By Emily Engel
Members of Rachel’s Network gathered in Santa Barbara to learn more about the impressive eco-feminist work being done on the South Coast.
Over thirty women gathered at the Community Environmental Council’s new environmental hub in downtown Santa Barbara on Sept. 7. Katie Davis, Santa Barbara-Ventura Sierra Club Chapter Chair, moderated an inspiring and educational panel discussion that included Goleta City Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martin (Sierra Club), CEC’s Climate Policy Associate & youth advocate Farah Stack, and CEC’s Executive Director Sigrid Wright.
Issues surrounding climate justice dominated the discussion, while the panelists emphasized the urgency of leading the transition to Community Choice Energy and other renewable energy sources in order to combat climate change through local efforts.
“The last five years were transformative...our region is poised to showcase how we transform from oil being one of our primary industries to showcasing renewables. The key to unlock all of this is community choice energy.” Wright emphasized.
Rachel’s Network is a community of women funders committed to a safer, healthier, and more just world for all named in honor of Rachel Carson. This community has given over $2.5 million collectively through the Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award and co-funding projects. Members fund projects in sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, health, conservation and climate change, and more.
You can learn more about its exciting work here: https://rachelsnetwork.org/about/
Also attending the event were the Network’s ED Fern Shepherd and Board Chair Kef Kasdin, Haley Ehlers from CFROG and Linda Krop and Alex Katz from the SB Environmental Defense Center, among others.