Southern Sierran
Newsletter of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter
July 2023
Current News Sections Block

LATEST
16TH ANNUAL POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Join us for the 16th Annual Sierra Club Political Leadership Awards as we honor trailblazers shaping a greener tomorrow. Sunday August 13, 2023, 3-6 PM at the Norma Hertzog Community Center in Costa Mesa, CA. Our theme for this year's ceremony is "Equity, Democracy, Sustainability". In the face of urgent environmental challenges, we recognize the need to foster a more just and inclusive society while safeguarding our planet.
EXPANDING THE SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Representative Chu with Jenny Binstock, Juana Torres, and John Monsen (left to right) by John Monsen.
President Obama laid the foundation for environmental preservation nearly a decade ago when he established the majestic San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Now, a new movement is blossoming as Senator Alex Padilla and Rep. Judy Chu join forces to urge President Biden to exercise his executive authority and expand this natural gem by an impressive 109,000 acres.
MORGAN'S BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISER
Join us in celebrating the Angeles Chapter Director Morgan Goodwin's birthday at 6pm on Friday, July 14 at HiDef Brewery, 1203 S. Olive St, LA, CA 90015. Help us raise $2,000 to continue the Angeles Chapter's work on transforming our energy systems, protecting our ecosystems, ensuring outdoors for all, and acting for justice.
"Supporting the members of the Sierra Club is a joy, because we are doing incredible work together. You all mean so much to me, and I hope you can come show your support not only for my birthday, but also for the mission!" - Morgan

IT'S PLASTIC FREE JULY & STORYTELLING CONTEST
Image Courtesy of Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs
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.
On July 31 at 7PM ET | 4PM PT, we will host a storytelling contest. Similar to a public comment, each story will get three minutes. Please bring your stories. Your children are welcome too since children are often some of the powerful speakers.
OPINION: PHASING OUT OIL WELLS CLOSE TO OUR CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH GAS PRICES AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH PUBLIC HEALTH
Fossil fuel interests are spending big on local and state ballot measure referendums this year to dismantle laws that protect Californians and the climate. In this context, Firoza Jhabvala from the Sierra Club Defense Setback Team highlights the importance of phasing out oil wells near our California communities, emphasizing that it is primarily about safeguarding public health rather than influencing gas prices.
WELCOME OUR NEW CHAPTER COORDINATOR
The Angeles Chapter is delighted to welcome Jeremy Goldsby as its new Chapter Coordinator. Jeremy will oversee all of the Chapter’s accounting duties and daily administrative operations and much more. We're so glad to have him onboard. Read more about his background on the blog and welcome Jeremy in the comments.
LEADERSHIP NOMINATION LAST CALL
We're searching for leaders from all sections and groups. This is your chance to step up and run for the Executive Committees (ExCom) of both the chapter OR your regional group. Play a vital role in driving the chapter's operations and ensuring its remarkable success. To be eligible to run for ExCom, candidates must be active Sierra Club members and have their nomination submitted, and be a Sierra Club member by July 10, 2023.

ACTION ALERT: HELP SHAPE REGIONAL WATER SUPPLIES!
With the launch of a new online community questionnaire, Pure Water Southern California is seeking input from residents where program facilities and pipelines would be constructed. We are collaborating with MWD to help spread the word and also to ensure that your feedback is included. Responses to the questionnaire will help Metropolitan Water District and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts identify community priorities, values and needs across the geographic footprint of the proposed project, which includes our own LA County communities. Visit mwdh2o.com/purewater for more info.
A MESSAGE FROM SWELL ENERGY
Join us for the 16th Annual Political Leadership Awards, a fundraising event dedicated to promoting Equity, Democracy, and Sustainability. This event is organized to benefit the California Sierra Club PAC, supporting political programs and activities aimed at electing pro-environmental candidates and safeguarding voters' rights. Together, we can ensure California stays on track for a Green Future.