350 Contra Costa Action

Refinery Closures and a Just Transition
2025-09-25 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Meeting
Community and Labor Solutions from the Contra Costa Refinery Transition Partnership (CCRTP)
Concerned about the two threatened refinery closures in California and what that will mean for the workers, their communities, gas prices, and the climate? Join members of our team and Climate Health Now for this vital, solutions-based discussion toward refinery closures and a just transition.
For context, visit our article on the pending Benicia Valero refinery closure and what that means to the workers, the community at large, and our health and well-being. Of course, with the governor and top Democratic legislators forging lucrative deals to spend millions of tax dollars to keep the refineries open, the conversation will have to go deep and wide.
This event will feature insights from key California leaders who will discuss the Contra Costa Refinery Transition Partnership (CCRTP). They will share valuable recommendations that provide essential lessons for navigating the challenges of energy transition today.
Featured Speakers

Emma Ishii – Local Policy Coordinator, APEN
Jessie HF Hammerling – Co-director, Green Economy Program, UC Berkeley Labor Center
Josh Anijar – Executive Director, Contra Costa Labor Council

Register Now!
Register here to get the link and join the discussion! We look forward to your participation in this crucial dialogue!

Image Credit: Christine Stevens

Clean Air Week 2025: Decarb Policy Panel
2025-09-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Meeting
Explore the future of building decarbonization at the Clean Air Week 2025: Decarb Policy Panel. This webinar discussion will delve into the evolving landscape of policies aimed at promoting healthy air and combating climate change, especially in light of recent legal developments that have reignited momentum in the movement.
What to Expect

Positive Policy Developments: Insights into recent policies that have been successfully passed and upheld in court.
Challenges Ahead: An examination of the ongoing obstacles the movement faces.
Future Predictions: Panelists will share their visions and concerns for policy development over the next 5, 10, and 20 years.
Key Stakeholder Roles: Discussion on how government, utilities, advocates, and industry can either accelerate or hinder progress.

Meet the Panelists

Anne Pernick: Senior Advisor at Stand.earth, Anne has extensive experience working with local governments to phase out fossil fuels.
Marnese Jackson: Executive Director of the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition, Marnese is a dedicated advocate for environmental and climate justice.
Emily Levin: Policy and Program Director for Clean Buildings at NESCAUM, Emily leads initiatives to support the transition to zero-emission buildings.
Allison MacMunn: Program Director at Sunstone Strategies, Allison specializes in strategic communications around clean air and pollution-free buildings.
Carra Sahler, J.D.: Director at the Green Energy Institute, Carra focuses on equitable decarbonization measures and climate policy.
Nancy L. Seidman: Senior Advisor at the Regulatory Assistance Project, Nancy brings over 35 years of experience in energy and environmental policy.

This panel promises to provide valuable insights into the future of decarbonization policies and their impact on air quality and climate health.
Register Now
Register now to secure your spot and be part of the discussion on decarb policymaking. Your voice matters!
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Home Air Filtration is the second in a series of webinars hosted by Electrify Now during Clean Air Week 2025. For more about Clean Air Week, see Everything We Burn, We Breathe: Clean Air Week 2025 Has an App for That.

Image credit: Clean Air Week 2025, used with permission

Celebrate with El Sobrante Pride 2025!
2025-09-28 12:00 - 16:00 | La Moine (Cheese) Park, Richmond, CA, Morningside Drive across from May Valley Community Center, Richmond, CA, United States
Come out and celebrate with El Sobrante Pride 2025—second annual event! The Pride Committee has lots of food, entertainment, and frolic in store. We’re joining in the fun, so stop by our table and say hello.
Come Prepared to Party!
The organizers say, “Bring your lawn chair, your dancing shoes, and your open heart. Because around here, community is everything!” When you’re not dancing, take advantage of all that is on offer, including:

Live entertainment with local bands and DJs
Vendors & food trucks
Community organizations
Family fun zone
Guest speakers
Music, dancing & Pride

Grab your rainbow boas and suspenders and join the fun!

Meet Us at the Martinez Open Air Market
2025-10-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Martinez Open Air Market, 800 block of Main St, Martinez, 94553, United States
Climate, Vintage, Food and Fun!
Join us at the Martinez Open Air Market on the second Sunday of the month, located along the charming 800 block of Main St. Experience an enchanting array of vintage items, collectibles, antiques, arts & crafts, and much more at this monthly gem! We would love for you to stop by our table near the Starbucks between 10 and noon, say hello, and learn about local climate action initiatives while exploring the unique offerings in this vibrant atmosphere that complements the lively Martinez Farmers’ Market.
While the Open Air Market occurs only on the second Sunday each month, the adjoining Martinez Farmers’ Market takes place weekly, bringing together community, fresh local produce, and artisanal goods from Ferry Street to Castro Street. Enjoy a variety of items, including honey, eggs, and local cheese, all telling the story of regional craftsmanship. This market is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a celebration of local flavors and connections that you won’t want to miss!

Yes We Can Reduce Climate Risks in Contra Costa County
2025-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N Broadway at Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596, United States
Local Climate and Sustainability Experts to Discuss Ways We Can Reduce Risks in Our Homes and Communities
We are already feeling the effects of climate change—such as wildfires, droughts, heat waves, and storms—in Contra Costa County. The good news: Yes, we can reduce climate risks in Contra Costa County! This is your chance to discover effective actions you can take within your households and communities to contribute to a sustainable future.
Event Information

Date: October 14
Time: 7 PM
Location: Oak View Room
Organizers: Walnut Creek Library Foundation and Sustainable Contra Costa

Panel Discussion
Engage with local leaders in sustainability, including Wei-Tai Kwok from Climate Realty. They will share insights and strategies to combat climate change at a community level and in the home.
Registration
Secure your spot by registering through this link: Event Registration.
Fight climate anxiety! Learn how you can make a difference!

Meet Us at the Martinez Open Air Market November 9
2025-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Martinez Open Air Market, 800 block of Main St, Martinez, 94553, United States
Climate, Vintage, Food and Fun!
Stop by our table near the Martinez Open Air Market on Sunday, November 9, along the charming 800 block of Main St. Experience an enchanting array of vintage items, collectibles, antiques, arts & crafts, and much more at this monthly gem! We would love for you to stop by our table near the Starbucks between 10 and noon, say hello, and learn about local climate action initiatives while exploring the unique offerings in this vibrant atmosphere that complements the lively Martinez Farmers’ Market.
While the Open Air Market occurs only on the second Sunday each month, the adjoining Martinez Farmers’ Market takes place weekly, bringing together community, fresh local produce, and artisanal goods from Ferry Street to Castro Street. Enjoy a variety of items, including honey, eggs, and local cheese, all telling the story of regional craftsmanship. This market is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a celebration of local flavors and connections that you won’t want to miss!

Celebrate Contra Loma Estates Park Grand Opening November 15
2025-11-15 12:00 - 14:00 | CA
Join us in celebrating the re-opening of the newly redesigned Contra Loma Estates Park in Antioch November 15! This exciting event features live music, games, speeches of course, a raffle, and plenty of food. Bring the whole family and take a tour of the park. Then take a moment to stop by our booth and learn about our new Healthy Homes collaboration.
This project aims to make homes healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient—helping to improve air quality, lower costs, and better protect against heat and smoke. It also supports the growth of local clean-energy jobs by identifying training opportunities and partnerships that can strengthen the future workforce in East Contra Costa County.
Stop by our booth to learn all about it and how you might benefit.
Image courtesy Rising Juntos and used with permission

Images courtesy Rising Juntos, used with permission

Meet Us at the Brentwood Farmers Market November 22
2025-11-22 09:00 - 13:00 | Brentwood Farmers Market, 655 First Street, Brentwood, CA, 94513
With over 41 vendors, the Brentwood Farmers Market has everything from soup to nuts, some of it organic, all of it tasty. And now—350 Contra Costa Action! Yes, we’ll be there too, on November 22. Bring your portable shopping cart, fill up on goodies, and stop by our table to say hello and check out what we’re working on this month.

Image: Seed Sower statue, Brentwood City Park
Credit: Anne Grenier, used with permission

Celebrate MCE-Martinez Mural Unveiling
2026-03-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Boys and Girls Club of Martinez, 1301 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA, 94553-2301, United States
Celebrate with us on March 7th at the Martinez Boys & Girls Club for the unveiling of the new MCE mural, designed and executed by the Illuminaries, a local art collective. The mural celebrates kid energy, community energy, and, of course, electric energy. This event is free and open to all who wish to celebrate.
“This community-inspired mural is more than just art—it’s a symbol of the deep connection between MCE and the local Martinez community,” say the organizers on their Facebook page. The mural “celebrates our shared commitment to promoting climate action, equity, and the power of art to bring people together.”
Come for the unveiling. Stay for the food, entertainment, and activities with local vendors and organizations, including 350 Contra Costa Action, and so much more:

Alhambra High School’s marching band
Live mural painting for kids
Tours of the Boys and Girls Club
Arts and crafts
Face painting and games
More music
MCE swag
Food from local vendors
Plenty of fun for the whole family

Stop by our table and say hello. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Image courtesy MCE

California Climate Policy Summit 2026
2026-04-13 09:00 - 17:00 | Sheraton Grand Hotel Sacramento, 1230 J St, Sacramento, CA, 95814, United States
Save the date: Monday, April 13, 2026, in Sacramento. The Climate Center invites you to a lively event focused on advancing climate action, even as federal challenges persist.
You’ll meet elected officials, activists, innovators, advocates, scientists, and policy experts who are helping California lead on climate issues. Learn about practical, science-based solutions that serve everyone in the state. Individuals and organizations involved in monitoring and shaping California climate policy will find lush networking and strategizing opportunities.
Connect with leaders who are putting new climate strategies into action across several fields. Find out how policymakers are working to bring clean energy to all Californians.
Join us and help make a difference. Visit the California Climate Policy Summit 2026 website for further information and to register.
Featured Climate Policy Speakers
The event will feature eight well-known speakers, including lawmakers, scientists, and leaders in social and environmental justice.
Josh Becker, Senator, California State Senate
Isaac Bryan, Assemblymember, California State Assembly
Diane Papan, Assemblymember, California State Assembly
Sammy Roth, Journalist and Founder, Climate-Colored Goggles
Dr. Leah Stokes, Anton Vonk Associate Professor at UC Santa Barbara
Maro Kakoussian, Director of Climate and Health Programs, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Los Angeles
Jamie Court, President and Chairman of the Board, Consumer Watchdog
Bahram Fazeli, Director of Research & Policy, Communities for a Better Environment

For information about all the event speakers, visit the agenda page on Eventleaf.
We hope you can join us.
Register Here
Early bird pricing is available through March 13.
Enter the discount code 350ContraCosta2026 to get 25% off regular tickets. With this code, Individual, Government, or Non-Profit tickets cost $195.
(Code not valid for early bird pricing)
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Image courtesy The Climate Center

Community Climate Forum: Health, Air Pollution, and Our Homes
2026-04-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Meeting
Join us April 16 for our first Community Climate Forum! This re-imagined version of our Climate Circle will bring together community members every other month for a one-hour online conversation focused on key climate and clean-air campaigns happening right here in Contra Costa and the Bay Area. This month, the topic is Health, Air Pollution, and Our Homes.
We’ll provide a short overview of the issue, then open the topic for discussion, and simple actions participants can take to help move solutions forward.
What’s Up about Air Pollution, Our Homes, and Our Health?
Most people think of cars or industry when they think about air pollution. But gas appliances inside our homes, especially furnaces and water heaters, are actually one of the largest sources of nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution in the Bay Area.
NOx pollution contributes to smog and fine particulate pollution that worsen asthma, increase heart and lung disease, and shorten lives. In fact, pollution from fossil-fuel furnaces and water heaters in the region is linked to thousands of asthma attacks each year and dozens of premature deaths, with significant health costs across our communities.
At our first Community Climate Forum, we’ll explore:

How pollution from buildings affects public health in the Bay Area
Why reducing it matters for our communities, and
What cleaner technologies like electric heat pumps can offer for healthier homes

We’ll also discuss the Bay Area Air District’s upcoming standards that will begin phasing in cleaner replacements for gas appliances as they reach the end of their life, starting with water heaters in 2027 and furnaces in 2029. These rules are currently under review. Community voices will play an important role in ensuring they remain strong while working well for all households.
Join us to learn more about this issue and how you can help support clean air protections in the Bay Area for healthier homes for all our families.
Register for the Community Climate Forum to be sent the Zoom link
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Image created in Google Gemini

Fix It, Don’t Trash It--Earth Day Repair Workshop in El Cerrito
2026-04-25 13:00 - 16:00 | El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito, 94530, United States
Bring Your Broken Stuff—and Find Out What Else You Can Do Close to Home
Got something broken at home? Bring it to the El Cerrito Earth Day Fixit Workshop, where volunteer repair coaches will walk you through the process of diagnosing and fixing it yourself. Register by April 12 to schedule an appointment, or just walk in.
Workspace and specialty tools are available on-site. Even if your item doesn’t make a full comeback, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of how it works — and how to tackle repairs on your own down the road. We’ll be there alongside other local sustainability organizations.
While you’re there, stop by our table. We’ll be talking about the gas-powered leaf-blower ban we’re working on and other concrete steps underway in our town. See what’s happening in El Cerrito and find out how to get involved.
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Image courtesy City of El Cerrito

Pittsburg Summer Kickoff Celebration: School’s Out for the Summer!
2026-06-05 11:00 - 15:00 | Small World Park, 2551 Harbor St, Pittsburg, CA, 94806, United States
School’s out for the Summer! Join the fun at the Pittsburg summer kickoff celebration at Small World Park on June 5, 2026.
Pittsburg families are invited to experience a day of live performances, creative arts and crafts, and fun activities for all ages. Community organizations—including 350 Contra Costa—will be on hand with interactive crafts, games, demonstrations, and plenty of kid-centered activities to celebrate the end of the school year.
Stop by our booth to see what we’ve got planned for kids and families. While you’re there, take a minute to get the latest updates on the Healthy Homes Project and learn how it supports local families.
Join in the excitement, connect with valuable local resources, and help your kids make lasting summer memories as the school year wraps up.

Tri-Valley Polluters Pay Town Hall | Funding Climate Resilience
2026-06-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Wells Middle School, 6800 Penn Dr, Dublin, CA, 94568, United States
Big Oil and gas corporations have been profiting while our communities pay the price. But together, we can make a difference! Join us in Dublin on June 6 for the Tri-Valley Polluters Pay Town Hall—an energizing morning of inspiration, action, and community as we flip the script.
From devastating fires and floods to extreme heat and more intense storms, climate change is here, and the costs are only rising for Californians statewide. The world’s biggest fossil fuel polluters are overwhelmingly responsible for this intensifying climate devastation, but right now, it’s taxpayers and families struggling to rebuild who are footing the bill. We’ve paid enough!
The Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act would hold major fossil fuel companies accountable for their share of climate-related damages to our state and reinvest that money in community resilience, clean energy, essential workers responding to climate disasters, and much more.
Discover, Connect, and Take Action
At the Tri-Valley Polluters Pay Town Hall, join neighbors, advocates, and experts for an energizing morning of community, stories, and climate solutions.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Clair Brown, Professor Emerita of Economics and Director of the Center for Work, Technology and Society at UC Berkeley, brings her commitment to climate justice and a wealth of experience from organizations like 350 Bay Area, Fossil Free California, Sierra Club, and Earth Justice. Dr. Brown will open the event with inspiring remarks on how smart economic policy can drive bold climate action, setting the tone for an uplifting, solution-oriented program. She’ll then moderate a lively, interactive panel featuring leaders from labor, interfaith, climate action, local government, and more.
Dynamic Panel Discussion: Dive into a lively conversation with voices from across our community! Meet two local high school students, representatives from 350 Contra Costa, water experts, climate insiders, emergency responders, unions and professional groups, faith leaders, and members of the agricultural community—all coming together to share their stories and solutions.

Powerful Stories: Hear from electeds and diverse local speakers on the front lines.
Energetic Education: Discover how a “Polluters Pay” policy works––and how we’ll win it.
Interactive Action: No boring slide decks! Get involved with engaging activities, live strategy sessions, and hands-on skill-building.
Community Growth: Meet neighbors and fellow advocates who care deeply about accountability, climate solutions, and winning the transformative investments our communities deserve.

Bring the whole family! Enjoy complimentary food and beverages in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
Join 350 Contra Costa, Indivisible, Food and Water Watch, Sierra Club, TV Dems, Climate Health Now, California Interfaith Power and Light, and neighbors from across the Tri-Valley for the Polluters Pay Town Hall in Dublin. This is your opportunity to get involved, connect with dedicated advocates, and help drive the campaign to hold polluters accountable while building a cleaner, more just future for California.
Let’s Make Polluters Pay and Invest in Our Communities!
Let us know you’re coming:
Register here!

17th Annual Martinez Beaver Festival: Nature’s Engineers, Community Fun!
2026-06-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Susana Park Martinez, Estudillo and Susana Streets, Martinez, 94553, United States
It’s time for the Martinez Beaver Festival, now in its 17th year! Come enjoy a day of free, family-friendly fun and explore the beaver’s remarkable impact on our community and environment. There’s something for everyone:

Giant beaver skull display
1500-gallon traveling aquarium
18-piece jazz band
Children’s parade
Live raptor, owl, and bat demonstrations
Award-winning chalk artist

Discover Why Beavers Matter
This is the original beaver festival that inspired similar events across the country, as well as books and films about why beavers matter. See for yourself why beavers are truly “Worth A Dam.” And why we care so much about them! Curious? At the festival, you’ll discover:

How beavers help turn streams into long-lasting carbon sinks, helping fight climate change.
Why scientists call beavers “nature’s ecosystem engineers.”
How beaver wetlands offer safe havens for wildlife and help landscapes recover even after wildfires—earning them the playful nickname “Smokey the Beaver.”
Surprising connections between beaver wetlands, pollinators, and a buzzing, fluttering world of bees and butterflies.
The many ways beavers support river life, water quality, and healthy habitats.
How beavers fit into North America’s climate action efforts.

Come explore hands-on displays and friendly talks that bring these fascinating facts to life!
Swing by our 350 Contra Costa booth to say hello, meet our team, and learn about the latest climate action happening in Martinez and nearby neighborhoods. You’ll find fun facts about beavers, get inspired by citizen science and urban wildlife, and see how our community is working together to tackle drought, fire, and climate change—all in a friendly, festive setting.
We’d love to see you there! Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your beaver spirit!

California 2026 High-Impact Climate Bills | Community Climate Forum
2026-06-17 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Meeting
What happens in Sacramento does not stay in Sacramento! The climate bills moving in Sacramento in 2026 affect us all—impacting our air, our wallets through energy bills and higher insurance costs, and our communities as we harden against firestorms and floods. These decisions ripple outward, shaping the planet we share and our ability to grow healthy food to feed us all.
At the June Community Climate Forum, we’ll dig into the bills that matter most in 2026: the bold proposals worth fighting for, and the harmful ones worth fighting against. On the table this month:

Data centers’ electricity and water use
Portable solar panels permitting
The right to sue fossil fuel companies
Costs of environmental remediation when refineries close

See all the bills we’re tracking right now: California Climate Bills Tracker: The Stakes for Contra Costa County.
Join the discussion!
What’s happening in Sacramento and how does it impact us in Contra Costa County? We want to hear from you. At the forum, we’ll highlight the high-impact climate bills that 350 Contra Costa Action considers to have the greatest environmental stakes, around the state, and here in Contra Costa County.
We’ll also walk through valuable steps you can take—from supporting the good bills to pushing against the harmful ones. Most importantly, we want to hear your thoughts on current climate legislation.
This event is free and open to all. Register below to get your Zoom link.
Register and get Zoom link!
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Image created in Google Gemini

WALL-E Family Movie Event | Pittsburg Green Footprint Movie Series
2026-06-30 12:30 - 17:00 | California Theatre, 351 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, CA, 94565
WALL-E — Imagine a Brighter, Greener Future
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 30! Join us for the third feature in Pittsburg’s Green Footprint Movie Series, as the City of Pittsburg and the California Theatre bring WALL-E to the big screen in both English and Spanish. Explore new worlds with WALL-E, a small waste-collecting robot, as he cleans up a deserted Earth, meets EVE, a spirited robot companion, and together they embark on a heartwarming adventure through space.
Doors open at noon. There will be two viewings of the film, the first in English at 12:30 pm, and the second in Spanish at 3:30 pm, with community environmental organizations, including 350 Contra Costa Action, present to discuss the film between viewings. Stop by and say hello on June 30!
While our group will be tabling only at the WALL-E screening, we encourage you to check out the entire Green Footprint Movie Series—a collection of engaging films that highlight environmental stewardship and inspire positive change. This year’s lineup includes:

June 16, 2026: The Lorax
June 23, 2026: Happy Feet
June 30, 2026: WALL-E
July 7, 2026: Bee Movie

The Green Footprint Movie Series is more than just a movie event—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and a shared drive to make a positive impact. The series brings together inspiring films that spark conversations and empower us all to take meaningful steps toward a greener, more sustainable future.
Meet Up With Us Between Screenings
Whether you attend the English showing at 12:30 PM or the Spanish showing at 3:30 PM, be sure to stop by our table in the lobby. We’ll be there between screenings to hear your thoughts and share in your excitement. Let us know what inspired you most in the film, or ask any questions about the Healthy Homes Project and how it can benefit Pittsburg families.
While you’re there, connect with other local sustainability leaders and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages. Don’t forget to enter the raffle for your chance to win great prizes!
We hope to see you there for an inspiring day of film, learning, and community action!
