Blog
A space for learning.
Sharyn Main and Jim Hodgson: Passionate About Nature, Art, and Community
Few people in our community are more deeply devoted to the integrity of our natural world and imbued with the insight that humans are intrinsically part of nature than Sharyn Main and her husband, Jim Hodgson.
Katie Davis: Fighting to Ensure the Future of Our Kids
Meet a hero: Katie Davis. Widely known and respected as an environmental and climate activist, Katie was recently recognized by the Santa Barbara Independent as a Local Hero, a recognition she richly deserves.
Breaking Up With Fossil Fuels: Electrifying Multifamily Buildings
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) has played a key role in connecting building owners to programs like 3C-REN and SOMAH that provide monetary incentives and technical assistance to make electrification a smooth and rewarding experience.
Michel Saint-Sulpice: A Man in Love—With Gaia
Would you like to meet a truly Happy Warrior? Meet Michel Saint-Sulpice! Michel is the embodiment of an environmental steward.
National Climate Progress Takes Local Climate Action
The two of us have joined forces with many others in our community on a clear mission. We are running a race to protect a fundamental aspect of life on earth: a safe livable climate.
2022 All-Electric REACH Code FAQ
The following FAQ on all-electric REACH Codes is an updated version (as of September 2022) of a post published in February of 2020.
John Steed: A Deep Sense of Obligation to Future Generations
Among the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) most devoted supporters is John Steed, who views CEC as a “vital, creative, and practical catalyst for helping us live high-quality lives in harmony with our environment, preserving one of our planet’s most diverse biomes, and leaving the legacy of a livable world for our grandchildren.”
Legislature Takes Bold Action, Bolstering CEC’s Work To Reverse Climate Change on California’s Central Coast
The Community Environmental Council applauds the California Legislature for passing a range of impressive climate bills last night.
Jessica McLernon: It's About the Future of Our Children
"A healthy and habitable planet is the best legacy we can leave for our children." This is how Jessica McLernon sums up a guiding motif in her life. She was first attracted to the Community Environmental Council (CEC) because of our organization's 50-year history of successful programs and actions to protect the environment. What she really loves most, however, is CEC's focus on the future through its unwavering commitment to fighting climate change.
Flipping the Switch to Electric: Carpinteria Couple Is All-In to Build Smart
“Our intention has always been to build and live as sustainably as we can, keeping climate impacts at the forefront. We’ve got this amazing opportunity and it definitely feels like partly our responsibility – and duty – to do so,” says Hunter Turpin about the new all-electric home he and his wife Casey are building.
Community Environmental Council CEO/Executive Director shares her reaction to President Joe Biden's signing of the Inflation Reduction Act into law:
"Today is a good day for the planet and a time for all of our fellow climate activists to CELEBRATE. The President has signed into law the largest single investment in combating climate change EVER.”
A New Initiative Will Create Neighborhood Resilience Hubs to Serve Vulnerable Populations
Imagine your community is impacted by the next wildfire that starts in our region. Maybe your home is in close proximity to the flames, or the smoke and ash from the fire drifts to your doorstep. How will you respond? Will you have the supplies you need? Will you know when or where to evacuate to? If you lose power, how will you prepare food, stay cool, or run air purifiers? What if you have a neighbor who needs help? By sharing information and resources, residents can be empowered to support each other and build community resilience in the face of wildfires, earthquakes, extreme heat, and other natural disasters.
North County Climate Steward Christina Hernandez Inspires Climate Action through Connection
Recent Community Environmental Council (CEC) UC Climate Steward graduate Christina Hernandez is a lifelong resident of the small coastal city of Guadalupe in North Santa Barbara County. A social and environmental justice advocate for over 10 years, she is driven by a deep love of her community and the desire to help her fellow residents connect with nature, access critical resources and support, and participate in building a healthy and resilient region. Christina fills many key roles in her community, including as a member of the Santa Barbara County Equity Advisory and Outreach Committee, a board member at Los Amigos de Guadalupe, and the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center.
We spoke with Christina about how CEC’s UC Climate Stewards program helped deepen her community engagement around climate change and nature conservation, and what she envisions for the future of Guadalupe.
Lee Heller: Champion of the Environment and the Welfare of All Creatures
Few people are as passionate about the health of our natural environment — and the welfare of both animals and people — as Lee Heller. And few are as ready as she is to back up their passion with action, advocacy, and material support.
Statement from CEC CEO/Executive Director Sigrid Wright on Today’s Supreme Court Ruling
In response to today’s Supreme Court ruling on the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to broadly regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants, Community Environmental Council CEO/Executive Director, Sigrid Wright released the following statement:
Building a Community of Climate Leaders Takes on New Meaning for One Earth Day Volunteer
On April 23rd, Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Santa Barbara Earth Day event brought our community together in celebration of local efforts to protect the environment, and to inspire further action. After two years of no public in-person events, it also provided a great opportunity to connect with eco-minded individuals, organizations, and businesses—and in at least one case, receive a job offer out of it!
Climate: Front and Center
The White House used the Summit of the Americas as an opportunity to make significant global commitments to combating the climate crises. I took special note of the following advancements that relate to the progress the Community Environmental Council is making in our region.
Adams Elementary School Hosts Coin Drive to support CEC’s critical work
This spring, students from Santa Barbara’s Adams Elementary School raised over $100 for the Community Environmental Council (CEC) through their spring coin drive, using the opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues like single use plastics and renewable energy.
Kim Kimbell: A Tireless Advocate for the Environment
Kim Kimbell, our legacy donor featured this month, loves nature, is an avid surfer and swimmer, and is a champion of conservation. After growing up in Indiana where he went to law school, he discovered California as the land of endless summer, ultimately moving to Santa Barbara in 1972.