The Community Environmental Council’s Climate Hub that opened July 6 marks over 50 years of environmental action that was sparked by the 1969 Platform A blowout in the SB Channel.
It’s a physical representation at Santa Barbara’s downtown (1219 State St.) of how a community can come together for a cleaner future, spawning not only CEC but the Environmental Defense Center, Get Oil Out! and Earth Day. Our SB-Ventura Sierra Club was active starting in the 1950s and has shifted focus with the times in concert with them.
“It’s a monument, a trophy for us all,” said Oscar Gutierrez, city council member. Executive Director since 2015, Sigrid Wright believes the Hub “will be on the front line of climate change” in Santa Barbara, Ventura and beyond.
Change often happens locally, Wright believes, and the Hub will provide a nexus of community involvement that runs from day-to-day work spaces, video showing and production, meetings, celebrations, brainstorming and more. To check out all details, go to: https://www.envirohubsb.org
Its inaugural installation during the opening and in place through August is Elizabeth Weber’s “Return of the Western Monarch Butterfly: A Photographic Exhibit and Scientific Roadmap for Protecting this Endangered Species.” A panel discussion on Wednesday, August 9, 6:00 pm is set to explain how you can help protect the species.
Another event is a screening and panel discussion featuring Holly Becker's documentary film, "Arresting Scientist" on Thursday, August 24, 6:30-8:30 pm.
Community Environmental Council became a non-profit on April 18, 1970, just over a year after the oil blowout. Many of the founders have passed away but their legacy certainly lives on.
In 1970, it was a pioneer in the fledgling environmental movement and focused on practical ideas such as recycling centers, hazardous waste and education. About 15 years ago, it shifted its focus to threats of climate change and the Hub reflects that.
The 10,000 feet of Hub space was fully designed with cutting edge technology and recyclable materials to be a zero net energy building. Welcoming all is a Ficus tree planted indoors that not only brings a living touch of nature, but also absorbs carbon.
Hundreds of people attended the opening, with a ribbon cutting by the Mayor and speakers welcoming all to come use the facility. In sum “it’s definitely the realization of a dream,” Wright said, notably because of its very visible location and welcoming the community with new ideas and solutions.
The potential of such a Hub is timely because we are still beholden to fossil fuels, pesticides, plastics, air pollution and polluted water here, there and everywhere.