Dear All-
What an incredible year it has been! All of the collective forces and great minds are in action to express their pleasure and displeasure at the local, state, and national level.
Cheers to those of you who have taken to the streets, opened up your wallets, written letters, and called your elected representatives, to make a difference.
As I continue with my professional role as a public-school teacher and as a community volunteer, I am encouraged by everyone who gets involved and stays involved. This is not the time to remain still or silent!
Here at the local Santa Lucia Sierra Club, it has been heartwarming to know that there are dozens of volunteers who support our outstanding paid Coordinator Gianna Patchen and our mission. Gianna’s honed interpersonal skills have helped many new people become part of the hub of volunteers.
In addition, it has been fabulous to witness the friendships that have developed among all of our supporters. The opportunities have given people a chance to be with “their tribe” and a Central Coast extended family.
During my tenure as Chair, it has also been wonderful to recognize the people who have donated financially to our cause. Some are opting to be monthly donors, others have given sums through our fund appeal letters (just three times a year), and others have recognized the Santa Lucia Sierra Club in their wills.
In the future, everyone will be able to participate in some “in person” fundraisers - until then, donations are so welcomed!
The General Meetings continue to be a terrific place for like-minded souls to be educated on pertinent topics. The last meeting on “Wildfire Protection” provided prudent tips to residents and lovers of the great outdoors. Many thanks to French Hospital for continuing to allow us to use the auditorium at the Copeland Pavillion. Linda Moran, Chair for the General Meetings, has done an outstanding job providing for education, food, drink, and new friendships.
Check out our website to keep up with engaging General Meetings, volunteer opportunities, and outings on the Central Coast!
I also want to express my appreciation for Christine Dawson, the new Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo. Her staff has been hosting working luncheons to help leaders from a variety of non-profits excel. Our participants have gained new knowledge and connections from those meetings.
Kudos to all of our committee chairs for their hard work and passion for Mother Nature! The committees and their respective chairs are: Budget – Julie Lang, Communications – Carole Mintzer, Conservation – Sue Harvey, Development/Fundraising and Environmental and Social Justice – Stephanie Carlotti, Membership – Ranel Porter, Programs – Linda Moran, Elections – Carole Mintzer, Nominating Committee - Ranel Porter and Stephanie Carlotti, Outings – Art Westerfield, Political – Alex Mintzer, Climate and Clean Energy Committee - Carole Mintzer, Volunteer Coordinator - Shawn Meara, Zero Waste Task Force - Janine Kennel Rands, Youth Leadership Taskforce (YLT) - Sam Andrews and Audrey Orlopp.
Ranel Porter, our Executive Committee Vice-Chair, has been the proverbial “wind beneath my wings.” What an amazing, organized, thoughtful individual she is! Many thanks for all that she has accomplished!
If you are at all interested in participating in any of our committees, please do reach out. The more the merrier!
In 2026, we are planning to formalize a solid strategic plan for our Chapter. Please feel free to contact Coordinator Gianna Patchen and bring your expertise to assist with that process.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I also want to acknowledge and thank the ongoing mentorship, support, and passion of our retired past Santa Lucia Chapter Director, Andrew Christie. He provided such a strong foundation for our Chapter for nearly two decades. What a wonderful human being!
In closing, take good care of yourselves. Thank you for your daily actions to strive to make our world a better place.
With gratitude,
Mila Vujovich-La Barre
