Dear Supporter,
Happy SummerNews from the Chair
by Nick Cheranich  No Kings Day Protest
It was inspiring to see such a strong turnout at last month’s No Kings Day protest. I saw several Sierra Club members with their creative and powerful signs expressing opposition to authoritarian-style leadership and the ongoing rollback of climate protections and environmental safeguards. I hope we will continue to stand united in defending democracy, environmental justice, and the preservation of our ecosystems in the face of these blatant attacks on our core values. (Photo credit: Nick Otto, Napa Valley Register)
 Another New Executive Committee Member
We’re excited to welcome Robert Raven to our Executive Committee (ExCom). As you may know, the ExCom guides the Napa Sierra Club’s priorities, makes key decisions, and leads our environmental advocacy efforts across Napa County. Learn more about Robert in his bio, below.
 Upcoming Outreach Event This Fall - Stay Tuned!
We’re gearing up to host another “Meet and Greet” this fall for our members and supporters here in Napa County. Last year, we held two successful events—including one at the Skyline Park Social Hall—and we’re hoping to build on that momentum. Local elected officials joined us then, and we’re inviting them again. It’s a chance to connect with others who care about the environment, learn about pressing issues, and enjoy complimentary food and wine in good company. We'll be sending out a separate invitation in the coming days. (Photo: our student interns at last year's event)
 County General Plan Update
Napa County has started the process of updating its General Plan—a key document that shapes how our county will grow, conserve resources, and meet future challenges. Many of us have already attended the County’s public workshops focused on the Baseline Data Report (BDR).
The BDR provides a data-driven snapshot of current conditions—covering land use, infrastructure, natural systems, and community demographics. It will serve as the foundation for both the General Plan Update and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
We’ll continue to share what we’re learning and how we plan to advocate for a strong environmental vision in the final plan.
 Meet Me in the Street – August 13 in American Canyon
We’ll be staffing a booth at the next Meet Me in the Street event on Tuesday, August 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. in American Canyon. Stop by to learn more about what we are doing, and why protecting local wetlands—especially in the face of climate change—is more urgent than ever. These vital ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from development interests and short-sighted political decisions. (Photo: Kate Bit and Maia Medalle staffing our booth from last year's event)
 Thinking of a Succulent Garden?
For the past 12 years, I’ve been growing a succulent garden—an effort that’s been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve finally taken the time to reflect on the experience and share some thoughts in an article below. If you’ve ever considered trying it yourself, I hope it gives you some inspiration (or at least a few useful tips).
Articles from Our Interns
 This edition includes new contributions from our student interns, along with the winning entries from an art contest organized by our sister environmental group, Napa Schools for Climate Action. (Photo: First place art work by Theo Engering-Ward, Justin Siena High School, Rising Senior)
Despite busy summer schedules and family vacations, these amazing students remained committed to environmental advocacy. Their short articles, written as part of their internship, offer thoughtful perspectives on the challenges we face and the future we’re working toward. We’re proud of their efforts—and think you’ll be impressed too.
Mark your calendars! It was great to see so many new faces at our last July 21st meeting. Our next Conservation Committee meeting will be Monday Sept. 15th, 2025 at 6:00PM. If you would like to attend, just click on the RSVP button below and I'll send you a Zoom invite a few days before the meeting. Thank you. - Nick Cheranich, ExCom Chair
napavalleysierraclub@gmail.com
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Meet Our New ExCom Member
by Robert Raven My first camping trip was in the Sierra with my family when I was eight, and learned how to ski at Alpine Meadows in the Sierra near spectacular Lake Tahoe. I returned to California in my 20's, and went car camping with friends in various redwood groves from Big Sur to Humboldt. I loved to backpack in the Sierra and Trinity Alps, and hiking at Point Reyes and on Mt. Tamalpais. Now in my 60's, and after heart bypass surgery six years ago, I still car camp a few times a year, and enjoy fairly flat day hikes and daily walks.I attended San Francisco State for my Masters in History and teaching credentials, then taught at Vallejo High School for 27 years, mostly World History but also US History, Government, Economics, and French, and was a union representative. I've been politically active most of my life, and helped my parents hand out leaflets for Robert F. Kennedy in the 1968 CA primary, which he won the same day he was killed.My college, Franklin and Marshall in Lancaster PA, was evacuated when Three Mile Is., a nuclear power plant, had a partial meltdown and released radiation. I have been an anti-nuclear advocate ever since, and sadly still advocating to close California's Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant which is located on several fault lines in a tsunami zone.After graduation, I volunteered on Capitol Hill to stop or limit the production of more nuclear weapons and their delivery systems (like B-1 bombers, MX missiles). In CA, I advocated to end US nuclear testing near Las Vegas, to oppose the stationing of a nuclear armed battleship in San Francisco (by Reagan and Dianne Feinstein), and to close and then reuse military bases around the Bay Area like the Presidio, Alameda and Mare Island.In San Francisco I volunteered with the Sierra Club on bicycle and transportation issues and then in Novato (Marin) was on the city's bike and pedestrian committee. Novato was also one of the first Bay Area cities that passed an Urban Growth Boundary. In Petaluma, we passed No New Gas Stations, the first in the nation.Now living in American Canyon and getting more involved locally, I look forward to serving on the Sierra Club Napa Group's Executive Committee. |
Interested in Making a Difference? Wondering About What Your Legacy Will Be? Consider Volunteering with Us  Legacy is often defined as the desire to leave the world a better place for future generations.
At the Napa Sierra Club Group, our mission is to conserve natural ecosystems, promote sustainability in land and water use, and reduce carbon emissions. Our projects focus on issues that matter to Napa, where local action can make a real difference.
We're working to protect the environment for those who will inherit it, but we can't do it alone.
It's not enough to just support the cause financially—real change happens through action.
Let's do it for them! We’re seeking passionate individuals to join our Conservation and Executive Committees. Whether you bring expertise in research, organizing, or education—or you're eager to learn—we welcome your involvement. If you or someone you know has skills and experience that align with our mission, we need your help.
Prepare to make your legacy count. Take the first step by joining us at our next Conservation Committee meeting (RSVP here).
Interested in Joining the Executive Committee?
Elections for our Group’s Executive Committee begin in October! If you’re a Sierra Club member and would like to be nominated and placed on the ballot, please send your name, contact information, and membership number in care of our email address (Attention: ExCom election) no later than September 5, 2025. This is a great opportunity to help guide our local environmental efforts—consider stepping up!
For further information, email us, in care of Nick Cheranich, at napavalleysierraclub@gmail.com. Thank you! |
Our Future Is In Your Hands Contest
Article by Arya Adhye, Student Intern Every year, Napa Schools for Climate Action, a student activism group, holds a creative piece contest for all high school students in Napa County in the hopes of getting students involved in climate activism. The contest, named “Our Future Is In Your Hands”, encourages students to think about their own thoughts and feelings surrounding the climate crisis, and then make a creative piece (in their chosen medium) to reflect these ideas. Thanks to Napa Sierra Club Group for donating some of the prize money for the winning pieces.
This year’s contest was another success, and we are pleased to showcase this year’s winners!
1st Place: Life Ablaze, by Theo Engering-Ward, Justin Siena High School, Rising Senior
Theo Engering-Ward is a senior at Justin-Siena High School and a native-born Californian. Throughout his childhood, he has felt and witnessed the devastating effects of wildfires on his community and the environment. These fires, which have become almost routine, consistently pollute the air, claim lives, and leave California’s natural landscapes charred and barren. His art piece, titled Life Ablaze , is a digital collage that showcases both the horrifying effects of wildfires and the heroism displayed by firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect us and our environment. He created this piece in response to the fires in Los Angeles that began in January earlier this year. The sheer scale of these fires reminded him of the 2018 California wildfires that directly impacted him and many of his friends. He has vivid memories of breathing smoky air, seeing black plumes billowing into the sky, and the eerie orange glow emitted by flames in the distance. His combined experience and empathy for those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires inspired him to create Life Ablaze.
2nd Place: Drill Baby Drill, River Hogans, Valley Oak High School, Rising Junior
River is a young gender-fluid artist whose heart bursts with care. Raised in Pennsylvania, they moved to California for a better life – and to have opportunities to share their creativity and compassion. So much is happening in the world right now, with people in power causing the world to go into crisis. Their art takes that anger at injustice and exudes a passionate melancholy for those who understand. Through their work, they hope humanity can find the courage to change.
3rd Place: Untitled, Ashlyn Daniel, Napa High School, Rising Junior
Ashlyn is a 16 year old self taught artist. She enjoys playing soccer for her school and doing theater in her spare time. She has been drawing since she was young and can't imagine her life without it. Ashlyn made this piece, which is a mix of watercolor and alcohol markers, hoping to create a piece that sends a message about the state of climate change and the negative effects it has on our world. The fire is outside a firehouse, the flame on the floor represents the damage we do to our own home and the firehouse represents the resources we choose not to use to try and fix the damage. |
Zen and the Art of Succulent Survival. A Guide for Aspiring Succulent Enthusiasts from My Own Experience
Article and photos by Nick Cheranich
 My front and backyards are mostly taken up by a succulent garden that’s become both a personal passion and an unexpected lesson in ecology. These tough, water-wise plants haven’t just made the space more beautiful—they’ve shown me how gardening can work with nature, not against it. If you’re thinking about starting your own succulent garden, maybe my experience can offer a bit of inspiration and some practical advice.
 The Beginnings of My Succulent Garden
What started as a low-key landscaping decision has grown—literally and figuratively—into something I never expected. About twelve years ago, after clearing out what had been an overgrown tangle of bushes, I asked my landscaper to plant things that could handle the dry California climate. That’s when succulents entered my life.
 So what exactly are succulents? Think of them as the camels of the plant world—storing water in their leaves, stems, or roots so they can tough it out in hot, dry conditions without complaining. They come in a wild variety of shapes: some look like roses made of wax, others like tiny alien brains, and a few are basically green pincushions with attitude. Succulents are drought-resilient, low-maintenance, and often weirdly adorable. In short, they’re perfect for gardeners who want to save water, support biodiversity, and still have a yard that looks like a modern art exhibit.
 At first, I was just drawn to their look—clean lines, bold colors, crazy shapes. They felt like the opposite of the lush, chaotic garden I grew up with: roses, overgrown trees, fussy hedges. Succulents were minimalist but striking. They didn’t scream for attention—they held it. And they seemed perfect for someone like me, juggling work and life, who didn’t want to spend hours pruning or watering every day.
But something unexpected happened. I got hooked. Article continues here. |
State Government Looking for Developers for Skyline Park by Nick Cheranich  According to a recent article in the Napa Register, the state government is seeking a developer to build affordable housing on a 5-acre site along Imola Avenue in Napa, land it retained when selling the rest of Skyline Wilderness Park to the county. Identified in 2019 for housing, the site, beloved by many Napans, could accommodate up to 100 apartment units. Though Napa County initially opposed the plan, it withdrew its objection since the state isn’t bound by local zoning laws. The site is now listed among 20 state-owned parcels open for development proposals, with applications due by August 16. (Photo credit: Josiah Roe, Visit Napa Valley) We at the Napa Sierra Club continue our opposition of any development at our wonderful wilderness park. Apparently, despite the state’s authority, the project faces hurdles with utilities, as the site lies outside the service areas of the city of Napa and the Napa Sanitation District. Extending services would require approval from the Local Agency Formation Commission, which typically allows such expansions only for health and safety reasons. While the state has not yet approached local utility providers, it says it prefers collaboration and is open to partnerships. Napa County has since initiated contact and plans to meet with state officials to discuss the project. |
BeTheExample Documentary: My First Foray Into the World of Filmmaking
Article and photos by Natalie Carr, Student Intern  BeTheExample is an initiative founded by Priscilla (Polly) Rich in 2017. It is a contest that challenges homeowners to be sustainable. We worked on making a documentary based on this contest, trailing families and individuals in our communities who have chosen to live out the principles of reducing their climate impact. (Photo: The author interviews Nick Cheranich for the documentary)When I was first introduced to the BeTheExample project, I had no idea that this project would be so time consuming or that it would have such a lasting impact on me Napa Schools for Climate Action (NS4CA) advisor Jim Wilson introduced this during one of NS4CA’s weekly meetings last September, and Maia, a fellow Sierra Club intern, and I volunteered. "Personally, this experience taught me a lot about the importance of being genuine in environmental leadership. Being actively involved in climate action also involves actively doing your part to be sustainable and working towards those goals personally. Also, the filmmaking process taught me the importance of educating others about sustainability and raising awareness: this is how to create a ripple effect that makes gradual but impactful change."
 The project began with many zoom meetings among a diverse team of students from all over the Bay Area. As we got to know one another, we also assigned project roles. Dahlia, a young filmmaker from Petaluma became our crucial creative director. Dahlia taught her classmate, Bryn, filmmaking essentials, so that Bryn could collect “b-roll” (footage on a second camera). Vivian, who was a friend of Dahlia’s from film camp, became an assistant film director, helping Dahlia with camera angles, lighting, and more. Next, we met Yaowei and Nikhil, high school students from Danville, and leaders of their school’s environmental club. Nikhil became Dahlia’s “slater,” writing the scene number on the clapboard before each shot with a dry erase marker, and, practically every time, accidentally dropping the marker cap on the ground to Dahlia’s dismay. Yaowei, Maia and I alternated between roles: the interviewer (both on and off screen), the interviewee, the organizer, the writer, or sometimes the just-here-for-moral-support member. (Photo: Filmmakers on the "set") The beginnings of the project were a little rough. None of us had a clear direction on where to go. Before Dahlia joined, we had no one to film. We initially wanted to find families to film, but then we shifted to filming adult homeowners instead, while having a separate shoot for students. (Photo: The production team) We also added environmental workers and advocates like our very own Nick Cheranich, and Sebastian Conn of Marin Clean Energy. From October through January, we met by zoom every Sunday, carefully planning and figuring out the logistics of our documentary before we started filming. Article continues here. |
Environmental Education: Spreading Awareness about Oil Pollution
Article and photos by Kate Bit and Arya Adhye, Student Interns  Did you know that there are more than a dozen oil refineries in the state of California? In fact, one of them is less than an hour’s drive from Napa. The Chevron Richmond refinery lies on the banks of the bay. Just across the water, however, there is an elementary school: Ford Elementary. The students who attend this school must take extreme precautions, including having weekly drills in case of an explosion. We found this simply astounding! Although we, unfortunately, do not have the power to move the location of the refinery or the school, we realized we can help in another way: by educating the students.  So, we designed a lesson with a variety of topics - all relating to oil. The first part of our lesson was focused on oil pollution’s effects on air, while the second talked about oil pollution in water. For each part of the lesson, we had activities to keep the students engaged and excited! We didn’t want it to simply be another day in the classroom. For the section focused on water, we designed an activity where we poured oil into a bin of water, and students had to try to get out as much oil as possible within the time limit using spoons and sponges. This activity served two main purposes. Firstly, we wanted to show the students how hard it was to remove oil from a body of water once it spilled. Second, we set a 30 second time limit per student to imitate the urgency required when cleaning up an oil spill. In the real world, the longer the oil persists, the more damage occurs. The students loved this activity, and had fun working with their hands.  Our second activity pertained to air pollution. Of course, oil refineries release tons of particulate matter and pollution. However, we can’t always see it! So, to help the students visualize the pollution, we had them create pollution catchers with paper plates and vaseline. Although we did have a few messy accidents (e.g. students with vaseline on their face), it was a great way to help students take what they learned home, and continue to think about it weeks after.  Within this lesson, we also had several games and trivia, where each side of the room competed with the other for prizes, which included earth-themed pens and squishy toys. Don’t worry, both sides ended up with prizes!In conclusion, this was an amazing experience for both of us! We had a great time designing and implementing this lesson with the students. The students were receptive and engaged with our lesson, and we hope that they learned something that they can take with them in the future. |
Want to Be an Outdoor Trip Leader?  Outings Leader Training is designed to provide participants with the knowledge required to lead day trips and overnight car-camping trips for the Sierra Club. There will no longer be a distinction between Outings Leader Training for multi-day trips and day trips.
The goal is to create trip leaders who lead safe and fun trips while inspiring their participants to become more involved in protecting their environment.
 Minimum Requirements for outdoor trip leaders for all Sierra Club programs:
- Sierra Club Membership and be at least 18 years old
- Complete a basic (or higher) first aid class (contact us by August 15, for more information in classes at the Napa Valley College)
- Complete the Sierra Club Outing Leader Training (contact us for access to the training)
- Possess skills appropriate for the activities of the trip
- Complete additional training as required by your Outings Chair
- Be an assistant leader on a trip
- Receive approval to lead outings from the Outing Chair or delegated authority of the entity sponsoring the outing
Next Steps: • Contact the Napa Sierra Club Group |
Advanced AI Models Generate Up to 50 Times More C02 Emissions Than More Common LLMs When Answering the Same Questions
by Ben Turner from Live Science Asking AI reasoning models questions in areas such as algebra or philosophy caused carbon dioxide emissions to spike significantly. 
The processes used by advanced reasoning models generate significantly more emissions than those of conventional peers. (Image credit: Getty Images)
The more accurate we try to make AI models, the bigger their carbon footprint —with some prompts producing up to 50 times more carbon dioxide emissions than others, a new study has revealed.
Reasoning models, such as Anthropic's Claude, OpenAI's o3 and DeepSeek's R1, are specialized large language models (LLMs) that dedicate more time and computing power to produce more accurate responses than their predecessors.
Yet, aside from some impressive results, these models have been shown to face severe limitations in their ability to crack complex problems. Now, a team of researchers has highlighted another constraint on the models' performance — their exorbitant carbon footprint. They published their findings June 19 in the journal Frontiers in Communication. The article continues here. |
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