San Carlos & Belmont

About the San Carlos Belmont Group

We are a regional group in the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club. Our members are residents of San Carlos and Belmont, California. The Loma Prieta Chapter is one of the many chapters that constitute the national Sierra Club; the chapter includes San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Benito counties. Our purpose is to enjoy the many local walking and hiking opportunities in San Mateo County in order to generate interest in supporting park measures, to preserve the environment that makes this area so special, and to help local communities preserve their environment.

We meet each month except July and August. Our usual meetings include a morning hike and then a potluck supper followed by a program; these are held on the second weekend of the month. All events are zero waste featuring reusables only. We emphasize rather easy hikes close to home, reading clubs, and programs relevant to our two cities (with a few exceptions for variety).

We try to keep abreast of projects proposed by the cities of Belmont and San Carlos that have environmental consequences. We work with the cities and developers to make these projects environmentally responsible. We are also active in providing assistance on regional and national environmental issues and projects. Our group’s focus is on climate acton plans, reach codes, and zero waste. For more see https://www.sierraclub.org/loma-prieta/climate-action

We welcome any and all of your suggestions, especially for hikes and programs. Be the change you want to see in the world.

SCB Calendar

The San Carlos/Belmont Regional Group meets monthly (except July and August), usually on the 2nd Saturday. Currenty meetins are via zoom. We emphasize hikes rated at 1A (less than 5 miles and less than 1000 feet change in elevation), that are usually on the Peninsula. Our goal is to promote and create awareness for county and city parks on the Peninsula. Our events are open to all; membership in the Sierra Club is not required.

Hikes: Usually we meet in front of the San Carlos Library, 610 Elm Street. You may use the public parking garage in the basement of the building. Bring water, day-hike items, and gas money for driver. Drivers and riders should know that the Club's liability insurance does not cover transportation to or from a Club event. You will be asked to sign and note emergency information on a Sierra Club liability release form. Be sure to call the leader to confirm meeting time and location.

Environmental Book Club: The San Carlos Belmont group runs an Enviornemental Book Club open to anyone. For more details and the current book being read please see https://enlight21.com/book-groups/environmental-book-club

Dinner meetings: Dinner meetings have moved to Zoom and start at 7:00 PM. In a post Covid-19 era we'll go back. Contact Camille King to be added to the notification email list. To join: call the host to RSVP and obtain the meeting location. Bring food (main dish, salad or dessert) to serve about 6. We customarily contribute $2 per drink serving at the social time to defray costs. Visitors are always welcome, but please call the host.

City Watch

City Watch keeps abreast of projects proposed by the City of San Carlos and the City of Belmont which may have environmental consequences. Stay informed: To find current information for your city, be sure to sign up for its e-mail updates for committees, developments, etc., that are of interest to you. The website addresses are: www.cityofsancarlos.org and www.belmont.gov.

The member business meeting occurs on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM via zoom. Please subscribe to the newsletter to be informed of the zoom link, agenda, and any changes in schedule. To subscribe send an email to camilleaking at gmail dot com
Climate: We follow the Climate Action Plan and Reach Codes in both cities.
Land Use: We are currently commenting on projects at 808 Alameda, along the El Camino Transportation Corridor, and Bio Safety Level 3 and 4 labs.
Parks and Trails: We are commenting on ebike use within parks.
Transportation: We are advocating for 15mph speed limits in school zones. San Carlos and San Mateo have passed these limits.
Book clubs: To join the Environmental Book Club send an email to camilleaking at gmail dot com.