YOU Can Make a Difference; Read How in This eNewsletter
► Lend your voice to a historic climate vote on March 15th!
► Find and identify as many species as you can at the Kelley Park BioBlitz
► See what your support of Loma Prieta Chapter made possible in 2021 (and previously)!
► Take a hike! Here's what's available with your chapter. |
The gas industry is lobbying hard. We need YOUR voice on March 15th to help pass this historic clean appliance standard for the Bay Area.
On March 15th, the Board of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District will vote on a first-in-the-nation standard to cut lung-damaging air pollution from gas appliances in homes. The policy will begin phasing out the sale of polluting gas furnaces and water heaters later this decade and enable widespread electric heat pump adoption in the Bay Area. These changes would have major benefits for regional air quality and public health, but Fossil fuel interests are lobbying hard to stop these rules from passing.
Board members need to hear from all of us who support an equitable transition to zero-emission appliances. Will you join us at next Wednesday’s hearing to speak in support of the rules?
RSVP to attend here (in-person is best, but there are zoom options for those who register)
If you have questions about the event or the appliance rules, check out our FAQs or email melissa.yu@sierraclub.org.
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Opportunity to protect important nesting sites in Mountain View
On Tuesday March 14, Mountain View City Council will discuss the Shoreline Wildlife Management Plan (SWMP). The SWMP expands protections for Burrowing owls to several ‘umbrella’ species of birds and the many species that share their habitat at shoreline park and its vicinity. You can email TODAY in support of adopting the SWMP and prioritizing the protection of the Sailing Lake Island from erosion by wave action. This is important to protecting wildlife at Shoreline, and saving the important nesting site on the island.
To: city.council@mountainview.gov
Subject: Please approve SWMP and protect the island from erosion ASAP. |
When it comes to sea level rise, we can’t ignore the worst case scenario.
Preparing for the looming threat of sea level rise (SLR) is complicated. Not only do SLR projections differ by location, the specific assets, infrastructure and resources at risk differ widely from one community to the next. To successfully adapt, we have to match projections to the local assets at risk. Yet coastal communities often underestimate the danger posed.
Join our Bay Alive Campaign to help make sure Bay Area cities assess their specific vulnerabilities based on the latest climate science and begin planning now to avoid severe impacts. To learn more, contact Jennifer Hetterly at jennifer.hetterly@sierraclub.org. |
Above photo: two Mallards at the Baylands Nature Preserve, by Anish Lakkapragada
Thank You: Trails in Palo Alto Open Space Preserves
On Monday, the Palo Alto City Council decided to restrict e-bikes and other electric coasting devices to paved trails in the City's Open Space Preserves. Mayor Lydia Kou, Vice Mayor Greer Stone and Council members Vicki Veenker and Ed Lauing prioritized immersion in nature and the protection of birds and wildlife over electric bikes in Palo Alto's natural landscapes. They noted that existing paved trails already provide ample access to the Palo Alto baylands, as well as a commute route from East Palo Alto to Mountain View. A process exists for disabled people to gain special access if needed.
Council member Pat Burt added direction to reduce speed and restrict bicycle access on some narrower trails at the Arastradero preserve, and add bike racks to trailheads.
These are good outcomes. We thank our members and supporters in Palo Alto for speaking at the meeting and for writing to Council. You make a difference! |
The illuminated sign as depicted on the plan set, City of Cupertino Website
Cupertino has a choice!
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, the Cupertino City Council will consider a humongous illuminated orange sign on a building facing Highway 280. Please help us oppose this project! Tell Mayor Wei and Council members to deny light pollution and waste of energy. This threatens designation of Highway 280 as scenic and sets precedent for proliferation of illuminated advertisements along the freeway!
What can you do?
You can email CityCouncil@cupertino.org (cc CityClerk@cupertino.org) with the Subject: March 21, 2023 No Public Storage Signage, and tell Council why you oppose this plan. If you can, please attend the Council meeting at Cupertino Community Hall. |
Gilroy Faces Electronic Billboard Encroachment
A sign company and property owner are appealing a Gilroy Planning Commission decision denying a 75-foot, 2-sided electronic billboard aimed at motorists on Highway 101 to advertise (mostly) car dealerships to motorists.
Electronic Billboards purposely distract drivers. Some studies show that more accidents occur on highways near billboards. Light pollution permeates our environment, harming ecosystems, wildlife, and people, as well as research by astronomers. Electronic billboards create visual clatter that increases stress and degrades quality of life for all. Unlike other issues in the public realm, where opinions differ and compromises are feasible, the pervasive and unavoidable impacts of electronic billboards are impossible to reconcile.
How can you help?
You can email the Gilroy City Council, telling them why you oppose electronic billboards and asking them to deny the appeal which would allow for their construction. You can find their emails here.
marie.blankley@cityofgilroy.org
rebeca.armendariz@cityofgilroy.org
dion.bracco@cityofgilroy.org
tom.cline@cityofgilroy.org
zachary.hilton@cityofgilroy.org
carol.marques@cityofgilroy.org
fred.tovar@cityofgilroy.org |
SmokeScreen: Debunking Wildfire Myths to Save our Forests and Climate
March 20th, 4pm Presentation by Dr. Chad Hanson
Natural fires are as essential as sun and rain in fire-adapted forests, but as humans encroach on wild spaces, fear, arrogance, and greed have shaped the way that people view these regenerative events and have given rise to misinformation. The peril that these myths pose to forests is profound—affecting whole habitats and the wildlife that depend on them. The exploitation of these carbon dioxide-absorbing ecosystems also threatens humanity's chance of overcoming the climate crisis.
Dr. Chad Hanson will address these issues and suggest a better, science-based, and more hopeful path forward in his presentation, Smokescreen: Debunking Wildfire Myths to Save Our Forests and Our Climate, in which he will cover the key issues discussed in his 2021 book of the same name. Find Dr. Hanson’s book here.
Click here to register.
For questions, contact Karen@karenmaki.com |
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Environmental Stewardship Program 8.0
Applications Open for 2023
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After a pandemic-induced hiatus of 3 years, we are resuming our highly successful Environmental Stewardship Program, which provided participants with thought-provoking educational presentations and opportunities to take action. ESP graduates have gone on to run for office and have assumed leadership positions in their local communities, including leadership roles in the Sierra Club. This year’s Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) 8.0 will focus on critical environmental issues, and we will mentor participants who choose to work on advocacy projects. Click here for more information about ESP 8.0 and to apply, |
Have you received our special package?
Only twice a year our Chapter mails a special postal package inviting you to become a local environmental changemaker, and I hope that by now you have received it. If you have already responded, we thank you. If not, please take a minute to do it now. Please remember that only a sliver of your Sierra Club membership dues is returned to Loma Prieta to support our work for a healthy environment, but 100% of your gift made directly to the Chapter will be spent locally.
See donation options, including employer matching opportunities. |
Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center Call for Volunteers 2023
The Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center is looking for Sierra Club Members who would like to spend a week camping in Yosemite National Park to assist with interpretation. The YCHC is open May 1 through September 30 from 10 am until 4 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Volunteers receive free entrance into Yosemite National Park, free camping in a designated YCHC group campsite, and have Monday and Tuesday to explore the Park. There are no accommodations for family, friends or pets. All volunteers bring tents, food, and supplies. Contact Bonnie Gisel at Bonnie.Gisel@sierraclub.org or call 209 347-7300. |
Photo of Kelley Park by Grey3k
Kelley Park BioBlitz
Location: Kelley Park (Disc Golf Course Area), 740 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112
Saturday March 18th, 9AM - 11AM
Click here to RSVP
A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. At a BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in a place.
Docents will guide you and teach you to use the iNaturalist app on your smartphone to record all the living things you encounter. Flowers, trees, butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles, birds, and squirrels. We love them all - now let's go find them! |
CNPS Santa Clara Valley Chapter's annual Growing Natives Garden Tour
Saturday - Sunday, April 1 - 2, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Are you interested in gardens that are waterwise, low maintenance and attractive to humans as well as birds and butterflies? Click here to learn more about Native Gardens |
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Military Outdoors Program
The inaugural year of Sierra Club Military Outdoors program was a local success and it has been renewed for 2023. The Loma Prieta Chapter is inviting veterans and their family members for three types of trainings in beautiful locations around the Bay Area. Sessions are designed to help people learn how to use POLES for Hiking, for Balance and Maintaining Mobility, as well as Nordic Walking for Exercise. Skills learned help people of many ages and abilities to more fully enjoy their outdoor adventures. Participants experience improved endurance, posture, strength, spine function and confidence. Poles are provided at all trainings and practice walks/hikes, which are listed on our calendar. |
Environmental Book Club Reading List
To join contact Gladwyn d'Souza
January: Water Always Wins- thriving in an age of drought and deluge, by Erica Gies
February: Nomad Century- How climate migration will reshape our world, by Gaia Vince
March: Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver
April: The Intersectional Environmentalist- How to dismantle systems of oppression to protect people plus planet by Leah Thomas
May: Regenesis- Feeding the world without devouring the planet by George Monbiot
June: Euphoria by Lily King
July: The Flag The Cross, And The Station Wagon by Bill McKibben.
August: Rescuing the Planet- protecting half the land to heal the earth by Tony Hiss.
September: The New Wilderness by Diane Cook
October: There Are No Accidents- the deadly rise injury and disaster, who profits, and who pays the price by Jessie Singer
November: Bicycling with Butterflies by Sara Dykman
December: How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue |
Where does your recyled material go? The answer may not be pretty.
"Palo Alto found that some 60% of its recyclables got shipped abroad, with little transparency as to their fate."
Read here the full article about recycling
To volunteer on zero-waste issues in your city, contact Gladwyn d'Souza |
Your Opinion is Needed; Inform Housing and Community Needs in San Mateo County
Voice Your Input on the Development of the San Mateo County Consolidated Plan; 5 - 7 Minute Survey
Click here to read about the development of the San Mateo County Consolidated Plan and learn about upcoming community workshops.
Click here to take the 5 - 7 minute survey. |
Tell the Metropolitan Transportation Commission how to Improve Community Outreach
Take the 2023 Public Participation Plan Survey by clicking here.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission makes decisions on how hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent. We encourage those who take the survey to select the option for "provide online/telephone options for participating rather than in-person events", as some in-person meetings are difficult to attend. |
Looking to Electrify but Don't Know Where to Start? Begin Here!
The Switch is On provides the resources you'll need to electrify your home, click here!. Explore the benefits of an all-electric home and learn about how you can swap from gas to electric!
Incentives are available! Click here to learn more. This tool allows you to find the right incentives that apply to you. |
YOU Can Make a Difference for Local Environmental Protection!
Our Environmental Legislative Action Team and Climate Action Leadership Team will show you how.
Your Loma Prieta Chapter is organizing a network of advocacy teams at the city level.
These are city-focused teams with the twin goals of spearheading actions to combat climate change and to conserve and restore natural habitats.
You will be working with city council members, key city staff, county officials, and other environmental activists. We welcome and educate those who are new to climate policy.
For more information contact Loma Prieta Chapter's Conservation Organizer dashiell.leeds@sierraclub.org. |
Securities and Exchange Commission Climate Rules
Financial regulators are hoping to force big companies and investment managers to disclose climate information. If you'd like to join local grassroots effective work to make these changes happen, please contact Sue Chow, sue2042@gmail.com
Loma Prieta Chapter, Chair of Environmental Legislative Action Committee |
Take a hike! Here's what's available with your Loma Prieta Chapter.
Note: regardless of the name/origin of the outing section, all are welcome!
Wed 3/15/23, 10:00 AM. Hike Monte Bello Open Space - Geology
Thu 3/16/23, 10:00 AM. Hike Coal Mine Ridge
Mon 3/20/23, 9:00 AM. POLE Hiking Training, Mori Point, Pacifica
Wed 3/22/23, 10:00 AM. Hike Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Thu 3/23/23, 10:00 AM. Hike Edgewood Park
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Peninsula Clean Energy rebates
Peninsula Clean Energy is providing homeowners in San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos interest-free financing and new rebates to install electric appliances and make other energy-efficiency upgrades.
The agency’s new Zero Percent Loan program will provide interest-free financing for up to $10,000 per home for projects that include installation of electric heat pump equipment, including water heaters and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) units. Gas-powered equipment will not be eligible for the financing. |
Do You Need Space to Spread Your Wings?
Donate a Vehicle to Support the Critical Local Environmental Work of Your Chapter.
It’s easy to give and the pick-up is free; just call 844-6-SIERRA or 844-674-3772 or give online at https://careasy.org/nonprofit/Sierra-Club-Foundation-Loma-Prieta-Chapter.
If you would like to donate a Mazda Miata, please contact your Chapter Director personally.
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Ensuring your Loma Prieta Chapter remains a champion for the environment of Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Benito counties is one of the best ways to safeguard a thriving and just future. Naming us as a beneficiary in your bequest will provide meaningful and enduring resources that will allow continued local and powerful environmental activism.
Please contact our Chapter Development Coordinator Justyna Guterman at justyna.guterman@sierraclub.org for the specific language for your estate planning or read more here. For additional information about planning a bequest please reach out to Julia Curtis at julia.curtis@sierraclub or (800) 932-4270.
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In Case You Missed It
Previous volumes of our Chapter eNewsletter can be found here.
IN THE NEWS
Reflections on the Plight of Farmworkers
Is Artificial Light Poisoning the Planet?
In the bestselling tradition of Why We Sleep and The Sixth Extinction, an urgent and insightful look at the hidden impact of light pollution, and a passionate appeal to cherish natural darkness for the sake of the environment, our own well-being, and all life on earth.
Tick talk, science and safety
Silicon Valley's vast wealth disparity deepens as poverty increased
Join the campaign to protect 30% of California Lands and Waters by 2030
Earthjustice and Sierra Club Release Comprehensive Guide to Environmental Impacts of Cryptomining
Photographers, help protect local nature with your images! Share with us your high-resolution photos of local nature, with or without people, to inspire local residents to support Loma Prieta Chapter work. Please contact Chapter Development Coordinator Justyna Guterman, justyna.guterman@sierraclub.org
Too much Sierra Club email? You have control! See this simple tutorial.
How can local cities and residents use nature-based adaptations to sea level rise? Watch recordings of our recent webinar series with SF Bay experts and share with your local elected officials!
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Your Loma Prieta Chapter was founded in 1933, at Hidden Villa
What other important events happened in that year?
Keep reading the Loma Prieta Chapter eNewsletter this year to discover much more!
If you know of important local events that happened that year, then please let us know.
1933, March 2: the original film version of King Kong, starring Fay Wray, premiered at Radio City Music Hall and the RKO Roxy Theatre in New York City.
1933, March 4: Franklin D. Roosevelt was inauguraged.It was the last time Inauguration Day in the United States occured on March 4. On that same day, Frances Perkins become United States Secretary of Labor, and the first female member of the United States Cabinet.
1933, March 15: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States was born.
Other Important March Events
March 1st, 1872: Yellowstone was founded as the 1st National Park. |
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“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
― Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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Thank you to our 2022 Guardians on Nature Benefit Sponsors
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| The COVID-19 crisis has not passed and continues to disproportionately harm Black, Indigenous, and Latinx people and other communities of color. The pandemic has revealed how the communities hardest hit are often the same communities that suffer from high levels of pollution and poor access to healthcare. The fight for environmental justice cannot be separated from the fight for racial justice. |
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