Hello, my name is Dorothy Gutierrez, currently residing in Cerritos. Joined Sierra Club after viewing destruction caused by Station Fire in 2009. I decided at that point to volunteer with the largest grass root organization to serve and protect our environment. I retired in 2013 after 38 years of working student support services with California Community Colleges.
Became a Leader for Orange County Inspiring Connections (ICO) in 2013. OCICO dissolved in 2018, after merging with Angeles ICO. Currently serving member of the Equity Advisory Group. Along with leading for ICO and OCSS, I will bring my experience of working with diverse populations and entities to the Orange County Group Executive Board, as well as with a strong commitment to fulfill the mission of Sierra Club. Looking forward for your vote to serve you!

I am a Lifetime Sierra Club Member, Wilderness Travel Course graduate, and elected Councilwoman in Costa Mesa (twice endorsed by the Sierra Club).

As Councilwoman, I have pushed Costa Mesa’s environmental agenda—creating positions for Energy/Sustainability and Active Transportation, funding our Climate Action Plan, electrifying our fleet, and growing our urban forest. My professional work advances California’s clean energy goals. I’ve been a leading voice to protect habitats, open space, and cultural resources at Banning Ranch and Fairview Park.

I’ve made connections across the state with experts, advocates, agency staff, and elected officials, and will use my experience and connections to support our efforts to “enjoy, explore and protect” Orange County.

My goals include: (1) grow Sierra Club’s leadership and influence, collaborating with partner organizations, on environmental issues in Orange County; (2) grow member engagement in climate advocacy, especially at the local level; (3) encourage participation in the Leadership Training Program to increase OC-based hike leaders; and (4) support funding and connections to grow the ICO Program for OC youth.

I look forward to working with you to advance environmental engagement and action across Orange County!

My love of the outdoors is such that I have made it my career.  I am a California and Arizona Professional Geologist, and I lead or act as a naturalist for outings sponsored by the Natural Science Section, the Orange County Sierrans Section, and other Sierra Club entities. 

As a member of the Executive Committee, I would strive to increase membership, especially among younger people.  It is imperative that we move through the next few decades with people from all backgrounds to communicate the Sierra Club mission of conservation, renewable and clean energy sources, and protection of biodiversity.  We especially need our members to communicate these messages to politicians and the public.  A healthy environment is not just a pleasant aesthetic; it is necessary to sustain livable conditions for human beings.

We must increase our outreach to the colleges and high schools in LA and Orange counties,  from sponsoring science fairs to simply advertising in public spaces at educational institutions.

Finally, we need to communicate to the national Sierra Club the importance of our hiking and camping outings.  Outings are central to the Angeles Chapter mission and a proven way to attract members of all ages and backgrounds.

As an active member of the Sierra Club, I am committed to our goal of protecting, preserving and enjoying our wilderness areas. I have been a member of the Orange County Group Executive Committee for about 6 years as the Outings Chair, organizing hikes. I enjoy sharing the beauty of our hiking trails in Orange County. I believe all people need the opportunity to get out into our wildlands and experience the beauty of the wild flowers. People are changed by seeing a deer or a flock of quail and smelling the sages while climbing a mountain.  I have over 1,000 hours volunteering in Orange County Parks. I am also a 15-year member of the Orange County chapter of The Native Plant Society.

The Orange County Group is the second largest group in the Angeles Chapter. Along with the Rio Hondo and Sierra Sage Groups, we serve nearly 10,000 Orange County members. Coming in at nearly 1/3 of the Angeles Chapter membership, we know we must work harder.

My commitment as a candidate for the OC Group Excom is to support the Angeles Chapter’s strategic advocacy objectives for conservation, climate emissions and air pollution and better management of our water resources and water conservation. I am committed to organizing events and outings, recruiting new members, retention and lots of engagement.

My background includes current membership on the Chapter FinCom, Membership Chair, Fundraising Outings and more. I currently serve as the Orange County Regional Group Rep to the Chapter Excom. I am an I rated outings leader and Wilderness Travel Course grad and have received one National Award and a few Angeles Chapter plaque awards.

Cheers! Vote Orange County.