2022 Candidate Statements

Each member can vote for the Executive Committee leaders for the San Francisco Bay Chapter and the Executive Committee for their local group (see map for approximate group boundaries or call the chapter office at 510-848-0800 if you're not sure what group you're part of).

Note that the membership dates listed for each candidate are those listed in the Club membership database, but may not be completely accurate, especially for earlier time periods.

For instructions on casting your ballot, return to the Chapter election homepage.

Click the following options to be brought to the relevant candidate statements:

Chapter Executive Committee

There are four candidates. You may vote for up to four.

Philip Haves

Philip Haves smiles widely in a red shirt on a leafy backdrop

 


Residence: Berkeley

Occupation: Research engineer working on energy efficiency in buildings (retired)

Sierra Club member since: 2021

Contact: (510) 295-9941
                   phaves2117@gmail.com

Activities:

  • Transition Network Berkeley and Transition Network Bollington (UK) - grass roots organizations: community development through crop exchange, repair for reuse, electrification of housing and transportation (2022)
  • International Building Performance Simulation Association - adoption of low energy design tools
    • Conference Chair, Building Simulation 2017
    • Fellow (2011 - current)
    • President - US Affiliate (2004 - 2006)
  • American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers - focus on low energy design and efficient operation
    • Chaired committees on Energy Calculations and Building Operation Dynamics
    • Fellow (2003 - current)
  • I enjoy hiking, biking and growing produce. 

Statement:
I’m convinced that global climate change is the most urgent problem facing us. I think that the Club could be even more effective by enabling more members to go beyond donating money and lobbying decision-makers, vital though these activities are.

I worked at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory from 1998 to 2018, where I led R&D projects on energy efficiency in buildings. I was not active in the Club at that time because my ‘day job’ took up all my time.

I think I can contribute to the Club’s already substantial work on climate change by using my knowledge of energy technology work at the state and federal levels. Also, there are Chapter members with particular ideas and expertise that could help implement or extend national policy at the regional level. These members are an under-exploited resource for the Club and I’d like to try to enhance communication between them and our professional staffers.
All this needs to be done without short-changing on-going work on wilderness protection or failing to address racial, economic and gender inequalities wherever we find them, including in the Club.

Matt Morrison

Matt Morrison smiling headshot

 

 
Residence:
Pleasanton

Occupation: Civil Attorney

Sierra Club member since: 2002

Contact: mattmorrisonus@gmail.com

Statement:
Key Positions held in the Sierra Club: Past SF Bay Chapter Compliance Officer; Past SF Bay Chapter Finance Committee Chair; Past SF Bay Chapter Treasuer; Past SF Bay Chapter Water Committee Chair; Present Tri-Valley Group Chair.

I am a life-long resident of the Bay Area, born in San Francisco, lived as a toddler in Oakland and raised in Pleasanton. My partner and I continue to reside in Pleasanton where I have my private law practice. I practice mostly juvenile dependency and family law, both areas fraught with emotion as families navigate complex governance structures with outcomes being crucially significant.

The Sierra Club is a critical ally for frontline communities that disproportionately carry the burden of social and political disenfranchisement. As a Club we can and will alter our structure to increase meaningful leadership and policies from our members, especially those from frontline communities. This is vital as the Club helps tackle the effects of climate change and works toward social justice in the areas of opportunities and privilege.

As a participant in our Chapter’s governance for many years, I have a key perspective in how the Club’s evolving structure intersects with our past, and hope my particular historical insight would help the Club maneuver long overdue efforts to broaden the base of our leadership and remain true to the Club’s mission. I ask for your support and vote as a means to join me in these efforts.

Nick Pilch

Nick Pilch wears a gray suit and smiles on a green natural backdrop

 


Residence: Albany

Occupation: BART Operations

Sierra Club member since: 1990

Contact: nicky@mindspring.com

Activities: 
National and Local Outings Leader, 2005-present, Committees: Northern Alameda County (NAC) Executive (Excom) 2010-2011, 2021-present. Bay Chapter Excom 2011-2016. Outreach Chair 2011-2012. Nominations/Elections Chair 2013. Fundraising Chair 2015. Transportation and Compact Growth 2018-present, Finance 2021-2. Local Ballot Measure Review 2016-present (Sierra Club California).

Statement:
I am active with both Outings and the political side of the Club.

In the community, I co-founded Albany Strollers & Rollers, and was a founding member of Carbon Neutral Albany (now Albany Climate Action Coalition), and Albany for Everyone, a group promoting needed housing in Albany.

While serving on the Albany City Council for six years, I continued my environmental work and advocacy. I was appointed to the League of California Cities Environmental Quality Policy Committee. I supported and campaigned for city environmental work and ballot measures, such as the 2020 Albany Measure DD which will fund climate action work. I served 4 years on the East Bay Community Energy Board. Currently, I am a member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee of the Alameda County Transportation Commission.

My priorities for the Club are:

  • fighting climate change above all
  • cordial and respectful and fruitful relationships amongst volunteers and leaders
  • diversity in all aspects
    • attracting and retain young membership. Increasingly, the membership is skewing older. We can’t maintain the Club if we can’t continue to bring in young volunteers and leaders.
    • attracting and retaining people of color. The Sierra Club must represent the diversity of our geographic boundaries.
    • making sure the Chapter is working on all aspects of environmental work – environmental justice, and climate change including alternative transportation and energy, and resource conservation.
  • finally, maintaining fiscal solvency. The Chapter depends on contributions and fundraising is imperative. I will do my part in donating and fundraising as well.

Marisol Rubio

Marisol Rubio smiles wearing a black blazer on a green tree background

 


Residence: San Ramon

Occupation: Health Care Provider

Sierra Club member since: 2019

Contact: mrubiosierraclub@gmail.com

Key Positions Held within the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter and Tri-Valley Group:

  • At-Large Executive Committee
  • CA Conservation Committee Chapter Delegate
  • Standing & Bylaws Committee Chapter Member
  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion/Environmental Justice Chapter Committee Co-Lead 
  • Former Vice-Chair/ Interim Chair Tri-Valley Group

Activities: 

  • Vice President, Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRD)
  • Chair, DSRSD-EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District) Recycled Water Authority
  • National/State Board, Elected Officials to Protect America
  • Co-Chair, County Central Committee Rules & former Issues Committee 
  • Contra Costa Labor Council Delegate, Climate Caucus Member, Labor-Climate Task Force Co-Chair.
  • Candidate, San Ramon City Council
     

Statement:

Protecting our environment has been a personal passion since college when I became involved in forest restoration projects and learned firsthand how human behavior directly impacts our ecosystem. During this time, I made a personal commitment to reduce my carbon footprint by switching to a vegetarian and then vegan diet for now 23 years. 
I’ve upheld these values in my leadership roles by backing and passing many bold climate initiatives such as the California Green New Deal, Protecting the Brentwood Urban Limit Line, the Environmental and Climate Crisis Council Platform, and by helping to organize the first ever Labor-Climate Convergence and Labor-Climate Task Force in Contra Costa County, which I currently Co-Chair on behalf of environmental groups across the Bay Area to create more green jobs.

When I ran for State Senate, I was the only candidate who did not accept fossil fuel, developer, or corporate money. Now, as the DSRSD Vice President, I seek to conserve water reliability and supply. As your Tri-Valley Group and Chapter leader, I also gave visibility to racial and social justice issues.

As your At-Large Executive Committee Member, I will continue to protect our open spaces, facilitate our transition to renewable energy, generate more green jobs, encourage smart cities/smart growth, and create more diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Sierra Club. I will put my Molecular & Cell Biology background, passion for protecting our environment and natural resources, and proven leadership to work for future generations. Thank you and I hope to earn your vote!

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Delta Group Candidates

There are three candidates. You may vote for up to three.

Paul Seger

Paul Seger black and white looking down

 

Residence: Oakley

Occupation: Retired teacher – President Diablo Water District

Sierra Club member since: 2017

Activities: Delta Group chair 2017-present; SF Bay Water Committee 2017-present; 3-Chapter Sea-level rise Committee; SF Bay ExCom, 2017-present; SF Bay PolCom, 2017-2019; co-Chair of SF Bay Energy-Climate Committee 2017-present

Statement:

I’m proud to be working with the Sierra Club for the betterment of the environment in East Contra Costa.

My main goals are to expand local membership and influence of the Sierra Club in Eastern Contra Costa. We need to be the leaders to more aggressively assert sustainable solutions as we do our part regionally.  I’m totally committed to advocating for East Contra Costa’s unique character and future. 

We are leading the way in East County using the positive influences that Sierra Club leaders have on local communities around the Bay area but the Sierra Club does need many more effective environmental leaders (please join us) on the issues important to East County: Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Oakley, and Pittsburg (including unincorporated areas that are represented by the Board of Supervisors).  I am confident that we will continue expanding our influences and services, furthering our mission to protect the environment and extend equanimity far into Eastern Contra Costa County's communities in the next several years.  I am already gearing up for action and activities to increase the Delta region's understanding of SC issues through educational outreach and increased SC membership.

The Western-San Joaquin, South-Sacramento, South-East Solano, North-East Contra Costa need to work together to make sure that the next 100+ years of growth in our Delta Region is inclusive, responsible and transparent.  This is a very sensitive area that has been divided. East County’s Delta group should seek to employ Environmental Legal Assistance to be certain that East County’s sprawl is held at bay, while only sustainable policy and projects can be allowed to move forward, if necessary. This is the direction I’d like to see us head. Cheers! 

Joe Kovalick

Joe Kovalick smiles against a gray background wearing a black suit.

 

Residence: Oakley

Occupation: Director for the Diablo Water District

Statement:

I have lived in Oakley for the past 30 years.  I have been a member of the Sierra Club for many years.  I am currently an elected director for the Diablo Water District which provides water service to the 45,000 residents of Oakley.  I believe the Sierra Club can have a tremendous impact on local, state and national issues that directly affect the environment and our everyday lives like climate change, sustainability, clean renewable energy and saving the Delta.  I have been working with the Delta Group for the past year on growing our membership and addressing local land use issues and candidate endorsements.  I fully support the mission of the Sierra Club “to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; To educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.”  Thank you for your support.  

Mark Linde

Mark Linde smiles in front of a window

 


Residence: Pittsburg

Statement:

My name is Mark Linde: I live in Pittsburg, CA with my wife and two children, and I am asking for your vote for the Pol-com/Ex-com committee in East Contra Costa.

Over the past few years I have become more active in our area, helping encourage community involvement in all aspects of our environment, from traffic to housing and more. Our county needs help. Recently, I was personally involved in helping stop a major housing development in the hills overlooking Pittsburg and Concord. My hope is to follow both EIR and CEQA reports with a focus on accountability and education to open minds.

My beliefs are: I'm not anti-development, but pro responsible development. The key thing in that is those we elect, following the process completely and in the end holding accountable those elected, especially if they have been endorsed by the Sierra Club. I feel all running for office deserve our best and it shouldn’t only be limited to incumbents. It’s a big leap of faith for those at the local level to run. Together we can help make change.

In closing, thank you for the opportunity to run for office.

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Marin Group Candidates

There are three candidates. You may vote for up to three.

Barbara Bogard

Barbara Bogard smiles in a close up headshot.

 

Residence: Mill Valley, CA

Occupation: Retired computer designer, high school and college English teacher

Sierra Club member since: 1995

Contact:  barbogard@gmail.com

Sierra Club Positions:

  • Marin Group ExCom
  • Marin Group ConsCom, chair
  • Marin Group NomCom, chair
  • Climate Solutions Committee, co-founder and co-chair
  • Parks & Open Space Committee, chair

Statement:

I am a full-time activist and organizer. I currently serve on the board of Pesticide Free Zone and the steering committee of the ML King Jr. Coalition. I co-founded 350Marin and Pesticide Free Marin. I have also co-managed local political campaigns and helped produce the movie, Dolores. In an earlier life I lived on communes in Oregon.

A great deal of my time these days is spent facilitating the Golden Gate Village (GGV) Strategy Team who are working to implement the GGV Resident Plan. The plan includes deep green revitalization of the property, job training in 21st century green tech jobs for GGV and other Marin City residents, and creation of a limited equity housing co-op as path to home ownership and resident control for the approximately 700 residents of GGV who are primarily African American. I also represent the Sierra Club as a Consulting Party on the Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act Committee for Golden Gate Village.

I was awarded the 2019 Marin County IPM Achievement Award for my work in eliminating the use of pesticides in Marin; I also received the 2022 Marin City Community Services District Legendary Women’s Hall of Fame Award “In Appreciation of Inspiring and Lifting Others.” 

Holli Thier

Holly Thier smiles on a white background

 

Residence: Tiburon

Occupation: Attorney 

Sierra Club member since: 2017 , and years before

Contact: (415) 407-4843

Sierra Club Positions:

Entity/Committee Position(s) Dates
Sierra Club  Member 2017 and prior
Sierra Club Executive Committee Volunteer 2022 to Present
Worked with Sierra Club and MOMMA’s to prevent the spray n Ring Mountain Volunteer  

 

Activities:

 

Activities Dates
Fought with Sierra Club to ban herbicides and create a real IPM Policy, instrumental in getting Tiburon to go deep green, passed a Climate Action Plan, working to develop a Climate Element  2017-2021
Sierra Club Executive Committee Member 2022

 

Statement: 

As Mayor of Tiburon and as a Town Councilmember, I have worked very closely with members of the Marin Executive Committee, and have wanted to work more closely with the Sierra Club.  I feel at home with Sierra Club, and my passion for the planet that Sierra Club has sworn to protect since 1892, my passion for ensuring good environmental policy locally, statewide, nationally and globally makes me want to serve with such a great group of environmental champions.

None of the work I have done could have happened without Sierra Club Marin Group’s help.  Whether it was banning the use of Round-Up in Tiburon, my five year effort to ban Lifeline, and other harmful pesticides from Tiburon’s parks and open spaces, getting Tiburon to go Deep Green with Marin Clean Energy, passing the Single Use Foodware ordinance, passing a Climate Emergency Ordinance,  creating a Sustainability Element for our General Plan, successful in getting support to purchase new open space within one of  our parks, Sierra Club Marin Group was there every step I took.

I love the Sierra Club’s mission, and it is also my mission in all of my public and private service.  I remember fondly visiting Lassen National Park as a young child, and now recognize the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.  Working for the good of the environment is what I am dedicated to and why I want to serve on the Executive Committee.  

Please vote for me Holli Thier, and please feel free to contact me at (415) 407-4843 anytime

 

Pamela Ruby Meigs 

Pamela Meigs headshot, smiling against a white background

 

Residence: Fairfax 

Occupation: Registered Nurse, MS in Community Health 

Sierra Club member since: 2000

Statement:

Pamela Meigs is an East Bay native and a long-time Fairfax resident. She  is a member of the Sierra Club (since 2000), the Marin Group Executive  Committee, and the SF Bay Chapter Executive Committee. She is a retired  Registered Nurse with a Master’s in Community Health.  

She grew up in a "sacrifice city” next door to a large oil refinery. As a  mental health nurse at a local hospital, she has worked with the homeless  for many years. She is a caregiver for her community, our fragile planet,  and all species, big and small. She believes that all living things need to be  protected and cared for, now more than ever. 

She participates in the pioneering Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership  which created a set of Best Practices for the Marin Wildfire Prevention  Authority’s vegetation management work. Additionally, she works on the  acquisition and protection of Open Space using Conservation Easements  to prevent development. Her latest initiative is a youth intern program for  the Marin Group.  

Pamela’s present activities include Director of the Ross Valley Sanitary  District, the North Bay Watershed Association, and Cascade Canyon Firewise. Her past activities include Chair of the Fairfax Planning  Commission, founder of the Fairfax Open Space Committee, Fairfax  General Plan Advisory Committee, Fairfax Tree Committee, and Girl Scout  Leader. 

She feels that the climate crisis threatens all life and that there is little time  left to prevent planet destruction. Her interests continue to be open space,  vegetation management best practices, special species protection,  pesticide abuse, and equity for families living in or near sacrifice  communities. She plans to recruit more youth interns and expand  environmental public education.  

Pamela would be honored to continue to use her experience, knowledge,  and leadership with the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club Marin  Group. 

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Mount Diablo Group Candidates:

There are five candidates. You may vote for five or fewer.

Mark Van Landuyt

Mark Van Landuyt against a blue sky background

 

Residence: Lafayette

Occupation: The Center For Social Epidemiology, Communications & Outreach Director

Sierra Club Member: since 2019

Contact: hepjazz@yahoo.com

Key Positions in Sierra Club: 

  • Chapter Political Committee
  • Chapter Executive Committee
  • Chair of Mount Diablo Group
  • Chair of Group’s Green New Deal Committee

Statement: 

Contra Costa County has the potential to be a leader of sustainable Green innovation. This historic moment demands all of our commitment towards the future of our planet. 

We are past the tipping point. 

We need to start acting like it.

You can contact me at hepjazz@yahoo.com.

 

Wietske Medema

Wietske Medema smiles up to the sky on a gold grassy background

 

Residence: Lafayette

Occupation: environmental scientist, consultant

Sierra Club Member since: 2019

Contact: medemawietske@gmail.com

Positions held in Sierra Club:

  • SF Bay Chapter Executive Committee, group representative
  • Sierra Club Mt Diablo Group, Vice-chair
  • Contra Costa Green New Deal Committee, Vice-Chair

Statement:

We are in an emergency. We are in an economic crisis. We are in a climate crisis. 

The pandemic has resulted in the loss of 2.4 million California jobs so far, the highest  unemployment record in state history. This has economically affected local businesses and the  most vulnerable communities in our region. 

A transformational change is required in our current system that requires for the environmental  and labor movements to work closely together. We must directly involve and consult  underrepresented and oppressed communities. 

It is important that we tap the power of collective action and continue to build a large,  intentionally organized network that involves people who are passionate to tackle  environmental challenges in our region. 
I am an outspoken proponent of the Green New Deal, in particular for its focus on  environmental, social, and economic justice. 

I have animated a coalition to create the Bay Area Green New Deal Alliance and a Green New  Deal Plan for the Bay Area. Organizing town halls around Northern California in partnership  with the Sierra Club, front-line communities, the Sunrise Movement, the California Democratic  Party, 350.org, and other civic and labor groups. 

I am collaborative, self-driven, creative, energetic. My experience is wide ranging. I have  worked on environmental projects in the EU, Southeast Asia and North America. I have been  responsible for fundraising, advocacy and outreach, managing projects, teams, creating  partnerships, facilitating collaborative programs, as well as directing research, education, and  administration. 

Creating coalitions is my passion. I am excited to work with the Mt. Diablo Group to change  our region for the better. 

You can contact me at medemawietske@gmail.com.

Rebecca Barrett

Rebecca Barrett smiles on green natural background wearing red blazer

 

Residence: Martinez

Occupation: Contra Costa Community College Board Trustee

Sierra Club Member: 2020

Contact: rebecca.faith.barrett@gmail.com

Activities: 

  • Sierra Club Mt. Diablo Group Member

Statement: 

My 7th grade Sequoia Middle School science teacher sparked my interest in protecting our local environment. She was the advisor to our student Earth Club and would take us out to coastal cleanups. While out on the coastline she would share with us information about native animals and plants. And while we picked up garbage, carelessly left behind, we learned how much of our local habitats are at risk.

I joined the Sierra Club Mt. Diablo Group because, after years of being involved with local education causes, government and politics, I wanted to become more engaged in protecting our environment and promoting climate resilience—making local change to make healthier, safer, more equitable communities.

This upcoming year, I hope to focus on sparking more people's interests in our local environment by hosting beach cleanups, community hikes and policy town halls. Hopefully we will all learn something new and recommit to protecting our wildlife, open spaces, and ecosystems.

My whole career has been dedicated to education. I began at the California Department of Education as a senior advisor to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. I have since worked for a local children's non-profit, forming a robust environmental science program aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. Today, I serve you as your elected representative to the Contra Costa Community College District Board, representing Martinez, Pleasant Hill and Concord.

I want to take my experience and passion for environmental education and sustainability to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders in the Mt. Diablo region—just like how my 7th grade science teacher did for me.

I hope to earn your vote. If you have any questions or want to get in touch, please feel free to email me at rebecca.faith.barrett@gmail.com.

John Chatowski

John Chatowski headshot in circular frame

 

Residence: Danville

Occupation: Attorney

Sierra Club Member: 2021

Key Sierra Club Positions: Mt. Diablo Group Executive Committee Member (2021-present); Chapter Sea Level Rise Committee Member (2021-present); Chapter Advocacy Committee Member (2021-present)

Statement: 

I first became involved in the Sierra Club when my mother joined the club in the 1970s in Southern California. I have always felt that active groups/constituents are necessary to keep government in check when it comes to development and activities that affect the environment (both local and global). I have been honored to become involved in the Sierra Club, and the Bay Chapter in the particular, because of its longstanding history of local engagement championing environmental issues and conservation.   

I believe the most critical threat to the world is climate change, and the effect it is having not only on the Bay (sea level rise), but for all of us that rely on energy for our homes, cars, and industry. We need immediate action to stop (or at least slow down) climate change through active efforts to promote clean energy options. I also consider saving our public spaces from development to be critically important to maintaining natural habitats, while at the same time understanding the need for additional housing in the Bay Area.

Finally, I believe that respect is critical to ensuring that people feel that their voices are heard. Today I feel that our community has become so much more siloed, such that often people just talk over each other instead of listening to each other to find a common ground. I feel having community panels of diverse viewpoints of environmental issues could lead to a greater understanding of each other and, hopefully, agreement on fundamental points that we can leverage into action.  I believe that the Sierra Club has, and should continue to be, an integral part of that process, and I would welcome the opportunity to promote it.

Jonathan T. Bash

Jonathan T. Bash smiles in front of a fence ad garden background

 

Residence: Martinez

Occupation: Environmental/Health Communications Consultant

Sierra Club Member: 2016

Contact: jonathan.t.bash@gmail.com

Activities: 

  • Sierra Club Mt. Diablo Group Chair
  • Sierra Club Mt. Diablo Group Executive Committee Member
  • Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter Political Committee
  • Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Commissioner, Sierra Club Representative 
  • City of Martinez Planning Commissioner

Statement: 

As a Martinez resident, I often walk past beautiful Mt. Wanda and the historic home of John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club. This ritual reminds me of all the amazing natural resources located right here in our backyard. Our environment is precious, as is our quality of life. And both are at risk if we don’t stand united.

Sprawl with no long-term strategy has worsened our commutes, harmed our environment and has barely put a dent in the housing crisis. Climate change threatens our very own existence. And all the while, our movement has taken a backseat to a multitude of short-term threats.

This coming year, I hope to continue driving the regional conversation back to urgent conservation, housing and climate issues by continuing to serve on the Mount Diablo Group Executive Committee. 

I also intend to further strengthen our group by partnering with like minded organizations to amplify our ability to make change. We are stronger when we stand with organized labor and local progressive organizations. We are stronger when we advocate for transit, infill development and open space.

Throughout my entire career, I have managed tough environmental and public health campaigns that improve the health of all Californians. Working in local government and nonprofits, I have advocated for tangible community change. And as Martinez Planning Commissioner and Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Commissioner, I have fought hard for environmental justice and sustainability. 

If re-elected, I will continue to bring this experience—and significant expertise in media relations and policy advocacy—to the table. 

Hopefully, I can once again earn your support. If you have any questions, please email me anytime at jonathan.t.bash@gmail.com.

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Northern Alameda County Group Candidates:

There are four candidates. You may vote for up to four.

Ana Vasudeo

Ana Vasudeo smiles on a green background

 

Residence: Berkeley

Occupation: Berkeley School Board Director

Sierra Club Member: 2022

Key positions held in the Sierra Club: 

  • Northern Alameda County Group Executive Committee Member (appointed)

Statement: 

I am honored to serve on the Berkeley School Board and to have been appointed to the Northern Alameda County Group Executive Committee Member of the Sierra Club. My professional background is in land-use & environmental planning and I have over 15 years of professional experience working on issues related to climate change mitigation. I have worked with Safe Routes to School programs throughout the Bay Area to increase the number of students who bike, walk, take transit, or carpool to schools. I have dedicated my career to finding innovative solutions to reduce transportation greenhouse gas emissions. 

I also fought to increase climate literacy education in our schools, including launching a School Community Grants Program at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District that provided microgrants to low-income schools for projects that addressed the impact of air pollution on the global climate. As a Berkeley School Board Director, I supported the implementation of the Miyawaki micro forests project on our campuses, making our district the first one in the US to use this ultra-dense planting method which generates more biodiversity than conventional forests.  I am passionate about inspiring future generations of young climate leaders in our schools.  
 
Given my track record of bringing my environmental activism to my role as an elected official in Berkeley, I would be honored to continue to serve on the Northern Alameda County Group Executive Committee. Furthermore, I value the Sierra Club’s critical role in mobilizing for clean energy and climate solutions in our schools through projects like the 100% Clean Energy School Districts Handbook and supporting climate literacy resolutions. I would be honored to have your vote so I can continue to champion the critical work of the Sierra Club.  

Igor A. Tregub 

Igor Tregub gives a speech on the UC Berkeley campus

 

Residence: Berkeley

Occupation: Senior Policy Advisor, CA Solar & Storage Association

Sierra Club Member since: 2008

Contact: igor@sfbaysc.org

Key positions held in the Sierra Club: Chair, Northern Alameda County Group; Co-Chair, SF Bay Chapter Energy-Climate Committee; SF Bay Chapter Executive Committee (Former Chair); California Executive Committee

Statement:

Preserving the environment, decarbonizing every aspect of our economy, and ensuring that policy decisions are made with an equity lens and ample input from impacted communities have always been at the forefront of my work as a legislator and climate activist. 

I crafted some of the strongest affordable housing policies in the nation; helped pass the nation’s first gas ban in new buildings; and enhanced access to energy upgrades and solar financing for residents. I helped craft local Green New Deal policies intended to protect our air and water, integrate clean energy solutions with good jobs, and say “NO!” to coal traveling through our communities.

With your help, I continue to wage the fight and make steady progress toward the intertwined goals of saving distributed solar in California, saving our planet and those who call it home from the existential crisis of climate change, saving my homeland of Ukraine through divestment from fossil fuels that finance warmongering autocratic regimes, and saving democracy. 

Having chaired our local chapter and group, I used my experiences as an immigrant to recruit, retain, and expand the Chapter’s membership and leadership base. Amid trying times nationally, we welcomed an unprecedented growth in new membership and enhanced the financial sustainability of our chapter. I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that the Northern Alameda County Group is here for you so we can weather the storm – whether your passion is our conservation issues, expanding our climate campaigns, or joining our fantastic outings programs.

I humbly ask for your vote, so I keep serving you as we take dramatic action to save our planet. Together we will remain a potent and effective voice for the climate and strengthen partnerships within and outside of the Club. Please contact me at igor@sfbaysc.org with your questions and ideas. Thanks for your consideration!

Donald Lathbury

Donald Lathbury slightly smiles against a white background

 

Residence: Berkeley

Occupation: Consultant 

Sierra Club Member since: 2011

Activities:

  • Political Action Committee Co-Chair, Alameda County Democratic Party
  • Former Chair, Berkeley Transportation Commission 
  • Former President, East Bay Young Democrats

Statement:

As the country’s most storied and well known environmental organization, the Sierra Club provides all of us with the opportunity to pool our skills to protect our planet. 

I’ve been a proud Member of the Sierra Club for most of my adult life, and I’m excited by this opportunity to serve in an elevated capacity as a Member of the Northern Alameda County Group Executive Committee. 

As all of us live through a generation-defining climate crisis, our collective ability to make consequential change locally matters. I bring 20 years of government, campaign, and consulting experience to the Committee. Developing strategies to communicate with the public on issues important to me and those I associate with has always been my professional calling, and I am eager to deploy what I’ve learned to help the Sierra Club fulfill our mission. 

My environmentalist values are reflected in my lifestyle and my life’s pursuits. I’m the former Chair of the Berkeley Transportation Commission, someone who is passionate about forging livable and climate-resilient communities. I’m an avid bicyclist who has never owned a car. I also frequently use public transit and have developed a deep understanding of where it is meeting our regional needs and where it is falling short. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and exploring both urban and natural environments, and I’ve been a vegetarian for 23 years. 

My policy priorities include addressing the ever increasing risk of wildfires, accelerating our clean power transition, accommodating growing populations in an environmentally sustainable way, promoting seamless and shared mobility, advancing housing affordability and preventing displacement, prioritizing infill housing that reduces the need for sprawl and protects open space, and ensuring that access to clean air and clean water reaches every community. 

I’m honored to be nominated for the NAC ExCom and hope I make you proud.

Nick Pilch

Nick Pilch wears a gray suit and smiles on a green natural backdrop

 

City of residence: Albany

Occupation: BART Operations

Sierra Club Member since: 1990

Contact: nicky@mindspring.com

Activities: National and Local Outings Leader, 2005-present, Committees: Northern Alameda County (NAC) Executive (Excom) 2010-2011, 2021-present. Bay Chapter Excom 2011-2016. Outreach Chair 2011-2012. Nominations/Elections Chair 2013. Fundraising Chair 2015. Transportation and Compact Growth 2018-present, Finance 2021-2. Local Ballot Measure Review 2016-present (Sierra Club California).

Statement: 

I am active with both Outings and the political side of the Club.

In the community, I co-founded Albany Strollers & Rollers, and was a founding member of Carbon Neutral Albany (now Albany Climate Action Coalition), and Albany for Everyone, a group promoting needed housing in Albany.

While serving on the Albany City Council for six years, I continued my environmental work and advocacy. I was appointed to the League of California Cities Environmental Quality Policy Committee. I supported and campaigned for city environmental work and ballot measures, such at the 2020 Albany Measure DD which will fund climate action work. I served 4 years on the East Bay Community Energy Board. Currently, I am currently a member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee of the Alameda County Transportation Commission.

My priorities for the Club are:

  • fighting climate change above all
  • cordial and respectful and fruitful relationships amongst volunteers and leaders
  • diversity in all aspects
    • attracting and retain young membership. Increasingly, the membership is skewing older. We can’t maintain the Club if we can’t continue to bring in young volunteers and leaders.
    • attracting and retaining people of color. The Sierra Club must represent the diversity of our geographic boundaries.
    • making sure the Chapter is working on all aspects of environmental work – environmental justice, and climate change including alternative transportation and energy, and resource conservation.
  • finally, maintaining fiscal solvency. The Chapter depends on contributions and fundraising is imperative. I will do my part in donating and fundraising as well.

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Southern Alameda County Group Candidates:

There are four candidates. You may vote for up to three.

Glenn Kirby

Glenn Kirby smiles wearing a hat

 

City of residence: Hayward

Occupation: Retired

Sierra Club Member since: 1978

Contact: gkirby46@gmail.com

Statement: 

I am an East Bay native, growing up in West Contra Costa County and living in Hayward for the past 40 years.  My wife and I have been Sierra Club members since 1978.  Over the years I have served on the Chapter Executive Committee and the Southern Alameda County Group Executive Committee, as well as other Chapter issue committees.  I have taken a break from the SAC Group to focus on other priorities but am now ready to resume my activism in my home community.

I served as a Planning Commissioner for Hayward for 8 years and Alameda County for 12 years.   I served on the East Bay Regional Park District’s Park Advisory Committee, Alameda County Recycling Board – StopWaste.org, the Alameda County ACTIA (Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority) Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee and currently serve on the Union City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.  I also served on the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and  the East Bay Area Trails Council.   

I view preservation of open-space as fundamental to our quality of life in the Bay Area.  I also support public access, where appropriate, through trails and the expansion of parklands.  I also see our future quality of life dependent on our response to Climate Change.

I enjoy hiking and bicycle riding and would usually rather be outdoors than in a meeting.  But, whether I am monitoring a proposed development in the county or considering an endorsement for a local elected office, I know that the decisions we make today will determine the future for the Bay Area. The Sierra Club has provided leadership in protection of open space, parklands, agricultural lands and critical habitat as well as advocating for a sustainable economy.  I am asking for your support to once again serve on the Southern Alameda County Group Executive Committee.

Martha Kreeger

Martha Kreeger smiles on a green natural background

 

City of residence: Fremont

Occupation: Organizer

Sierra Club Member since: 2019

Contact: marthakreeger@gmail.com

Activities: 

  • Field Lead Groundworks Campaigns, Community Organizer, and Commissioner on the Alameda County Commission of the Status of Women
  • SF Bay Chapter Vice Chair; SAC Group Chair; Member: Bylaws Committee, SF Bay Chapter Political Committee, Recreation Issues Committee (Sierra Club), Working Group w/ Labor Partners on Warehouse Issues

Statement: 

For almost 15 years I have worked as an Issues Organizer in our East Bay communities; working with community members on educational policy, environmental justice and climate actions, equity issues and building toward universal healthcare.  My experience has focused on field campaigns, policy focused community actions and training and empowering emerging organizers. As a Sierra Club leader in the SAC Group and the Chapter, I am strongly committed to sustainable organizing, building and supporting teams who have the depth, breadth and commitment to create transformational change within their communities and across California.  

I committed to the Sierra Club as a member and a leader because climate change is threatening not only human existence but all life on this planet. I love that Sierra Club is one of many organizations, including labor, coordinating our critical work to guide policy that will 

  • ensure clean energy and air quality 
  • push for an indirect source rule and control warehouse impacts
  • phase out fossil fuels and 
  • conserve habitat through building within urban growth limits and preserving wildlife corridors and wild spaces outside of those same boundaries.

I want to continue the work to reverse the harm we have done to this planet in any way I can with this group and within our chapter.  Thank you for all you do!   

Matt Turner

Matt Turner smiles on beach background

 

City of residence: Castro Valley

Occupation: Principal Consultant at Turner Communications Group, LLC

Sierra Club Member since: First joined in 1988, continuous since 2006

Contact: TurnerCommGroup@gmail.com, (972) 379-8748

Activities: Member of SF Bay Water Committee from 2010-2014

Statement: 

I’m a life-long environmentalist and outdoorsman. I was born in Oakland, but grew up on a small cattle ranch in Amador County. I began backpacking in 1982 and have been at it ever since. I moved to my current home in 1999 and have been involved in local environmental issues here in the unincorporated area ever since.

My activism led me to be appointed to the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council from 2011-2015 when I was hired by Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley as a community organizer and constituent liaison. Last year, I left that office to start my own public advocacy consulting firm, where I am now under contract with HARD (Hayward Area Recreation and Parks District)  working on trail projects, and revenue issues. I also serve as chair of the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Bike/Ped Advisory Committee.

As a parent of kids in elementary and middle school living in an SB 1000 community of environmental justice concern, I am very focused on safe routes to school and access to parks and trails for kids. Water policy, the activities of Sierra Pacific Industries on the western slope of the sierras, public access to public lands, and rangeland management in our regional parks are all areas of significant concern to me as well.

After decades of local activism and working within the county bureaucracy, I have fostered many good relationships with people across a wide array of agencies and special districts. Those connections are often vital to successfully advocating for the environment, and I will leverage them to the advantage of the Sierra Club wherever appropriate.

Thank you for your consideration,
Matt

Rishi Gurjar

No Candidate Statement Submitted

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San Francisco Group Candidates:

There are seven candidates. You may vote for up to four.

Kieran Farr

Kieran Farr smiles on a blurred city background

 

City of residence: San Francisco

Occupation: Community at Vimeo and Developer at 3DStreet

Sierra Club Member since: 2021

Contact: kieran.farr@gmail.com

Activities: 

  • Potrero Boosters & Dogpatch Neighborhood Associations Joint Livable Streets Committee
  • Rotary Club - SOMA (South of Market)/Bayview 
  • NE Mission Curb Management Committee
  • Former Geary Bus Rapid Transit Citizens Advisory Committee (BRT-CAC) Member

Statement: 

I am passionate about advocating for bold action to address the climate crisis. The San Francisco Group of the Sierra Club is in a great position to push this important city to take even bigger steps to reduce carbon emissions. I am eager to work to expand the Sierra Club's power both by recruiting more members and by enticing existing members to be more involved. We have a large number of Sierra Club members in San Francisco and an opportunity to activate this base of support. The dual linked imperatives of climate change and environmental justice create an all hands on deck moment where we must push for policy change in multiple sectors including energy, transportation, food systems, housing and more. Becoming a parent in San Francisco has given me great motivation to engage. My personal experience in looking for healthier and more sustainable transportation options for my family converted me into a sustainable transportation, safe streets and climate action advocate.

Kim-Shree Maufas

Kim-Shree Maufas smiles next to a brick wall

 

City of residence: San Francisco

Occupation: Adjunct Community College Professor/SFMTA Labor Relations

Sierra Club Member since: 2018

Activities: 

  • San Francisco Group: Executive & Conservation Committee
  • Former Chapter & SF Group Nominations/Elections Committee; SF Bay Chapter 
  • Elections Task Force
  • Longtime Safety Lead/Trainer for all San Francisco Pride Parade Volunteers
  • Member of NAACP/BWOPA, Harvey Milk/Alice B. Toklas/Latinx Demo Clubs
  • COVID: Door2Door Meals/Care Packages to Seniors, Hospice & Families 

Statement:

My Motto: Live a Purposeful Life. My purpose is to advocate for under-represented communities in the SF Bay Area pushed out of their homes, neighborhoods, and schools due to land-grabs and intensified gentrification. I advocate because contamination and crime are ignored by those in positions of power and privilege. 
 
I teach the SKILLS necessary to speak truth to power for environmental justice, educational justice, and social justice – often intertwined. As an SFUSD Board of Ed Commissioner (2007-2015), I advocated for scratch cooking for children & discontinuing single-use plastic containers, HAPPENING NOW! We can use these same skills to help one another, to protect our forests, to protect our waters, and save our beautiful planet! 
 
On the San Francisco Eastern Neighborhoods CAC, I partner everyday with allies in the Southeast San Francisco fighting to keep developers, corporations, and city departments accountable for how their actions impact systemically oppressed voices and communities. Together, we have brought these dinner-table discussions right to the decision-making table. 
 
This purposeful life of mine is guided by the shining light of my granddaughter, Marley, now in middle school. She’s helped clean beaches from contamination, experienced wild fire pollution in our skies (wearing an N95 mask at school), and is worried that her favorite animal, the Sloth, is high on the endangered species list. We agreed to “lean-in harder,” TOGETHER, for the environment. I truly consider it an honor to serve on the SF Group Executive Committee and am asking for your vote to continue doing so.

Kelly Akemi Groth

Kelly Akemi Groth smiles on a natural green background

 

City of residence: San Francisco

Occupation: Legislative Aide, Supervisor Connie Chan

Sierra Club Member since: 2022

Activities:  Former member, San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee Former President, SF Women’s Political Committee

Statement: 

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and grew up experiencing the great outdoors with my parents, who helped nurture my love and respect for the environment. As is the case with many people in my generation, the documentary An Inconvenient Truth galvanized me to a career in climate policy. After graduating San Francisco State University, I was accepted into a graduate program at the University of Oregon, focused on urban planning and environmental sustainability. While in Eugene, I led a canvassing effort with a local environmental justice nonprofit, Beyond Toxics, surveying neighbors who lived near a creosote plant and documenting their reported health problems. The data from the survey helped illustrate a huge public health concern, and the plant eventually closed this year after decades of complaints and recorded health issues. Additionally, I worked with Beyond Toxics on my thesis, which centered on improving community outreach and engagement when identifying and remediating brownfields. 

After graduate school, I began work with NextGen Climate, a nonprofit aimed at electing climate advocates across the nation. As Project and Budget Manager, I managed 11 state and national campaign budgets and operational procedures, in addition to working with national partners on large campaigns. In 2020, I decided to take a leap of faith and run Connie Chan’s campaign for Supervisor. I now staff Supervisor Chan on environmental issues including biodiversity, CleanPowerSF, and reducing plastic waste. My priorities as a member of the Sierra Club Group Member are to uplift communities impacted by environmental racism, advocate for building out a sustainable and equitable local energy system, and work to reduce consumption of single-use plastics. I would also work to build capacity for younger generations to have a platform and voice to advocate and fight for a climate resilient future.

Brian Reyes

Brian Reyes smiles in an up-close headshot

 

City of residence: San Francisco

Occupation: Climate and Sustainability Planner

Sierra Club Member since: 2021

Contact: brian5368@gmail.com

Activities: 

  • Volunteer organizing for local San Francisco parks and safer streets
  • Labor organizing to divest San Francisco's pension from oil and gas
  • Asia Society board member
  • Founded and implemented community and sustainable agriculture development programs in rural Cambodia

Statement: 

I am a gen X parent raising a child in San Francisco.  I am Filipino American that grew up in a diverse Southern California community.  Recognizing and giving intrinsic value to the environment and all living things has been part of me since I can remember; but, growing up in a predominately brown community, I didn’t see myself reflected in the environmental movement; that is, until I moved to San Francisco in 2007.  Today, I find myself in the middle of that movement whether my career as a scientist and climate and sustainability planner or advocate for parks and open space in urban centric SF.  
My service will prioritize and energize efforts, policies, and programs that builds a strong SF community through the lens of six pillars:

  1. Taking action to mitigate and adapt to climate change
  2. Race and social equity
  3. Parks and open space 
  4. Affordable housing 
  5. Sustainable modes of transit, and
  6. Having fun while doing it!

Solutions to address these pillars have been promulgated throughout the history of San Francisco culture, policies, and programs, yet seem distant because of our personal fear to implement in and across our neighborhoods, or, become apathetic to the challenge because it seems so daunting.  It is my belief and, ostensibly, my charge, as a San Francisco Sierra Club ExComm member to ensure these pillars rise to the top and our electeds and City Staff are held accountable to implement.  I will give confidence and voice to membership.  I will enable leaders that follow the evidence, are humbled and motivated by addressing the complex tensions that exists, and demonstrates the aptitude, when in service to solving across these pillars.  

Sandra Lee Fewer

Sandra Lee Fewer smiles on a natural green background

 

City of residence: San Francisco

Occupation: Retired, formally member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and Board of Education

Sierra Club Member since: 2015, rejoined 2022

Activities: 

  • Member: Climate Champions Slate
  • Board Member: Richmond Police Station Community Policing Advisory Board
  • Board Member: SF Pretrial
  • Board Member: Coleman Action Fund

Statement: 

I am a fourth generation Chinese American San Franciscan. As a former elected official, I legislated the adoption of the Good Food Purchasing Program for the San Francisco Unified School District and the City and County of San Francisco to ensure procurement dollars go to companies that meet standards for environmental sustainability, support of local economies, humane animal welfare, nutrition and a valued workforce. 

I also authored legislation to create the Office of Racial Equity, laid the groundwork for the first public bank in San Francisco, passed resolutions to support our city's biodiversity and the divestment of city funds from fossil fuels. I was the Chair of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) and provided oversight for Cleanpower SF.  

I have a deep appreciation and respect for our natural environment. I believe parks and open spaces should be accessible to everyone, everyone has the right to live in a healthy environment and everyone has a personal responsibility to support a healthy environment. I am interested in pushing the City to invest in its own sustainable resources for renewable energy and working to close racial environmental inequities.

My husband of 40 years and I are retired and spend our time growing milkweed, raising Monarch butterflies, gardening, preserving and sharing our garden's produce. I am honored to be included on the Climate Champions slate with such talented, experienced, strong women. We will represent the Sierra Club well. 

Becky Evans

Becky Evans smiles on a natural green and brown background

 

City of residence: San Francisco

Occupation: retired paralegal

Sierra Club Member since: 1969

Activities: 

  • Member, Chapter Executive Committee
  • Chair, San Francisco Group
  • Chapter Delegate, Sierra Club Council of Club Leaders, 2015-present
  • Recipient of the 2017 SF Bay Chapter Ed Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award

Statement: 

I am proud to be a Life Member of the Sierra Club, now celebrating 130 years of protecting the Earth.  As a Club activist, I have served on the San Francisco Bay Chapter Executive Committee  (its subcommittees on Finance and Staff Management,) the San Francisco Group ExCom as well as committees protecting Yosemite and the Colorado River.
 
I am among the many founders of the GGNRA, was on the first SF Environment Commission.  My community work has focused on open space, parks, waterfront and water issues (including sewage treatment) and transportation.  

The strength of the Sierra Club is in its members - all of us - those who volunteer for its committees and campaigns.  We are all volunteers - office workers, writers, architects, scientists and retirees.  All of our voices are critical in the work to protect the Earth.

We are faced each day with many choices- how do we combat the environmental challenges - clean water, clean air, toxics and climate change - which impact us, our neighborhoods and other communities.

Please vote to return me to the San Francisco Group Executive Committee.  If elected, I will continue my efforts to “green” San Francisco and the planet as well as mentoring new Sierra Club activists among the 6300+ San Francisco membership. Thank you.

Charles Whitfield

Charles Whitfield smiles on a white background

 

City of residence: San Francisco

Occupation: Software Engineer

Sierra Club Member since: 2017

Contact: whitfield.cw@gmail.com

Activities: member of San Francisco Planning Department's Central SoMa (South of Market) Community Advisory Committee (2020-2022)

Statement: 

My #1 motivation & focus as an environmentalist is addressing the climate crisis: to stop and eventually reverse the harm our fossil fuel dependency is doing to the planet and to our own health. No one who has lived through the past few wildfire seasons in California should have any doubt that repairing our climate is the most urgent policy priority of our time. Achieving rapid decarbonization will require policy change at every level of government and will impact nearly every part of how we live, from transportation & energy to housing & food systems. Specific policies I support include transportation & building electrification, preserving car-free park space like JFK Promenade, replacing fossil fuel electricity generation with renewable sources, and “rewilding” to convert formerly human-dominated lands into nature preserves. To support these ends, I will work to help Sierra Club grow its membership and better engage existing members to expand its influence on state & local policy.

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Tri-Valley Group Candidates:

There are four candidates. You may vote for up to three.

Steven Dunbar

Steven Dunbar smiles against natural green and navy starred background

 

Residence: Livermore

Occupation: Controls Engineer, Public Transit Vehicle Design

Sierra Club member since: 2019

Activities:

  • Tri Valley ExCom Member, 2020-Present
  • Tri Valley Political Committee Chair, 2021
  • Advocacy Chair, Bike East Bay
  • Livermore Planning Commission Chair

Statement:

Hello Friends. Over the past two years, I have brought an informed and calm approach to our local group. In that time, I have made positive adjustments to both technical matters of club positions and in problem-solving approach. My planning commission and other board experience has served the group well, especially when communicating with city councils or staff.

My platform over the next two years, should I be reelected:

  1. I will continue to move the needle on better engagement with members and leaders, including more consistent background information and more specific action items. I know many of you do not attend because it’s not easy to understand how to be engaged and make a difference between elections.
  2. I will strive for a Sierra Club that supports and thanks and builds trust at least as often as it opposes. The environmental status quo is not acceptable, and we need to build bridges to change it.
  3. I will continue to bring together a coalition for sustainable, equitable, and achievable transportation outcomes in the TriValley (the single largest category for carbon emissions). Some of the groundwork has been set but more work with local leaders is required.

I would be honored to have your vote once again to continue this important work.

Joseph Mauro

Joseph Mauro smiles against a cream background

 

Residence: Pleasanton

Statement:

Hello all! My name is Joseph Mauro, and I am running to be on the Executive Committee for the Tri-Valley area. I have been a resident of Pleasanton, California my entire life. Most of my time is spent finishing my last school year at the University of California, Los Angeles, while also spending time as a Progressive Turnout Project intern for Congressman Josh Harder and being active in many political organizations in the Bay Area as well as Los Angeles. While I have recently joined the Sierra Club, environmental justice and advocacy have been a fortifying part of my ideology and life mission: to make my community a much more environmentally healthy place through things like advocating for the state to allocate water resources in a more environmentally sustainable way to moving much more drastically towards cleaner energy than we are currently using. I am running because these are all extremely important issues to me. I have proven to my community that I have been a tireless advocate for justice; I advocated for making the PUSD health curriculum more LGBTQ+ inclusive and advocated a Green New Deal for Los Angeles USD k-12 schools. As a member of the Executive Board, I will be a tireless advocate for conserving our environment in the Tri-Valley and beyond. 

Linda Milanese

 

Linda Milanese smiles in an indoor setting

 

Residence: Livermore

Occupation: English Teacher, retired  (Livermore HS, Las Positas College)

Sierra Club Member since: 1996

Statement:

I’ve been a member of Sierra Club for almost 30 years and belong to Friends of Open Space and Vineyards and the League to Save Lake Tahoe. Our cars always sport “Keep Tahoe Blue “ bumper stickers. Despite the busy years of raising a family and full-time teaching, I was an active participant in every election season—a precinct foot soldier and letter writer. Whenever open space or the Urban Growth Boundary was on the ballot, I was there to knock on doors and to gather signatures for a UGB in both Livermore and Dublin.
 
For the past few years I’ve invested many hours working to save the last open space in downtown Livermore for a community park—writing letters, gathering signatures for one initiative and two referendums, and staying late at City Council meetings when our item was usually last on the agenda.

In recent years global warming and environmental challenges have become more urgent and worrisome. I worry about the future and decided there’s no better organization through which I can make a difference than the Sierra Club. 

I will:

  • protect the Tri-Valley cities’ Urban Growth Boundaries and also the County Urban Growth Boundary established by Measure D as decided by all Alameda County voters. We need to preserve agricultural land and open space from the regular attacks that would chip away at those borders.  
  • support more renewable green energy—especially solar power—starting with panels on the already developed areas of rooftops, parking lots, and businesses.
  • be a watchdog for safe drinking water and ground water by insisting on regular mandated testing for contamination. 
  • demand CEQA tests (California Environmental Quality Act) for all new developments.


Please support me in working for you on the important and pressing projects of the Tri-Valley Sierra Club.

Carol Silva

Carol Silva smiles on a white background

 

Residence: Livermore

Occupation: Contract Administrator, retired

Sierra Club member since: 1991

Contact:  7silva@comcast.net

Activities:

  • Tri-Valley 2021 Nominations Committee
  • Tri-Valley Executive Committee from Oct. 2021 to present
  • Treasurer of my Home Owners Association Board from Jan. 2021 to present

Statement:

To explore, enjoy, and protect wild places and natural resources has been a passion of mine for a long time.

Many of the issues in the Tri-Valley pertain to development, since this area has a substantial amount of open space thanks to activists and voters fighting for conservation.   One of my priorities is to help protect the earth’s ecosystems and resources, which includes defending Tri-Valley cities’ Urban Growth Boundaries and Alameda County’s Measure D, which is to protect agricultural land and open space.  With Sierra Club’s support, my goal is to encourage Tri-Valley cities to provide incentives for distributed solar instead of using open space.  This would minimize impacts to our resources, and to our endangered and threatened plants and wildlife.  Another goal is to encourage the Tri-Valley cities to increase affordable housing with infill housing.  

My concern is to balance climate change solutions with other factors, such as maintaining or improving biodiversity, minimizing impacts to wildlife corridors and nesting areas, minimizing pollution, and ensuring the availability of resources, especially the precious commodity of clean drinking water now and for future generations.  Tri-Valley ExComm members have invited and will continue to invite water experts to present at our meetings.  My goal is for all of us to continue to fight for clean drinking water.

Polluted air in our valley tends to stay in our area.  Since Livermore has two landfills, it is important that air and land pollution from garbage trucks and the landfills’ operations are mitigated.

I kindly ask and thank you for your support and your vote.

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West Contra Costa County Group Candidate:

There is one candidate. You may vote for up to one.

 

Hari Lamba

No Candidate Statement Submitted

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