The Executive Committee
The ExComm (executive committee) is the body which is responsible for managing the activities of the Santa Cruz Group of the Ventana Chapter. We develop local policies (subject to those that exist at the National, State, and Chapter level), provide guidelines, manage local staff, develop fundraising plans, and in general ensure that the Group operates for the benefit of the National Club, Chapter, and the local environment.
Officers
Chair
Mike Guth (elected for 2025-2027 term)
mguth AT guthpatents.com
831-462-8270
Vice Chair
Steve Bakaley (elected for 2024-2026 term)
slbakaley AT gmail.com (preferred method of contact)
831-612-6575
Secretary
Jim Danaher
danaher AT cruzio.com
831-465-6818
Treasurer
Trician Comings (appointed)
triciansc1 AT earthlink.net
831-400-9418
Other Members
Iwalani Faulkner (elected for the 2026-2028 term)
equitytransitsantacruz AT gmail.com
831-278-1007
Steve Leonard (appointed for the 2025-2027 term)
ngc1432 AT yahoo.com
Micah Posner (elected for the 2026-2028 term)
micahposner AT cruzio.com
831-227-4772
Ethan Quaranta (elected for the 2026-2028 term)
ethan.quaranta AT gmail.com
Kristen Sandel (elected for 2024-2026 term)
krsandel AT gmail.com
Open (for the 2024-2026 term)
Open (for the 2025-2027 term)
The Conservation Committee
The Conservation Committee, the only committee required by the National Sierra Club by-laws, meets monthly and makes recommendations on environmental issues of concern to the Executive Committee.
Committee Chair: Mike Guth
mguth AT guthpatents.com
831-476-0295
Public Lands Subcommittee
This subcommittee of the Conservation Committee will focus on the public lands and parks of Santa Cruz County, including both city and county areas. We will be attending meetings of the County and City Parks Commissions, connecting with city and county electeds and staff to address concerns, providing information and educational resources to our Ventana Chapter members, and actively tracking and responding to issues affecting our public lands.
Committee Chair: Cynthia Denny
cyndenny AT gmail.com
The Transportation Committee
Our local Sierra Club Transportation Committee advocates for sustainable transportation options, including bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit improvements, and opposes large scale expansions for automobiles, with greenhouse emissions in mind. The Transportation Committee makes recommendations on transportation issues of concern to the Executive Committee.
We support keeping the public transit option on the rail-trail corridor and are excited about the 2018 start of construction of rail-trail segments (bike-ped trail) on the S.C. west side and in Watsonville.
Committee Chair: Iwalani Faulkner
equitytransitsantacruz AT gmail.com
831-278-1007
The Political Committee
Our task is to evaluate all local elections whether candidates or issues, and make a determination if we will attempt to make any endorsements. The Sierra Club endorsement is highly regarded to voters and carries a lot of weight so we take our job seriously.
Committee Chair: Micah Posner (elected for the 2020-2022 term)
micahposner AT cruzio.com
831-227-4772
Outreach and Events Committee
We inform the public about environmental issues as well as sharing travel stories to beautiful, natural places.
Committee Chair: Open
Outings Chair: Steve Bakaley
slbakaley AT gmail.com (preferred method of contact)
831-612-6575