showing the benefits to our economy that leaders claim? Do we really need more distractions and hazards in San Jose?
San Jose residents deserve to see the hills from Highway 87 and the beautiful stars in the night sky above 237. The last thing we need is more light pollution that inundates us with commercial advertising pollution. We should expect our elected leaders to stop targeting us as consumers, and respect and protect the residents and wildlife in San Jose.
Contact Katja Irvin for more information, katja.irvin@sbcglobal.net
Read the fact sheet here.
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Become an Advocate. The Sierra Club is Here to Help.
Join the Bay 2030 Advocate Program, which begins on July 13th.
The San Francisco Bay is a vital buffer against climate change impacts and was once a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Now it is under siege as developers rush to fill our remaining baylands in order to build more offices and more high-end housing.
The Sierra Club is organizing a unique free virtual program series to prepare Bay Area residents for the advocacy work that will be needed if we are to save one of the most valuable wildlands in our midst. Click here to apply.
With the Bay 2030 Advocate Program you will learn about Bay habitats, restoration projects in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, and climate change resilience. Advocates will build skills and confidence to influence cities and agencies to adopt needed policies and regulations and improve bayshore projects.
Register for free and learn more about the program here.
For more information, contact Susan DesJardin at (408) 480-6057 or Gita Dev at (415) 722-3355. |
Use Your Writing Skills to Protect Your Local Ecosystems
The Sierra Club is seeking Peninsula residents who are interested in writing short Letters to the Editor calling for protection of the Bay shoreline as a vital resource for sea level rise resilience and natural ecosystems.
No prior experience or expertise is needed. Our Chapter volunteers will walk you through the process and highlight some key steps cities like Sunnyvale and Redwood City can take right now. All that is needed is your enthusiasm to speak up!
Contact Jennifer Hetterly at jchetterly@gmail.com to get involved |
We are excited to announce our 2020 Guardians of Nature Benefit for the Loma Prieta Chapter in celebration of former California Senator Byron Sher for his decades of exemplary environmental leadership through authoring many critical environmental protections.
This year's event will be like none before; it will be all on-line using Zoom. We promise to evoke the spirit and excitement of past galas while protecting the health of our guests.
You can find more details about the 2020 Guardians of Nature Benefit on the event's webpage or contact our Chapter Development Coordinator, Justyna Guterman at justyna.guterman@sierraclub.org.
We hope you will join us! |
Are you a potential candidate for the Loma Prieta Chapter Executive Committee?
Call for Nominations: Loma Prieta Chapter Executive Committee 2-year term 2021-2022
Contact the Nominating Committee at MichaelJFerreira@gmail.com
Did you know that the Sierra Club is the largest nationwide volunteer-driven environmental organization in the United States? To better connect with our grassroots, our Club has been carefully organized into bylaws-governed chapters. The Loma Prieta Chapter is one of 13 Chapters in California, each of which is administered by an elected Executive Committee composed of environmentally conscious Club members willing to provide leadership as we pursue the Club’s goals at the local level.
Executive Committee members should be willing to assist our chapter in various leadership areas. Executive Committee members are expected to spend a minimum of 5-10 hours a month.
- Mike Ferreira
Learn more about our current Executive Committee members here.
Read more about the nominating process here. |
Above Image Source: Sunnyvale Community Workshop Posterboards
Sunnyvale Residents: July 27th Meeting, You Can Improve Your City!
On July 27th at 6 pm, the Sunnyvale Planning Commission will conduct a study session on the Moffett Park Specific Plan, which covers 1,156 acres of industrial land and borders a vital and vulnerable wetland habitat along the San Francisco Bay.
We hope you will attend via zoom and tell Sunnyvale that the Plan must protect and restore ecosystems, while taking into account sea level rise adaptation and resilience. These goals should be necessary for the Plan to proceed in an area this vulnerable.
Your voice is powerful, and even from home you can have a real impact on local policies!
When the zoom link and meeting agenda is made public by the City, you can find it by clicking here.
For information on other future Moffett Park Specific Plan meetings, click here.
Future meetings are anticipated:
Planning Commission Study Session: 9/14
City Council Study Sessions: 8/11 and 9/29 |
Get Climate Smart!
Our friends at Mothers Out Front invite San José residents to join an exciting Climate Smart Challenge. This web-based platform provides a visual picture of your personal climate impact showing where you’re doing well and where you can improve. Choose from a menu of climate-smart actions to reduce your impact and earn points towards prizes for every action you take. Participate on your own or gather some friends and neighbors to participate as a team.
Join today; for the question “How did you learn about the Challenge?” select “Mothers Out Front.” Learn more at an interactive webinar! |
Webinar: Learn About the Major Threat to the SF Bay Delta
Sierra Club California's "Biodiversity and Water in SF Bay" Webinar is now available online.
The Bay Delta's ecosystems are already in decline due to excessive water diversion, the introduction of nonnative invasive species, and water pollution.
Now, the Bay Delta is under the threat of an 11 Billion dollar tunnel proposal that would divert more water and cause even more ecological damage. Watch now to learn about the future of the Bay Delta.
For more information and facts about the Bay Delta, check out Sierra Club California's website. |
Would You Like Your Town to be a Better Place to Live, Work, and Play?
Join our Chapter's Sustainable Land Use Committee (SLU) and help us influence urban design and planning in your city for a healthy future.
We will provide you with all the support you need to successfully advocate for healthy and sustainable communities. Experience in urban design, planning, environment, and architecture is helpful but not necessary.
Keen interest is most important!
We meet monthly (currently online), and possibly more often when working on projects and campaigns.
Time requirements: 2 hrs a week
For more information contact SLU Co-Chair, Gita at gd@devarchitects.com |
Above Photo: Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge by Conservation Committee Co-Chair Gladwyn d'Souza
Do You Want Your City to Take Stronger Action on Climate Change?
Join our Climate Action Team and help us fight for strong Climate Action Plans and other local climate policies in your city to ensure a healthy future. Many Cities are updating their Climate Action Plans and are updating their building codes, which present great opportunities for real change.
We will provide you with all the support you need to successfully advocate for climate safe communities. A background in energy management, planning, environment justice and policy, and climate data analysis is helpful but not necessary. Keen interest is most important!
We meet monthly (currently online), and possibly more often when working on projects and campaigns.
Requirements:
- Keen interest in climate justice issues and solutions
- 2 hrs a week
For more information contact our Conservation Assistant, Dashiell at Dashiell.Leeds@SierraClub.org
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Breaking News: Burlingame Approves a Reach Code
On July 6th, Burlingame City Council approved a Reach Code, a local law that reduces the construction of gas equipment in new buildings. Thank you to the Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame for their amazing efforts to get this code passed.
This reduction of gas is necessary. "Natural" fossil gas accelerates climate change by spewing methane into our atmosphere and harms our public health by leaking carbon monoxide and other harmful pollutants into our homes.
Burlingame has become the 31st government within California to pass codes that reduce or eliminate their reliance on gas in new construction. The movement is growing, and your Loma Prieta Chapter remains committed to the fight against fossil fuels! |
Breaking News: Dakota Access Pipeline Shut Pending Review, Federal Judge Rules
"The Dakota Access Pipeline, an oil route from North Dakota to Illinois that has inspired intense protests and legal battles, must shut down pending an environmental review and be emptied of oil by Aug. 5, a district court ruled on Monday."
-Excerpt from the New York Times
This pipeline, known as DAPL, was built in violation of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. Police and illegally-operating private mercenaries systematically perpetrated terrible violence on the peaceful, unarmed Indigenous-led Water Protectors who resisted the pipeline's construction.
We must remain vigilant, as Energy Transfer LP (the pipeline's operators) are still taking shipment orders for August and have made no moves to shut down the pipeline. |
Interested in Environmental Literature? Join the Environmental Book Club
The Environmental Book Club meets on Zoom the second Saturday from 10:00 AM to Noon. The reading list for August through November is as follows:
August- Overstory by Richard Powers
September- Half Earth by E. O. Wilson
October- Inconspicuous Consumption by Tatiana Schlossberg
November- Omega Principle by Paul Greenberg
Have questions or want to join? Write to Gladwyn at godsouza@mac.com |
Interested in Gardening with Native Plants?
During the past three months, many people have contacted the Loma Prieta Chapter to ask for guidance about gardening with native plants. I’ve been happy to refer all to our friends at the California Native Plant Society – Santa Clara Valley Chapter, but thought that many more of you might also be interested, so here is their webpage on Gardening with Natives, which even recommends public places to see native plant gardens and the abundance of wildlife that they can attract and support. |
Above Image by Fabric Artist Linda Gass © 2019
Green Streets for Sustainable Communities Symposium Rescheduled for Sep 10, Sep 25, and Oct 8
Dear Friends,
Please save the dates below for our virtual Green Streets for Sustainable Communities Symposium. We had originally planned an in-person day-long symposium in March 2020. We moved the date to the fall with the hope we would be able to meet in large groups by then. Instead, we have decided to transform our in-person format to a series of three, connected interactive, information-rich three-hour sessions. Our streets are a crucial community resource, now more than ever. We hope that you will reserve the time and join for all three sessions.
Each day will begin at 8:30 am with an informal & optional networking time.
Each program will begin at 9 am and conclude by 12 noon.
Day 1 – Vision and Economics (Thursday, September 10, 2020)
Day 2 – Case Studies (Friday, September 25, 2020)
Day 3 – Funding Strategies (Thursday, October 8, 2020)
If you are already registered, we will enroll you in all three sessions. If you are not yet registered, please sign up at this link.
Scholarships are available by request.
Sincerely,
Yoriko Kishimoto, Board Chair
Marianna Grossman, Board Vice Chair
Transportation Choices for Sustainable Communities |
From our friends at the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition:
Come to the 10th Annual Silicon Valley Bike Summit this August 6 & 7 to join other active transportation leaders and discuss how to get more people biking in our area and create a safe street environment for all" (Tag @bikesiliconvalley on Facebook/Instagram and @bikesv on Twitter!). |
Complete The Census to Ensure that Your Community is Funded!
Want to make sure that your parks, greens spaces, and trails receive federal funding? The Census is critical in making sure that the proper amount of federal funds are allocated to your local community. Respond to the 2020 Census here: https://my2020census.gov/ or call 844-330-2020 |
Ollie Mayer Hiker's Hut Temporarily Not Taking Reservations The Ollie Mayer Hiker’s Hut is closed until further notice. The County of San Mateo, under strict protocol, has closed Sam McDonald Park to overnight camping. The Ollie Mayer Hiker's Hut will also be closed for the duration of this emergency. We are contacting guests who have already paid to arrange for either credit or refund. Sam McDonald Park has tentative plans to reopen for camping in August, if the virus outbreak trends continue without further spikes. We are holding August and September reservations from the general public in order to give priority to campers cancelled due to the shutdown. |
YOU Can Make It Happen!
Hundreds of caring people stand behind every environmental victory won by your Loma Prieta Chapter. These caring people choose to partner with us by donating.
Now you have an opportunity to join our engaged community by simply responding to our Spring fund drive.
Only a sliver of the membership dues which you send to Sierra Club National is returned to your local chapter, but 100% of your gift directly to your chapter will benefit our local environment. Read more about how we will use your support. |
| View from 2550 ft elev on Canada De Pala Trail, Joseph D. Grant (Santa Clara) County Park, Director's solo hike: 13.miles. See videos on Loma Prieta Chapter's Youtube channel. |
JUST PUBLISHED: The 2019 Loma Prieta Chapter Annual Summary
Discover What Your Support Helped to Achieve!
The majority of our chapter's work is through our volunteer led local sections, committees and groups, which depend upon support from our chapter's professional staff. Graphics show the big picture of work and accomplishments, while short testimonials give personal insights from local leaders and activists, all in the 2019 Loma Prieta Chapter Annual Summary.
If you would like a more detailed look at our conservation work, discover our great local successes and remaining challenges, in the 2019 Loma Prieta Chapter Conservation Review.
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Virtual Volunteering: Save the Planet with oral history reporting and/or video production skills!
Your Loma Prieta Chapter volunteers are doing effective incredible local environmental work; their inspiring stories need to be told!
We need volunteers to document oral histories and volunteers to make several short videos of chapter activist.
Please contact Chapter Director, James Eggers at james.eggers@sierraclub.org |
Join the Sierra Club's Battleground States Team
The upcoming November elections will be affect nearly every aspect of our lives. Our vulnerable ecosystems, our warming climate, our fragile democracy, and our principles of social equity will be at stake!
Trump is the worst environmental President in our nation's history, and Mitch McConnell's senate has consistently stood in the way of environmental issues.
Even as California residents, we can have a massive impact on critical elections across this country. Join our Battleground States Team and together we can join forces to protect our habitats and communities throughout the nation!
To get started, click here to join the team
If you want to make calls, click here
If you are ready to send texts, click here
When you’re ready to start writing letters, click here
And if you can volunteer 10-20 hours a week email us at answers.political@sierraclub.org.
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Let it go, let it go! When the trade-in value’s too low, let it go, let it go!
Your best move is donating your vehicle to support your Loma Prieta Chapter. Call 844-6-SIERRA (844-674-3772) or donate online. We accept cars, classic cars, trucks, boats, RVs, and more. Plus, your gift is tax-deductible.
VERY IMPORTANT: tell CARS that you want to support the Loma Prieta Chapter through the Sierra Club Foundation. |
Top Posts recently on Loma Prieta facebook page
Follow us on facebook and you'll see these stories before the eNewsletter,
and other stories and action alerts that don't make it into the eNewsletter.
#3. Can California Reduce Biodiversity Decline?
#2. What Is This Moth That’s Almost as Big as a Hummingbird?
#1. Help Stop Polluting Landscaping Equipment |
Social Media Channels for the Loma Prieta Chapter
MeetUp: Chapter conservation and education meetings (2667 members),
Hiking events (5031 members), Singleaires outing section (1775 members),
Day Hiking section (1646 members), Guadalupe Regional Group (553 members), Peak Climbing (467 members), Gay & Lesbian Sierrans (403 members),
Black Mountain Hiking section (392 members), 20s - 30s (150 members),
Family Explorers (95 members) facebook: chapter, 20s – 30s, Sierra Singles YouTube; Twitter; Instagram; Spotify
Social media volunteers needed. Contact Loma Prieta Chapter Director James.Eggers@sierraclub.org |
Got Mail? Too much Sierra Club mail? You can take control; it's Easy!
Your Loma Prieta Chapter only sends two eNewsletters each month, but Sierra Club National is unrestricted, so if you feel overwhelmed you can easily manage what you receive. See the simple tutorial |
In Case You Missed It
HISTORICAL
July 9, 1970: creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
July 10, 1856, Nicola Tesla born
July 12 1817, Henry David Thoureau born
LOCAL
Palo Alto to Explore New Laws to Curb Gas Vehicles, Appliances
Meet the Urban Osprey
A Mouse Surprise
STATE
With Whales at Record Numbers off the California Coast, Scientists Try to Help Ships Avoid Them
In its Last Bankruptcy PG&E Promised California 140,000 Acres for Conservation. Where Did They All Go?
NATIONAL
E-Bikes in National Parks: They’re Riding a Slippery Slope
E-Bikes in National Parks: Riding the Wave of Popularity
DIY: Dry It Yourself
With Older, Gas-Fired Appliance Use in Homes, Unhealthy Air is Often Found
GLOBAL
How the Environment Has Changed Since the First Earth Day 50 Years Ago
CHILDREN & NATURE NETWORK
Green Schoolyards Proposal for Parks Post-COVID
COVID-19 Pandemic Could Slash Environmental, Outdoor Science Education Programs in Half Nationwide
Nature Play and Childhood Development - Studies Suggest Children Flourish in Nature Preschools
Children Say They Will Miss the Outdoors After Lockdown, According to a UK Survey There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul
than the way in which it treats its children.
~ Nelson Mandela, born July 18, 1918 |
Taking Charge, Podcast Episode Three: The Future of Renewable Energy
Interested in renewable energy and solutions to the climate crisis? Listen to this discussion with Stanford Professor Mark Jacobson, who shares his research on renewable energy and potential solutions to the climate crisis. Learn more about the collaboration between the Solutions Project and the Sierra Club for the 100% clean energy movement.
Podcast Link (includes previous episodes of Taking Charge)
Spotify Link |
| Leopard Lily (Lilium pardalinum), Pescadero Creek (San Mateo) County Park, July 5th Chapter Director's solo hike: 17.2 miles, 3500 ft elevation gain See videos on the Loma Prieta Chapter YouTube Channel. |
Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Health and justice to all,
James Eggers, Director
Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter
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| As people across the country protest in defense of Black lives, the Sierra Club recognizes the need to dismantle systemic racism in the United States and within our own organization. We must reckon with how white supremacy -- both past and present -- has shaped our institutions and do the critical anti-racism work necessary to repair the harm done. The environmental movement does not exist in a vacuum, and it is our responsibility to use our power to help abolish systemic racism, which is destroying lives, communities, and the planet. |
| The COVID-19 crisis has not passed and continues to disproportionately harm Black, Indigenous, and Latinx people and other communities of color. The pandemic has revealed how the communities hardest hit are often the same communities that suffer from high levels of pollution and poor access to healthcare. The fight for environmental justice cannot be separated from the fight for racial justice. |
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