More than 22,000 Join Together for Annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
Crowds Engage in Climate Action
Thousands of climate fans in Alameda Park last weekend visited over 150 booths and engaged with environmentally-focused businesses and organizations. These participants helped provide a deeper understanding of the real impacts of climate change, and provided opportunities to take action on the Central Coast and beyond. From the Homegrown Roots Zone that featured local farmers and food producers to the Public Square Zone that showcased organizations doing good work and the chance to spend time with elected officials, there was something for everyone.
Connect with the more than 150 exhibitors that participated
Did you attend the Festival? If you have feedback to share, please email media@cecmail.org.
Jane Fonda Honors Environmental Heroes
Actor and climate activist Jane Fonda joined the festivities on Sunday as part of the Last Chance Alliance’s statewide Big Oil Resistance Tour to present the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) 2023 Environmental Hero Awards. CEC Executive Director, Sigrid Wright, kicked off the awards ceremony, reminding the crowd about the importance of acting on climate. Then, when Fonda appeared on the main stage to present the awards, she sent a surge of energy through the packed crowd, exclaiming, “together, we can learn, strategize, and take action as we plot our path forward to break free from Big Oil’s stranglehold on our state, our country, and our planet.”
Watch Jane Fonda at the ceremony
Fonda presented the first award to Cesar Aguirre, Director at the Central California Environmental Justice Network where he works to help fenceline communities in Kern County protect themselves from oil and gas pollution and advocate for systemic change. The second award was presented to Nalleli Cobo, 2022 Goldman Environmental Prize winner and co-founder of People Not Pozos. Nalleli was unable to attend the event due to a health issue but sent this inspiring video message.
Following the awards, Cesar participated in a Climate Justice panel co-hosted by the Central Coast Climate Justice Network, the Last Chance Alliance, and the Community Environmental Council. Cesar was joined by panelists Marcus Lopez Sr. (American Indian Airwaves), Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino (Central Coast Climate Justice Network), Alyssa Jain (Sunrise Santa Barbara), and Dr. David Pellow (UCSB Environmental Studies). Panelists spoke of their personal experiences that led them to the climate justice movement, from exposure to oil and gas pollution to spiritual and ethical ‘aha’ moments. Attendees were encouraged to take a stand against oil and gas extraction and other sources of pollution harming vulnerable communities in our region and beyond. Learn more about CEC’s Climate Justice efforts.
It’s Electric!
The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Green Car Show is one of the oldest and longest-running clean vehicle shows in the country. Dozens of electric vehicles lined Santa Barbara Street, including the latest models from Audi, Polestar, and Chevrolet. A record number of electric bicycles were also on display. By the end of the weekend, 173 drivers and 177 bike riders had the opportunity to test drive all-electric models. More than 600 people cycled to the festival and took advantage of the free Bike Valet.
Learn more about how to electrify your drive (and your home).
Music Takes Center Stage
Throughout the weekend more than a dozen bands—featuring reggae, country, indie, folk, rock, and more—played from the Main Stage of the festival, giving attendees the chance to groove to their favorite musical genre. Local favorite Spencer and the Gardener returned this year for a smash performance and throwback band The Last Decade rounded out the Saturday lineup to an enthusiastic crowd. On Sunday, reggae band Cornerstone helped wrap up the festival with their energizing sound and uplifting message.
Help Spur More Climate Action
The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, led by the Community Environmental Council (CEC), is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country, and is one of the largest on the West Coast. CEC pioneers real life solutions in areas with the most impact on climate change, with programs that provide pathways to clean vehicles, solar energy, resilient food systems, and reduction of single-use plastic.
Make a donation today to help ensure more engaging climate action-focused events like this one.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Audi Santa Barbara, Bree’osh Bakery, the Blue Owl, Boone Graphics, Brander Winery & Vineyard, Brighten Solar Co., Bunnin Chevrolet, Bye Bye Mattress, Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (C5), Central Coast Community Energy, City of Santa Barbara, Cox Communications, Draughtsmen Aleworks, E-bikery, Edhat, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Grid Alternatives, Hope Ranch Living, Jeep & Chrysler of Santa Barbara, KJEE, Matilija Pure Water Systems, MarBorg Industries, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams, Montecito Bank & Trust, Noozhawk, Pacific Coast Business Times, Polestar Los Angeles, RAD Power Bikes, Radio Lazer, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN), Santa Barbara City College Foundation, Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation, Solectrac, Swell Energy, Sunkissed Pantry, Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3-C REN), Trinity Episcopal Church's Justice and Outreach Council, Ventura Volkswagen, Voice Magazine, Water With Life, Whole Foods Market.
Thank You To Our Partners
Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (C5), Central Coast Climate Justice Network, Cultivate Events, Downtown Organization, Explore Ecology, Last Chance Alliance, LOACOM, Learningden Preschool, MOVE Santa Barbara County, Oniracom, Pharos Creative, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, and Santa Barbara Independent