350 Contra Costa Action

Clean Air Week 2025: Home Air Quality Monitors
2025-09-24 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Meeting
Learn from an expert: Join Electrify Now’s Brian Stewart for an engaging and informative webinar on Clean Air Week 2025: Home Air Quality Monitors. Discover how to understand and improve your home’s air quality, leading to a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters Now
With a significant portion of the population spending most of their time indoors, understanding the air quality in our surroundings has never been more critical. Common indoor pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, and particulate matter, can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. In this webinar, we’ll explore the importance of monitoring indoor air for a healthy living environment and discuss the best tools to achieve this goal.
Home Air Monitoring Tools for Cleaner Air
Brian will introduce a range of affordable and highly accurate indoor air quality monitors that can help you keep track of the air you breathe. He will share valuable insights on the appropriate placement and uses of these monitors, including:

Gas leak detectors
Carbon monoxide alarms
Smoke alarms
PM2.5 monitors

Benefit from Brian’s 40 Years Experience
With 40 years experience in engineering, manufacturing, product design, and sustainability, Brian Stewart co-founded Electrify Now and ensured its commitment to educating homeowners and energy consumers about the benefits of ditching fossil fuels and electrifying their homes.
Register Now
Register now to secure your spot and contribute to the discussion on improving indoor air quality!
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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

Clean Air Week 2025: Home Air Filtration
2025-09-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
What are the health risks of using natural gas indoors? Which appliances emit the most health-impacting vapors? Who is most at risk? And how can you best clean the air in your home? Join electrification expert Brian Stewart from Electrify Now for an engaging Clean Air Week 2025 webinar, “Home Air Filtration” and gain valuable insights into enhancing the air you breathe at home. Participants will learn about:

Common indoor air pollutants and their sources
Effective methods for combating them
Various home air filtration technologies, and
Practical advice tailored for both homeowners and renters

Register Now
This webinar promises to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a healthier indoor environment, making it a must-attend event for anyone concerned about air quality in their home. Register now to secure your spot!
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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

Clean Air Week 2025: The Dangers of Burning Gas in the Home
2025-09-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
Discover the hidden dangers of using natural gas in your home during an engaging webinar that highlights the serious health risks associated with gas appliances. Burning gas can release a mix of harmful pollutants, posing risks similar to those of secondhand smoke.
Panel Features Leading Researchers and Physicians
This informative session features a panel of leading researchers and physicians who will share the latest findings on how gas appliances impact indoor air quality. Attendees will learn about the specific pollutants emitted during combustion, their effects on health, the most vulnerable populations, and how poor ventilation can exacerbate these risks.
Gain insights into which gas-burning appliances contribute the most to indoor pollution and explore practical strategies to reduce these hazards. The panel includes Dr. Curtis Nordgaard, a pediatrician and environmental health advocate, and Dr. Eric Lebel, a senior scientist focused on emissions from residential appliances.
Register Now
Don’t miss this chance to equip yourself with knowledge that can improve your family’s health and well-being. Learn what’s at stake for your family’s health and the best steps to protect yourselves. Register now to secure your spot!
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The Dangers of Burning Gas in the Home is the first 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

Relax and Meet on the Tilden Bioblitz Nature Walk
2025-09-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Tilden Nature Area Environmental Nature Center, 1500 Central Park Dr, Berkeley, CA, 94708, United States
With so much happening in our climate-heating world, it’s good to pause and step into nature from time to time. Recharge. Meet old friends and make new ones while reacquainting ourselves with the vibrant world still around us. Join us and members of other enviro orgs this Saturday for a refreshing day with the Tilden Bioblitz Nature Walk!
Instead of their usual monthly Zoom meeting, our sister org, 350 East Bay is excited to host a bioblitz nature walk at Tilden Park, presented by East Bay Regional Parks and the Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force. Don’t miss out—register HERE!
While exploring the local flora and fauna, you’ll have an opportunity to help EB Parks document the rich biodiversity of the Tilden Nature Area. We’ll walk to Jewel Lake, where we’ll explore, photograph, and identify various forms of life. We’ll utilize the iNaturalist mobile app to capture our observations of local wildlife, plants, and more!
Details for the Tilden Bioblitz Nature Walk

Start Time: 9:00 AM
Gathering Location and Brief Introduction: Tilden Nature Area Environmental Nature Center, 1500 Central Park Dr, Berkeley, CA 94708
Cost: This event is free and open to everyone, regardless of experience level. We’re all here to learn and have fun together.
What to Wear: Dress in comfortable layers, wear sturdy shoes, and apply sun protection.
Stay Hydrated: Bring along water to stay hydrated.
Preparation: Get a head start by downloading the iNaturalist app and creating a free account before you arrive.
Optional Gear: Bring a fully charged mobile device or camera to capture your experiences.
Group Activities:

Split into groups led by naturalists for bioblitz walks.
Explore, learn, take photos, and breathe the fresh air. It’s an opportunity to explore the hidden wonders of the Tilden Nature Area.

Reunion Time: Return to the nature center at 11:15 AM. After the walk, we’ll gather at the nature center for a sharing session. It’s an excellent opportunity to discuss our observations, share photos of our discoveries, and learn from each other.
End: The event will conclude around 12:00 PM.

Need a Ride?
If you need a ride, catch a bus from UC or arrange a carpool by contacting Jack at 510-436-7682. The bus departs from Bancroft above Telegraph at 8:40 AM.
For more details or if you have any questions, please refer to the attached flyer.
We look forward to seeing you on September 20th!
Tilden Area Bioblitz Nature Walk

Get Ready for the Contra Costa 2025 Youth Summit!
2025-09-20 08:00 - 16:00 | Los Medanos College, 2700 East Leland Rd, Pittsburg, CA, CA, 94565, United States
Calling Contra Costa youth in grades 6-12! You are invited to the Contra Costa 2025 Youth Summit on Saturday, September 20, at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg. Hosted by Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, the summit is an exhilarating event designed to empower young people in Contra Costa County—a chance to engage in a day filled with inspiring activities and connections.
As a participant, you will explore career objectives and real-world opportunities. You’ll zero in on what’s important to you and gain practical confidence-boosting tools. Learn how to protect yourself online and whether you want to have a say in the way the world is run.
Four Exciting Speakers to Inspire and Empower

Emcee: Eddie Cortez
An award-winning youth speaker, Eddie inspires students to overcome self-doubt with his engaging “I’m Possible” mindset.
Dr. Julia Garcia
A nationally recognized psychologist, Julia delivers transformative insights on emotional health and empowerment through her interactive keynote, “Hope is a Practice.”
Nicki Joiner
Nicki is a dynamic career readiness speaker who empowers students to embrace personal branding and take actionable steps toward their future.
EJ Carrion
EJ is an Afro-Latino entrepreneur and Forbes Top 30 Under 30 honoree who inspires students to turn obstacles into opportunities with his keynote, “From Possible to Powerful.”

CC 2025 Youth Summit–Your Launchpad for Success
Whether you’re a tween in sixth grade looking to what’s ahead, or a senior about to graduate, the Contra Costa 2025 Youth Summit is your launchpad for success! Don’t miss this chance to build confidence, develop essential skills, and connect with peers. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the Healthy Homes booth to meet some of our 350 Contra Costa Action volunteers!
Learn more about the summit and its engaging speakers, raffle prizes, and fun-filled events planned throughout the day.
Register for this free event so the organizers can plan the best possible day for you.

Leadership Team Meeting
2025-09-17 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-10 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-03 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-27 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-20 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-13 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-06 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-09 15:00 - 16:00 and 2 more dates | Zoom Meeting
Each Wednesday, our active members from the various action teams, meet to review and update everyone on the work in progress. We also plan events and vote on key matters and strategies to further our mission. This is a good way for new volunteers to get acclimated to the overall organization and is open to any active volunteer. Contact the team leaders for more information and the zoom link to the next meeting.

Local Policy Team Meeting
2025-09-16 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-19 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom Meeting
The Local Policy Team meets via Zoom on the third Tuesday of the month. We discuss our position on policies for which we advocate at the city and county level and also plan campaigns. Keeping environmental justice in mind we focus on: Building Electrification, Climate Action Plans, Housing, Transportation and Just Transition.

This is a great space for anyone wanting to focus on their city, or unincorporated county, or if you have a specific interest in the above areas or want to learn about effective policy.

Contact the team leader for more information and the zoom link to the next meeting.

Communications Team Meeting
2025-09-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
The Communications Team meets via Zoom every other Monday. At our bi-weekly meetings the Communications Team identifies and plans ways to engage with county residents about climate solutions. We encourage community members to become active volunteers through actions like monthly newsletter emails, website posts, speaking engagements, and tabling at public events. Contact the team organizer for more information and the zoom link to the next meeting.

Communications Team Meeting—Special Meeting
2025-09-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
One-Time Date Change: Due to the regular meeting falling on Labor Day this month, we have moved the first September meeting to the following Monday, September 8. We will meet again as scheduled on September 15 as well.
The Communications Team meets via Zoom every other Monday. At our bi-weekly meetings the Communications Team identifies and plans ways to engage with county residents about climate solutions. We encourage community members to become active volunteers through actions like monthly newsletter emails, website posts, speaking engagements, and tabling at public events. Contact the team organizer for more information and the zoom link to the next meeting.

Legislative Team Meeting—Special Meeting
2025-09-04 13:30 - 14:30 | Zoom Meeting
One-Time Change! We’re moving the August meeting ahead a week to September 4 because the last day for bills to be referred from the Appropriations Committees to the floor is Friday, August 30, one day after the original August meeting day. When we meet on September 4, we’ll know which bills are going to be up for a floor vote this year. We’ll have a good starting place for a discussion of which bills need our efforts in support or opposition.
The Legislative Team focuses on the Sacramento lawmakers who represent Contra Costa residents. We cultivate strong relationships with these state senators and assembly members so we can influence their votes on important legislation. And we get the word out to our fellow constituents when letters and phone calls are needed to convince lawmakers to vote the right way.
We meet on the last Thursday of the month to discuss the progress of California state bills that significantly impact Contra Costa County’s transition to a fossil-free, environmentally just future. We recommend actions for 350 Contra Costa Action members and others to gain legislators’ support for our positions. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings. For newbies, the meetings are a way to learn about the legislative process and our environmental policies. Contact the team leader for more information and the zoom link to the next meeting.

August Climate Circle: Status of California Climate Action in Wake of OBBB Act
2025-08-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
Status of California Climate Action in Wake of OBBB Act
In early July Congress passed the budget reconciliation bill, outrageously and erroneously dubbed “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It became law on July 4th. Among many other impacts, this bill guts federal climate and clean energy funding throughout the country, including eliminating rebates and tax credits for solar and wind farms, rooftop solar, electric vehicles and energy-efficient home upgrades. Since solar and wind are currently less expensive sources of energy than fossil fuels, utility rates are predicted to jump another ten percent in the next few years.
Some of the Questions to be Discussed
How can California continue it’s clean energy initiatives without the federal funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act? What can we do in our state, county and cities to keep moving forward toward a healthier environment for all?
Join us on Monday, August 4th, 2025, noon to 1 PM to discuss how the climate-related features of this budget act will affect California businesses and residents and what we can do about it.
Sign up here to receive the discussion materials and Zoom link.
Come curious. Leave inspired. Everyone is welcome.

Image credit: Akil Mazumder on Pexels

July Climate Circle: Refinery Shutdowns--Consequences for Our Communities
2025-07-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
Refinery Shutdowns–Consequences for Our Communities
Are you concerned about Valero’s announced closure of its Benicia refinery? What happens if Chevron shuts down?

Environmentalists point to improved health outcomes and progress towards a carbon-free future.
Industry argues that gasoline prices and pollution will increase because we will have to import less-regulated gas.
Unions fear their members will not find well-paying jobs if the refinery closes.
Local city and state officials worry about loss of tax revenues.

As California transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, we need a framework for scaling down refinery operations that includes refinery accountability, community support and safety oversight.
Join us to discuss this multi-layered topic at our next Climate Circle on Monday, July 7, at 12:00 pm.
Sign up here to receive the discussion materials and Zoom link.

Image credit: Christine Stevens

Celebrate with Us at the El Cerrito 4th of July 2025 Festival!
2025-07-04 11:00 - 17:00 | Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Ponoma Avenue, El Cerrito, California, United States
Celebrate with us on Friday, July 4 from 11 AM to 5 PM at the annual El Cerrito 4th of July Festival! Come together with friends and family amidst colorful banners and world-class music.
Attractions abound! Dance to live bands, munch on delicious food, cool off at beverage stands, take the kids on rides, and watch them squeal in the bounce houses. Don’t forget the vendor stalls. We’ll be there! The festival is free, but some attractions require payment. Learn more here.
Stop by our booth and celebrate with us for a day filled with fun, community spirit, and excitement! We’ll have activities for the kiddos and plenty of information about our latest initiatives to stop fossil fuels, mitigate the effects of climate change, and foster a livable future.
Can’t make the July 4th celebration in El Cerrito? Catch us at one of our other upcoming events.

Image courtesy City of El Cerrito, used with permission

Meet Us at Music & Market in Concord June 19!
2025-06-19 16:00 - 20:00
350 Contra Costa Action will have a booth at Concord’s popular outdoor music series, Music & Market, on June 19th! Look for us next door to MCE. The farmers’ market and food vendors will open at 4pm. Music by the party band Pop Rocks will start at 6:30.
Free admission and parking: Todos Santos Parking Center, Concord Avenue, between Salvio and Pacheco Streets. Also Grant Street Garage at Salvio Street between Grant and Colfax Streets. Short walk from BART.
Come on by our booth and learn why making the switch to a heat pump will save you money, shrink your carbon footprint, and help to keep your family healthy. Plus, enter your name to win a FREE induction cooktop and stainless steel fry pan! You might even get to see us cooking!
FREE DRAWING for an Induction Cooktop and Frypan!
Free to enter drawing—no purchase or donation required. Drawing to be held at our table in Todos Santos Plaza, Concord, CA, on June 19, 2025, at 6:20pm. Must be present to win.

Image courtesy City of Concord, used with permission
