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You Can Make a Difference! Read More in this eNewsletter.
► The Loma Prieta Chaper is recruiting new staff; see the updated position descriptions: a full-time Bay2030 Campaign Coordinator and a full-time Communication Specialist.
Note: Application Deadline is April 16th!
► Register is now open for your chapter's May 5th Online Basic Backpacking Course.
► Atherton residents, your town is looking for a new member of the Environmental Programs Committee.
► San José residents, tell City Council to avoid light pollution in Arena Green.
► Join our New Book Club, Restoring Nature.
► Join a Loma Prieta Volunteer Team: Influence State Legislation with our Environmental Legislative Action Team and/or our 30x30 Committee, and/or our
Influence Local Laws through our Climate Action Plan Team.
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Photo credit: RomoloTavani; iStock.com
Celebrating Earth Day From Home
As we celebrate Earth Day on Thursday, April 22nd the connection that we have to nature, plants, and the land is even more important as most of us celebrate from home. Celebrate this year by appreciating and respecting the natural world around you. The Earth Day Network (EDN), the organizing body for Earth Day worldwide, has announced that the theme of Earth Day 2021 is “Restore Our Earth.”
Babara Kelsey, our Chapter Coordinator, has put together 7 things you can do to celebrate Earth Day.
Click here for some ideas to inspire you! |
Join the Bay Area Youth Climate Action Team for an Earth Day Webinar
Join our panel of local environmentalists to discuss important topics:
- Saving 30 percent of our lands and waters
- Broadband for all
- Divestment
- Plastic Foodware Ban
Click here to register
Click here to learn more (link tbd) |
A Special Package Is On Its Way To You
Did you know that only a sliver of your membership dues to Sierra Club National is returned to your Loma Prieta Chapter to support our local work for a healthy future?
However, 100% of your gift to your Chapter will be spent locally.
You should soon receive in the mail our only-twice-a-year invitation to join our caring community who directly give to our local environmental work, so please don’t miss it. If it’s more convenient for you, please click here to make your impact now.
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Above Photo: Class Members on a pre-Pandemic trip to Kibbe Lake, Yosemite National Park
Basic Backpacking Course (Online for 2021)
Join the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club on Wednesdays in May for a free four-part online symposium on the essentials of backcountry travel that is safe and enjoyable for you, and sustainable for the places you visit. We will place special emphasis on the gear, skills, and planning required to be a responsible steward of our precious wilderness ecosystems.
Courses begin on May 5th! Click here to register and learn more.
"Signing up for the backpacking course was one of the best things I’ve ever done! It was such a great experience, especially for a beginner like me. I had the opportunity to explore new places, put my new skills to the test, and made some pretty awesome friends!"
- Mayra Catalán-Orozco |
Above image by Beck Matsubara: an Anna's Hummingbird
Ordinance Approved! A Big Win for Birds and the Night Sky in Cupertino
On April 6th, the Cupertino City Council unanimously approved the second reading of a Bird-Safe Design and Dark Sky Ordinance. The ordinance contains standards to reduce bird deaths from window collisions and to prevent the spread of light pollution.
Thank you to the Cupertino City Council and Cupertino City staff who worked hard to make this ordinance a reality. We also thank the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society for their tireless advocacy for the more than two years that we collaborated on this issue.
This ordinance is a great first step towards reducing the staggering number of bird deaths form buildings and preventing the negative health impacts of light pollution. We hope a similar ordinance will be considered by other Bay Area cities. |
Above photo by jpstanley: The Constellation Orion, without and with light pollution
San José, Tell Your City Council: Don't Use City Park Land to Build a Monument to Environmental Destruction
In May, San José will vote to advance an electric light monument in Arena Green. The structure could be 200 feet tall and consist of dozens of massive moving illuminated light rods that will tower over the Guadalupe River, interfering with airport traffic, human health and wildlife.
These rods will be illuminated at night by light impossible to shield. This artificial light could shine into the creek and cause serious ecological disruption. Light pollution throughout Arena Green, nearby areas, and citywide could be significantly increased.
Furthermore, the City will be responsible for maintaining this structure which contains complicated moving parts and must bear the weight of people who travel to its upper floor. Do we really need to sacrifice City staff time and resources to maintain a structure that can damage our river and cause more light pollution?
You can email the San José Council and tell them not to approve this destructive and wasteful monument. |
Atherton Residents, a Spot is Open on the Town's Environmental Programs Committee
The Environmental Programs Committee provides recommendations to the City Council on policies related to the natural and built environment. The Committee also creates community engagement programs.
As a Committee member you could have a big impact on the environmental actions taken by Atherton!
Click here to learn more about the Environmental Programs Committee
For more information, email the Town Planner Lisa Costa Sanders |
Free Environmental Storytelling with Linda Yemoto, via Zoom
Saturday, May 8, 10 - 11 am PST
Enjoy a one hour nature-oriented storytelling program by Linda Yemoto via Zoom. She will happily share folktales and personal stories, all connected to the natural world. For over 30 years, Linda was a naturalist with the East Bay Regional Parks. Since the onset of COVID-19, she has been taking part in Zoom storytelling events that are drawing in people from, literally, all over the world.
This program is open to kids and the young at heart. It is sponsored by the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, the local face of the national Sierra Club. We offer local members and supporters the opportunity to get involved through outings for all ages and groups.
We hope you can join us! To attend the online storytelling on May 8 from 10 - 11 am PST. RSVP to mary.buxton@gmail.com for the Zoom link. |
Join Our New Book Club, Restoring Nature
Do you enjoy exploring ideas on how we can heal our planet and tackle the climate crisis through using nature-based solutions? If so, then you will be interested in joining our new book group, Restoring Nature, organized by Gladwyn d’Souza, Chair of the Loma Prieta Chapter's Conservation Committee.
The first book that we will be reading is “The Reindeer Chronicles.” The author, Judith Schwartz, takes us on an amazing journey to blighted areas around the world where restoration work is underway.
It’s a mesmerizing read that delights, educates, and inspires.
We will share thoughts online as we’re reading the book and at monthly meetings via Zoom on the 3rd Saturday of each month (10 AM). The Zoom meeting on The Reindeer Chronicles will be on April 17th, Saturday, at 10 AM.
If you are able to join us, contact Gladwyn d’Souza at godsouza@mac.com |
Make a Difference in Your Community by joining our Climate Action Leadership Team
Your voice is powerful! Volunteer to influence climate policy in your city or town. Those new to advocacy are welcome; our team will mentor you to help you become an effective local environmental advocate.
Discuss climate strategies in our weekly meetings and collaborate with other volunteers to influence cities and counties to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Email Dashiell.Leeds@SierraClub.org if you are interested in joining. |
YOU can make a difference. Influence California legislation. We'll show you how!
We are looking for help contacting California Senators and Assemblymembers within San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Benito Counties. Priority bills include the anti - fracking SB 467 and the Cortese building decarbonization package of 3 bills (SB 30, 31 and 32).
If you want to help, we'll educate you on how to advocate for these bills at the state level and implement them in your city. Contact Sue Chow of Loma Prieta Chapter's Environmental Legislative Action Team at sue2042@gmail.com.
Click here for a list of 2021 priority bills and their current status in the legislature.
See examples below of recent environmental policy meetings with local elected officials:
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, California Assemblymember Ash Kalra, Assemblymember Alex Lee, and California Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Mullin's transportation and environment staff. Find your Chapter Director wearing a Sierra Club hat, and Chapter Executive Committee Member Mary Buxton (green framed in first photo) who scheduled all meetings. |
Coyote Valley. Photo credit: Derek Neumann
Help Us Tell Our Story by Donating Your Photos
Photos can speak louder than words. Help us powerfully tell our story by donating your photos. We will use them in our publications like The Annual Summary, on invitations, and our Chapter note cards.
If you’d like to share with us your high-resolution photos of local nature, with or without people, please contact our Development Coordinator Justyna Guterman, Justyna.guterman@sierraclub.org |
Looking to Go Outside and Explore Nature?
Explore nature with our friends from Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful, BioBlitz.club and Grassroots Ecology. A team of docents will show you all the cool bugs, birds, and bushes that are thriving this Spring.
Sunday, April 11 at Almaden Quicksilver [RSVP]
Tuesday, April 20 is a virtual BioBlitz at Kelley Park [RSVP]
Friday, April 30 is a virtual BioBlitz at Ogier Ponds [RSVP]
Saturday May 1 at Hellyer Park [RSVP]
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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 |
Photo: 2001.04.03, Joseph Grant County Park, Chapter Director's hike.
Enjoy the Beauty of Spring, and of Spring Cleaning!
Donate a Vehicle to Support the Critical Local Environmental Work of Your Chapter.
It’s easy to give and the pick-up is free; just call 844-6-SIERRA or 844-674-3772 or give online at https://careasy.org/nonprofit/Sierra-Club-Foundation-Loma-Prieta-Chapter. |
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 |
Please join our friends at Bay Nature's 11th annual Local Hero Awards!
Two great events this year:
Sunday, April 11th, from 5:00 to 6:15 pm, hear from amazing local heroes, and
Tuesday, April 13th, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, a conversation with Doug McConnell. |
In Case You Missed It
Click Here to see the previous volumes of our Chapter eNewsletter.
Historic Dates
April, 1933, the year Loma Prieta Chapter was founded, was also the beginning of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Where have you seen their local projects? Post on the Loma Prieta facebook page.
April 21st, 1838: birth of John Muir, America's most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist, founder of the Sierra Club, "The Father of our National Parks," "Wilderness Prophet," and "Citizen of the Universe."
We're Hiring! Updated Bay2030 Campaign Coordinator and Communication Specialist
San Carlos Residents Wary of Burn Project Along Peninsula Watershed
Video: Coyote Creek Watershed Tours
Video: Guadalupe Regional Group Presentation: Healthy Homes, Healthy Planet
Petition: No Camping Along San Jose Waterways
Canopy is hiring for three open job positions
Survey: Valley Water Budget Tool
Putting the Cart Before the Horse: Diversity in the Environmental Movement
Looking for guides on how to retrofit your home? Check out this pocket guide from Redwood Energy
Learn about SB612 and PCIA rates here.
Discover What Your Support Has Helped to Achieve
See the big picture of our work in the 2019 Loma Prieta Chapter Annual Summary.
and a more detailed view in the 2019 Loma Prieta Chapter Conservation Review.
The 2020 Annual Summary is coming this month! See it first on our facebook page. |
| 2021.03.14 Chapter Director's Hike in Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve and Alum Rock Park. |
“The destruction of soil is the most fundamental kind of economic loss which the human race can suffer.”
Erosion and Prosperity, The Essential Aldo Leopold: Quotations and Commentaries. |
| 2021.03.27 Chapter Director's Hike in Joseph Grant County Park. |
Health and safety to all,
and Happy Trails to you. |
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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| 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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