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). This year there are no candidates for the Delta Group Executive Committee, so if you are a member of that groups you may only vote for the Chapter Executive Committee.
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.
- Chapter
- Marin Group
- Mount Diablo Group
- Northern Alameda County Group
- San Francisco Group
- Southern Alameda County Group
- Tri-Valley Group
- West Contra Costa County Group
Chapter Executive Committee Candidates
(There are four candidates. You may vote for four or fewer.)
Olga Bolotina
Residence: Oakland
Occupation: Chief of Staff, Oakland Councilmember Dan Kalb
Sierra Club member since: 2000
Statement: Born and raised in Russia, Olga Bolotina earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the St. Petersburg Academy of Veterinary Medicine. Olga’s interest and passion for sustainability led her to receive a Master’s degree in Sustainable Business Administration from the Presidio School of Management. Currently, Olga works as the Chief of Staff for Oakland City Councilmember Dan Kalb. She was elected as Chair of the Northern Alameda County Group, at large member of the SF Bay Chapter, board member of Sierra Club California and nominated as a State Political Committee representative as well as representative to the Council of Club Leaders (CCL).
Olga’s love for nature and a lifelong passion for conservation were nurtured from early on in her childhood. Camping in the wilderness, mushroom hunting, wild berry and flowers picking and fishing trips were among her family's frequent activities. As a veterinary professional Olga worked with numerous wildlife rehabilitation organizations such as the Marine Mammal Center, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, Montclair Veterinary Hospital and The Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue.
Olga has a comprehensive background in political organizing, group leadership, and event organization and facilitation. More recent campaigns that Olga took leading roles in through her work and volunteering: banning coal in Oakland, the successful Fossil Fuel Divestment by the City of Oakland Police and Fire retirement investment boards, and continuing to implement Community Choice Program in Alameda County.
In her scarce time away from serving our communities, Olga enjoys wilderness trips, sustainable gardening and connecting with other environmental and environmental justice leaders.
Olga is urging you to get involved! Now more than ever we need to stand together, organize, reach out, educate, and do everything in our power to save our beautiful natural places here in Bay Area and throughout the country.
Olga considers serving as a leader in the Sierra Club as a great privilege and honor, and continues to expand her knowledge and experience that she puts into practice and shares with current and future Club leaders. She humbly asks you to continue putting her skills and expertise to work, for the benefit of the Club and our planet. She has the skills, experience, and passion found at the core of the Club, all of which are profoundly applicable to our Executive Committee.
Jess Dervin-Ackerman
Residence: Berkeley
Occupation: Environmental and political organizer
Sierra Club member since: 2013
Activities: Former Bay Chapter Conservation Program Coordinator & Manager; Assembly District Delegate for the California Democratic Party; 350 Bay Area co-founder and former Board President.
Statement: As a former staff person for the SF Bay Chapter, I have a deep understanding of and appreciation for the Chapter community, the issues facing the organization, and the campaign priorities for the Bay Area. I led the organization's advocacy efforts for a swift transition away from fossil fuels to a clean energy economy, taking lead for the Sierra Club on the Coal Free Oakland, efforts to launch CleanPowerSF, the Bay Area-wide campaign to cap emissions limits at Bay Area refineries, launching the East Bay Clean Power Alliance, and more.
I grew up in Berkeley to activist parents, so it’s not a stretch to say I’m a lifelong environmentalist. I see climate change as the most important issue facing us, and I am driven to work for climate justice because I care deeply about the people and beautiful places that are being impacted by unsustainable energy sources and unchecked capitalism. I am committed to working towards a sustainable, just, and equitable community and environment in the Bay Area. I value authenticity paired with open, honest, and frequent communication in my life and work. I believe that it is through these values and creating long term relationships built on trust that we will win environmental and climate justice victories.
My hope for the SF Bay Chapter is an organization that is inclusive, diverse, and truly represents the communities it works in, at all levels of leadership. I hope you will elect me to represent you on the Chapter Executive Committee. Thank you for your consideration.
Becky Evans
Residence: San Francisco
Occupation: Retired paralegal
Sierra Club member since: 1969
Activities: Chapter Chair, 2014-16; Chapter Executive Committee member since 2011; San Francisco Group activist since 1993; Chapter Political Committee member; Recipient of San Francisco Tomorrow's Jack Morrison Lifetime Achievement Award, 2014; Member, Bay Area Water Stewards, People for the Parks Board; Sierra Club Colby Library volunteer.
Statement: I ask for your vote to re-elect me to the Chapter Executive Committee. If elected, I will focus on mentoring new activists, strengthening our awesome staff, encouraging regional smart growth, and working to preserve the California Environmental Quality Act.
I'm proud to be a life member in the Sierra Club, soon to celebrate its 125th birthday. Working at all levels of the Sierra Club, my major efforts have been for parks, waterfront and water issues and community efforts on sewage and transportation.
I have served as Chair of the Executive Committee for almost three years and find it demanding, exhilarating, and requiring infinite patience.
The Chapter’s successes are yours — you attend hearings, write letters, meet with elected officials and populate phone banks. Your dues and contributions make the Chapter’s work possible.
There are nine members elected by the Chapter membership — now at more than 30,000 — and representatives from the Chapter’s eight groups. We are volunteers — consultants, scientists, civil servants, attorneys, tech experts and retirees. We are responsible for Chapter staff, budget and conservation campaigns as well as political endorsements and approving litigation.
Together we need to meet the challenges of sea level rise, climate change and a growing Bay Area population. It will take all of us working together to meet these challenges.
Please vote for me for the San Francisco Bay Chapter Executive Committee — thank you.
Arthur Feinstein
Residence: San Francisco
Occupation: Conservationist
Sierra Club member since: 1981
Activities: Chapter and San Francisco Group Executive Committee Member, 2006 to present; ExCom chair, 2010 to 2013; Interim Chapter Director, 2012; SF Group PolCom Chair, 2008; SF Group ConsCom chair, 2009 to 2012; Vice-Chair, Sierra Club California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee, 2015 to present; Awarded National Sierra Club’s Susan Miller Award, 2014; Awarded Clean Water Network’s 30-Year Heroes Award; National Audubon Society’s Bay Champion Award.
Statement: San Francisco and the Bay Area needs a strong Sierra Club as never before. Climate change, sea level rise, extreme weather, drought, species extinction, fracking, the list goes on and can seem overwhelming. But the answer is not despair but rather to accept the challenge, seek solutions and implement them. To do this will require a strong Sierra Club that will lead the effort to reduce and then eliminate dependence upon non-renewable fuels. That will advocate for answers to sea level rise such as creating new wetlands to reduce storm surges and act as levees. That will work to preserve our natural world in the face of increased development.
When Chapter chair I helped establish an energetic and successful Energy Committee. I have worked on wetlands issues on local, state and federal levels helping save and restore thousands of acres of wetlands around the Bay. I played a key role in saving two square miles of East Bay habitat in our 14-year struggle to save Gateway Valley in Orinda. With many others, I helped establish the McLaughlin East Shore State Park.
The Club makes a difference. The Bay Area is a healthier place for us and for the critters with whom we share this world thanks to our efforts.
I believe I have the skills and experience to help the Club continue this essential work.
Marin Group Candidates
(There are five candidates. You may vote for five or fewer.)
Mickey Allison
Residence: Sausalito
Occupation: Biology teacher, retired
Sierra Club member since: 1985
Activities: Sierra Club ICO Baltimore, 1998-2004; Bay Area ICO, 2005-present; Bay Chapter Federal Parks Committee, July 2015 to present; Marin Group: observer, March 2016 to present.
Statement: Growing up in the East Bay, visiting Muir Woods, tide pooling and hiking county parks began my love of nature. At UC Davis, I continued hiking/backpacking with SF Bay and Sacramento Chapters. Living in the Baltimore/DC area, I joined local and national SC trips and became a Sierra Club Inspiring Connection Outdoors (ICO) leader.
For many years, I have shared the uniqueness of every habitat and the need to preserve it with young adventurers while taking them on hikes. It’s a joy to see them share tidbits about some plant or animal with their friends.
Upon my return to the Bay Area, I moved into a houseboat. Thinking green, I installed energy efficient upgrades to my home, transferred to SF Bay ICO and started hiking Marin. Seeing groups, walking side by side, collapsing the fragile edge of narrow trails, bothered me; so, I ended up teaching users how some behaviors damage the environment and native species.
Noticing increased visitation to Muir Woods since 2004, I went to hearings to support the park’s sustainability. Later, I joined the Sierra Club Federal Parks Committee and advocated for environmental protections to be incorporated into various GGNRA plans (e.g. Muir Woods Reservation System, Redwood Creek Realignment & Dias Ridge Trail Extension Project, and Dog Management Plan.)
My Biology and Zoology degrees required development of good research techniques, analysis of scientific papers and drawing conclusions. My experience and expertise would greatly help Marin Group's decision making process and environmental advocacy.
I will advocate for preservation of parks and open spaces, habitat, wildlife protection, and take careful scrutiny of other issues specific to Marin County. I would be honored to receive your vote.
Laura Chariton
Residence: Mill Valley (unincorporated)
Occupation: Environmental activist
Sierra Club member since: 1996
Activities: Vice Chair, Marin Group; President, Watershed Alliance of Marin; promote biodiversity and Club diversity, promote environmental restoration, preservation policy advocate, avid hiker and backpacker, natural systems protection and restoration, watershed education, NPS tule elk docent.
Statement: During my three years on the Marin Group ExCom, Marin has been in the forefront of a battle between skyrocketing real estate speculation, population growth and visitor stress on our parklands. How do we retain our small town character and renowned biodiversity and prevent damage to natural ecosystems? Who speaks for the habitat?
With a Master’s degree specializing in Riparian Policy and Environmental Restoration my focus is to save all native species starting in my own backyard. SCMG board members work to solve local environmental issues such as climate change, sea level rise, water and air pollution, inappropriate growth and development and loss and destruction of habitat leading to local extinction.
The Sierra Club’s legacy and reputation for identifying needs for environmental protection can give voice to the community of life. Focusing on local issues and having the capacity to engage environmental laws and science, we may influence elections and policymakers if we work together. Because of my science based advocacy and affiliations, I can bring a valuable perspective to the board. We need to expand ethnic and racial diversity within the Sierra Club Marin Group.
I initiated the creation of the Bay Chapter Federal Lands committee in 2014 by raising concerns to National and the Bay Chapter about working more effectively with GGNRA.
I founded the Watershed Alliance of Marin to protect wildlife, streams and watershed health, while collaborating with and supporting the work of Marin watershed groups and local agencies.
Through my activities, research and observation I remain informed by nature. I would be deeply honored to continue serving the Sierra Club community and hope for your vote.
Susan Ives
Residence: Mill Valley
Occupation: Communications consultant, writer, activist
Sierra Club member since: 2005
Statement: I have worked for the environment throughout my career. I serve as a volunteer, board member, and activist for many environmental causes; have held senior-level jobs in state government and nonprofit organizations; and founded a women-owned business helping nonprofit organizations dedicated to social change.
My clients are dedicated to forest preservation, land conservation, providing outdoor experiences for underserved youth; wildlife protection, environmental education, and environmental justice.
My professional experience includes: Press Officer for National Sierra Club; Special Assistant to the Massachusetts Secretary of Environmental Affairs; Board member and strategist for the Greenbelt Movement International founded by Nobel Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai; and Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications for the Trust for Public Land.
I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Old Growth Forest Network and the Advisory Board of Save the Bay and Resource Renewal Institute.
As your representative on the Marin Group Executive Committee I will work to:
- Gain greater protection for public lands, native wildlife, and habitats;
- Revive Marin’s culture of preserving nature and beauty for future generations;
- Provide family-friendly, Sierra Club-sponsored outdoor experiences intended to engage new and diverse voices for our environment;
- Make “sustainability” the guiding principle for Marin’s policymakers—the Board of Supervisors; city governments, public agencies, and agricultural industry.
Kristin Shannon
Residence: Sausalito
Occupation: Author, communications consultant
Sierra Club member since: 2015
Activities: Bay Chapter Political Committee, SF Bay Chapter Federal Parks Committee, Member Marin Group Executive Committee, Chair, Mt.Tam Task Force, Board member, Watershed Alliance of Mari.
Statement: Growing up walking with a mother who was blind, and later guiding outdoor journeys with her friends, I learned to listen.
There is a tenderness and special quality of silence when you encounter nature through all the senses except your eyes. You also learn the hard reality of the need to balance social justice and environmental concerns.
My upbringing instilled a strong sense of responsibility to participate in change that translated into direct action. I studied neuroscience and economics, with professional work as a policy analyst, and directed think tanks in two countries, consulting for Environment Ministers, the Canadian Prime Minster, NGOs (overseas with Open Society Foundation) and served on the White House transition team.
The Sierra Club's Marin Group can help establish models in the way we manage our own backyard to address population pressures and escalating recreational demands.
Since 2002, I've worked with Marin's biggest landowner, the GGNRA, to balance resource protection with visitor loads. Appointed to Congressman Huffman's ad hoc committee, we created a landmark agreement on the future of Muir Woods.
Coordinating with local politicians is a reminder of how crucial it is to elect people who will keep their promises.
Caring about nature isn’t only about geography; the “environment” is a metaphor for how we all connect. To deal effectively with species decline, climate change, or local coastal plans brings us back to listening carefully to establish common ground, and trusting that our joint actions will add up.
While your Executive Committee is part of this process, and I would sincerely appreciate your vote, we frankly work best when members bring fresh ideas and candid feedback. Please come and engage!
Brian Staley
Residence: Woodacre
Sierra Club member since: 2016
Statement: I have spent my adult life fighting to preserve the character and the beauty of Marin. I would like to have the chance to continue that work with your help. I respectfully request your vote for a seat on the Executive Committee.
I am running for the seat to continue the long fought efforts protect the remaining open spaces and natural resources in Marin. There has never been a time when threats of major change to our communities and open spaces has been so great. As reported in the media and as reported by every County environmental organization, the California coast and Marin in particular is under enormous development pressure. Pressures from developers, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTC), The Association of Bay area Governments (ABAG), increasing property values, and new State requirements are all contributing to these pressures to build much more high density complexes through Marin. Marin ranches and farms are a central battle ground for these new suburban development pressures, yet they need protections and our help. The Executive Committee of the Sierra Club's Marin Group is a unique place from which one can effect positive change in this area.
We have a choice whether to protect our community character for future generations. I for one feel strongly that working within the current governmental system is the best option. With my three decades of experience as a green designer, planner and builder, I believe I have the necessary experience to help make a difference. Using my technical familiarity with water quality, water treatment, habitat restoration, and other subjects I will fight to keep Marin’s rural character intact while understanding that there are limits to respectfully working within the system.
I feel that I have many worthwhile strengths to contribute towards the great works the Sierra Club will accomplish and I have always believed that a clean protected environment doesn't have to be in conflict with local economic interests. There are always solutions to be found that protect this place we call home.
Mount Diablo Group Candidate
(There is one candidate. You may vote for one.)
Jim Blickenstaff
Residence: San Ramon
Occupation: Letter carrier, USPS
Sierra Club member since: 1982
Activities: Chair, Mount Diablo Group, 1993 to present; Co-leader, San Ramon for Open Government; Activist for, The 'No HOV Ramps Coalition.'
Statement: I would like to continue in my role as Chair of the Mount Diablo Group of the Sierra Club, San Francisco Bay Chapter. There are current and upcoming environmental challenges in our region that will require a strong Sierra Club presence and response. I believe, from my many years of experience, that I can continue to be an effective leader on the issues, not only critical to the Sierra Club, but to other organizations, with whom we will need to coordinate in order
to maximize our impact and success.
The Contra Costa County Urban Limit Line has been a valuable tool in holding down sprawl. But, it is under constant threat from well moneyed interests. The 30 acre exception rule is vulnerable to mis-use, and threatening the very premise of the U.L.L. Also, the development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station is moving forward again. Proper implementation of the 3,200 acres set aside as parks and open space will be critical. Public input will be as important as ever. The phased planning will require close monitoring by the Mt. Diablo Group, as well as other key environmental organizations. We've seen in the past how a lack
of transparency has lead to problems and controversy.
Whatever it may be; from maintaining a strong County U.L.L., or overseeing a huge project next to Concord; I ask for your vote; so that I may continue to represent the Mount Diablo Group, and the Sierra Club principles of conservation, so critical to smart growth, and a green and healthy future for our children.
Northern Alameda County Group Candidates
(There are three candidates. You may vote for three or fewer.)
Luis Amezcua
Residence: Berkeley
Sierra Club member since: 2013
Activities: Co-Chair, Chapter Energy-Climate Committee; Member, Chapter Executive Committee; Executive Committee Member, Northern Alameda County Group; Co-Chair, Sierra Club California Energy-Climate Committee.
Statement: A transition to a clean energy economy has been a significant priority to me as I continue to lead the Chapter’s efforts to push for Community Choice program in Alameda and San Francisco that will foster local economic and environmental benefits. I have played a key role in bringing together various environmental and labor stakeholders in pushing the Community Choice programs to prioritize clean energy jobs and local energy resources. And in promoting clean energy, I have also, with our allies, opposed expansion of dirty energy by banning fracking in Alameda County and stopping the Oakland coal project in its tracks.
Regionally, I led the Club’s effort to have the Bay Area Air District develop regulations to reduce refinery pollution and adopting the strongest regulation in the nation to tackle woodsmoke pollution, which makes up roughly 40% of wintertime pollution in the Bay Area, and a $3 million incentive program to switch out to cleaner heating devices.
When moving away from fossil fuels toward clean energy, we also have to tackle the challenges in communities that are being impacted by climate change the most because many do not have the resources to take action or improve their environmental conditions. We need to make sure that these communities have an opportunity for not only clean energy jobs, but also cleaner air and equitable access to clean energy resources.
I will continue the Sierra Club’s strong advocacy, and engage our partners and other organizations that share the Club’s goals to make the Bay Area a leader in the fight against climate change.
Olga Bolotina
Residence: Oakland
Occupation: Chief of Staff, Oakland Councilmember Dan Kalb
Sierra Club member since: 2000
Statement: Born and raised in Russia, Olga Bolotina earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the St. Petersburg Academy of Veterinary Medicine. Olga’s interest and passion for sustainability led her to receive a Master’s degree in Sustainable Business Administration from the Presidio School of Management. Currently, Olga works as the Chief of Staff for Oakland City Councilmember Dan Kalb. She was elected as Chair of the Northern Alameda County Group, at large member of the SF Bay Chapter, board member of Sierra Club California and nominated as a State Political Committee representative as well as representative to the Council of Club Leaders (CCL).
Olga’s love for nature and a lifelong passion for conservation were nurtured from early on in her childhood. Camping in the wilderness, mushroom hunting, wild berry and flowers picking and fishing trips were among her family's frequent activities. As a veterinary professional Olga worked with numerous wildlife rehabilitation organizations such as the Marine Mammal Center, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, Montclair Veterinary Hospital and The Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue.
Olga has a comprehensive background in political organizing, group leadership, and event organization and facilitation. More recent campaigns that Olga took leading roles in through her work and volunteering: banning coal in Oakland, the successful Fossil Fuel Divestment by the City of Oakland Police and Fire retirement investment boards, and continuing to implement Community Choice Program in Alameda County.
In her scarce time away from serving our communities, Olga enjoys wilderness trips, sustainable gardening and connecting with other environmental and environmental justice leaders.
Olga is urging you to get involved! Now more than ever we need to stand together, organize, reach out, educate, and do everything in our power to save our beautiful natural places here in Bay Area and throughout the country.
Olga considers serving as a leader in the Sierra Club as a great privilege and honor, and continues to expand her knowledge and experience that she puts into practice and shares with current and future Club leaders. She humbly asks you to continue putting her skills and expertise to work, for the benefit of the Club and our planet. She has the skills, experience, and passion found at the core of the Club, all of which are profoundly applicable to our Executive Committee.
Chris Jackson
(No photo or candidate statement submitted.)
San Francisco Group Candidates
(There are eight candidates. You may vote for four or fewer.)
Leigha Beckman
Petition Candidate
Residence: San Francisco
Occupation: Consultant
Sierra Club member since: 2016
Activities: I’ve been a Sierra Club member since 2016, am a Friend of the Urban Forest in San Francisco, and have authored several pieces on the environment benefits of smart growth policy.
Statement: I am extremely fortunate to call myself a lifelong resident of California and eight-year resident of the Bay Area. I am less fortunate, however, to witness the increasingly deleterious impacts of climate change resulting from human activity. I strongly believe that it is our moral imperative and ecological duty to prevent and mitigate those impacts as much as possible.
As an active urbanist advocate, I support transit improvements that reduce vehicle miles traveled and their corresponding carbon emissions, such as expansion of Muni and Caltrain’s electrification project. I urged my San Francisco district supervisor to support Prop E, requiring the city to take responsibility of tree maintenance. At Tesla, I served as Program Manager for Environmental Health and Safety for service centers, where I worked to ensure global compliance with environmental regulations related to facilities, high voltage batteries, chemicals procurement, and several other operational areas. I worked closely with the Environmental Compliance and Sustainability team to launch a parts recycling efforts and manage end-of-life batteries, as well as other initiatives in line with Tesla’s green mission.
I am currently applying to law school with the intent to focus on land use and environmental law, and I would be honored to serve on the Sierra Club’s Executive Committee.
Sheila Chung Hagen
Nominating Committee Candidate
Resident: San Francisco
Occupation: Legislative aide, Office of San Francisco Supervisor David Campos
Sierra Club member since: 2015
Activities: Member, Sierra Club San Francisco Group; MA, Environmental Management and Sustainability, Harvard University; Executive Committee, Bernal Heights Democratic Club
Statement: Powerful changes come from mobilizing diverse communities around environmental issues that affect their everyday lives. I know this from my experience leading the successful Free Muni for Youth campaign with the support of the Sierra Club and many other community organizations. Together, we organized for three years and launched a program that helps 40,000 low and middle income youth in San Francisco get to school and feel vested in our public transportation system.
In addition to advancing accessible transit, I also had the privilege of working with the Sierra Club and other environmental organizations to launch CleanPowerSF, our innovative, local program for powering homes and businesses with clean energy. Despite political gridlock and numerous setbacks, our persistence paid off and now more than 7,800 families and businesses are benefitting from CleanPowerSF. 60,000 more will come online soon.
As an Executive Committee member, I want to ensure that the Sierra Club continues to lead the way on environmental accountability in San Francisco. My priorities include supporting the successful roll out of CleanPowerSF, increasing affordable housing production, and advancing equitable transportation investments.
I believe in this organization, and I want to help the San Francisco Group build greater inroads among younger generations of environmentalists and communities of color. As a Latina and Asian woman, as a public policy advocate, as a former nonprofit executive, as a long-time San Francisco resident, and as the mother of twins, I bring a diverse set of skills and perspectives that I believe will enhance the critical work of the Sierra Club.
It would be an honor to serve on the Executive Committee, and I ask for your support.
Laura Foote Clark
Petition Candidate
Residence: San Francisco
Occupation: Non-profit executive director
Sierra Club member since: 2015
Statement: My father was an avid birdwatcher, and I grew up visiting marshes and wild places up and down the East Coast. As a city-dweller and nerdy child, I enjoyed spending weekends gathering pond scum and other samples to check out under the microscope. I developed a deep appreciation for nature preserves and the intricate ecosystems that rely upon them. I witnessed first-hand the fragility of marshes and the destructive impact of human activities along the Chesapeake Bay, picking up trash with cleanup efforts.
As I grew older, I came to appreciate the role of urban planning in preserving our wild places. As an environmentalist, I believe reducing greenhouse gas emissions should be our number one objective. With that comes reducing car usage and improving public transportation.
Having lived in Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco, I know our city can do so much more to improve regional public transportation in the Bay Area. We can do more to encourage infill development and reduce suburban sprawl. We can reduce our region’s carbon emissions dramatically with the right urban policies.
I have been a strong advocate for sustainable housing and transportation in San Francisco. I hope to continue that work with the San Francisco Sierra Club.
Travis Cole
Petition Candidate
Residence: San Francisco
Occupation: Engineering manager
Sierra Club member since: 2015
Activities: Attending Conservation Committee meetings
Statement: I have been passionate about environmental, and conservation issues all of my adult life, and have a strong interest in sustainable energy, walkable cities, and urbanism. I believe we should be encouraging dense urban development and car free lifestyles, to improve the environment and prevent global warming. San Francisco residents use less electricity, less water, and drive fewer miles than the rest of California and the rest of the United States. Because of this, we should advocate for more housing development near jobs so people can give up their cars and lower their carbon footprint. San Francisco can be the model for sustainable urban development, and the Sierra Club can take the lead in advocating for more housing where the environmental impact is lowest. In dense cites like San Francisco.
I’m an avid hiker, frequently enjoying our California State parks. I grew up in rural Washington state, so I’m just as much at home in nature as I am in downtown San Francisco. If elected, I will fight to preserve our natural environment and for a sustainable, walkable and bikeable San Francisco.
I will bring over 5 years of results focused management experience, and an analytical approach to decision making.
Armand Domalewski
Petition Candidate
Residence: San Francisco
Occupation: Field organizer
Sierra Club member since: 2015
Activities: I've been a member of the Sierra Club since 2015 and played an active role in the election last year.
Statement: I'm running for the Sierra Club because I'm deeply concerned about the existential crisis of climate change. I've worked on renewable energy policy, contributing to several analyses focused on renewable energy tax credits at Novogradac and Company. I worked at New Media Ventures, a non-profit that invests in progressive media and technology. NMV invested in several environmental advocates, such as The Story of Stuff. I'm an environmental advocate who believes the Sierra Club needs to embrace urbanism as a key tool in fighting climate change.
Becky Evans
Nominating Committee Candidate
Resident: San Francisco
Occupation: Retired paralegal
Sierra Club member since: 1969
Activities: Chapter Chair, 2014-16; Chapter Representative to the Council of Club Leaders, 2013-2016; Chapter Executive Committee member since 2011; San Francisco Group activist since 1993; Chapter Political Committee member; Recipient of San Francisco Tomorrow's Jack Morrison Lifetime Achievement Award 2014; Member, Bay Area Water Stewards, People for the Parks Board; Sierra Club Colby Library volunteer.
I ask for your vote to re-elect me to the San Francisco Group Executive Committee. If elected, I will focus on mentoring new activists, improving local transportation, protecting neighborhood quality, encouraging regional smart growth, implementing CleanPowerSF and working to preserve the California Environmental Quality Act.
A life member in the Sierra Club, soon to celebrate its 125th birthday, I have volunteered at all levels of the Sierra Club. My major efforts have been for parks, waterfront, water issues and community efforts on sewage and transportation. I served on San Francisco’s Environment Commission before the Department had staff and on the city’s Open Space Advisory Committee in its early years.
The Sierra Club’s successes are yours — you attend hearings, write letters, meet with elected officials and staff phone banks. Your dues and contributions make the Club’s work possible.
The nine members of the Group Executive Committee work with other activists and organizations to implement green goals and policies for San Francisco. Together we need to meet the challenges of sea level rise, climate change and a growing Bay Area population. It will take all of us working together to meet these challenges.
Please vote for me for the San Francisco Group Executive Committee — thank you.
Katherine Howard, ASLA
Nominating Committee Candidate
Residence: San Francisco
Occupation: Landscape architect
Sierra Club member since: 2012
Activities:
Co-founder of grassroots open-space groups:
- SF Ocean Edge - seven-year campaign to protect the western end of Golden Gate Park from the Beach Chalet Soccer Fields stadium project -- loss of over seven acres of grass to artificial turf, loss of trees and habitat, and 150,000 watts of stadium lighting, next to Ocean Beach;
- Healthy Soccer SF - parents and players concerned with health impacts of artificial turf;
- Friends of the Music Concourse - preserved and landmarked the 100-year-old trees;
- Golden Gate Park Preservation Alliance - kept a proposed 40,000 square foot water treatment factory out of Golden Gate Park.
Member:
- ROSE, Recreation and Open Space Element CAC - rewrite of city-wide open-space policy;
- Outside Lands Concerts CAC - formulated a landscape protection plan for Golden Gate Park during large concerts;
- Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods, Open Space Committee - support open-space issues;
- Ocean Beach Vision Plan / Local Coastal Program CAC - coastal protection;
- SF for Community Planning - advocate for true affordability and livable open space in San Francisco's low-income housing.
Statement: Climate change is here, and it must be dealt with vigorously if we are to save our planet. Effective political change starts at the grassroots level, through outreach, education, recruiting, and on-going activism. Political change also requires getting the attention of government officials. We cannot depend on those in power to protect the environment unless we hold them accountable for their actions. I would use my background in neighborhood activism, my experience with City policies, and my training as a landscape architect to help the Sierra Club protect our environment by raising awareness of environmental issues, promoting livable open space for all economic, racial, and age groups, and strengthening political will on vital environmental issues.
Linda Weiner
Nominating Committee Candidate
Residence: San Francisco
Occupation: Retired, air quality policy
Sierra Club member since: 1999
Activities: San Francisco Group Executive Committee: 2010-2016; Conservation Committee Member, 2010-2016; Group Diversity Committee, 2011-2012; Alternate Representative to San Francisco Bay Chapter Executive Committee, 2014-2016.
Statement: During my tenure on the SF Group Executive Committee, I have been actively involved with a variety of Sierra Club issues on the policy level, as well as supporting action.
Representing Sierra Club, I have testified at government Boards and hearings
- At the Bay Area Air Quality Management District in support of a regional climate plan
- At the Regional EPA hearing on reducing carbon pollution from power plants, with a focus on pollution in low-income communities
- At a Federal EPA panel in San Francisco on Clean Fuel Standards, also writing an Op-Ed for the SF Chronicle
- Representing Sierra Club, I have spoken directly with policy makers
- At SF City Hall Board of Supervisors meeting in support of Clean Power and as a speaker at a rally at SF City Hall
- Meetings with members of the Board of Supervisors about Free Muni for Youth
- Meetings with various Bay Area legislators in Sacramento at 2 Sierra Club Lobby Days concerning environmental legislation
In support of Sierra Club in general, I have participated in several Sierra Club chapter retreats and have volunteered for several years at the David Brower Sierra Club dinners.
I bring experience in air quality regulations, global warming legislation, and Communications, having previously worked at the American Lung Association in California as Director of Air Quality Advocacy and as Director of Communications for the Bay Area, as well as a producer at KQED and many years working in public health. I will continue to use my skills, energy and passion for advancing Sierra Club policies, particularly in working on environmental justice issues.
Southern Alameda County Group Candidates
(There are four candidates. You may vote for three or fewer.)
Jannet Benz
Residence: Fremont
Sierra Club member since: 2014
Activities: Served as a panelist for Sierra Club, Southern Alameda County interviews for Fremont City Council candidates, 2014.
Statement: The Bay Area is in the midst of some of the most expansive development in decades. I recognize there are current and upcoming issues in our area that need input and follow-up from a strong environmental organization like Sierra Club. I am running to preserve and protect our parks and open spaces, and insure that development adopted is sustainable, all of which helps protect our quality of life. I am active in local land use politics advocating for more sustainable elements to be required in new developments; Class I trail networks as a safe non-vehicular mode of transportation; community meetings regarding the Niles/ Sunol Trail and urging EBRPD not to pave acres of parkland at Mission Peak for a parking lot. I have been involved with Fremont Citizens Network (FCN), a community communication network for issues/event based communications for residents of Fremont, initially formed to oppose building a stadium in Fremont and to support local candidates who appreciate the benefits of smart and sustainable growth. I believe teaching our youth to appreciate and respect nature is how we “grow” our next generation of environmentally conscious adults.
Much of my environmental work has been done with young school children and/or with Girl Scouts. I developed, organized, and managed the annual Earth Week program at Sunol Glen School (K-8). The program involved collaborating with many organizations such as, Save the Bay, Alameda Creek Alliance, local organic farmers and others to set up learning rotations for students in all grades, as well as classroom activities throughout the week. I am pleased that the program continues successfully today.
I would be honored to serve on the Southern Alameda County Group Executive Committee to work:
- to preserve our parks and open spaces;
- for more sustainable development, and
- to elect environmentally-aware officials.
I would sincerely appreciate your vote. Thank you.
Diana Brumbaugh
Residence: Fremont
Occupation: School administrator
Sierra Club member since: 2000
Activities: Current Southern Alameda County Group Executive Committee Secretary
Statement: Much of my environmental work has been in education. As a science teacher, I established an eco-friendly school garden, worked with other Alameda County high schools with recycle/reuse programs, and taught the first AP Environmental Science class in Fremont Unified School District. I have been active with the Alameda Creek Alliance and served as their outreach coordinator, planning their 10-year anniversary celebration and tabling at events. I also volunteered for the Measure K (Protect Coyote Hills) Initiative. I have recently developed a love of birding and have been attending as many GGAS and Ohlone Audubon activities as possible. I would be honored to continue to serve on the Southern Alameda County Executive Committee as we continue to work on preserving open space, protecting the Alameda Creek watershed, electing environmentally aware officials, and ensuring smart growth.
Glenn Kirby
Residence: Hayward
Sierra Club member since: 1978
I am an East Bay native, growing up in West Contra Costa County and living in Hayward for the past 30 years. My wife and I have been Sierra Club members since the mid 1970’s. I am retired from a management position in an Alameda County city.
I served on the Sierra Club SF Bay Chapter Executive Committee for 6 years, 2 years as Chapter Vice Chair. I served on the City of Hayward Planning Commission for 8 years and then on the Alameda County Planning Commission for 12 years and as chair for 3 years. I served as a member and chair of the East Bay Regional Park District’s Park Advisory Committee (PAC) for 16 years. I formerly served on the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, and as chair 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 enjoy hiking and bicycle riding and would usually rather be outdoors than in meetings or public hearings. However, whether I am weighing the impacts of a proposed development or considering whether to recommend endorsement of a candidate for local office, I know that the decisions we make today will determine the future for the Bay Area.
I strongly support the Sierra Club’s mission to the protect parklands, agricultural lands and critical habitat. I have had the privilege of serving the SF Bay Chapter in many ways over the years and ask for your support to continue to do so.
William Yragui
Residence: Fremont
Occupation: Business owner
Sierra Club member since: 2012
Activities: Sierra Club Southern Alameda County Group ExCom member, 2014 ; Sierra Club SF Bay Chapter East Bay Public Lands Committee member, 2014; Transportation Committee, 2015; Activities Committee, 2016; Environmental Round Table, 2016
Statement: The Sierra Club has need of membership actively involved in building the organization both internally and externally to those interested in supporting environmental causes. We have a deep well of those committed to making sure that our natural resources are protected but we need to be more aggressive about protecting access to our parks and open spaces. Developing a sense of wonder about nature originates from spending time outdoors interacting with the fauna, flora, and most importantly with others passionate about life on this planet. I am committed to protecting access to our parks and will work to ensure that the Sierra Club continues to represent everyone including those without access to wealth, prestige or power.
As a Sierra Club member, I am a member of the Transportation, Activities and East Bay Public Lands committees. I am committed to encouraging new membership and will continue to lead hikes and organize new member orientations and volunteer events.
As a member of the Southern Alameda County Group Executive Committee, I advocate for those not at the table and work to ensure that we represent all of our members not just a few.
Tri-Valley Group Candidates
(There are two candidates. You may vote for two or fewer.)
Richard Pugh
(No photo or candidate statement submitted.)
Dick Schneider
Residence: Oakland (but member of Tri-Valley Group)
Occupation: Former environmental scientist
Sierra Club member since: 1980
Activities: Executive Committee, Sierra Club Tri-Valley Group; Sierra Club representative, Altamont Landfill Open Space Committee; Former Chapter Conservation Chair; Former member, National Conservation Governance Committee.
Statement: I am running for Tri-Valley Group Executive Committee to continue protecting open space, biological diversity, scenic beauty, and quality of life in the Tri-Valley area.
For the past 17 years, I have been involved in many Tri-Valley conservation campaigns. I was a leader of Alameda County Measure D in 2000, protecting 250,000 acres of East County land from excessive, badly located and harmful development. I continue to watch-dog the county to make sure that Measure D is properly implemented.
In 2002, I helped write and qualify the Protect Livermore’s Environment Initiative, which established an urban growth boundary for North Livermore. After its adoption, I worked in the 2005 campaign that defeated Pardee Homes’ plan to break the UGB and build a huge housing development in North Livermore.
More recently, I helped write and collect signatures for the Dublin Open Space Initiative of 2014 to protect Doolan Canyon from development. After the Dublin City Council unanimously adopted the initiative in June 2014, I was a leader of the campaign to defeat Pacific Union’s counter-initiative, Measure T, which would break the new Dublin urban growth boundary and authorize sprawl in Doolan Canyon. We won with 84% of the vote.
I strongly support protecting Tesla Park from off-road vehicles by stopping expansion of the Carnegie State Recreational Vehicle Area into this magnificent area. I wrote the EIR comments that the Club submitted. Unfortunately, in October the state Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission approved the EIR and General Plan to open Tesla to OHV use, and so it seems we will have to join with others to sue the OHV Division of state parks to protect this vital area.
The Tri-Valley is a beautiful place with so many important natural qualities that deserve lasting protection. I would appreciate your vote to continue serving as a member of the Tri-Valley Group Executive Committee to help protect this area. Thank you.
West Contra Costa Group Candidates
(There are two candidates. You may vote for two or fewer.)
David McCoard
Residence: El Cerrito
Occupation: Retired library worker
Sierra Club member since: 1964
Activities: 1975-6, member, Executive Committee and Outings Chair, Kern-Kaweah Chapter; 1984-86, member, SFBC Wetlands Task Force and Solid Waste Subcommittee; 1983-1998, SFBC information table coordinator; mid-90s-2001, 2004-2008 & 2010-present, SFBC Conservation Committee; 2004-2008, SFBC Political Committee; 1990-present, ExCom, West Contra Costa Group (Chair 1994-95); 2008-present, Sierra Club statewide (CNRCC) Energy-Climate Committee; 2012-present, SFBC Energy Committee (2014-present, co-chair).
Statement: I feel that the four most important issues facing the West County Group are GHG emissions, air quality and toxics, land use and transportation. These are interrelated and directly affect the quality of life of residents (human and otherwise). As a resident of Hercules through 1998, I participated in citizens' groups working to protect Franklin Canyon and to influence land use and planning decisions.
Basic to action on environmental issues is the task of increasing the number of people actively involved in the Group. We can do this by actively inviting and creating opportunities for participation, and making members know that their activity and feelings count.
I will bring my experience in working with information table volunteers, Chapter committees, and community groups, as well as my time on the Group ExCom, to the internal management of the Group.
I am running so that I can continue to contribute to the Club’s effectiveness as I have in the past.
Rita Minjares
Residence: El Cerrito
Occupation: Retired technical consultant for Charles Schwab
Sierra Club member since: 1988
Activities: Group chair from 2002 to 2005, Vice chair 2006 to 2013, Treasurer 2014 to present
Statement: There are a lot of worthy environmental groups out there, many of them need your money to do their work nationally. The Sierra Club is a grassroots organization and you can become involved on many levels. The Bay Area is a crucible for urban issues, transportation, land use, air quality, energy. This is the bread and butter of the groups. Going to city council meetings and speaking up, talking to candidates, trying to find common ground, going to neighborhood meetings, building alliances, this is key to keeping abreast of the issues.
I bring my experience of the past 14 years working in the West Contra County Group Executive Committee to the table.
I am running to continue to contribute my skills to the Sierra Club.