Press and Media

Join us for September’s Climate Fridays Santa Barbara as we celebrate National Drive Electric Month and explore ways our community can take action for a cleaner, more sustainable future. CEC Climate Mitigation Program Manager Sean McArthur will share the latest on EV incentives and rebates that make driving electric more affordable. We’ll also hear from a representative of Third Act about the upcoming Hands Across the Sand event and other opportunities to get involved in local climate activism and advocacy. We'll also hear from Maureen Ellenberger of the Santa Barbara Sierra Club and Phil Glosserman, co-chair of the Third Act SoCal Working Group, about opportunities to get involved in local climate action.

Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) for an evening with Dr. Leah Stokes, associate professor at UC Santa Barbara, policy director of The 2035 Initiative, and author of "The Carbon Wave: A Story of Democracy, Parenthood, and the Race to Protect Our Planet." In her forthcoming book, Stokes takes readers behind the scenes of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the largest federal climate law in American history, tracing the political victories, setbacks, and tense negotiations that shaped its passage. Told through the perspectives of three new parents, and weaving in her own experience with a high-risk pregnancy, Stokes storytelling combines a memoir-style narrative with an intimate look at the people and moments that defined this pivotal chapter in climate policy. Marianne Partridge, Santa Barbara Independent Editor-in-Chief, will host the conversation. After the author talk, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet Dr. Stokes during a book signing. Chaucer’s Books will provide copies of The Carbon Wave for purchase.

Our Climate Stewards program is your chance to become a leader in the climate movement and turn concern for our planet into meaningful local action. Addressing the climate crisis takes many of us — non-profit leaders and staff, professionals, business owners, recent college graduates, retirees, high school students, and community members — to work together. Anyone can be a Climate Steward! Register to join a cohort of motivated changemakers, explore climate solutions through lessons and field trips, and design a personal Stewardship Project that makes a difference in your community.

Join the Community Environmental Council for Green Gala 2026, an unforgettable evening celebrating community, connection, and climate action on California's Central Coast.

Inspired by the theme Rooted in Hope, this year's event will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, business partners, and climate advocates for an evening of meaningful connection and support for local climate solutions.

Guests will enjoy a lively welcome reception and Green Gala Market, exceptional local wine, live auction experiences, and a seasonal, climate-smart dinner created by Elizabeth Poett of Rancho San Julian and The Ranch Table, prepared in partnership with Duo Catering.

Proceeds support CEC's work advancing clean energy, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and environmental leadership throughout the region.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available.

Thinking of trading in your old car for an electric vehicle, but don't know where to start? Join us for a free webinar all things electric vehicles (EVs). Whether you’re just curious or are ready to make the switch, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) EV experts will provide practical information and resources to help you take the next step.

¿Estás pensando en entregar tu coche viejo a cambio de un vehículo eléctrico, pero no sabes por dónde empezar? Únete a nuestro seminario web gratuito sobre todo lo relacionado con los vehículos eléctricos (VE). Ya sea que tengas curiosidad o estés listo para hacer el cambio, los expertos en vehículos eléctricos del Consejo Comunitario Medioambiental (CEC) te ofrecerán información práctica y recursos para ayudarte a dar el siguiente paso.

Join us for Repair Cafe Santa Barbara, a completely free, community-powered event where volunteers help fix broken items instead of sending them to the landfill. Bring up to two items —such as clothing, electronics, bikes, furniture, toys, small appliances, or knives for sharpening —and work alongside skilled fixers to bring them back to life.

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to gather with fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends.

Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) as we welcome the UC Environmental Stewards Statewide Conference to Santa Barbara this fall. Bringing together climate changemakers from across California, the conference will feature keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, community conversations, and field trips exploring climate resilience, participatory science, and equity in conservation. CEC is proud to serve as the local partner for this gathering. CEC CEO Sigrid Wright will join Mia Lopez, Chumash Cultural Educator and Founding Director of Su’nan Protection, to welcome attendees on opening day. CEC Director of Education and Operations Kathi King will also lead a workshop highlighting how CEC’s Climate Stewards course empowers community members to take climate action.

Thinking of trading in your old car for an electric vehicle, but don't know where to start? Join us for a free webinar all things electric vehicles (EVs). Whether you’re just curious or are ready to make the switch, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) EV experts will provide practical information and resources to help you take the next step.