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You Can Make a Difference! Read More in this eNewsletter.
► Bay Area Elected Officials, their staff, and others interested, are invited to register for our free Sea Level Rise Webinar featuring leading adaptation experts on May 13th, 20th and 27th.
► Sunnyvale residents: protect your city and family by attending the March 26th Sunnyvale Planning Commission Meeting on the Moffett Park Specific Plan.
► Registration 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 unhealthy light pollution in Arena Green.
► Join our New Book Club, Restoring Nature.
► Improve your local environment by joining 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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Sierra Club Statement on the Guilty Verdict in Derek Chauvin Trial
"George Floyd should be alive. We remember George Floyd and how his life mattered and the conviction of Derek Chauvin, made possible because of the recording of a bystander, is a small step towards accountability. But it is not justice. This is momentary. During the verdict announcement, sixteen-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant was brutally murdered by police in Columbus, OH, reinforcing why our fight for justice can’t stop here, as our nation mourns another Black life taken by police."
Click here to read the full statement by Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune and Minnesota North Star Chapter Chair Kamau Wilkins. |
Learn from the Experts: How You Can Protect Your Community from Sea Level Rise
Webinar: Sea Level Rise: Why We Need Nature-Based Adaptation
9am to noon, May 13th, 20th, 27th
Decision-makers, their staff and the public need more information about why nature-based adaptation to sea level rise is critical for cities around the Bay. Presented by leading experts in the field, this webinar provides a comprehensive discussion of nature-based solutions.
Click here to learn more and register for free.
Click here to see the presenters.
Click here to see the webinar agendas. |
Image of Sunnyvale and the Moffett Park area by NASA
Sunnyvale Residents, Make Your City Better!
Join the Sunnyvale Planning Commission Meeting to Discuss the Moffett Park Specific Plan
Sunnyvale Planning Commission, March 26th, 7pm
Click here to find the meeting agenda
Please attend the Planning Commission meeting via zoom and ask the City to prioritize natural areas for open space, such as wetlands, riparian corridors, and habitat areas. You can also ask for increasing the urban canopy and walkable and bike-friendly streets. Sunnyvale should incorporate natural solutions to address the threat of sea level rise.
The city of Sunnyvale is updating its Specific Plan for the Moffett Park area, an approximately 1156-acre site bounded by State Route 237 and US Highway 101 to the south, Moffett Federal Airfield to the west, and Caribbean Drive.
Learn more about the Moffett Park Specific Plan here.
Click here to learn more about your Loma Prieta Chapter's Bay2030 Campaign and our efforts to protect and restore the Bay. |
Photo by Dara Hazeghi, Vice Chair of Loma Prieta Chapter's Day Hiking Section and 20s - 30s outing section.
Help Stop the Extinction Crisis!
Given the extinction crisis it’s clear that species need habitat. 30x30 started out as a bill in CA that would preserve 30% of the biosphere by 2030. It has since gone nationwide and international! The 30 x 30 goals address everything the Sierra Club stands for and we need lots of volunteers to make this happen in your city.
For more on 30x30 and to comment, click here.
Please join this exciting effort by emailing Mary Buxton mary.buxton@gmail.com |
You can tell Caltrans that biodiversity is important!
During a recent stakeholder workshop Caltrans has stated that they do not plan to include ecological protection and restoration in the purpose and need statement for their Planning and Environmental Linkages Study for the SR 37 corridor.
The purpose and needs statement will influence the overall design of the highway. The lack of ecological protection and restoration language could have serious implications for the final project.
You can have an impact in less than 5 mintues by telling Caltrans that ecological protection and restoration is necessary!
Click here to fill out the Caltrans Survey.
Click here to send an email to Caltrans. |
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 |
Photo by Dion Noravian. "The Reef" in Los Angeles is a warning of light pollution that could come to San José.
San José, Tell Your City Council "Don't Use City Parks to Build a Monument to Environmental Destruction"
On May 4th, San José will vote to advance an electric light monument in Arena Green. The 200 foot tall structure will 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 un-shielded light which will spill across the City. This artificial light will shine into the creek and could cause serious ecological disruption. Light pollution throughout Arena Green, nearby areas, and citywide will be significantly increased.
In less than 5 minutes, you can email the San José Council and tell them not to approve this destructive and wasteful monument.
Thanks, but no thanks to the 'gift' of light pollution, by Ada Márquez
Click here to read the Sierra Club's light pollution policy. |
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 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. |
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 |
Do You Want 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.
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.
If you would like to donate a Mazda Miata, please contact your Chapter Director personally. |
Social Media Channels for the Loma Prieta Chapter
facebook: Chapter, 20s – 30s, Sierra Singles
Loma Prieta Chapter's YouTube; Twitter; Instagram; Spotify
MeetUp: Chapter conservation and education meetings (>2700 members),
Hiking events (>5000 members), Singleaires outing section (>1800 members),
Day Hiking section (>1700 members), Guadalupe Regional Group (>500 members),
Peak Climbing (>500 members), Gay & Lesbian Sierrans (>400 members),
Black Mountain Hiking section (>400 members), 20s - 30s (>150 members),
Family Explorers (>100 members) |
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 |
In Case You Missed It
Click Here to see the previous volumes of our Chapter eNewsletter.
Historic Dates
In 1933 our Loma Prieta Chapter was founded; April that year had many famous birth's, including Elizabeth Mongomery and Roy Clark (15th), Jayne Mansfield (19th), Jerry Lieber (25th), Carol Burnett (26th), and Willie Nelson (30th).
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."
See the Incentives from the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project
15 Books to get You Camping
The Kid's Book that Redefines Being in the American Outdoors
Video: Guadalupe Regional Group Presentation: Healthy Homes, Healthy Planet
Canopy is hiring for three open job positions
Are you looking for guides to retrofit your home? See this pocket guide from Redwood Energy
Learn about SB612 and PCIA rates.
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. |
“Our tools are better than we are, and grow better faster than we do.
They suffice to crack the atom, to command the tides, but they do not suffice for the oldest task in human history, to live on a piece of land without spoiling it.”
Engineering and Conservation, The River of the Mother of God, by Aldo Leopold |
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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