News Blog

Welcome to the Southern Sierran, published by the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Want to learn about an environmental issue?  Select an issue from the below list and start learning.

News Archive
August 16, 2023 By Ed Maurer & Patty Oh

The Cool Irvine Program, initiated after the United Nations' Cool Cities Challenge, aimed to enhance nature-based cooling solutions in cities to combat rapid urban warming. Irvine's successful pilot resulted in impressive carbon reduction, community engagement, and sustainable living practices, inspiring the creation of Cool OC, a nonprofit spreading this program across Orange County to raise awareness, provide resources, and foster a collective effort in addressing the climate crisis.


August 7, 2023 By Jenny Lopez

A decade of Latino Conservation Week signifies not just growth, but a deeper understanding of the vital connection between the Latinx community and the environment. When you imagine a Public Lands Conservationist or Nature Steward, what comes to mind? If you asked those who joined us at our “Fotos y Recreo” Latino Conservation Week celebration at Crystal Cove State Park, you are likely to have heard, “Someone like us, someone like me.”


August 7, 2023 By Jennifer Gregg, Chapter Fundraising Officer

August brings double full moons and the mesmerizing Perseids meteor shower. Our fundraising shines thanks to members like you, who surpassed goals and lit up our recent event at HiDef Brewery. Join us in sparking change through Legacy Gifts, vehicle donations, and monthly support, and let's keep our environmental victories alight! 


July 10, 2023 By John Monsen
President Obama established the 346,000-acre San Gabriel Mountains National Monument almost a decade ago. It was the culmination of years of organizing by the Angeles Chapter, its Forest Committee, environmental allies like Nature for All, electeds, and community groups. Building on this legacy Senator Alex Padilla and Rep. Judy Chu recently announced a joint effort to encourage President Biden to use his executive authority to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument by 109,000 acres. The welcome news came in late June during a rally and press conference at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center in Pasadena. 

July 7, 2023 By Kim Orbe, Senior Conservation Program Manager

Join the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club and other local organizations in celebrating its Second Annual Latino Conservation Week Event and LCW 10th year anniversary! We are excited to host another unique event that invites our communidad to connect in our passion for the environment, art, conservation and cultura. 


July 7, 2023 By Hoiyin Ip

Join us this Plastic Free July as we highlight local initiatives such as LAX's ban on single-use plastic water bottles and the City of Irvine's Climate Action measures. Discover how personal actions and support for key bills can contribute to statewide progress in tackling plastic pollution. Together, let's make a difference by reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability for a better future.


July 6, 2023 By Swell Energy & Sierra Club Angeles Chapter

Ensure power security during outages and enjoy fixed bill savings by adding energy storage to your home. Sierra Club Angeles members receive exclusive benefits, including up to $500 off installation and donations to the chapter on their behalf.


June 22, 2023 By Firoza Jhabvala, Sierra Club Defense Setback Team
Phasing out oil wells too close to our California communitites has little to do with gas prices and everything to do with good health.

June 12, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates
The Angeles Chapter is delighted to welcome Jeremy Goldsby as its new Chapter Coordinator.

June 2, 2023 By Nguyen Tran, Chapter Librarian

Calling all bookworms and adventure seekers! Prepare to embark on a literary journey like no other as our Chapter Library reopens its doors. From vintage treasures to autographed gems, immerse yourself in a world of imagination and discovery. Join Nguyen Tran, our passionate Chapter Librarian, as she unveils the library's hidden wonders and invites you to be a part of its revival.


June 2, 2023 By Swell Energy & Sierra Club Angeles Chapter
Fire season in California can start as early as May, with the peak months being July through October. Be prepared! Secure your power with an energy storage battery. 

May 30, 2023 By Kim Orbe, Senior Conservation Program Manager

The Angeles Chapter is excited to announce the inaugural graduating cohort of the Activist Academy Leadership program! 


May 30, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates

Did you know that being a member of the Sierra Club comes with a range of exciting benefits? One such hidden gem is Harwood Lodge, nestled amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Angeles National Forest in California - It's your gateway to nature's paradise!


May 30, 2023 By Jennifer Gregg & Jessica Chow

On Sunday May 21st, 250 Angeles Chapter members, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors gathered at Frankie LA to celebrate the power of the Sierra Club together. Ten of the chapter’s most inspiring and impactful members were honored for their dedication to the chapter.


May 25, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates
Oakland, CA - This weekend, Allison Chin was elected to serve as president (one-year term) of the Sierra Club’s Board of Directors. This is Chin’s fourth term as president. She was the first person of color to ever serve in this role.

May 1, 2023 By Jennifer Gregg, Chapter Fundraising Officer
On April 28th and 29th, pro-cyclist and Angeles Chapter supporter Phil Gaimon hosted Whiskey Tango Fondo, an epic cycling event in the Alabama Hills area of the Eastern Sierras. The event brought together 500 gravel bike riders from all over the US and Canada to test their skills on 50, 70, or 100 mile courses, climbing as much as 11,750 feet. Riders experienced the contrast of the year’s first heat wave while also enjoying views of the Owens Valley. 

May 1, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates

Earth Month was a breath of fresh air for the members and friends of Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, who laced up their hiking boots and hit the trails for a month full of adventure, exploration, and appreciation for the great outdoors. Here are some highlights.


May 1, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates
Join Sierra Club Leadership! The Angeles Chapter Nominating Committee is recruiting Executive Committee leaders for the chapter and our regional groups. Executive Committee members guide the Sierra Club’s work in our communities. We make decisions about environmental policy, recommend the endorsement of political candidates, and direct our outreach activities. A good Executive Committee member has a deep love for the Sierra Club and the environment, and a willingness to serve the organization, and collaborate with fellow members to explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of Southern California. 

April 28, 2023 By Morgan Goodwin - Senior Director, Angeles Chapter

On behalf of the Angeles Chapter, Senior Director Morgan Goodwin accepted an invitation to the Earth Day celebration at the residence of the Vice President! Click for photos and to read more about his visit.


April 28, 2023 By Swell Energy & Sierra Club Angeles Chapter
So, you’ve heard all about the NEM 3.0 solar rate changes that took effect on April 14, 2023 for anyone installing solar after the deadline. But, now what? What’s next for solar homeowners who locked in under NEM 2.0 or for homeowners who didn’t get their solar applications in by the April 14 rate change date?

April 3, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates

Take a look at some breathtaking photos from this year's WTC snow camp trips! Despite heavy snowfall in California, students in the course were well-prepared with essential skills for a fun weekend navigating the wintery backcountry.


March 31, 2023 By Swell Energy & Sierra Club Angeles Chapter

Don't get stuck in the dark. Power outages in California are becoming more frequent due to an aging infrastructure and unpredictable weather. Battery storage is emerging as a solution to keep your power on during outages. Secure your power and save today with Swell!


March 17, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates

A central theme in our 2022 Annual Report (available here) is building a foundation for lasting transformational change. In 2022, we laid fertile soil and planted deep roots that will anchor us as we cultivate a more robust collective movement in Southern California. Here’s how our work illustrates this theme...


March 6, 2023 By Sydney M. Pitcher - Volunteer, Stop the Delta Conveyance (tunnel) Campaign.

Worsening climate change means more frequent and long lasting droughts, severe flooding, rampant wildfires, longer, hotter heat waves, and much more. However, there is one great solution every state and their cities within can adopt. It’s called Sponge Cities or Permeable Cities.


March 6, 2023 By Conner Everts, SC Water Committee

Could the restoration of habitat in Southern California mean the return of the endangered Southern Steelhead Trout?


March 6, 2023 By Douglas Kent MS, MLA - SC Water Committee

Foraging urban weeds is historic, easy, and sustainable. The plants listed below can be found right outside your door, in public parks, and growing haphazardly in the pots on your balcony. Below are tips to keep you safe and 7 easy to find edible weeds for winter and spring. Bountiful harvests, incredible nutrition, and all for little or no irrigation. What better defines sustainability?


March 6, 2023 By Caty Wagner, Sierra Club CA

Sierra Club California staff recently attended tours of both the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility (ECL) and the WRD Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning (ARC) to have a better understanding of water recycling, water replenishment and the interconnectedness of water systems in Southern California. The takeaway- we need more water recycling centers and spreading ground (groundwater replenishment) facilities like these to solve California’s water crisis.


March 6, 2023 By Ed Maurer, Sierra Sage Group Management Committee
Being a climate activist can be daunting, and SolarApp+ can lighten the effort.  Since a lot more electricity generated from renewable sources is needed fast, and since governments on all levels don’t move fast, here’s one proposal your city council may actually act on fast.  With a little help from my friends at the Solar Rights Alliance, I got results in my city.

March 6, 2023 By Morgan Goodwin - Senior Director Angeles Chapter

The Sierra Club's new Executive Director, Ben Jealous, visited Los Angeles as part of his 6-week listening tour. He hiked with local leaders, had lunch with chapter chairs and directors, and participated in an open forum with the chapter's ExCom and staff. Ben's thoughtful responses and ideas left a positive impression on leaders, emphasizing the importance of investing in both global campaigns and leading local fights. This visit was significant, and everyone is excited to be part of building the next chapter with Ben as the new ED.


February 6, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates

The local grassroots campaign, Pasadena 100, has achieved a major victory by convincing the City Council to aim for 100% clean energy by 2030. This marks a five-year acceleration from LADWP's goal and could lead to the retirement of Pasadena's Glenarm gas plant. The community-led effort gathered thousands of signatures, garnered support from local organizations, and mobilized local residents to give public comment, making it clear that Pasadena is committed to a clean energy future.


February 6, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates

Swell Energy and the Solar Rights Alliance co-presented at the Sierra Club Orange County Open House on January 24th to inform homeowners about the benefits of renewable energy and the changes to the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program coming in April 2023. The NEM 3.0 changes will reduce the value of solar credits by as much as 75%. Sierra Club and Swell are urging homeowners to ACT NOW by March 15th to lock in the NEM 2.0 program and enjoy a faster payback on their investment in solar and energy storage.


February 2, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates

We are excited to announce our Chapter's Executive Officers for the coming term (2023)!


January 31, 2023 By Nicole Levin, Beyond Dirty Fuels Campaign Organizer

Last month, on January 24th, 2023, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors codified an ordinance that will prohibit new oil and gas extraction activities and phase out existing oil drilling in unincorporated Los Angeles County. This historic action, which does not address drilling in the Inglewood Oil Field, marks the first step toward ridding the nation’s most populous county of oil extraction that harms the health and safety of communities and the environment. 


January 27, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates

The Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center, the Sierra Club's home in Yosemite National Park, is looking for volunteers to assist with interpretation during the season that begins May 3 and ends September 30, 2023.  


January 9, 2023 By Angeles Chapter Updates

The Glendale City Council is considering whether to waste money on new gas engines at the Grayson Power plant. We're here with Glendale Environmental Coalition to say "no new gas". Glendale doesn't need it, and the climate really doesn't need it.


Every year, the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter hosts a banquet to honor and recognize our outstanding volunteers, activists, and organizers that have demonstrated commitments to the advancement of our organization's mission. The banquet is our largest gathering, where we really experience the breadth of our membership and our accomplishments. Who do you know in the Sierra Club who has shown exemplary leadership or made contributions in conservation, political work, or outings? We’d like to hear your nomination!
 

January 9, 2023 By Swell Energy & Sierra Club Angeles Chapter

Your energy credits for solar reduce by as much as 75% after April 13, 2023. Don’t wait! Secure your energy at the best available rates RIGHT NOW!


January 6, 2023 By Morgan Goodwin - Senior Director Angeles Chapter

Sierra Club leaders attended a special Green New Deal event to sign the newly passed ordinances to phase out oil drilling, decarbonize new construction, and ban styrofoam containers. These are all key steps toward implementing LA’s ambitious and equitable Green New Deal.


December 5, 2022 By Jennifer Gregg, Chapter Fundraising Officer
The Sierra Club Angeles Chapter is grateful to Phil Gaimon, pro cyclist, author, and entertainer, for his initiative to support the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter.

December 5, 2022 By Angeles Chapter Communications

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.


December 5, 2022 By Jonathan Howard, Communications Coordinator

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.


December 5, 2022 By Jonathan Howard, Communications Coordinator

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


December 5, 2022 By Nicole Levin, Beyond Dirty Fuels Campaign Organizer

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. 


December 5, 2022 By Annie Wensley, SCMO Intern

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.


December 5, 2022 By Austin Mendoza, Building Electrification Intern
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.

December 5, 2022 By Swell Energy & Sierra Club Angeles Chapter
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.

December 2, 2022 By Angeles Chapter Updates
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 15, 2022 By Ramon Cruz, Sierra Club President
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.

November 7, 2022 By Angeles Chapter Updates

After an interrupted 2020 and a skipped 2021, our beloved WTC program returned in 2022 welcoming an excited class of outdoor enthusiasts.


November 4, 2022 By Kim Orbe, Conservation Program Manager
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.

Pages