YOU Can Make a Difference; Read How in This eNewsletter
► Recently Published: your 2022 Chapter Summary! See what your support of the Loma Prieta Chapter made possible in 2022 (and previously)!
► You have the Power! Sierra Club Members, YOU choose Sierra Club National's Board of Directors, a group of volunteers which makes Club policy and chooses the National Executive Director (newly Ben Jealous), so please read the Board candidates biographies and use your power to elect Directors with experience in and commitment to chapters.
► Take a hike! Here's what's available with your chapter.
► Join our Environmental Stewardship Program 8.0 for thought-provoking educational presentations and opportunities to take local action to protect our environment.
► Do you receive too much Sierra Club email? Probably >90% is from Sierra Club National, but you can control what you receive, keeping the few monthly communications about local work from your chapter. See below for the simple tutorial.
► Be inspired by local volunteers: Mary Buxton, Environmental Stewardship Program, Bay Alive, Military Outdoors, Climate Policy, CA Environmental Quality Act, Loma Prieta Chapter Founders
► Find ways to protect local nature: Save Redwood Shores, Environmental Stewardship Program, Bay Alive, Air & Water Pollution (Lehigh), Environmental Book Club, Home Electrification, Plastic Pollution, Dirty Banks, Photographers, Your Legacy
► Read Sierra Club Director Ben Jealous' opinion piece in The Hill, "A tale of two energy proposals; only one prioritizes survival". |
Hot of the press, your 2022 Loma Prieta Chapter Summary Is Here!
"Explore & Enjoy" great photography, great stories, great successes, and great opportunities!
Your gifts dedicated specifically to the Loma Prieta Chapter are fully used to support our local work for clean air and water, and to protect local wildlands and wildlife, so we are grateful to all our donors. With great appreciation, we present our 2022 Chapter Summary, highlighting the work which you have inspired and enabled. We hope that what you read will fill you with pride and joy!
BTW, note above your chapter's new & locally created 90th Anniversary logo! |
The Future of Coyote Valley: Let’s Focus on Regenerating Historical Ecology
The Open Space Authority (OSA) is taking public input to define the future of Coyote Valley. A Spring 2023 community survey is now open for us to express our vision and priorities for the land.
The focus of the survey is on how people use the land rather than on ecosystem restoration for biodiversity.
Are we losing the opportunity to regenerate a vast (and long gone) valley floor ecosystem, where a tapestry of wetlands, grasslands and oak woodlands once dominated the landscape?
For more information on how you can maximize the impact of your survey answers, click here.
To go directly to the survey, click here.
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"The Environmental Stewardship Program held by the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club is not to be missed. I attended the first three years of the program, and since the program is different each year, that is a lot of learning! I appreciate the depth of knowledge of the guest speakers, the moving documentaries, the engaging discussions, and the connections that can be made. As a City Councilmember, it is very helpful to have experts to tap into on a wide variety of environmental topics, and now I have a deep bench of connections in the environmental sustainability area. Don't hesitate to sign up for this - you will not be disappointed."
Lisa Matichak, Councilmember, City of Mountain View
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Environmental Stewardship Program 8.0
Applications Open for 2023
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After a pandemic-induced hiatus of 3 years, we are resuming our highly successful Environmental Stewardship Program, which provided participants with thought-provoking educational presentations and opportunities to take action. ESP graduates have gone on to run for office and have assumed leadership positions in their local communities, including leadership roles in the Sierra Club. This year’s Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) 8.0 will focus on critical environmental issues, and we will mentor participants who choose to work on advocacy projects. Click here for more information about ESP 8.0 and to apply.
Click here to learn about the environmental journey of ESP alumnus Mary. |
Take a hike! Here's what's available with your Loma Prieta Chapter.
Note: regardless of the name/origin of the outing section, all are welcome!
Wed 5/17/23, 10:00 AM. Hike Phleger Estate GGNRA
Thu 5/18/23, 10:00 AM. Hike Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
Sat 5/20/23, 8:00 AM. Backpacking on the Lost Coast
Sat 5/20/23, 10:00 AM. Saint Joseph's Hill Preserve, Los Gatos (Front Country) (Loma Prieta Gay & Lesbian Hiking Section)
Wed 5/24/23, 10:00 AM. Hike North Peak via Montara Mountain Trail
Sat 05/27/23, 10:00 AM. Enchanted Forest, Wilder Ranch State Park (Loma Prieta Gay & Lesbian Hiking Section)
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Stopping the Pacheco Reservoir is a high priority for the Loma Prieta Chapter; see article via the link below. Pacheco would primarily hold imported water from the San Francisco Bay Delta. We're collaborating with Sierra Club California and other organizations to reduce reliance on the Delta. For more information or to get involved, email the Loma Prieta Water Committee water@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org.
https://socalwatersierraclub.org/pacheco-dam-a-prop-1-zombie-project/
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Taking the Measure of Success at the South Bay Salt Ponds
The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration project is creating critical and invaluable natural assets for sea level rise resilience - supporting a biodiverse Bay ecosystem and protecting our shoreline communities by mitigating climate change and protecting us from floods and rising tides.
Click here to learn more about the history and successes of this visionary project and consider joining our Bay Alive Campaign to support nature-based sea level rise adaptation strategies around the Bay.
To join our Bay Alive Campaign and learn more, contact Bay Alive Campaign Manager Jennifer Hetterly at jennifer.hetterly@sierraclub.org. |
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Loma Prieta Chapter Military Outdoors Program
2022 was the inaugural year of Loma Prieta Chapter's Military Outdoors program (SCMO). We are delighted to announce that Sierra Club National has renewed support for 2023.
The Loma Prieta Chapter is reaching out to veterans and their family members to offer sessions designed to enhance their outdoor experiences – Outdoor RX.
Training Sessions are scheduled in beautiful locations around the Bay Area.
Poles are provided at all trainings and practice walks/hikes, which are listed on our calendar which you can click here to find. |
You can help combate toxic "forever chemicals" by joining our Beyond Plastic Group.
EPA's big deal upcoming regulation not to contaminate water with PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, will result in a massive industrial overhaul and lead to less use of these chemicals because health effects are now known through movies like Dark Water. To volunteer to work with our Beyond Plastic group, contact Dr Sue Chow at sue.chow@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org |
Help require big companies and investment managers to disclose climate information
Financial regulators are hoping to force big companies and investment managers to disclose climate information. If you'd like to join local grassroots effective work to make these changes happen, please contact Sue Chow, sue2042@gmail.com
Loma Prieta Chapter, Chair of Environmental Legislative Action Committee |
Loma Prieta Chapter's Environmental Book Club Reading List for 2023
To join, contact Gladwyn d'Souza
January: Water Always Wins- thriving in an age of drought and deluge, by Erica Gies
February: Nomad Century- How climate migration will reshape our world, by Gaia Vince
March: Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver
April: The Intersectional Environmentalist- How to dismantle systems of oppression to protect people plus planet by Leah Thomas
May: Regenesis- Feeding the world without devouring the planet by George Monbiot
June: Euphoria by Lily King
July: The Flag The Cross, And The Station Wagon by Bill McKibben.
August: Rescuing the Planet- protecting half the land to heal the earth by Tony Hiss.
September: The New Wilderness by Diane Cook
October: There Are No Accidents- the deadly rise injury and disaster, who profits, and who pays the price by Jessie Singer
November: Bicycling with Butterflies by Sara Dykman
December: How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue |
Sierra Club California has released their 2023 Priority Bill List!
Sierra Club California (SC CA) is the legislative arm for the 13 local Sierra Club chapters in California. As bills move through the legislature, things change. Some bills are weakened and some are strengthened. SC CA will update the priority bill list with the status and relevant changes for each bill, and also add or remove bills as necessary. The legislature moves quickly, so watch the list as it is updated and keep an eye on the legislation page. |
"Doing the right thing by our environment is also doing the right thing by our nation, is doing the right thing for our families." Public Radio interview
Ben Jealous is the new Executive Director of the Sierra Club, our nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. Previously, Ben led the NAACP from 2008 to 2013 as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. From 2020 to 2022, he was president of People for the American Way.
He is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of Never Forget Our People Were Always Free. The son of a white New England outdoorsman and a Black mother who had to leave Maryland because interracial marriage was illegal in her state at that time, Ben has dedicated his life to progressive social change.
"From day one when I showed up what I found [in the Sierra Club] was the most integrated, inclusive national green group in the entire country."
"One of the things that I'm most proud of is that over the last decade, the Sierra Club has become an increasing trusted ally of environmental justice communities across the country, and that gives me hope."
"yes this is about stopping climate change; it's also about creating a better future for all of us ... honestly, our movement offers solutions to both."
Click below to read his recent weekly columns:
1. Unpacking the BS About ESG
We have a right to invest in the next generation’s future
2. The Struggle Dr. King Gave His Life For
Remembering the lessons of racial division and unity
3. Make Banks Make Good on Their Pledge to End Fossil Fuel Financing
It’s time lenders put their money somewhere else
4. Listening to Lead
Recent conversations with Sierra Club members across the US illustrated the power of grassroots advocacy
5. In Conversation With Al Gore
“We can’t just sit back and wait for change to come”
6. Divisions Set in Concrete and Pavement
Poorly planned freeway construction split our urban communities. Now, we can do better. |
Image of Hellyer Park from Santa Clara County Parks Website
Spring BioBlitz at Hellyer Park
Location: 996 Hellyer Ave, Cottonwood Lake - Southwest trail entrance, San Jose, CA 95111
Saturday May 13th
9AM - 11AM
Click here to RSVP |
Looking to electrify but don't know where to start? Begin here!
The Switch is On provides the resources you'll need to electrify your home, click here!. Explore the benefits of an all-electric home and learn about how you can swap from gas to electric!
Incentives are available! Click here to learn more. This tool allows you to find the right incentives that apply to you. |
From Loma Prieta Chapter's friends at Nuestra Casa
What Is Water Justice?
The latest Ventana Abierta is all about water justice and East Palo Alto. Nuestra Casa's program director and host, Vicky Avila Medrano, interviews our water justice program coordinator, Rosa Nelson. They talk about the history, sources, and quality of drinking water in East Palo Alto.
Click here to watch it on Youtube |
Rebates for electric applicances
Peninsula Clean Energy is providing homeowners in San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos interest-free financing and new rebates to install electric appliances and make other energy-efficiency upgrades.
The agency’s new Zero Percent Loan program will provide interest-free financing for as much as $10,000 per home for projects that include installation of electric heat pump equipment, including water heaters and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) units. Gas-powered equipment will not be eligible for the financing. |
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 directly.
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One of the best ways to safeguard a thriving and just future is by ensuring that your Loma Prieta Chapter remains a champion for the environment of Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Benito Counties. Naming us as a beneficiary in your bequest will provide meaningful and enduring resources that will allow continued local and powerful environmental activism.
Please contact our Chapter Development Coordinator Justyna Guterman at justyna.guterman@sierraclub.org for the specific language for your estate planning and/or read more here. For additional information about planning a bequest please contact Julia Curtis at julia.curtis@sierraclub or (800) 932-4270.
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In Case You Missed It
Previous volumes of our Chapter eNewsletter can be found here.
IN THE NEWS
Peninsula Clean Energy Reaches Innovative Solar Agreements With County, Cities
- Click here to read Sierra Club CA's policy on renewables
The 8 Best Hiking Boots of 2023
Ben Jealous's commentary on "A tale of two energy proposals; Only one prioritizes survival".
Big Beef Fueling Amazon's Destruction
Reflections on the Plight of Farmworkers
Light pollution frustrates astronomers looking for discoveries
Photographers, see the great images in our Chapter Annual Summaries and help protect local nature with your images! Share with us your high-resolution photos of local nature, with or without people, to inspire local residents to support Loma Prieta Chapter work. Please contact Chapter Development Coordinator Justyna Guterman, justyna.guterman@sierraclub.org
Too much Sierra Club email? You have control! See this simple tutorial.
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!
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Your Loma Prieta Chapter was founded in 1933, at Hidden Villa
What other important events happened in that year?
Keep reading the Loma Prieta Chapter eNewsletter this year to discover much more!
If you know of important local events that happened that year, then please let us know.
Historic events in May
May 25th, 1803, birth of Ralph Waldo Emerson
May 27th, 1907, birth of Rachel Carson
May 28th, 1892, founding of Sierra Club |
“Your generation must come to terms with the environment. Your generation must face realities instead of taking refuge in ignorance and evasion of truth. Yours is a grave and a sobering responsibility, but it is also a shining opportunity. You go out into a world where mankind is challenged, as it has never been challenged before, to prove its maturity and its mastery - not of nature but of itself.”
Rachel Carson, speaking at Scripps College to the class of 1962
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| 2023 April 22: thanks to Lisa Barbaoza, Chapter Outings Chair, for planning and leading an Earth Day hike at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. |
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Thank you to our 2022 Guardians on 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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