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Action Items in Your Area! Read More in this eNewsletter.
► Help Choose the Mascot of Your Loma Prieta Chapter's Bay2030 Campaign!
Take our quick 1-minute survey.
► El Camino Real: Nov 16th through Dec 17th: Comment on the El Camino Real Roadway Renewal Project
► San Jose: Nov 17th: Support Climate Action of a Natural Gas Prohibition for New Buildings
► Sunnyvale: Nov 30th: Learn about Sea Level Rise in Moffett Park and provide public input
► Cupertino: Dec 1st: Protect birds and reduce light pollution
► Santa Clara County: Learn about electrifying your home with SVCE's eHub
► San Mateo County: Take advantage of new EV rebates from Peninsula Clean Energy
► South San Francisco: Voice your support for ecology and affordable housing
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View of Sunnyvale's Moffett Park Bay edge by NASA
Nov 30th: Sea Level Rise in Sunnyvale's Moffett Park Specific Plan
The Moffett Park Specific Plan covers 1,156 acres of industrial land and borders a vital and vulnerable wetland habitat along the San Francisco Bay.
On November 30th, Sunnyvale will be conducting two events to discuss sea level rise and how it will impact the Moffett Park Specific Plan:
4 - 6pm: Public Workshop
6 - 7pm: City Council Study Session
We encourage all Sunnyvale residents to participate. You can learn more about these events.
Our Loma Prieta Chapter volunteers are engaged in this planning process as a part of our Chapter's larger effort to protect the Bay in our Bay2030 Campaign.
If you want to join our team, email Bay2030@LomaPrieta.SierraClub.org
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Above diagram from Caltrans: the project area
Online Public Forum to Discuss the El Camino Real Roadway Renewal Project
The forum opens on November 16th and closes on December 17th.
Do you want El Camino to be a pedestrian and bike friendly street? This is a great opportunity to learn more and provide your input.
Caltrans is launching this forum for the public to review the alternatives available for the El Camino Real Roadway Renewal Project. They will also be announcing a Notice of Intent (NOI) to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS).
Learn more about the Project and upcoming Public Forum here.
Join your Chapter's Sustainable Land Use Committee team of volunteers to discuss this project and other projects in your community. For more information email gd@devarchitects.com. |
Above Video: A Tribute to Byron Sher by Mike Kerhin
Thank You for Making Our 2020 Guardians of Nature Benefit a Success!
The 2020 Guardians of Nature social distancing Benefit honoring Byron Sher was one of the most extraordinary events our Chapter has organized. Nearly 250 guests responded to our invitation, which means a lot to us in these times of abundance of virtual gatherings. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and other donors, we raised more than $60,000. Read the full article here.
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We're Hiring!
Your Loma Prieta Chapter is seeking one full-time Bay2030 Campaign Manager IMPORTANT NOTE: recently updated job description.
Applications can only be accepted through the links given above.
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Above photo of an Anna's Hummingbird by Becky Matsubara
December 1st: Will Cupertino City Council Vote to Protect Birds and the Night Sky?
Cupertino City Council will soon consider an ordinance that could prevent future bird deaths and protect wildlife and our community from excessive and disruptive artificial light at night. The ordinance contains Bird-Safe Design techniques and Dark Sky mitigation techniques to make sure that new buildings are safe for birds and don't emit unneccessary light.
We expect that City Council will vote on this ordinance on December 1st. In less than 5 minutes, you can email City Council (citycouncil@cupertino.org) and tell them that you appreciate local birds and the beauty of the night sky. Your voice can have a real impact!
In the past 48 years, North America has lost 29% of its birds, a loss of nearly 3 billion birds. Annually, anywhere from 500 million to more than 1 billion birds are killed by human impacts such as window collisions. |
Above image of South San Francisco by Coolcaesar
South San Francisco: Let's Make Sure that New Development Protects Nature and People
South San Francisco is planning a massive office expansion adjacent to the Bay and Colma Creek. Let’s make sure hear that we need:
- Sea level rise solutions that improve habitat for wildlife, and for great bird watching
- Public access to bayside trails and beaches
- A jobs/housing balance that includes affordable housing
Join your Loma Prieta Chapter’s Bay2030 team of volunteers to speak up. It’s easy to do and our voices will make a difference!
Contact Bay2030.LomaPrieta@SierraClub.org to get involved.
We expect this development to be heard by City Council on November 18th. |
Above image from 2019: Chapter Conservation Assistant Dashiell Leeds celebrates with community members, activists and City staff after the San Jose City Council agreed to pursue the gas ban.
Help San Jose City Council Take Strong Action to Fight Climate Change
November 17th, San Jose City Council Meeting
San Jose City Council is poised to pass one of the strongest climate laws in the nation, a prohibition on natural gas for new buildings. Building emissions are the second largest source of emissions in the Bay Area, second only to transportation.
Thanks to the renewable electricity provided by San Jose Clean Energy, San Jose's new all-electric buildings will greatly reduce pollution, in addition to being cheaper to build and healthier to live in than gas buildings.
San Jose is the 10th largest city in the nation and the 3rd largest city in California. If they take decisive action on Climate Change, their courage could inspire many other cities to do the same.
Want to support this climate action? You can view the City Council meeting agenda here. If you don't have time to speak during the meeting you can leave an e-comment here.
Interested on getting involved in climate action in your city? Contact Dashiell.Leeds@sierraclub.org |
Lessons Learned from Menlo Park's Ambitious Climate Action Plan: A Roadmap for the Future
Did you miss the October 15th conversation but are still interested in strong climate action? Thrive has put together a blog summarizing the big takeaways from the discussion. Click here to read more.
We hope you enjoyed recent panel on Menlo Park's Climate Action Plan (CAP) hosted by Thrive Alliance of Nonprofits for San Mateo County and co-sponsored by your Loma Prieta Chapter. Thank you to Thrive and especially to Doug Silverstein putting on a great event!
This was an informative discussion among the elected officials, citizen leaders, city staff, and climate experts who all worked together to craft Menlo Park's ambitious CAP goal of Carbon Zero by 2030.
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Congratulations to Kristel Wickham for Winning Sunnyvale's 2020 Environmental Achievement Award
Your Loma Prieta Chapter would like to congratulate Kristel for being recognized by the City of Sunnyvale for her amazing environmental work.
Kristel serves as Chair of Sunnyvale's Sustainability Commission and is a powerful voice for sustainability in Sunnvyale, having been involved in Sunnyvale's Climate Action Playbook and Reach Codes.
Kristel is also a volunteer leader in your Chapter's Climate Action Leadership Team, where she has encouraged many cities throughout Silicon Valley to set strong goals in their Climate Action Plans.
Our Chapter celebrates Kristel's kindness, dedication and leadership. We are eager to see the impact she will continue to have in 2021!
You can view Sunnyvale's 2020 Community Awards Video here. |
Above image of a train at the West Oakland BART station by Pi.1415926535
SamTrans and VTA Should Take a Climate Healing Page from BART
BART will build 762 homes at the West Oakland BART station on the current parking lot of which 30% will be affordable. There will 175 parking spots (which should be unbundled), and more than 30,000 sq ft of retail. SamTrans and VTA should prioritize housing at their stations. Parking lots are a losing investment that could eventually bankrupt the agencies. There is an opportunity to create value and captivate customers through Transit Oriented Development.
- Conservation Committee Co-Chair Gladwyn d'Souza
Read more here.
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The 3x Match is On!
Did you know that only a sliver of your Sierra Club membership dues is returned to us? Now for a limited time, our Sierra Club will triple 100% of your support to your Loma Prieta Chapter! Find out more about the opportunity here. |
Raise Your Voice as a Volunteer for Our Chapter’s Communications Committee
Interested in using your writing skills to help your local ecosystem? Our Chapter is looking for volunteers who are willing to write 150 – 800 word pieces. You can help write Letters to the Editor and Op-Eds for local papers, as well as create blog content.
More interested in reading than writing? We are also looking for volunteers to monitor local newspapers in their town.
Interested Volunteers should contact our Conservation Committee Co-Chair Gladwyn d’Souza at godsouza@mac.com
Your voice is powerful in combating misinformation! |
Silicon Valley Clean Energy has Launched an eHub to Help You Electrify Your Home, Car and Appliances
Save money and reduce your emissions with eHub, Silicon Valley Clean Energy’s free, one-stop-shop for transitioning to electric living. With SVCE, you already receive clean electricity, eHub gives you the power to use that energy to power your home, car and appliances. Browse efficient, electric appliances with the Appliances Assistant, compare electric vehicles with the EV Assistant and explore additional clean energy options with the Solar+Battery Assistant.
Click here to visit eHub today
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Peninsula Clean Energy is expanding its program offering rebates to help first-time buyers of new electric vehicles.
From PCE's Oct 1 press release:
"The 2020 New EV Rebate Program will offer rebates of $1,000 towards the cost of a new fully electric vehicle and $700 for a plug-in hybrid purchased by San Mateo County residents between Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.
Eligible vehicles are any new EVs that have a purchase contract cash price of $45,000 or less, before sales tax.
Peninsula Clean Energy is also providing residents the opportunity to experience driving an EV with a $200 rebate toward the rental of an EV and assistance in setting up at-home or at-dealership test drives."
Read more here. |
Above Photo by jpstanley: The Constellation Orion, without and with light pollution
Are You Okay with More Light Pollution Coming to San Jose?
Update: Concerns from your Loma Prieta Chapter and the San Jose community have been noted by the San Jose Mercury News!
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!
Artificial light disturbs the natural circadian rhythms of living beings, increasing health risks such as cancer. For wildlife, artificial light can disrupt foraging and migration patterns and can cause birds to collide with structures and die from exhaustion. From a traffic safety perspective, do we really want more glaring distractions as we drive? Do we want billboards that may track us?
Contact Katja Irvin for more information, katja.irvin@sbcglobal.net
Click here to find your District and contact your City Councilmember.
Read the fact sheet here. |
Ollie Mayer Hiker's Hut Closed Until Further Notice The Ollie Mayer Hiker’s Hut is closed until further notice due to the current spikes in the Covid-19 virus. We are holding all reservations until such time that it is safe for our members to use the Hut. If you have a credit on file with us and wish to keep it that way, no need to take any action. If you prefer a refund please email us at: olliemayerhikershut@gmail.com |
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. |
Why are some neighborhoods so much hotter than others?
Neighborhoods that are lower-income and have more Black or Hispanic residents can be up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit hotter in summer, with far fewer trees and more heat-absorbing pavement than whiter, wealthier parts of the same city. Researchers have been looking at the history of city planning, including practices like redlining. How Redlining’s Racist Effects Lasted for Decades
There’s also an important climate connection.
A recent study, Housing Discrimination Made Summers Even Hotter, found links between redlining and higher temperatures in modern-day Black neighborhoods.
Another study, The Effects of Historical Housing Policies on Resident Exposure to Intra-Urban Heat, found an even broader pattern: Across more than 100 U.S. cities, formerly redlined neighborhoods were 5 degrees hotter on average today than areas that were not redlined. |
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 most stories before the eNewsletter,
and other stories and action alerts that don't make it into the eNewsletter.
#3. Hey Redwood City, Vote for the Bay
#2. Real vs. Artificial: Which Kind of Christmas Tree is Worse for the Environment?
#1. Supreme Court Case Marks Sierra Club Lawyer's Debut |
Social Media Channels for the Loma Prieta Chapter
facebook: Chapter, 20s – 30s, Sierra Singles
YouTube; Twitter; Instagram; Spotify
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)
Social media volunteers needed. Chapter Director James.Eggers@sierraclub.org |
Got Mail? Too much Sierra Club mail? You can take control; it's easy!
If you feel overwhelmed you can easily manage what you receive. See the simple tutorial |
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government [only] when it deserves it." ~ Mark Twain
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Health and safety to all,
James Eggers, Director
Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter
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Thank you to our 2020 Guardians of Nature Benefit Sponsors
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Sierra Nevada Sentinels Mary Buxton and Ron Hess
Anonymous Yosemite Heroes Lisa Barboza and Brian Roach
Anonymous Sequoia Champions Marilyn Brewer
David and Nancy Crabbe
Sue Chow
Gladwyn d' Souza
Sidney and Linda Liebes
Larry L. Lundberg
2018 Guardians of Nature Honoree Joe Simitian, and Mary Hughes
Sigal Tzoore |
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Baylands Stewards
Shawn and Lisa Britton
Peter and Melanie Cross
Rick DeGolia
Susan DesJardin
Edith and Jeb Eddy
San Jose City Councilmember Pam Foley
Caroline Y. Hicks and Bert Fingerhut
San Jose City Councilmember Sergio Jimenez
Arthur Keller
Natalia Kloda
Ginny Laibl
Lucinda Lenicheck
Mary and Alex Nemerov
2019 Guardians of Nature Benefit honorees Enid Pearson and Emily Renzel
San Jose City Councilmember Raul Peralez
Bruce Rienzo
Lennie Roberts
Landa Robillard and Kelly Maas
Charles and Jamie Schafer
Rene Spring
Anonymous |
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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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