News Archive

News Blog

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

[Header photo: One of four Mountain Lion Kittens P-66 through P-69 © Courtesy of National Park Service]

August 2023

  • barrington plaza

    Barrington Plaza Evictions - the climate and justice angle

    Mass evictions from Barrington Plaza are an environmental issue

  • Magnolia Tank Farm

  • The Cool Irvine Program

    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.

  • LCW '23 Fotos Y Recreo

    Fotos y Recreo Celebrates a Decade of Latino Conservation Week

    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.”

  • Fundraising Corner: Highlights and Ways to Make a Lasting Impact

    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 2023

  • Rep. Chu and Senator Padilla Urge President Biden to Expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

    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. 

  • Fotos y Recreo! Sierra Club Celebrates Latino Conservation Week

    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. 

  • Image Courtesy of Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

    Plastic Free July!

    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.

  • Power out

    Can You Afford To Lose Power? We Don't Think So Either

    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 2023

May 2023

  • The Chapter Welcomes a New Cohort of Activists

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

  • The great room of the Harwood Lodge

    Visit Harwood Lodge

    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!

  • Awardee Will McWhinney with friends. Photo Credit: Theo Yang

    Feeling Connected at the Angeles Chapter Annual Banquet

    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.

  • Allison Chin Elected as Sierra Club Board President

    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.
  • Whiskey Tango Fondo April 29, 2023

    A Weekend of #SierraTogether in the Snow-capped Eastern Sierras

    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. 
  • Pasadena Group hikes to muir peak

    Earth Month Round-Up

    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.

  • Call for Nominations for Chapter/Regional Group Executive Committees

    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 2023

  • Kamala Harris at Earth Day event

    Visiting Vice President Kamala Harris in DC

    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.

  • It's time. Secure your power today!

    Your Energy Cost Savings in the New NEM 3.0 World

    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?
  • WTC Snow camp SCG Group 5 in the Sierras

    Check out some incredible photos from this year’s WTC snow camp trips!

    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 2023

  • Can you afford to lose your power for two days?

    Don't get left in the dark - Secure your power and save today

    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!

  • 2022 Annual Report

    Announcing our 2022 Annual Report

    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...

  • Sponge Cities - What Are They?

    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.

  • Steelhead trout can reach up to 55 pounds in weight, although average size is much smaller. By CBD

    Can We See A Return of the Endangered Southern Steelhead Trout?

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

  • Edible Weeds, A No-Water Bounty in Urban Areas

    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?

  • Sierra Club California staff recently attended tours of both the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Fa

    Recycled Water is a Source of Water

    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.

  • Photographs of solar panels being installed on homes in Alameda, California Taken by photographer He

    Lightening the Load: How SolarApp+ Can Help Climate Activists Push for Solar Roofs in Their Cities

    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.
  • Pictured left to right: Ben Jealous, Meghan Sahli-Wells, and Ramon Cruz

    Powerful Together: Sierra Club's Listening Tour Visits Angeles

    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 2023

  • Members of the Pasadena 100 coalition outside of Council Chambers following the unanimous vote (Phot

    Huge Win for Pasadena: City Council Unanimously Approves 100% Clean Energy by 2030!

    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.

  • Swell Energy Orange County Meeting

    Swell Energy and Solar Rights Alliance present at Sierra Club Orange County Open House

    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.

  • Announcing 2023 Executive Committee Officers

    Executive Committee Officers for 2023

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

January 2023

  • No Drilling Where We're Living

    Los Angeles County Phases Out Oil Drilling

    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. 

  • A foggy day in Yosemite National Park

    Volunteer - Share the Club's Rich History with Yosemite Visitors

    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.  

  • Grayson power plant glendale

    Glendale Voted to Build the Last Gas Plant in CA

    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.

  • A Call For Nominations

    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!
     

  • Attention Sierra Club Homeowners: Secure Your Energy at the Best Available Rates RIGHT NOW!

    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!

  • Los Angeles Skyline at sunset classic view by Larry Gibson

    LA Green New Deal Update

    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 2022

  • Phil Gaimon, pro cyclist, author, and entertainer raising funds to support the Chapter

    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.

  • 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.

  • Pictured left to right: David Haake, Nancy Barb, Coby King, Dyana Peña

    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

  • Inglewood Oil Field by Peter Bennett

    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.

  • Demonstration for the right to clean air. Credit Sierra Club MyGeneration

    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.
  • Sunflower with Solar Panels in the background atop a home

    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 the Angeles Chapter as Fundraising Officer

    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

  • Ben Jealous named next Executive Director of Sierra Club

    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.

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