Upcoming events.

Polluters Pay Santa Barbara Inaugural Meeting
Jun
24

Polluters Pay Santa Barbara Inaugural Meeting

Polluters Pay Santa Barbara is aiming to build on the statewide momentum to pass the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund bill that has been introduced in California. The bill will take the burden off of taxpayers by making fossil fuel companies pay for their role in natural disasters fueled by climate change. Join us for an informational session on bill progress and tactics to advocate for legislation that will fund natural disaster recovery, resilience and a clean energy transition in our communities.

View Event →
Plastic-Free Expo
Jun
25

Plastic-Free Expo

The Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s 4th annual Plastic-Free Expo features over a dozen local organizations, businesses, and government agencies offering information and resources for eliminating plastic. Join us to learn how to reduce plastic in your life, enjoy free refreshments, and chances to win eco-friendly prizes! 

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Jul
11

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month. At these events, climate activists, students, community partners, and friends gather to learn about regional climate change issues and how to take collective action to protect our planet. July's gathering will focus on plastic reduction and feature talks by CEC and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper.

View Event →
Single-Use Planet Santa Barbara Premiere and Panel Discussion
Jul
17

Single-Use Planet Santa Barbara Premiere and Panel Discussion

Don't miss the Santa Barbara premiere of Single-Use Planet, a powerful documentary exploring the political, economic, health, and environmental impacts of single-use plastics. Inspired by jaw-dropping encounters with massive ocean plastic gyres, director Steve Cowan exposes the full lifecycle of single-use plastics, from petrochemical plants to polluted coastlines. Following the film, CEC and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper staff will lead a panel discussion on local plastic pollution challenges and ongoing efforts to reduce single-use plastic distribution.

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Aug
1

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to gather with fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends.

View Event →
Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering
Aug
12

Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering

The Santa Barbara Sierra Club Group is part of the Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, covering Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For 75 years the Santa Barbara Group has been working to protect wildlife and wildlands, clean air and water, public health, a sustainable future and a healthy environment across the Santa Barbara region.

View Event →
3C-REN High-Performance Happy Hour
Aug
12

3C-REN High-Performance Happy Hour

Enjoy food, drinks, and great company at the third event in our High-Performance Happy Hour Series! Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or simply curious about high-performance design, join us to dive into the next generation of passive solar design principles. 

This event is presented by the Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) and partnered with the American Institute of Architects Santa Barbara Chapter (AIA SB).

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Sep
5

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to gather with fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends.

View Event →
Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering
Sep
9

Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering

The Santa Barbara Sierra Club Group is part of the Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, covering Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For 75 years the Santa Barbara Group has been working to protect wildlife and wildlands, clean air and water, public health, a sustainable future and a healthy environment across the Santa Barbara region.

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Oct
3

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to gather with fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends.

View Event →
Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering
Oct
14

Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering

The Santa Barbara Sierra Club Group is part of the Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, covering Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For 75 years the Santa Barbara Group has been working to protect wildlife and wildlands, clean air and water, public health, a sustainable future and a healthy environment across the Santa Barbara region.

View Event →
3C-REN High-Powered Happy Hour
Oct
28

3C-REN High-Powered Happy Hour

Enjoy food, drinks, and great company at the last event in our High-Performance Happy Hour Series! Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or simply curious about electrification, join us to learn how renewable energy and storage are shaping the building decarbonization landscape. 

This event is presented by the Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) and partnered with the American Institute of Architects Santa Barbara Chapter (AIA SB).

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Nov
7

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to gather with fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends.

View Event →
Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering
Nov
11

Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering

The Santa Barbara Sierra Club Group is part of the Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, covering Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For 75 years the Santa Barbara Group has been working to protect wildlife and wildlands, clean air and water, public health, a sustainable future and a healthy environment across the Santa Barbara region.

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Dec
5

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to gather with fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends.

View Event →
Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering
Dec
9

Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Monthly Gathering

The Santa Barbara Sierra Club Group is part of the Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, covering Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For 75 years the Santa Barbara Group has been working to protect wildlife and wildlands, clean air and water, public health, a sustainable future and a healthy environment across the Santa Barbara region.

View Event →

Thought Leadership Series: The Changing Tides of Sea Level Rise and Coastal Development
Jun
12

Thought Leadership Series: The Changing Tides of Sea Level Rise and Coastal Development

The U.S. Green Building Council of California invites policymakers, scientists, urban planners, developers, and community leaders to come together for a forward-looking conversation about the future of our coast. Hosted at CEC's Environmental Hub and on Zoom, this event will explore how we can protect the beauty, accessibility, and environmental integrity of our shoreline — while ensuring resilience, equity, and affordability for generations to come. Topics will include climate adaptation strategies, nature-based infrastructure, sustainable development, and community-driven solutions for vulnerable populations.

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Jun
6

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month. At these events, climate activists, students, community partners, and friends gather to learn about regional climate change issues and how to take collective action to protect our planet. June's gathering will focus on actions for a healthy ocean in preparation for World Oceans Day on June 8. Stick around after the meeting for our quarterly happy hour to enjoy complimentary refreshments and network with the community.

View Event →
Environmental Justice Through Grassroots Activism
May
29

Environmental Justice Through Grassroots Activism

Join us for a conversation with grassroots activists about their on-the-ground efforts in the fight for environmental justice. MiniNature Reserve Founder Diego Magaña and Climate Corps Fellow Solimar Gutierrez will share their insights on creating impactful change in Oxnard and surrounding underserved communities. Topics will include grassroots activism, guerrilla gardening, and food sovereignty.

View Event →
3C-REN High-Performance Happy Hour
May
16

3C-REN High-Performance Happy Hour

Enjoy food, drinks, and great company at the first event in our High-Performance Happy Hour Series! Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or simply curious about electrification, join us to explore how all-electric ADUs are shaping the future of housing in Santa Barbara.

View Event →
An Evening of Wild Hope
May
15

An Evening of Wild Hope

The PBS series Wild Hope spotlights changemakers around the world who are restoring our Earth and reimagining our relationship with nature. Through captivating storytelling, episodes explore bold solutions and collaborations, showcase nature’s resilience, and spark renewed hope for the future of our planet. We invite you to join us for special screenings and an evening of inspiration, emceed by local author and Pullitzer Prize winner Ed Humes.

View Event →
How To Live Simply and Sustainably with Robin Greenfield
May
4

How To Live Simply and Sustainably with Robin Greenfield

Join truth seeker, activist, and social reformer Robin Greenfield as he shares reflections from his radical experiment living in Los Angeles with no money and only a few borrowed items. Now three months into his non-ownership journey, Robin is going on tour, inviting us to join him in questioning consumer culture, reconnecting with the Earth, and exploring more intentional ways of living. Co-hosted by CEC, this event offers a rare opportunity to engage with one of today’s boldest voices in sustainability and hear about his immersive experience firsthand

View Event →
Turtle Walker
May
2

Turtle Walker

In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India's coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries surrounding these enigmatic ocean creatures – and sets out to save them from extinction. After a devastating tsunami strikes in 2004, Bhaskar grapples with a pressing question: What happens to sea turtles when their nesting beaches disappear? Introduction by director Taira Malaney

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
May
2

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to gather with fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends.

View Event →
Prof Slam - All Gaucho Reunion
Apr
25

Prof Slam - All Gaucho Reunion

Join us for this All Gaucho Reunion signature event features lightning lectures from six talented UC Santa Barbara faculty. This fast-paced event challenges faculty to present their cutting-edge research in just three minutes. Expect fascinating insights, engaging storytelling and a whole lot of fun as complex ideas are made simple and entertaining for all.

View Event →
Regenerative Agriculture: Building Soil Health & Climate Resilience
Apr
18

Regenerative Agriculture: Building Soil Health & Climate Resilience

This event will explore how regenerative practices—such as cover cropping, composting, agroforestry, and holistic grazing—are transforming agriculture to enhance soil health, boost biodiversity, and increase climate resilience. Whether you're a farmer, land steward, policymaker, or simply curious about sustainable food systems, this is your chance to learn from leading voices in the movement.

View Event →
Environmental Justice Through Grassroots Activism
Apr
17

Environmental Justice Through Grassroots Activism

This event has been postponed until May 29, 2025.

Join us for a conversation with grassroots activists about their on-the-ground efforts in the fight for environmental justice. MiniNature Reserve Founder Diego Magaña and Climate Corps Fellow Solimar Gutierrez will share their insights on creating impactful change in Oxnard and surrounding underserved communities. Topics will include grassroots activism, guerrilla gardening, and food sovereignty.

View Event →
Earth Days: The Origin of the Environmental Movement
Apr
10

Earth Days: The Origin of the Environmental Movement

Join us for a look back at the local origin of the Earth Day movement, how it seeded an environmental revolution, and lessons learned for movement building today. Enjoy clips from "Earth Days," a documentary film about the history of the environmental movement in the United States, followed by a panel discussion featuring Santa Barbara Earth Day activists Sharyn Main and Denis Hayes, and CEC CEO and former Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival director Sigrid Wright.

View Event →
Discover a Better Way to Recycle Plastics with Ridwell (5:30 pm)
Apr
8

Discover a Better Way to Recycle Plastics with Ridwell (5:30 pm)

Join us to celebrate the launch of Ridwell, a new service that keeps hard-to-recycle plastics — like snack wrappers and plastic packaging — out of landfills. Ridwell has already empowered over 110,000 households to recycle and reuse more effectively, and now they’re bringing their innovative solution to communities like Santa Barbara.

View Event →
Discover a Better Way to Recycle Plastics with Ridwell (3:00 pm)
Apr
8

Discover a Better Way to Recycle Plastics with Ridwell (3:00 pm)

Join us to celebrate the launch of Ridwell, a new service that keeps hard-to-recycle plastics — like snack wrappers and plastic packaging — out of landfills. Ridwell has already empowered over 110,000 households to recycle and reuse more effectively, and now they’re bringing their innovative solution to communities like Santa Barbara.

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Apr
4

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to gather with fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends.

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Mar
7

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to gather with fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends.

View Event →
"Do I Need This?" Film Screening and Discussion
Feb
27

"Do I Need This?" Film Screening and Discussion

Join us for the Santa Barbara premiere of "Do I Need This?," an acclaimed documentary about consumerism, excess, and the stuff from which happiness is truly made. The screening of the film will be followed by a panel discussion. This event is co-hosted by CEC and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club.

View Event →
Energy Equity: Pathways to a Green Economy on the Central Coast
Feb
20

Energy Equity: Pathways to a Green Economy on the Central Coast

Join us for an evening with climate and environmental justice author and researcher Dr. J. Mijin Cha. Dr. Cha will share her research on the intersection of inequality and the climate crisis and how we can advance a more just future. Following her talk, she will be joined in conversation by Dr. David Pellow to discuss her new book, "A Just Transition for All: Workers and Communities for a Carbon-Free Future."

Dr. Cha is an assistant professor of environmental studies at UC Santa Cruz, an advisory board member of the UC Santa Cruz Center for Labor and Community, and a fellow at Cornell University's Climate Jobs Institute and at the Climate and Community Institute. Dr. Pellow is a UC Santa Barbara Dehlsen Chair and Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of the Global Environmental Justice Project. This event is co-hosted by CEC, the Central Coast Climate Justice Network and the UC Santa Barbara Community Labor Center.

View Event →
"Broke" Film Screening and Panel
Feb
13

"Broke" Film Screening and Panel

This event has been cancelled due to weather. Ten years ago, a pipeline ruptured near Refugio State Beach, spilling over 100,000 gallons of crude oil into the ocean and contaminating one of the most biologically diverse areas on the California Central Coast. Join us for a screening of "Broke," a film that vividly captures the Refugio Oil Spill, followed by a discussion with local experts about the current proposal to restart the pipeline that caused the spill. This event is co-hosted by CEC and the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara.

View Event →
Climate Fridays Santa Barbara
Feb
7

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month to gather with fellow climate activists, students, allies, community partners, and friends.

View Event →