In the last month, we have seen social media help change the course of the Keystone XL pipeline and SOPA/PIPA legislation in Congress.

No matter how you feel about these issues, the power of social media influence is undeniable. Together, we’re capable making a significant difference by leveraging our networks. Imagine what could happen if we applied that energy to local environment issues.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic to see a huge out-pouring of support at CEC’s Earth Day Festival in Santa Barbara? Nearly 40,000 people came to the festival last year. If only half of those people made a resolution to do something for the Earth - like bike to work once a week, shop locally for produce, or carry a reusable water bottle – that’s 20,000 people collectively powering the clean energy movement. That’s the type of action we need to move our region off fossil fuels.

We know that CEC’s Earth Day Festival can change the course of our energy future, especially with the help of social media. YOU can be a part of that.

In preparation for Earth Day, CEC wants to help give you the tools to magnify your impact on social media. Attend our Social Media Bootcamp to learn all the ins and outs of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. Bring your questions and learn from our coaches. 

Social Media Bootcamp

Friday, February 24, 2012
Drop in between 10am – 4pm

Community Environmental Council
26 W. Anapamu, 2nd floor
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Your social media coaches

• Michelle Kitson (CEC’s Online Marketing Coordinator)
• Jordan benShea (Owner of Skyview Projects and CEC Boardmember)

While this is a drop-in event, we’d appreciate hearing if you plan to attend. RSVP to Michelle Kitson: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Feel free to forward preliminary questions before the event.

The buzz has been building and we've been leaking hints. We heard a lot of cat-related guesses on Facebook – Hungry Cat, Wildcat Lounge, Lemos Pet Store, and more. Finally the day is here to let the "cat" out of the bag!

We hope you'll join us in a Carrot Mob for Coffee Cat (1201 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara) on Saturday, January 21 from 10am to 3 pm. We're expecting hundreds of local activists (including you!) to pour into Coffee Cat to reward the business for its commitment to reducing the shop's carbon footprint and making it more energy efficient.

I've never been to a Carrot Mob. What do I do?

Step 1: Visit Coffee Cat on Saturday, January 21.
We'll make you feel right at home. There will be a band to groove to (Holdfast Rifle Co.), a place to park your bike (courtesy of the SB Bicycle Coalition), and people who love to support local businesses.

Step 2: Buy something. Anything.
Whether it's coffee, tea, a snack, a bag of coffee beans, or a tumbler, every purchase on Jan. 21 helps raise money to help Coffee Cat install new energy efficient lighting.

Step 3: Share with your friends.
There's strength in numbers. Check-in to the Carrot Mob on Facebook, upload a photo, post a status update and tweet it (@CECSB #SBcarrotmob) to spread the word!

How do I get there?

• By foot from nearby neighborhoods.
• By bike. Free bike valet will be available at Bikestation, courtesy of the SB Bicycle Coalition and the City of Santa Barbara, and a bike mass will be heading down from Isla Vista (details coming soon).
• By bus (www.sbmtd.gov).
• By car (last resort). Parking available on neighborhood streets.

What will the money pay for?

As a result of the Carrot Mob, Coffee Cat plans on implementing major improvements to the lighting in the shop, including upgrading all of the existing overhead lighting from outdated T12 lamps to much more efficient and cost-effective T8 fluorescent lamps. The replacement of approximately 44 lamps will reduce energy use by about 352 watts per hour, which is a savings of 30%!

Why Coffee Cat?

CEC chose Coffee Cat because the owner and staff are eager to make these changes and have already started putting some work into make the business run more sustainably.

The owner of Coffee Cat, Krista Fritzen, is excited for the upcoming event. She explains, “When I first came to Coffee Cat one of my first goals was to reduce waste and move the store towards more efficiency. The Green Business Program provided a structured way to achieve these goals. Many of the targets were easily achievable, but one of the most heavy-hitting changes ended being the cost associated the lighting upgrades. As a small business owner, it just wasn’t possible for me to make these changes on my own, so I had to put the whole program on the back burner until CEC approached me about holding a Carrot Mob.”

“It is so fulfilling to see them moving forward on the path towards becoming more sustainable” said Frances Gilliland, Program Director of the Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County.

With help from the Carrot Mob, she'll be one step closer to completing the program.

Partners:
The Santa Barbara Carrot Mob on Saturday, January 21 is being organized by the Community Environmental Council, in partnership with Bikestation, CALPIRG, City of Santa Barbara, Edible Santa Barbara, LoaTree, Plus One Marketing, Santa Barbara Bike Coalition, Santa Barbara High School Dons Net Cafe, The Sustainability Project, Sustanability Socially, and UCSB Environmental Affairs Board.

We all agree that rooftop solar is important. But what about utility scale solar? At CEC, we think that both have a place in our energy future, but only if they are completed in a responsible, environmentally beneficial manner.

Right now we have the chance to shape solar in our community through two opportunities. First, the County of Santa Barbara has begun a scoping process for the environmental impact report (EIR) for a solar project in Cuyama Valley. Second, the County is considering an amendment to the Land Use and Development Code that would allow solar on agricultural land. If you have concerns or comments on either of these topics, it is crucial that you get involved now so that those issues can be examined and addressed. This is the time during the planning process to have your voice heard.

CEC does not take a position on any project until we have examined the final environmental impact report. However, we do participate throughout the process, increase transparency, and encourage public participation.

To get involved, examine the project proposal. Then email or mail comments, suggestions, or concerns to:

Kathy McNeal Pfeifer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Planning & Development, Energy Division
123 E. Anapamu St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Send your feedback by Friday, January 20.

Are you in?

Fossil fuels have carried us a long way. But after 100 years, it's time to call it. The age of fossil fuels is over.

If we do it right, we can shift into a new economy fueled by clean, renewable energy. One that results in a net gain of $1.5 billion to our county’s economy by 2030. This is CEC’s mission, and we need your help.

Step 1: Watch

Check out this fast-paced 2-minute video about a movement in Santa Barbara to get off fossil fuels in one generation:

A New Movement | Community Environmental Council

Love the video? Share it with your networks. Build the movement.

Share on Facebook | Tweet it

Step 2: We need your support

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) relies heavily on support from the community. We've been pioneering real life solutions to environmental problems for 41 years. Learn about our results in 2011 (PDF download). Invest in a future powered by clean energy. Invest in CEC.

		Support solar power and wind power  Your $60 membership moves our region away from dirty energy. CEC links homeowners with solar installers, helps non-profits go solar, and advocates for large-scale wind and solar farms.
		Stand up for more efficient vehicles Your $60 membership paves the way for more electric cars and hybrids. CEC hosts 3 Green Car Shows a year and is helping to locate and install more than 50 new charging stations this year.
		Choose a more walkable and bikable community Your $60 membership creates a community that centers around people, not cars. CEC gets citizens involved in community planning, and advocates for more walkable, bikable neighborhoods.

CEC is the title charity for this year's Santa Barbara International Marathon. The proceeds from the race will support CEC's efforts to transition the Santa Barbara region away from fossil fuels in one generation. As a part of our participation, we are helping with preparations for the race. We have 2 volunteer opportunities for you to help CEC:

Saturday, November 5, 10am-8pm
American Red Cross, 2707 State Street
Race goodie bag stuffing. Looking for volunteers to take 2 hour shifts.

Friday, November 11, 8am-8pm
Earl Warren Exhibit Hall, 3400 Calle Real
Race chip and number distribution to half marathon participants. Looking for volunteers to take 3 hour shifts.

Please contact Kathi King at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (805) 963-0583 x108 to sign up for a shift and start racking up those eco-karma points. Also, CEC is happy to give community service hours to high school students.

The City of Santa Barbara's General Plan Update is coming back to the City Council, Tuesday, July 26.  Key decisions relating to energy, climate change and the environment will occur tomorrow, and the impacts will be felt for decades.  Please help us encourage the Council to empower future generations with appropriate tools and resources. We believe this means embracing new technologies and allowing people to choose from a range of options in transportation, housing, and business. Read more about the specific goals, policies, and implementation steps...

Please join us tomorrow (Tuesday, July 26) at 2pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall to voice your support for a cleaner, healthier built environment with options for all residents.

Send the letter below to the City Council and the City Clerk to show your support:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• ER6.5 Facilitate Renewable Energy Technologies.
  The City has an exemplary over-the-counter permit process for rooftop solar.  Unfortunately this process does not apply to historic structures or structures in historic areas.  ER6.5 should specifically highlight the intent to facilitate use of renewable energy on historic structures and in historic areas.  It should also lay out a plan for how such a plan might be implemented.
  
  
• ER6.6 Solar Energy
  I support all new construction and significant remodel projects installing solar energy and ask that any residential projects of three units or greater be required to install a minimum of 2kW of solar photovoltaic per unit.  If 2kW per unit will not fit onto the property then the maximum physically feasible should be required. While it is often easiest to install solar on the residential roof, solar may also be installed over a parking structure or on the ground.  All types of installation should be encouraged through this implementation element.
  
  
• ER9.1 Electric Vehicles
  Southern California Edison has identified the City of Santa Barbara as the fourth largest electric vehicle market out of 183 cities in their service territory.  This means that they expect Santa Barbara residents to adopt this new technology faster than almost every other city in Southern California.  Specifically they expect to see 450,000 to 1,000,000 electric vehicles in their territory by 2020, with Santa Barbara making up a substantial chunk.  ER9.1 is vital if Santa Barbara residents are going to embrace options that move them away from the gasoline pump.  Please leave it in the PlanSB update.

Thank you for your consideration.

UPDATE:

We are happy to report that the City Council made no changes to the Sustainability Principles or Environmental Resource Element Goals in the Santa Barbara General Plan. There was even an increase in the solar requirements for 3 or more units!  Many thanks to those of you who attended the meeting, and thank you for sending emails in response to our action alert. We appreciate your support, Santa Barbara!

CEC's annual Solar SUNday event is this weekend – Sunday, July 17, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Why should you add it to your calendar?

1. Tons of solar information, all in one spot.
   With energy prices continuing to rise, the time to go solar is now. You don't have to go hunting around Santa Barbara for the information you need. It all comes together for you at Solar SUNday. Attend a workshop, talk to some installers and ask the experts all your questions.
   
   
2. Electric vehicles are making an appearance.
   The new Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf will be at Solar SUNday. Some Santa Barbara residents are plugging their electric vehicles into their home solar panels and are driving on sunshine – imagine the possibilities!
   
   
3. Kids love this event.
   We're offering two art projects and a Chumash storyteller, who will be telling Sun Stories throughout the day.
   
   
4. Museum is FREE all day, and the butterflies are back!
   Admission to the Museum is free all day, thanks to the CEC and our sponsors. Solar SUNday is the perfect opportunity to visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History's "Butterflies Alive!" exhibit – one of the most popular exhibits. Visitors stroll through a beautiful atrium with more than 1,000 free-flying butterflies fluttering around.

CEC's Solar SUNday introduces our community to the resources and experts in Santa Barbara that can help make our buildings, and lives, healthier and prosperous.

RSVP to the event on Facebook...

Watch this video from Solar SUNday 2009:

Statement from Where's Your Bag

Where’s Your Bag partners Choose to Reuse and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper have been very involved in the parallel effort to advocate for bag reduction legislation.  While the Where’s Your Bag voluntary effort has been somewhat successful, these groups believe that legislation is really what is needed to see meaningful reduction.  Several California cities and counties have passed bag reduction legislation (Santa Monica, Calabassas, San Jose, Marin County, LA County and many more).  A statewide bag ban (AB 1998) nearly passed in September 2010. Where’s Your Bag believes that this momentum will encourage the state to take action and believes that Santa Barbara should be part of this movement.

Our Letter

In the April 21st issue of the Independent, Dean Tambling reported that Councilman Hotchkiss “questioned  the very validity of plastic bags as an environmental concern, arguing that they disintegrate and, being indigestible, pose no threat to coastal wildlife.” [“Council Duo Suffocates Plastic Ban”]

The immediate impact -- of wildlife getting entangled in plastic bags, clogging sewer pipes, blowing around and contaminating seas, lakes and rivers, – are documented and obvious with a walk on a beach or observation of street litter. More importantly, as the plastic bags photo-degrade (rather than “disintegrate”) into smaller toxic petrol-polymers, they eventually contaminate soil and waterways and as a consequence particles are  “digestible” and able to enter the food chain. To the extent that Councilman Hotchkiss was accurately reported, his statement was not factual, lacks “validity” and reflects only an opinion. 

– Jules Zimmer and Paul Orfalea

Published as a Letter to the Editor in April 28th issue of The Independent

Take Action

The full council will vote on the matter in the near future. We need your support. Contact your council members to let them know where you stand on this issue:

Mayor Helene Schneider: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dale Fransisco: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Frank Hotchkiss: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Grant House: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Randy Rowse: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Michael Self: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Bendy White: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Bring your bags! We are featuring our favorite reusable bags in CEC's Amazon store. We've got everything from standard reusable grocery bags, to sandwich and produce bags, to compact Chico bags. If you see something you like and you buy it through CEC’s Amazon site, a percentage of your purchase will come back to CEC – an earth friendly purchase, indeed. If you already use reusable bags at the grocery store, remember to carry one with you for smaller trips to the drug store, clothes shopping, and more.

Solarize Santa Barbara makes it easier and cheaper to go solar. CEC’s Solarize Santa Barbara is a new group-purchasing discount program for homeowners who want to go solar – kind of like a “Groupon” for solar panels. CEC does all the up-front work and makes it easy for you to go solar. When you participate in Solarize Santa Barbara, CEC will connect you with a pre-approved solar contractor who will give you a great value for a great solar power system.

Get started by attending an introductory workshop.

We’ll explain the benefits of buying in bulk with your neighbors, describe how to participate, and provide an introduction to the Solarize Santa Barbara program. Workshops will cover the basics of energy efficiency and solar, with plenty of time for you to ask questions.

Highlights include:

• Introduction to Energy Efficiency
• Basics of Solar Energy
• Financing Solar

RSVP on Facebook for the Santa Barbara Workshop and follow our Facebook Page for program updates.

If you are one of the 38,000 people who attended Earth Day 2011 or one of the hundreds of exhibitors/sponsors, we want to hear from you! What were the highlights? Do you have any suggestions for next year?

The results for this survey get entered into our report and are used in the planning of Earth Day 2012. Once you've finished the survey, forward it along to your friends too! Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

During Earth Day this year we launched a text donation campaign to raise money for the Earth Day Festival. Each person who texted a donation was entered into a drawing for a stylin' beach cruiser. In fact, if you were one of the 38,000 people who had a blast at the festival this year you can still text a donation to support it for next year - text "Earth" to 50555 to make a $10 donation.

Now that the Earth Day dust has settled, we randomly drew our lucky winner. Congratulations to Kelly Cote from Montecito! Not only did he support CEC with a text donation but Kelly was also one of our hard-working volunteers at Earth Day this year.

Plus, he is a student at Santa Barbara High School and loves to refill his reusable water bottle at the refilling stations there. Those refilling stations are part of a CEC project called "Rethink the Drink" which aims to reduce consumption of plastic water bottles by 75% during this school year.

Kelly is certainly doing his part - keep it up and enjoy your new cruiser!

Many thanks go out to Isla Vista Bike Boutique who generously donated a bike from their shop.

And most of all, many many thanks go out to all of you who texted a donation this year. The Earth Day Festival would certainly not be possible year after year without your support - Powered by the People!