Impact Report 2020
The impact report shares CEC’s work to safeguard the tri-counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo from climate change.
Sigrid Wright, CEO
In 2020, CEC grew despite the pandemic and earned accolades for our critical work, including being named 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year.
And we did this while earning the highest grades possible for financial health, accountability, and transparency from Guidestar and Charity Navigator.
We developed a decisive climate action plan and applied CEC’s unique approach to change-making to jump into immediate action.
Barbara Lindemann, Board President
This on-the-ground momentum is how we will reverse the threat of the climate crisis, transform the systems that fuel it, and safeguard the community from its impacts – and most of the work must be done at the local level.
Please read on to see how CEC is helping us all step up to this urgent moment, and join us.
CEC’s Vision: Climate Safe by 2030
CEC is putting the Central Coast – and California – on track for an equitable, climate-safe future with an ambitious plan for how our community can meet this urgent moment, go all in together, and halt the climate crisis. Over the next ten years, our work will focus on three major efforts.
1 reverse
Push ambitious, equitable Zero Carbon goals and ensure the Central Coast has the tools to reach them
2 repair
Tap the power of regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions to remove excess carbon from the atmosphere
3 protect
Spur bold actions to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen communities in the face of climate change
All our programs below work to support these efforts.
Equity
Central Coast Climate Justice Network
What we do
We co-founded a network of social justice and environmental organizations and leaders who are expanding our collective power to advance restorative actions and systems change, centering on communities who bear the greatest burden of climate change impacts.
Why this matters
People who have been marginalized by deeply rooted systems of power, oppression, and inequality will be the most disproportionately burdened by climate change, are more sensitive to negative impacts, and have the least resources for resilience.
185
frontline community members gave input on the future of transportation and housing in our region
Community Ambassadors
What we do
We work to break down barriers to participating in the climate conversation, sending Community Ambassadors into the field to build relationships and invite in voices of frontline community members.
Why this matters
Efforts to develop rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis hinge on our ability to engage our full Central Coast community. Historically, frontline communities have not had the voice they deserve in developing these solutions.
206
participants engaged in bilingual webinars centering on stories of frontline community members
“CEC’s leadership has been critical to launching the Central Coast Climate Justice Network. Their climate work sets the tone and pace for making the Central Coast a more equitable, resilient place to live, and we are a better community because of them.”
Executive Director, Fund for Santa Barbara
Transport
Electric Drive 805
What we do
We advocate for policies that create communities centered on people not cars, where it is easier to bike, take alternative transportation, or live close to work. We make it easier to choose zero-emission vehicles and equitable transportation solutions.
Why this matters
About 50% of the energy used in Santa Barbara County goes to move people and goods, and the cars and trucks on our roads are the largest source of pollution in California. A rapid transition to a zero-emission transportation system helps us end our dependence on fossil fuel, reduce climate impacts, and build better communities.
10,000+
drivers learned about affordable electric vehicles through educational events
$7.1 million
in state funding secured in 2020 with Electric Drive 805 partners to bring new EV charging stations to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties — with at least $2.5 million dedicated to frontline communities
1,800
public electric vehicle charging stations are now in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties
950
people engaged in 4 webinars to learn how all drivers — including low to moderate income earners — can affordably switch to electric vehicles
Energy
Solarize
858
Central Coast homeowners added solar, creating nearly 4 MW of solar energy
What we do
We make it easier and more affordable for homeowners and nonprofits to install solar power and energy storage (battery) systems. We also partner to advocate for greener schools.
Why this matters
Solar panels are a powerful grassroots tool to move our region toward 100% renewable energy, but the process and costs make it challenging for individuals and organizations to navigate on their own.
Community Results
Santa Barbara Unified School District approved solar for 14 schools including 6 solar microgrids
No-upfront cost solar added to 8 nonprofits annually serving 120,765 community members
Nonprofits Served
Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast – Santa Maria Campus • Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Planned Parenthood San Luis Obispo • Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition
Santa Barbara Middle School • Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center • Santa Barbara Rescue Mission • Wildling Museum
Carbon Neutrality
253,000
homes will be powered by first wind and solar farms in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties
What we do
We advocate for 100% renewable electricity goals and carbon neutrality targets. We partner and run programs to increase the amount of solar energy on the Central Coast, lowering energy bills and reducing carbon footprints.
Why this matters
To safeguard our future, we must rapidly move to generating 100% of the electricity that powers our homes, businesses, and cars from clean and renewable sources.
Commitments
Secured a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030 for 19 Central Coast cities
Secured Carbon Neutrality by 2035 commitment for the City of Santa Barbara
Community Choice Energy
1.39 million
residents in 21 cities across 3 counties received Energy choice programs
What we do
We advocate for communities to adopt Community Choice Energy programs, and encourage agencies to set 100% renewable energy goals for their communities.
Why this matters
In 2007, CEC published one of the nation’s first carbon neutrality plans. In it, we identified Community Choice Energy as the single most effective tool to rapidly move our region to 100% carbon-free electricity.
Food
SBC Food Rescue
280,000+
pounds of food distributed to low-income families and others in need during COVID-19
161+
tons of edible food kept from going to the landfill to date
What we do
We prevent packaged and restaurant quality prepared food from going to the landfill by partnering with Veggie Rescue to transport it to organizations that feed people facing hunger in Santa Barbara County. In response to COVID-19, we established an information hub to help Santa Barbara County government, nonprofit, and businesses collaboratively problem solve for short- and long-term food needs. This led to innovative partnerships with restaurants, universities, government, and more – and earned CEC’s SBC Food Rescue Coordinator, Julia Devor (formerly Blanton), a Santa Barbara Independent Local Hero Award.
Why this matters
About 40% of food produced in the US is never eaten. When this food goes to landfills, it decomposes and produces methane – a greenhouse gas 21 more times potent than carbon dioxide.
Food Rescue Recipients
Buellton Senior Center • Casa Serena • Domestic Violence Solutions • Father Virgil Cordano Center
Food From The Heart • New House • St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church – Los Olivos • Veggie Rescue
Climate-Smart Agriculture
603
ranchers and policymakers have attended a CEC on-farm educational event
What we do
We work to increase the use of carbon farming by demonstrating clear economic and environmental benefits to landowners. We currently run three pilot programs on farms in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, focusing on solutions like applying compost to rangeland and using vermiculture (worm composting). Along with getting our hands in the dirt to measure for soil health, we also work to overcome regulatory barriers, using our research to advocate for policies that encourage and facilitate climate-smart agricultural practices.
Why this matters
To stabilize our climate and ensure ample food supplies, we must significantly scale up climate-safe agriculture over the next decade – pulling carbon out of the air (where it harms us) and storing it in the soil (where it helps us).
SBC Food Action Network
181
stakeholders attended bilingual webinars on projects that directly impact thousands of residents
What we do
We work to build food resilience on a larger scale. In 2019, we cofounded the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network to connect, align, and activate food system changemakers around developing a robust local food economy, a healthy and just community, and a well-stewarded, resilient foodshed. This network is implementing a countywide, community-driven strategic plan for how we grow, distribute, consume, and dispose of food.
Why this matters
To safeguard our community from the impacts of disasters and global stressors like climate change, we must develop a healthy, vibrant, and resilient local food system.
Waste
Circular Economy
19
tons of film plastic upcycled
What we do
We advance zero waste solutions and advocate for policies that move our region (and society) toward a circular economy, where waste is reimagined as a resource and emissions are eliminated.
Why this matters
The production of goods is responsible for 21% of global emissions, and one of the worst polluters – plastics – is on the rise.
7
regional laws passed that curb
the tide on single-use plastic
Rethink the Drink
37,136
students and staff educated at 68 schools on plastic and waste reduction
What we do
We help reduce plastic bottle use by providing water filling stations at schools and educating students and staff on how to ditch plastic.
Why this matters
Plastic trash is invading every corner of our planet — impacting our waterways, oceans, soil, and alarmingly, even our air as tiny particles of airborne dust. We are literally eating, drinking, and breathing plastic.
5,000,000+
plastic bottles have been prevented from going
into use at 103 school water refill stations
Community
Climate Resilience Roundtables
700+
community-driven project ideas gathered
What we do
In a 15-month series framed around key climate threats to the Central Coast, we convened unconventional cross sections of the community for listening and ideation sessions. Together, we drew out bold ideas for building a more cohesive, community-wide approach to climate resilience and adaptation.
Why this matters
Climate impacts have arrived in force and are borne disproportionately by those who are already most vulnerable – frontline workers, communities of color, the homeless, elderly, youth, and those with underlying health issues. The crises of 2020 – climate, pandemic, economic recession, racial violence – have highlighted the ways in which these issues intersect and their impacts compound. We believe there can be no climate resilience without community resilience.
580
government employees, community-based organizations, social and environmental advocates, community leaders, elected officials, and climate practitioners engaged in collaborative resilience planning
“Our current climate is marked by year round fire seasons, extreme heat, mass evacuations, mass blackouts, and unfathomable fire runs measured in acres per second. We need clear thinkers and leaders who can bring people together as a community to tackle the impacts of the climate crisis. This is what CEC does, and why I stand with them.”
Former Chief Santa Barbara City Fire Department
Executive Director, The Partnership for Resilient Communities
Santa Barbara Earth Day
41,000+
participants tuned in for CEC’s 2020 Earth Day livestream event
What we do
We bring together 30,000+ people each year for the region’s largest Earth Day with two+ days of education, entertainment, celebration, and inspiration to propel bold action and convene changemakers for an annual Climate Leadership Summit.
Why this matters
In 1970, 20 million Americans – including a newly incorporated CEC – took to the streets and parks on the first Earth Day to learn about how they could protect the environment, creating a national shock wave that fueled rapid and impactful action. This is the kind of inspired action we need today, and it can happen here if we each lean in and commit – to learning, to leading, and to taking bold action every day toward environmental solutions.
Community Education & Activation
2,430
attendees joined us for the 17 webinars (including 5 bilingual or Spanish-first) we held in 2020
What we do
We delve deep into resilience with events like bilingual roundtables that center on frontline communities, and we host webinars to keep the Central Coast moving toward solutions for everything from electric vehicles and solar energy to single-use plastic reduction and rescued food.
Why this matters
As our community responded to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, CEC remained committed to providing educational events that moved the needle on equitable climate solutions and local resilience.
Networks & Partnerships
What we do:
Building on 50 years of successful community engagement and leadership in Santa Barbara, CEC has begun expanding its efforts across the Central Coast, growing networks to tackle projects across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Why this matters:
More than half of all climate actions outlined in international, national, and state climate plans must be implemented at the local or regional level. More importantly, citizens at the local level are best equipped to guide solutions on the ground and ensure that they are implemented equitably. Networks help stitch the community fabric that leads to true community resilience.
CEC People
Our team is rapidly expanding and diversifying to meet the challenge of the climate crisis.
The community leaders on our Board of Directors, Partnership Council, and President’s Council all advocate, network and promote to take CEC’s work further.
CEC Financials
We use your gifts wisely, and have earned the highest grades available for financial health, accountability, and transparency from Guidestar and Charity Navigator.
We are one of only eight nonprofits in Santa Barbara County with that distinction.
CEC Donors
The time for bold climate action is now, and your gifts help us take the action needed to combat the climate crisis and build climate resilience.
CEC Accolades
“For 50 years, CEC has stood out as an environmental leader, both in Santa Barbara County and across California. They understand that issues like the climate crisis are too complex and too big to be solved by a single organization and work collaboratively to treat a healthy environment as both a human right and the foundation for a thriving world. We need the leadership of CEC to build momentum to reverse the threat of the climate crisis and safeguard our communities. Their work today is critical.”
California Senator
During our 50th anniversary year, CEC worked to build resilience, including for our most vulnerable communities, while pushing ambitious climate targets.
Awards from the state, city, and local journalists underscored that our work is more critical to the community than ever.
2020 Awards
2020 California Nonprofit of the Year
2020 City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero
2020 Santa Barbara Independent Local Hero Julia Devor, SBC Food Rescue Coordinator
“Having worked with and for community-based nonprofits for most of my career, CEC stands out as a consistent leader. It is clear in its mission, bold in its actions, and always willing to partner with others. CEC has reinvented itself several times over the past half century, always with the goal of ensuring that the work is relevant to the moment. The CEC team’s ability to build trust is unparalleled, and they set a high bar not just for environmental work, but for what it means to truly serve the community.”
CEO, Santa Barbara City College Foundation
Former Board President, CalNonprofits
50th Anniversary Campaign
A PIVOTAL MOMENT FOR ACTION
As climate threats accelerate and compound, the stakes are high and require a massive, collaborative effort to reach Carbon Zero across the tri-county region by 2030.
“CEC enables the Central Coast to be a fulcrum of environmental progress that propels California, and with it, the world.”
Honorary Committee Member
CEC 50th Anniversary Campaign
CEC’s Board of Directors has launched a $15 million campaign to accelerate the pace that CEC can implement new initiatives. The campaign is chaired by Jon Clark of the James S. Bower Foundation and Merryl and Chuck Zegar.
“CEC has shown results again and again through policy wins and real world action. They think big and they think long-term, and that’s why they’re the organization to watch.”
President, James S. Bower Foundation
Co-chair, CEC 50th Anniversary Campaign
CEC Board Member
CEC’s forward thinking, whole systems approach to the climate crisis has earned us a regional reputation as an innovator, thought leader, advocate, and coalition builder.
We are uniquely positioned and prepared to seize this pivotal moment for action with a bold plan to rapidly deploy equitable climate solutions and build regional capacity for climate action.
We invite individuals, foundations and corporations to join our legacy of impact and invest in our vision to create a vibrant, resilient Central Coast where all people thrive in balance with nature.
To learn more, please contact CEC’s Legacy Giving Consultant,
Karl Hutterer, at (805) 453-8162 or email khutterer@cecmail.org.