YOU Can Make a Difference; Read How in This eNewsletter
► 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.
► Be inspired by local volunteers: Environmental Stewardship Program, Bay Alive, Military Outdoors, Climate Policy, CA Environmental Quality Act, Loma Prieta Chapter Founders
► FInd ways to protect local nature: Environmental Stewardship Program, Bay Alive, San Jose Monopoly, Yosemite, Air & Water Pollution (Lehigh), Native Gardens, Environmental Book Club, Home Electrification, Plastic Pollution, Dirty Banks, Photographers, Your Legacy |
Congratulations to the Sierra Club's Melissa Yu and Nihal Shrinath for their amazing organizing work with the broad coalition of organizations and community groups that supported this rule. Thank you also to the Loma Prieta Chapter Volunteers who gave their support through emails and public comments.
Air District Adopts Landmark Climate Policies!
On March 15th, the Board of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District approved 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 will benefit regional air quality and public health.
After applying for incentives, "homeowners in the Bay Area will ultimately find heat pumps more affordable than gas appliances, according to a recent analysis by SPUR, a public policy organization in the Bay Area."
“It will actually be cheaper for low-income households to upgrade to heat pumps than stick with their gas counterparts,”
- Melissa Yu, SF Bay Chapter of Sierra Club
Click here to read more:
SF Bay Chapter Blog
Washington Post Article |
In the climate crisis, wetlands have more economic value than new development
“Wetlands … do cheaply (or even for free) what engineered levees, seawalls and pumps do at a cost of billions of dollars.” They protect us from storm surge, flooding rains, erosion and pollution. They also sequester huge amounts of carbon to slow climate change. It’s high time planners consider the protective economic value of these natural landscapes alongside the economic incentives to develop them. As the impacts of climate change worsen, the former will only grow."
- Excerpt from this Scientific American Article
Join our Bay Alive Campaign to help protect and expand this vital climate resilience infrastructure. To learn more, contact Jennifer Hetterly at jennifer.hetterly@sierraclub.org. |
Newsom’s climate budget would slash funds that protect coast
Click here to read the CalMatters article.
Sadly, climate change won't take a pause while we wait for a budget surplus. Along with increasingly frequent intense storm events, Bay shoreline communities face billions of dollars in damage and substantial hazardous contamination risks from sea level rise and associated groundwater rise. Adapting to those threats is costly, but solutions also take time (often decades) to implement. The need to start planning now is urgent. We can’t afford to wait.
Join our Bay Alive Campaign to help spur timely action to improve sea level rise resilience for our communities and Bay ecosystems. To learn more, contact Jennifer Hetterly at jennifer.hetterly@sierraclub.org.
|
In response to a recent article in the Mercury/News titled our Loma Prieta Executive Committeemember Mike Ferreira submitted the following letter-to-the-letter that was published on March 16.
People’s Park shows utility of CEQA
Re: “Newsom blasts CEQA. What is it and why does it matter?” (Page A1, March 6).
As Ethan Varian describes in his March 6 article about CEQA and student housing, the California Environmental Quality Act has a long, nuanced history. This statute has been successfully revised to streamline affordable housing and transit projects. CEQA has also survived repeated attempts by big business to gut its essential protections. The Act remains a target precisely because it is so effective at forcing developers to analyze the environmental impacts of their projects and mitigate that harm.
In the UC Berkeley case, CEQA highlighted the university’s grave mistake in allowing its student enrollment to explode without any adequate plan to house the new students. The recent court ruling requires UC to analyze the impacts of its plans on the community and to explore all options before building on a historic public park. In other words, the university must comply with state environmental laws just like any other public agency.
-Mike Ferreira, Moss Beach |
|
Stopping the Pacheco Reservoir is a high priority for the Loma Prieta Chapter; see article via the link below. Pacheco would primarily hold imported water from the San Francisco Bay Delta. We're collaborating with Sierra Club California and other organizations to reduce reliance on the Delta. For more information or to get involved, email the Loma Prieta Water Committee water@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org.
https://socalwatersierraclub.org/pacheco-dam-a-prop-1-zombie-project/
|
"The Environmental Stewardship Program held by the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club is not to be missed. I attended the first three years of the program, and since the program is different each year, that is a lot of learning! I appreciate the depth of knowledge of the guest speakers, the moving documentaries, the engaging discussions, and the connections that can be made. As a City Councilmember, it is very helpful to have experts to tap into on a wide variety of environmental topics, and now I have a deep bench of connections in the environmental sustainability area. Don't hesitate to sign up for this - you will not be disappointed."
Lisa Matichak, Councilmember, City of Mountain View
|
|
Environmental Stewardship Program 8.0
Applications Open for 2023
|
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, |
San Jose Monopoly - for conservation?!
It's true! Our dear local city, 10th largest in the nation, will have its own edition of the Monopoly game and they're looking for recommendations of places. Spend 60 seconds to support local conservation, before April 10, by recommending Coyote Valley, a State designated area for special protection, and one of your chapter's top conservation priorities for decades to protect our water and wildlife. This high value land would be perfect to replace Monopoly's famous Park Place, or, since Coyote Valley is truly a community treasure, it could replace Community Chest.
Please send an email with your suggestion/s to sanjose@toptrumps.com, and
if you can, inspire us by saying that you've sent.
Thanks, james.eggers@sierraclub.org |
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. |
“I call nature my blameless co-therapist. In nature-based therapy sessions, nature can challenge kids. Maybe we’re muddy, or maybe a tree fell and we can’t hike in a certain direction, but at that moment, the child doesn’t blame nature. Instead, they have to adapt.”
- Excerpt from this article in Children and Nature |
Above Image of Almaden Quicksilver Park from the County Parks Website
BioBlitz at Almaden Quicksilver Park
Location: 19535 Mockingbird Hill Ln entrance, San Jose, CA 95120
Sunday April 30th9AM - 11AM
A BioBlitz 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, and other community members work together to get an overall count of 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.
Click here to RSVP |
Join Joe Simitian for his Annual Lehigh Meeting
Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian invites you to join him on Wednesday, April 26th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Cupertino Community Hall for his annual Lehigh Meeting. We’ll be joined by a panel of representatives from various oversight agencies as well as members of the public who will be able to ask questions of the panel.
For more information, go to https://district5.sccgov.org/district5events. We hope you are able to join us! |
Growing Natives Garden Tour by CA Native Plant Society Santa Clara Valley Chapter's
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 |
|
Military Outdoors Program
2022 was the inaugural year of Sierra Club Military Outdoors program (SCMO). We’re delighted to announce that it’s been renewed for 2023.
Loma Prieta Chapter is reaching out to veterans and their family members offering sessions designed to enhance their outdoor experiences – Outdoor RX.
Training Sessions are scheduled in beautiful locations all around the Bay Area.
Poles are provided at all trainings and practice walks/hikes, which are listed on our calendar which you can click here to find. |
Loma Prieta Chapter Adopts Resolution Urging Cities to Continue Hybrid Meetings
To increase transparency and participation for residents of different abilities and availability, virtual options for meetings should continue! |
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 |
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. |
Interested in combating forever chemicals? Volunteer with our Beyond Plastic Group
EPA's big deal upcoming regulation not to contaminate water with PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, will result in a massive industrial overhaul and lead to less use of these chemicals because health effects are now known through movies like Dark Water. To volunteer to work with our Beyond Plastic group, contact Dr Sue Chow at sue.chow@lomaprieta.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
|
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 as much as $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.
|
|
One of the best ways to safeguard a thriving and just future is by ensuring that your Loma Prieta Chapter remains a champion for the environment of Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Benito counties. 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 and/or read more here. For additional information about planning a bequest please contact Julia Curtis at julia.curtis@sierraclub or (800) 932-4270.
|
|
In Case You Missed It
Previous volumes of our Chapter eNewsletter can be found here.
IN THE NEWS
Big Beef Fueling Amazon's Destruction
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!
|
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: It Was A Very Good Year!
March 13, birthdate of Mike Stoller, songwriter
March 14, birthdate of Quincy Jones, music producer and composer
March 15: birthdate of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
March 19, birthdate of Philip Roth, novelist
|
|
I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security.
Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad.
Otherwise what is there to defend?
- Robert Redford
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you to our 2022 Guardians on Nature Benefit Sponsors
|
| 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. |
|
|
