Communications Team Meeting
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, 2025-06-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Leadership Team Meeting
2025-08-13 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-06 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-09 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-25 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-18 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-11 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-04 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-28 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.

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

Local Policy Team Meeting
2025-07-15 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-17 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-20 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.

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

NO KINGS Nationwide Day of Defiance June 14, 2025
2025-06-14
Join us, Indivisible and pro-democracy allies on June 14, 2025, for the NO KINGS Nationwide Day of Defiance, coinciding with Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C. Communities all over the country are shifting the spotlight from the parade to grassroots activism as everyday citizens rally and demonstrate peacefully for democracy and freedom for all. Why is 350 Contra Costa Action involved? Because the biggest climate issue facing us today is saving democracy. Learn more in our June newsletter.
With over 100 events scheduled and more planned every day, activists unite to reject authoritarianism and champion true democracy. This day honors the legacy of standing up to tyranny and pushes back against corrupt politics.
Core principle of the events nationwide: Commit to nonviolent action and foster peaceful interactions.
Let’s send a clear message: No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings!
Join a rally or march near you.

June Climate Circle: Breaking the Spiral of Silence–Why We Don’t Talk and How We Can Start
2025-06-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
June Climate Circle: Breaking the Spiral of Silence
Are you comfortable talking to your neighbors, friends, or family about climate change? If the answer is no, you’ve got company.
According to a recent global study by The Guardian and international newsrooms, 89% of people are concerned about climate change—but most of us aren’t talking about it.
Fear of judgment, disagreement, or social tension silences us
Psychologists and communication experts call it the Spiral of Silence—a powerful force that keeps us quiet when we fear judgment, disagreement, or social tension. We assume others aren’t concerned, or that we don’t know enough, so we stay silent—even with the people closest to us.
Connection, emotion, and trust open pathways to change
Silence slows progress. Research shows that people don’t change their minds through facts alone—they change through connection, emotion, and trust. If most of us want to accelerate climate action, then the way forward starts with conversation.
Let’s turn concern into connection—and silence into momentum
Join us for our next Climate Circle on Monday, June 2, as we explore how to break the climate spiral of silence. Learn how to talk about climate change in ways that open minds, spark action, and bring communities together.
Let’s turn concern into connection—and silence into momentum.
Sign up here to receive the discussion materials and Zoom link.

Image credit: Ekaterina Bolovtsova on Pexels

Utility Justice 101—Mass Training with Bill McKibben May 28, 2025
2025-05-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
Join us for a Mass Virtual Training on May 28th: Utility Justice 101!
350 Bay Area is putting on this training with the 350 Network Council, Third Act, and special guest Bill McKibben to reach people across the country who want to learn more about our current energy system and how they can fight back against monopoly utilities!
From 5-6 pm PT, we’ll be tackling questions like:
⇒ How do electric & gas utilities work?
⇒ Why are my bills so expensive?
⇒ Why do utility companies have so much power, and such little accountability?
⇒ How can we fight back and achieve utility justice?
Then, from 6-6:30 pm, we’ll hold regional breakout rooms and connect with others in our area who want to join the campaign for Energy Equity here in Northern California! Show up and represent! This is a great space to invite your friends, family, and neighbors who are concerned about their utility, but aren’t sure what they can do themselves.
Register Now!
Plus, If you’re interested in joining the 350 Bay Area Energy Equity Campaign team and listserv, send an email to info@350bayarea.org.

Mobilize to Make Polluters Pay on May 27
2025-05-27 17:00 - 19:00 | California Capitol—West Steps, 1315 10th St, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, 95814, United States
California is poised to finally hold polluters accountable for the billions of dollars of damages and harms they have caused for decades. Join a broad coalition of organizers, activists, and citizens ready to make polluters pay on May 27th at the Capitol—in a history-making and inspiring rally.
RSVP here and the organizers will share more details soon. Please help spread the word!

Webinar: Why California Needs the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund
2025-05-22 10:00 - 11:30 | https://350contracostaaction.org/event/webinar-why-california-needs-the-polluters-pay-climate-superfund/
California wildfires are causing catastrophic damage—with a price tag around $250 billion. But why should taxpayers carry that cost while Big Oil gets a free pass?
Join us and our hosts at The Climate Center for a timely webinar on SB 684 (Menjivar) and AB 1243 (Addis)—legislation that would make fossil fuel companies pay into a Climate Superfund to support disaster recovery, frontline communities, and real climate action.
Hear from bill authors, economists, and advocacy leaders on how this bold plan can deliver justice and resilience for Californians.
Register here for the Climate Center Superfund webinar.

Image Credit: Isabel Perlman
