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YOU Can Make a Difference; Read How in This eNewsletter!
► Join the Loma Prieta Chapter New Members' Meeting on Feb 16th.
► Attend the free, virtual event The Trail Not Taken - The Old John Muir Trail, on Feb 17th.
► Help "Oaks Older Than California" Threatened in County Park
► Lend your voice to Shape The Future Of Land And Water Conservation In California
► Mark your Calendar for Supervisor Simitian Annual Lehigh Public Meeting on March 2nd
► Sign the Petition for NO toxic plastic grass in Los Gatos Unified School District!
► Learn from the best at the Loma Prieta Chapter Lightweight Backpacking Course!
► Help San Jose trees. Why are San Jose’s trees disappearing? City loses hundreds of acres each year.
► You Can Honor Black History Month at 11 National Park Sites: including Yosemite and in San Francisco!
► Try our Trivia Challenge. How much do you know about Loma Prieta Chapter and classic Hollywood films. |
Join the Loma Prieta Chapter New Members Meeting on Feb 16
New to the Sierra Club? Need a reminder about what it's all about? On Wednesday, February 16 at 7 pm, come learn about the basics of being a Sierra Club member: who we are, what we do, and what you can do!
We will cover
1. The structure of the Club and the Chapter's role within it,
2. A focus on our conservation campaign 30x30,
3. An introduction to outings
Sign up here.
For more information contact Nathan Chan at chan.nathan.th@gmail.com or (773) 817-6115.
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The Trail Not Taken - The Old John Muir Trail. Attend the free, virtual event on Feb 17.
Please join us and Peter Hirst, an amateur historian and seasoned backpacker, for an exploration of lands lost, trails not known, and places rarely visited that deserve our protection. We will be talking about the origins of the John Muir Trail, and some of the early adventurers who were instrumental in creating this trail.
When: Thursday, Feb 17, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Register online here.
For more information contact Lisa Barboza at lisa.barboza@gmail.com or (650) 493-8099.
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Palo Alto is on the frontline of projected sea level rise. We urged the City to include sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation planning as an integral part of its Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Update. The vulnerability assessment is almost finished and we had a first peak last month at the scope of the assessment, including threats from groundwater rise!
See the January 13th webinar. The vulnerability assessment starts at 1:42:00, but the whole show is worth a look for expert presentations and Q&A on the local impacts of wildfires and sea level rise due to climate change.
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(Left) photo by Marsha Cohen. (Right) photo courtesy of Dave Poeschel. |
Oaks Older Than California Threatened in County Park: Act Now
A conflict is developing because aspects of the "reimagining" of Flood County Park require removal of trees older than California.
San Mateo County Parks has been working on "reimagining" Flood County Park since 2015. It is now in the "realize" stage, https://parks.smcgov.org/realize-flood-park, but you can still participate in the planning process by attending community meetings and/or sign the petition below.
If you have not done so already, please sign the petition here.
For more information, contact Dave Poeschel at dave.poeschel@gmail.com. |
Graphic Designer Needed to Save the Planet!
We are looking for a volunteer graphic designer to help us tell the story of our annual environmental impact by designing an approximately 16-page 2021 Loma Prieta Annual Summary. Please see our 2020 Annual Summary for reference.
In cooperation with the Development Coordinator and Chapter Director, the volunteer graphic designer will create a concept, rough and final print/post-ready layout of the document. If needed, the volunteer will also support the print house to ensure the final copy meets printing requirements.
Time of engagement: February through the first half of March.
Graphic Designer Qualifications/Skills:
Strong graphic design skills, Layout skills, Creativity, Flexibility, Attention to detail, Deadline-oriented
Desktop publishing tools and graphic design software
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Shape The Future Of Land And Water Conservation In California
California is leading the nation as the first state committed to protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030. A key milestone in this effort came last month when the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) released its draft plan for achieving 30% conservation in the “Draft Pathways to 30x30 Report.”
Until Tuesday, February 15th, CNRA is gathering public comments on the Draft Pathways Report. Send a comment asking for a plan that has concrete commitments to stop ongoing harms to land and waters, specific action plans for achieving our goals, and the funding needed to make 30x30 a reality!
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Mark your Calendar: Supervisor Simitian Annual Lehigh Public Meeting March 2nd
County Supervisor Joe Simitian is holding a public meeting to provide an update on the Lehigh Southwest Cement Plant & Permanente Quarry.
Please join us online where you'll hear from various oversight agencies and have an opportunity to ask questions about the quarry and cement plant located in the Cupertino foothills.
When: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
See more information and register online. |
Photo courtesy of Save LGUSD fields. |
Sign the Petition: NO plastic grass in Los Gatos USD!
Please sign the petition to the Los Gatos Unified School District to not convert sport fields to plastic grass.
We should stop using fossil fuels as society faces threats from wildfires, floods, zoonotic and tropical diseases, atmospheric rivers, and extreme heat. Plastics are made from fossil fuels and represent a lifesaver for the industry. Chemicals in the plastic-make-up and tire fill are toxic to our health and the environment. Microplastic pollution is a massive problem to watersheds and the ocean.
For more information, please contact Gladwyn D'Souza at godsouza@mac.com. |
The threat of sea level rise isn’t just about surface flooding.
As the sea level rises, so does ground water. For frontline communities living with toxic contamination in the soil, that can spell disaster: spreading contamination and community exposure as water moves underground.
https://eastbayexpress.com/toxic-tidesgroups-demand-action-now-as-seas-rise/ Our Bay Alive Campaign is collaborating with the SF Bay Shoreline Contamination Cleanup Coalition as they mobilize for the safe, comprehensive, and immediate cleanup of all toxic and radioactive contamination near the SF Bay shoreline. Learn more from scientists, agencies and grassroots groups in their 2-day contamination cleanup workshop: Workshop Day 1: Day 1 Recording Workshop Day 2: Day 2 Recording |
See the Channel Islands’ stunning ecological recovery.
The conservation success story is an example of what decades of work can accomplish.
Non-native species that dominated the landscape had to be removed — feral pigs were tearing up the ground, while golden eagles had hunted the island foxes to near-extinction. Graham sees the Channel Islands as an excellent model for ecologically disturbed places on the mainland. |
Coming up: Loma Prieta Chapter Lightweight Backpacking Course!
Imagine backpacking, and feeling like a you're on a day-hike. How much farther could you go? How much more could you see? Find out in our class for experienced backpackers on lightweight and ultralight backpacking skills, gear, and techniques.
The classroom sessions will begin online on Saturday March 19th, divided into in three 90-minute sessions between 10:30am and 4:30pm. A weekend outing will follow three weeks later on Friday April 8 through Sunday, April 10th.
See more information and register online.
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SoCalGas faces $10-million fine for fighting climate action
Shareholders of the nation’s largest natural gas utility could be forced to pay nearly $10 million after using customermoney to fight public policies that could slow the climate crisis.
Read more online.
The proposed fine is far less than the $124 million recommended by the Public Advocates Office, an independent arm of the utilities commission that works to protect ratepayers. |
Photos courtesy of Gladwyn d’Souza. |
Why are San Jose’s trees disappearing? City loses hundreds of acres each year.
Trees offer a plethora of benefits, such as lowering temperatures, filtering the air, reducing flooding and providing shelter for seniors walking down a street and children playing tag. Those who live in areas with little tree coverage are more vulnerable to pollution, extreme heat and potential health problems, according to experts.
We need volunteers with a passion for trees to do letter writing, and engage with a city's planning process on behalf of trees lost to project development. No experience necessary. To get involved contact Gladwyn d’Souza at godsouza@mac.com. |
Ugly Food Fight: Misfits Market, Imperfect Foods, and the Battle Against Food Waste
Both online grocers deliver salvaged produce. How good are the savings for the planet and your budget?
Read more online here.
Removing wasted food from the waste stream and recovering it for food insecure communities is already the law in CA. See for example SB1383 in San Mateo County:
https://www.smcsustainability.org/sb-1383-calrecycle-organics/
To get involved with SB1383 implementation in your city contact Gladwyn d’Souza at godsouza@mac.com. |
Photo courtesy of Sierra Magazine. |
11 National Park Sites Where You Can Honor Black History Month
Not sure how to celebrate Black History Month? Brushing up on important moments in history is a good place to start, and what better way to do it than to visit the very scenes where they occurred. Sites and stories significant to the African American experience are scattered throughout the United States, and our National Park Service preserves many of them. Chances are, one of the following eleven spots is located near you (if not, look for others in the extensive lists compiled by the National Park Service and BlackPast.org).
Read more online in Sierra Magazine. |
New research finds that gas stoves emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, even when turned off.
This adds to the debate over electrifying homes. Read more online here.
Methane gas leaks are quite normal because of the highly pressurized system and can not be fixed. Getting rid of methane is the solution.
If you're interested in supporting the Loma Prieta Chapter's work to help local cities move from gas to electricity from renewable sources, contact dashiell.leeds@sierraclub.org. |
YOU Can Make a Difference for Local Environmental Protection!
Our Environmental Legislative Action Team and Climate Action Leadership Team will show you how.
Your Loma Prieta Chapter is organizing a network of advocacy teams at the city level.
These are city-focused teams with the twin goals of spearheading actions to combat climate change and to conserve and restore natural habitats.
You will be working with city council members, key city staff, county officials, and other environmental activists. We welcome and educate those who are new to climate policy.
For more information contact Loma Prieta Chapter's Conservation Assistant dashiell.leeds@sierraclub.org. |
From our friends at Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful
Alum Rock Park's Hidden Treasures - Coyote Creek Watershed Tours
Description: Virtually visit Alum Rock Park and see some of its hidden treasures
Alum Rock Park is San Jose's oldest park and features many hidden treasures. From its 13-miles of trails from the creek to the top of the Diablo Range and its mineral springs, this regional park is a special place.
On this virtual tour, we'll feature many parts of the park and focus on some of the special natural elements of the park, such as the unique plants and butterflies that need them, to the bobcats, birds, and salamanders, hiding in the brush. Register here. |
Do You Need Space to Spread Your Wings?
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.
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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. This is no way to be human: we now occupy a nearly natureless world.
#2. A Fight Over Rooftop Solar Threatens California’s Climate Goals
#1. One of the single largest murder rates of any wildlife species anywhere in the world: "Can Citizen Scientists Prevent Another Pacific Newt Massacre?" |
| Thanks to member Gloria S. for this recent lovely photo, with comment "I counted about 13 of these beauties on the Sunset Trail of Edgewood Park this morning. This is my favorite flower!" |
Social Media Channels for the Loma Prieta Chapter
facebook: Chapter, 20s – 30s, Sierra Singles
Loma Prieta Chapter's YouTube; Twitter; Instagram; Spotify |
In Case You Missed It
Click Here to see previous volumes of our Chapter eNewsletter.
Sierra Club History: Feb. 20th, 1902, Ansel Adams' B'day
Loma Prieta Chapter history: challenge for classic Hollywood film mavens.
The Loma Prieta Chapter was founded in June, 1933. Just a few months later Kim Novak was born on Feb 13th. In which scene/s of the great film Vertigo was Ms Novak in our chapter? See our next eNewsletter for the answer.
Don’t Miss These Four Films About Activism
Pandemics Are Expensive. Preventing Them Is Cheap.
Don’t Look Up review: The funniest climate change movie so far
Birds of the Bay Area: Fresh Water Lakes
The loneliness of the desert tortoise: A once-abundant species struggles to survive
How the National Park Service Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
Los Angeles Is Building a Future Where Water Won’t Run Out
Royally Flooded: Dispatches from the Highest Tides
How can local cities and residents use nature-based adaptations to sea level rise? Watch recordings of our recent webinar series with SF Bay experts and share with your local elected officials!
Photographers, 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
Too much Sierra Club email? You have control! See this simple tutorial. |
A good craftsman leaves no traces. ~ Zen proverb
A good hiker/camper leaves no trace. ~ Homer Monroe Eggers, Feb 14, 1927 – Jan 24, 2013
Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.
~ John Lewis, Feb 21, 1940 - Jul 17, 2020
While it's important to leave no trace when visiting natural areas, many of our local activists have left a lasting positive trace. You too can leave a positive trace for our local environment, by supporting your Loma Prieta Chapter. |
James Eggers, Director
Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter |
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Thank you to our 2021 Guardians of Nature Benefit Sponsorsto be a 2022 Guardians of Nature Benefit Sponsor, contact Chapter Development Coordinator Justyna |
Sierra Nevada Sentinel
Anonymous
Mary Buxton and Ron Hess
Yosemite Hero
Anonymous x2
Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian and Mary Hughes
Suzanne and Rob Rubenstein
Sigal Wilnai
Sequoia Champion
Irene and Alan Adler
Marilyn Brewer
Sue Chow
David and Nancy Crabbe
Peter and Melanie Cross
Gladwyn d'Souza
Sidney and Linda Liebes
Larry L. Lundberg
Landa Robillard and Kelly Maas
Richard Simpson and Ann Reisenauer |
| Baylands Steward
Nabeel Al-Shamma and Hala Al-Shahwany
Shawn Britton
Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez
Rick and Karen DeGolia
Susan DesJardin
Edith and Jed Eddy
Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg
San Jose City Councilmember Pam Foley
Jerry Hearn
Santa Clara City Councilmember Sudhanshu "Suds" Jain
San Jose City Councilmember Sergio Jimenez
Kristine Karnos
Arthur Keller
Ginny Laibl
Lucinda Lenicheck
San Carlos City Mayor Laura Parmer-Lohan
Karen Maki
Robert McIntyre
Assemblymember Kevin Mullin
Enid Pearson and Emily Renzel
Bruce Rienzo
Lennie Roberts
Charles and Jamie Schafer
Rene Spring
Cheryl and Donald Weiden
Nina Weil |
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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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