A love of nature, coupled with a deep-rooted sense of responsibility for our shared world, have been defining factors in Laura Francis’ life.

John Jostes grew up in Oakland, CA exploring urban creeks and taking regular backpacking and fishing excursions in the Sierras. Those early experiences in nature shaped his core environmental values.

Angela Antenore grew up in Long Beach, CA where she gained a deep appreciation for the outdoors through hiking, camping and exploring the diverse environments of Southern California, from the ocean and beaches to mountains, rivers, and open spaces.

Karl Hutterer has been a key figure at the Community Environmental Council (CEC) for a number of years, and we are thrilled to feature him and his wife Nancy in this month's Legacy Donor profile.

Some of our readers may have seen the man on stilts, hovering above the crowds at over eight feet tall, at many of Santa Barbara's past Earth Day celebrations at Alameda Park.

CEC's Livable World Legacy Society is delighted to welcome Karen and David Telleen-Lawton among its newest members.

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.

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.

Would you like to meet a truly Happy Warrior? Meet Michel Saint-Sulpice! Michel is the embodiment of an environmental steward.

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.”

"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.

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.

Ilene Segalove was born and raised in Los Angeles. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and a Master of Arts in Communication from Loyola University.