► Save the date! Our 2026 Guardians of Nature Benefit is Friday, September 25th.
► Learn about the giant old-growth redwoods in our area.
► Read about concerns with data centers potentially coming to San Jose.
► Learn about the less visible sea level rise threats: rising groundwater, mobilization of contaminants, and environmental justice.
Save the Date: 2026 Guardians of Nature Benefit
Friday, September 25, 2026 6:00 - 9:00 pm Palo Alto
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Guardians of Nature Benefit. Join fellow environmental advocates, community leaders, and Sierra Club supporters for an inspiring evening celebrating the people who make local conservation achievements possible. This year, we are proud to honor the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors for their extraordinary leadership in protecting the open spaces just minutes from our doors. All funds raised will support the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter's work to protect our environment, advance climate solutions, and build a more sustainable future.
Where the Giants Still Stand: Old‑Growth Redwoods of the Loma Prieta
Walk through the Santa Cruz Mountains, and you can feel it instantly: the shift in the air, the hush in the understory, the sense that something ancient is watching.
The presence of old-growth redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains is what remains of a vast forest that once stretched unbroken in the range from Big Sur to what is now the Presidio in San Francisco. Those that still stand are survivors of relentless logging in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and they stand tall, embodying beauty, resilience, and ancient history. Ranging in age between 300
and 1,800 years, some are survivors of whatever reshaped the forest long before Europeans arrived on the West Coast. All have witnessed centuries of change and upheaval. Read more about the old-growth redwoods.
San Jose Spotlight: Advocates Worry San Jose Will Fast Track Data Centers
June 13, 2026: "Dash Leeds, conservation coordinator for the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, said the city is racing toward developing data centers before seeking meaningful input from residents.
“We are concerned that these standards, if left up to the city, could merely streamline the data center approval process without creating robust protections,” Leeds told San José Spotlight. “The city should restore the trust it has broken by pausing its data center rush and allowing the community to write the standards that should be meant to protect us.”" Read the full San Jose Spotlight article.
In last month’s article we discussed how sea level rise will impact each shoreline differently. This month we focus on related but less visible threats: rising groundwater, the mobilization of contaminants, and the environmental justice implications for shoreline communities.
As we’ve explained in prior blogs, as sea levels rise, it doesn’t only cause surface flooding. Below ground, it also raises our shallow groundwater aquifers. One of the most serious hazards of groundwater rise is that it can mobilize contaminants already present in the soil.
Many of the contaminated sites were cleaned up and closed decades ago, before regulators were paying attention to some hazardous materials that are now recognized as contaminants of concern, and were established before the threat of sea level rise was recognized so they didn’t consider the possibility of submergence and contaminants being carried far from the source by groundwater rise.
Environmental justice is also central to this work. Socially vulnerable communities often bear the largest environmental burdens while having the fewest resources to respond. These communities suffer from both social vulnerability and contamination vulnerability. This correlation is no coincidence but rather the result of historical discrimination often placing contaminated sites in socially vulnerable communities. Now, sea level rise only exacerbates this disproportionate burden. Learn more about these less visible threats.
Baylands Specific Plan Project Final Environmental Impact Report
"We appreciate the substantial effort that has gone into this lengthy and complex environmental review process and acknowledge several useful clarifications and revisions made in response to public comments. Nevertheless, we remain concerned that critical decisions have been deferred to future approvals without sufficiently clear standards, decision triggers, adaptive management requirements, or accountability mechanisms. This is a once-in-a-generation redevelopment proposal on a highly constrained and contaminated shoreline site expected to experience substantial sea level rise and groundwater change over the lifetime of the project. Because of the scale and duration of the proposed development, unresolved uncertainties should not simply be deferred. They should be addressed through enforceable conditions, adaptive management requirements, and transparent future oversight."
Consider and Approve a Resolution Certifying the FEIR of the SAFER Bay Project and Related Actions
"We wish to extend our sincere thanks to SFCJPA staff for the substantial attention given to our lengthy and detailed DEIR comment letter and for the significant responsive revisions incorporated into the FEIR that is now before the Board.
We want to specifically voice our support for the Board's approval of "the Modified Footprint Alternative (Figure RTC-1) of the FEIR Response to Comments Document", as outlined in letter L of the Board's Resolution Certifying the Final EIR. The approval of the Modified Footprint Alternative, as specified in the Final EIR, will reduce permanent impacts to the marsh and slough east of the Meta Headquarters. It will also provide a beautiful new addition to the Bay Trail with a 600-foot bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Before taking action on certification of the FEIR, we ask the Board to consider the following remaining concerns:
The program-level trail width standard; and
Predator Management Funding; and
Implementation requirements related to contamination, groundwater, and construction-phase hazards."
Public Comment Process Shortfall for the Draft Safety Element Update
"The City established an April 24 public comment deadline for submission of comments on the draft Safety Element. However, the Planning Commission hearing and vote were held on April 27, the following Monday. As a result, the Planning Commission agenda packet did not include all timely submitted public comment letters, and the accompanying staff report did not address many of the comments received. This undermined transparency and limited the ability of Commissioners and the public to fully consider the range and substance of community input prior to the Commission’s deliberations and recommendation."
Sea Level Rise Webinar Series
Learn how nature can help fight sea level rise with cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Watch recordings of our webinar series with SF Bay experts and please share with your local elected officials.
Executive Committee Candidates
Are you a potential candidate for the Loma Prieta Chapter Executive Committee?
Executive Committee members develop and facilitate execution of an overall strategy to grow and engage our membership and strengthen the chapter and provide support to our chapter’s local entities to carry out the Club's mission of exploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet. Members should be willing to assist our chapter in various leadership areas, spend a minimum of 5 - 10 hours a month on chapter business, and typically take on additional duties such as
serving on other chapter level committees covering membership, communications, fundraising, finance, conservation, politics and as liaisons to chapter internal entities, other Club chapters, and to the state and national Club organizations. Learn more about applying to serve on our Executive Committee.
COMMENT LETTERS
Tree Removal Streamlining Guidelines for High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
"As the City of San José considers streamlining tree removal permits in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, we recommend retaining discretionary review for removals involving trees or sites that provide significant ecological, riparian, slope stabilization, habitat, or canopy benefits. Large, healthy trees are often among the most fire-resilient components of the landscape and can help reduce wildfire intensity by providing shade, retaining soil moisture, and slowing wind speeds."
Valley Water’s Draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
"The Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter has reviewed Valley Water’s Draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). Please consider the following comments regarding the Draft UWMP which focus on water demand projections, and specifically the evidence that water use will continue the current downward trend and how that could impact water supply planning."
"The draft Plan includes one of the strongest recognitions yet that biodiversity should be integrated into all parks large and small. In particular, we strongly support the concept of “Biodiversity Anchors” throughout the park system. The recognition that even mini parks can contribute meaningfully to habitat, ecological function, urban cooling, environmental education, and climate resilience through pollinator gardens, small groves of trees, bioswales, and native and habitat-supportive plantings is a major step forward."
"We wish to re-emphasize, as stated in our letter, that the Environmental Standard Permit Conditions constitute a “floor,” not a “ceiling,” in terms of potential mitigation measures for projects with significant environmental impacts. As stated by David Keyon at the Planning Commission meeting, any project that has the potential to result in significant environmental impacts that are not adequately mitigated through the Standard Permit Conditions will still be required to comply with project-specific mitigations to address those impacts."
Scoping Comments in Response to Notice of Preparation for Petal Fields Project
"The project proposes to develop 838 residences, including 523 single family detached units, 145 single family attached units, and 170 multi-family rental units. The proposed project includes construction of a 3.5-mile-long water line extension and onsite wastewater facility. The Petal Fields project is proposed on land zoned for agriculture and resource preservation that is surrounded on at least two sides by land being used for agriculture and resource preservation; therefore, the project is not entitled to the protections of the builder’s remedy."
A massive threat looms over one of our most cherished natural treasures. San Bruno Mountain is not just any mountain, it is a sanctuary for endangered butterflies, a haven for rare plants, and a refuge of unparalleled ecological significance. The proposed project threatens to unravel the delicate balance of this natural treasure, and we urge you to take action to protect it.
The City of Brisbane is considering a plan to build a massive 1.3 million-square-foot warehouse, 100 feet tall, right in the heart of San Bruno Mountain, at the historic Guadalupe Quarry.
This industrial facility would bring hundreds of workers (1,500!) and an incredible amount of traffic through our city and into the heart of sensitive habitat. Sign the petition today.
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 for the specific language for your estate planning and/or read more here. For additional information about planning a bequest please contact Julia Curtis, (800) 932-4270.
Foam plastic breaks down more slowly in water and even more slowly in seawater rich in organic matter
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified mechanisms slowing the breakdown of polystyrene, a foam plastic widely used in packaging, disposable cups, and insulation. Though sunlight is known to break down polystyrene, conditions in rivers, lakes, and oceans can significantly slow the process. Dissolved salts and organic particles reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the plastic, and can neutralize reactive molecules or hinder microbial activity that otherwise might speed degradation. These findings help explain why polystyrene and other plastics can linger in our waterways and oceans for decades.
Your connection: Join our Plastic Pollution Prevention Committee as we educate ourselves and others on how to identify and address the growing list of harms inflicted on the environment and public health by prolific and unnecessary plastic production.
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.
Historic June
National Trails Day is first Saturday in June June 10, 1929, E. O. Wilson was born June 11, 1933, Gene Wilder was born June 12th, 1944, Big Bend National Park was established June 14th, 2024, Flag Day June 15th, 1934, Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established June 18th, 1933, Founding of the Loma Prieta Chapter June 29th, 1906, Mesa Verde National Park was established
“You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give.” – Edward O. Wilson
2026.05.31, your Chapter Director's hike, not in our chapter.
