How we find our place in the climate movement starts with where we find joy and hope. 💚
Join @tedxsantabarbara and the Community Environmental Council (CEC) for an evening of inspiring community conversation at the TEDxSantaBarbara Salon, "Climate Action: Energized by Hope."
WHEN: Wednesday, May 27, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: CEC Environmental Hub (1219 State St., Santa Barbara)
REGISTER: https://cec.pub/TEDx-salon-sb
Curated by CEC CEO Sigrid Wright and @bluedotliving Author @victoria_riskin , this special salon will feature empowering TED Talk screenings from leading climate voices including Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, Dr. Hannah Ritchie, and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Sigrid and Victoria will lead a live conversation on what it means to practice hope and commit to showing up for the future we want to build. Join us.
We’ve come too far to go back.
We’re in the final days of our Spring Appeal — and still working to reach our $75,000 goal by May 15.
Every gift is matched for a limited time.
Help us protect the progress we’ve built together.
🌱 Give now: cec.pub/appeal-spring26
🌎 We’re Hiring a Climate Programs Associate! 🌎
The Associate will work on initiatives that bring renewable energy and transportation solutions directly to climate-impacted communities across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
We’re looking for a Climate Programs Associate to help drive projects focused on:
🚗 Expanding electric vehicle infrastructure
🚲 Advancing clean & equitable mobility
🌱 Supporting building decarbonization
Key responsibilities include:
👉 Supporting renewable energy and clean transportation initiatives
👉 Coordinating community outreach
👉 Engaging with project partners, local governments, and contractors
👉 Advancing equitable climate solutions across the Central Coast
🔗 Learn more and apply here! https://cec.pub/now_hiring
#hiring #climatejobs #NowHiring
Climate progress faces real challenges, but coming together to take collective action is one of the most powerful forms of resistance.
Join us for A Year of Active Hope — a free event series designed to bring people together when connection, action, and local leadership matter more than ever. Through panels, workshops, creative experiences, and hands-on events, this series offers opportunities to:
💚 Learn from climate leaders driving real solutions
💚 Nurture your mind, body, and spirit
💚 Gain tools to take meaningful action
Explore our May events:
✊ First Thursday with CEC and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
May 7 I 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
🌎 Repair Cafe Santa Barbara
May 9 I 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
✊ Oil and Water: Policy, Progress, and the Path Forward (Darcy Aston Memorial Lecture)
May 15 I 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
✨ Embodied Arts Workshop
May 26 I 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
✊ TEDxSantaBarbara Salon
May 27 I 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Browse events and register: cec.pub/YOAH-may
“I didn’t think an electric vehicle was possible for me.”
With support from CEC, Sachi was able to navigate incentives and cut the cost of an EV nearly in half — turning something that felt out of reach into a practical, affordable option.
This is what climate action looks like on the Central Coast.
We’re working to raise $75,000 by May 15 to keep this work going — and every gift is matched.
🌱 Give now cec.pub/spring-donate26
Together, we can keep waste out of the landfill — every repair counts! ♻️
Join us for the next Repair Cafe Santa Barbara on Saturday, May 9 at CEC’s Environmental Hub.
Bring up to two loved but broken items — from clothing and small appliances to bikes, furniture, and more — and work side-by-side with skilled volunteer fixers to give the items a second chance.
This isn’t a drop-off service. It’s a hands-on, learn-by-doing experience where you’ll pick up practical repair skills you can use for at-home repairs. Part of CEC's A Year of Active Hope event series, this is a unique opportunity to fix your favorite items AND activate for a more sustainable future.
🗓️ Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
📍 CEC's Environmental Hub, 1219 State St., Santa Barbara
♻️ Free and open to all
🔗 Learn more cec.pub/repair-cafe-may-2026
We’re also looking for volunteer fixers! If you're "handy" or have skills in sewing, electronics, woodworking, bike repair, etc., we would love to have you join us. At Repair Cafe, you can meet new people, feel part of something local, gain satisfaction from fixing something, enjoy a hands-on activity, and help the planet through repair! Please email [email protected] to volunteer, or with questions. We look forward to working with you!
Plant biodiversity shapes climate resilience. Join CEC and the @sbbotanicgarden for an evening celebrating native plants, local biodiversity, and the power of community. 🌿
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden — the first U.S. botanic garden dedicated exclusively to native plants — marks its 100th anniversary this year. To celebrate, we’re bringing people together to explore what it means to care for the landscapes that sustain us.
We'll enjoy a short film, a panel discussion, and guided tours of the new State Street native plantings, along with light refreshments. Come learn, connect, and discover how native plant stewardship can help grow a more climate-safe California.
WHEN: Thursday, May 7 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
WHERE: CEC’s Environmental Hub, 1219 State St., Santa Barbara
REGISTER: cec.pub/first-thursday-botanic-garden
What does a fossil-fuel-free Santa Barbara look like — and how do we get there together?
Join us this Friday for Climate Fridays Santa Barbara and learn how you can use your voice to advocate for a just transition away from fossil fuels.
As renewed calls to expand oil drilling along our coastline resurface, momentum is also building to phase out fossil fuels in Santa Barbara County. The future of the Central Coast is being shaped right now. This is your chance to be part of that conversation.
We’ll hear from Michael Chiacos, CEC Senior Policy Advisor, on the status and next steps for local oil and gas phase-out efforts. Juan Lares, Project Director at the @centralcoastcjn , will share updates and calls to action around the Santa Barbara solar ordinance.
📅 Friday, May 1 | 4:00–5:30 p.m.
📍CEC’s Environmental Hub (1219 State St.)
🔗 https://cec.pub/CF-may2026
Climate Fridays are part of our A Year of Active Hope event series and bring together activists, students, and community members on the first Friday of each month to learn, connect, and take action for a more sustainable future. Come be part of it. 🌱
You showed up for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival.
Now, let’s carry that momentum forward.
CEC is working to raise $75,000 by May 15 — and every gift is matched.
We can’t go back.
🌱 Give now at cec.pub/spring26
Santa Barbara resident Sachi Shiroma was curious how an electric vehicle could help her save money at the gas pump. Since then, she's cut her car costs in half, and hasn't looked back.
With her leased Subaru Outback costing $375/month and gas prices climbing, Sachi connected with CEC for one-on-one guidance. She walked away with an electric 2022 Kia Niro EX for just $12,734 after stacking rebates and incentives.
You could be next! Incentives like these are available now, but they won't last forever. CEC can help you figure out what you qualify for so you can join the growing movement for a cleaner Central Coast. 🚗⚡️
To get started:
🔗 Visit cec.pub/electrify-yourlife and fill out the EV Assistance sign-up form,
📧 Email CEC Climate Programs associate Kat Orellana at [email protected], or
📞 Call Kat Orellana at (805) 730-0209
The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival — one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country — will light up Alameda Park this weekend, April 25 & 26! Join CEC and @carpinteriaevents as we mark the 56th year of this cherished Santa Barbara tradition. 🌎💚
Come celebrate sustainability, connect with your community, and plug into a brighter climate future through inspiring speakers, eco-friendly activities, and hands-on experiences for all ages! Enjoy live music, browse over 200 eco-friendly vendors, and savor green cuisine at the Plant-Forward Food Court and Beer & Wine Garden.
✊ Be sure to stop by the CEC Booth to say hello to our team and learn about how YOU can get involved in the local climate movement. Take policy action by signing our oil and gas phaseout postcard, enter to win a festival prize pack, and more. You’ll LIGHT UP at the fun activity we have planned. 🔆
Follow @sb_earthday or visit cec.pub/SB-earthday-2026 to stay updated on the latest festival information.
#earthday #earthday2025 #sbearthday #ourpowerourplanet
