Viz. News Blog

December 2022

Big Oil wants to be your neighbor, take action to make them a good neighbor

Living in Southern California means having oil drilling somewhere nearby. It has been this way for almost 100 years. Just look at historic photos of communities like Huntington Beach and there are forests of oil derricks. Big Oil likes being your neighbor, and as a California resident, you just had to live with this fact until a newly passed law. The law suggests that Oil and Gas interests have been a bad neighbor. Apparently, they have been a bad neighbor to enough Californians to get a law put on the books to kick them out and keep them out starting next month.
Climate Was On the Ballot

LA’s first Black female Mayor, a pro-environmental majority on the Orange County Board of Supervisors for the first time, and the passage of Measure ULA in the City of Los Angeles. What the Midterm Election Results Mean for Climate Action and the Environment in our region.
Four win seats on Chapter’s Executive Board

Four newly elected members of the Executive Committee will take office in January at the first board meeting of the year. They will join at-large Aura Vasquez, Liliana Griego, Steve Dunwoody, John Monsen as well as delegates from each of the 14 regional groups, on the board
From the Ground: How Our Volunteers in Culver City Took on Big Oil

Culver City, a little city with just a little under 40,000 people — set a historic precedent for the wider LA area as the first city in recent history to phase out oil drilling and clean up existing oil wells by the end of 2029. From the ground, hear from the people who made it all happen.
Sierra Club Military Outdoors Veteran's Day Celebration in Long Beach

This November, the Angeles Chapter had the opportunity to join the City of Long Beach at its Veterans Day Celebration on November 12th. Alongside the People of the Earth (POTE) Krew, we connected with the local Long Beach community to engage veterans, military members, and their families with the earth.
An Electric End to 2022

Southern California has been plagued by poor air quality that directly affects our health by causing or worsening respiratory conditions by exposing us to toxic emissions. Gas use in buildings produces a significant amount of indoor air pollution in places where we’d expect to be safe like our workplaces and homes. Building electrification also referred to as building decarbonization, removes fossil fuel energy sources from buildings, moving instead to all-electric energy sources that cause zero carbon emissions. At the moment, most building electrification policy efforts are focused on regulating new construction. In the last half of 2022, many cities in California have moved forward with local building electrification laws to protect our air. Here are some recent highlights.
Swell Energy Answers Your Solar FAQs

Have a question? It might be a frequently asked question…see if you can find your answer here. Of course, Swell is always happy to take your call or email to address your questions too. You can also check out common myths about solar that we’ve addressed with facts in this month’s Southern Sierran. Learn more about the Sierra Club Angeles and Swell Energy partnership offer of $500 cash back on the installation of solar, energy storage or both with a donation to your Sierra Club Angeles chapter of up to $750 here.
Jennifer Gregg joins Angeles Chapter as New Fundraising Officer

The Sierra Club Angeles Chapter welcomes Jennifer Gregg as the new Fundraising Officer on staff at the chapter office. She is excited to join the team on December 1, 2022, and is ready to achieve fundraising goals through focused and engaging campaigns.

November 2022

Announcing Sierra Club’s New Executive Director

It is with great excitement that I write to you, as President of the Sierra Club, to share the news that the Board of Directors just voted unanimously in support of Ben Jealous, an experienced civil rights leader, community organizer, coalition builder, and social justice activist, to be our new Executive Director.
WTC Program Returned in 2022 Welcoming an Excited Class of Outdoor enthusiasts

After an interrupted 2020 and a skipped 2021, our beloved WTC program returned in 2022 welcoming an excited class of outdoor enthusiasts.
Local Group Volunteers Represent Chapter at Pasadena 100 Rally

The Pasadena Group mobilized to represent the Sierra Club at the Pasadena 100 Rally to celebrate the collection of more than 1,100 postcards from Pasadena residents with the message: “I care about climate change and I want Pasadena to be

powered by 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.” PASADENA 100 is a coalition of 21 local non-profit, non-partisan organizations.
Avoid Grid Black Outs With Swell Energy's Black Friday Offer!

Don’t get caught in a blackout! Take advantage of the Sierra Club and Swell Energy Black Friday promotion. Enjoy a free gift on us when you book an appointment and speak with a Swell Energy consultant by November 30th. Plus, we’re increasing our offer to $750 off solar, energy storage or both through November 30th!
Sierra Club Continues to Fight the Doheny Desalination Project in OC

In mid-October, less than six months after rejecting a proposal for a massive desalination plant in Huntington Beach (Poseidon), the California Coastal Commission approved—with conditions— the Doheny Ocean Desalination Project near the PCH and San Juan Creek in Dana Point. The commission’s approval of a coastal development permit allows the local water utility to move forward with its plans to build the plant intended to provide even more water to a city that already uses too much water per capita per day - 142 GPD and at what cost?
LA County Board Green-Lights Ordinance to Phase Out Oil Wells

On a unanimous vote, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance that will ban new oil drilling and declare existing oil drilling a nonconforming land use in unincorporated Los Angeles. After Culver City last year, Los Angeles County is just the second oil-producing local jurisdiction to pass an oil drilling phase-out ordinance.

October 2022

Terrific donation for the chapter library

The Chapter adds to its already impressive mountaineering and naturalist library.
Keeping the Lights On During Extreme Heat

As extreme weather becomes more prevalent, urgent clean energy solutions are needed to provide reliable power. Swell Energy (Swell) is partnering with Sierra Club to help member customers achieve total energy security and independence from rising energy costs through cutting-edge, smart-energy technology. Learn how you can set an example for achieving both reliability and sustainability by adding solar, battery storage, or both to your home from Swell.

September 2022

National Sierra Club 2022 Awardees

Meet the Angeles Chapter leaders who are being honored by the National Sierra Club for their outstanding service.
Vote in the 2022 Angeles Chapter Election
Do As I Say, Not As I do When It Comes To Water Conservation Says We-Ho

It’s time to tell the City of West Hollywood and the WeHo Planning Commission to stop issuing permits for basements and subterranean parking that require dewatering and put the water being wasted to beneficial use for the community. It’s time to look for solutions and invest in capturing and treating that water for reuse. Don’t waste, then ask us to save!
Ride the Swell to a Renewable Energy Future

You may have seen the recent news about our partnership with Swell Energy (Swell) to offer Sierra Club Angeles members $500 cash back on the purchase of solar and/or energy storage batteries. Now, we’d like to tell you a little more about Swell and the value they bring to our members and our mission.
This Year’s Team Sierra City Hike

City Hike is an annual, national, Team Sierra event to raise money for the Club. This year our campaign will highlight the breadth of conservation and environmental justice efforts of the Angeles Chapter and offer an opportunity to explore downtown LA with friends. I would like to give you a brief preview of the route:
Get Involved This Coastal Clean Up Day 2022

Numerous cleanup events are happening across our region sponsored by our allies, such as Heal the Bay, Banning Ranch Conservancy, and Surfrider, to name a few. Join thousands of people across the state of California, uniting to keep our beaches and water clean and our marine ecosystems thriving.
Press Release: Sierra Club Angeles Chapter & Swell Energy Partnership

Swell Energy and Sierra Club Angeles have partnered to offer members savings in the transition to clean energy. Get $500 off solar, energy storage or a solar + storage home energy system and we'll contribute up to $750 to Sierra Club Angeles on your behalf.

August 2022

Sierra Club Partners with Swell to Bring Members Discounted Solar and Battery Storage Home Energy Solutions

Exclusive Offer - Clean & Secure Power for Sierra Club Angeles Members - Swell Energy is offering members $500 cash back on solar, battery storage, or solar + storage installations and will donate up to $750 to the Sierra Club Angeles on your behalf. Read more…
Proposed Wildlife District Would Save Crucial Habitat

For years Sierra Club has worked behind the scenes to secure funding and move forward with an initiative that seeks to protect wildlife and the corridors for movement they require for survival. Wildlife connectivity is important to link areas of crucial habitat and facilitate movement, thus reducing the negative impact of fragmentation and allowing greater flexibility to adapt to stressors such as increased urban development and climate change.

July 2022

Get To Know Central Group Chair, Barbara Hensleigh

Barbara Hensleigh is the chair of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter’s Central Group, encompassing the area of West Hollywood through East Los Angeles, from Griffith Park through South Los Angeles, and several Gateway cities. She enjoys spending her time backpacking and volunteering.
A Big Step Closer to Safer LA Streets

Fantastic news! The Healthy Streets ballot initiative that the Sierra Club has endorsed in the city of LA has submitted its signatures today, and they are feeling optimistic about getting on the ballot this fall! Because transportation is the single largest source of climate emissions in California, creating safer alternatives to driving is a top priority of the climate movement.
The Supreme Court Won't Stop Us From Achieving 100% Clean Energy

June’s SCOTUS decision in the crucial climate case West Virginia v. EPA is a deeply disappointing and dangerous decision that eliminates EPA’s most effective tool for reducing harmful climate pollution from existing power plants. The ruling does not, however, fundamentally block our mission. Because of our strong grassroots campaigns all over the country and the work you do every day, the Sierra Club is uniquely positioned to keep up the struggle for climate justice. Locally, here are a few of our big pieces of work, and opportunities to get involved.

June 2022

We're Hiring a Fundraising Officer

Our team is growing as we are add a new position to support and grow our fundraising activities!
An Environmental Win regarding the Poseidon Ocean Desalination Plant proposed for Huntington Beach

Last month, after 20-plus years, the California Coastal Commission voted to deny the final permits for Poseidon’s proposed water desalination plant in Huntington Beach. A huge victory for CA communities, the ocean, and the climate.
City Council Demonstrates its Commitment to a Zero-Carbon Los Angeles by Passing Building Electrification Policy

On Friday, May 27th, The Los Angeles City Council voted to ban most gas appliances/hookups in new construction, a huge win for clean air, and the climate. Los Angeles joins 54 cities phasing out most gas in California. This policy will require all new residential and commercial buildings in Los Angeles to be built to achieve zero-carbon emissions.
Join Sierra Club Leadership!

The Angeles Chapter Nominating Committee is recruiting Executive Committee leaders for the chapter and our regional groups.

May 2022

Can Hilda Solis save the Puente Hills Park?

County Supervisor Hilda Solis promises to create a passive park instead of the previously planned 'disneylandification' of the former Puente Hills landfill site.
Coastal Fire in South Orange County Destroys 20 Homes - It's a Wake-Up Call

The Coastal Fire, a brush fire driven by California’s prolonged drought that burned some 200 acres, destroyed 20 homes and damaged 11, sent two firefighters to the hospital, and forced hundreds to evacuate their homes, is a wake-up call for all those living in hillside communities.
The Western Joshua Tree Needs Your Help!

The western Joshua tree needs your help! CA’s beloved desert species is under threat from climate change, wildfire, and development. Take action TODAY to ask the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect the Joshua tree for generations to come and to achieve #30x30CA
Your Role in Securing Coastal Access

Many Californians do not realize that they have a right to coastal access outlined within the Coastal Act and regulated by the staff of the Coastal Commission. The Sierra Club wants to help the public to understand this important right and understand the obligations, such as respecting environmentally sensitive habitats that access brings.
Angeles Chapter Annual Awards Banquet returns after three-year hiatus

Sierra Club Angeles Chapter leaders and supporters gathered on May 1 at Friendship Auditorium in Griffith Park to celebrate its 2019 awardees. More than 100 members and supporters came together to recognize our volunteers, whose efforts to explore and preserve wild places attest to the chapter’s resiliency in the face of overlapping crises to our climate, health, and democracy.
Sierra Club Co-Sponsors Earth Day Panel at Pan African Film Festival in Baldwin Hills

What were you up to on Earth Day weekend? Sierra Club staff and volunteers kicked off the festivities Friday, co-sponsoring an Earth Day Panel with Natural Resources Defense Council about the Inglewood Oil Field and our work to phase it out at the 30th Annual Pan African Film Festival (PAFF).

April 2022

A Sustainable Win for West Hollywood!

Thanks to your support, we excitedly share that the West Hollywood City Council unanimously passed the single-use plastic ban ordinance!
Janice Hahn receives Sierra Club Environmental Service Award
Earth Day 2020: Southern California Activities

This Friday (4/22) is Earth Day and the beginning of Earth Month. Join us as we celebrate the planet and spread the word about we fight for a future where all people enjoy a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature on this day and every day. Here are activities happening in, and around Earth Day 2022.
Sierra Club Endorses Karen Bass for LA Mayor

Today, the Sierra Club announced its endorsement of Karen Bass for Mayor of Los Angeles. As a community organizer and dedicated Member of Congress, Karen Bass has an understanding of environmental justice and the intersectionality of climate and economic justice that is unparalleled. Her progressive record on climate makes us confident she will do an excellent job in protecting the air, climate, and water of Angelenos.
Join the Vision Webinar on April 6th that reviews CALGEM Rulemaking – an important skill for protecting Southern California

Join the Vision Webinar on April 6th that reviews CALGEM Rulemaking – useful information for any environmentalist wanting to make a difference in Southern California where oil ang gas is involved in any way
Action of the Month - April: Phase Out Oil Drilling in LB

In April, if you only do one thing, please add your name to the list of supporters encouraging Long Beach to join Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles to ban new drilling and phase out existing drilling.
Trash-A-Thon Team Sierra Event

The Angeles Chapter's Earth-Day Trash-a-Thon is where we each commit to picking up trash in our neighborhoods and parks for a certain number of minutes, over the 4 weeks following Earth Day. We ask our friends to donate to support our efforts, and the proceeds support the Sierra Club's Angeles Chapter. Here's how we're doing it:

March 2022

Faulty Environmental Review Could Lead Glendale to Build California’s Last Gas-Fired Power Plant

We're suing the City of Glendale to stop a gas plant expansion from choking the community! The city can "reliably & affordably meet our energy demand with new #cleanenergy, like solar & battery storage, demand response programs & energy efficiency.
Announcing our 2021 Annual Report

In this annual report, we bring you an overview of how we are doing. You’ll find both victories and stats. We’ll talk about our finances and the role that members and supporters play in promoting this work.
A Letter from the New Conservation Co-Chairs

Wendy-Sue Rosen and Cynthia “Robin” Smith are excited to be the new co-chairs of the Angeles Chapter Conservation Committee. They invite Angeles Chapter members to be a part of the Conservation Committee, meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7-9 p.m.
Interview with Angeles Chapter Activist & Artist, Myla Collier

Myla Collier is the winner of a Sierra Club Angeles Chapter grant to create a traveling mixed media art show called “Climate: A New Look”. Her exhibit will premiere around April.
The Constant Threat Against California’s Human Right to Water

In 2012, California took the bold step of enacting AB 685, which declared that every person in the state has a right to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water. Seven years later, in 2019, Gov. Newsom signed SB 200 to provide funding to “provide safe drinking water in every California community, for every Californian.” Despite these efforts, more than a million Californians today lack access to clean safe affordable drinking water, and millions of people across the U.S. can’t afford water as bills have risen 80 percent in a decade.

Search form

News Blog

December 2022

November 2022

October 2022

September 2022

August 2022

July 2022

June 2022

May 2022

April 2022

March 2022

Pages