Our Events

Explore upcoming Ecology Action and partner events to learn more about sustainable initiatives in California.

Apr
22
Thu
UC Center for Climate Justice Launch Event w/ Vandana Shiva
Apr 22 @ 9:00 am – Apr 23 @ 3:30 pm
Join us for the launch of the new University of California system wide Center for Climate Justice!

About this Event

The Center for Climate Justice is a University of California system wide initiative to address climate change as a social justice and equity issue.

Climate justice recognizes the disproportionate impacts of climate change on low-income communities and BIPOC communities around the world, the people and places least responsible for the problem. The UC Center for Climate Justice seeks solutions that address the root causes of climate change and in doing so, simultaneously address a broad range of social, racial, and environmental injustices.

The Center’s vision is a world where broad-scale climate action is driven by science and a systems perspective, with social and ecological justice at the forefront. We aim to center issues of equity in addressing climate change, working collaboratively with researchers, educators, NGOs, activists, policymakers, philanthropists, Indigenous and community leaders, and private sector actors who are fighting for climate justice in California and beyond. Through innovative research, transformative education, and public engagement, we are committed to empowering the next generation of climate justice leaders.

The Center for Climate Justice launch event will be held over two days, April 22-23, 2021, beginning on Earth Day. It will feature keynote presentations by food sovereignty scholar-activist Vandana Shiva and DOE Deputy Director for Energy Justice Shalanda Baker, a fireside chat with Green New Deal architect Rhiana Gunn-Wright, and panel discussions featuring California climate justice leaders, scholars and activists. We will also host a music and spoken-word celebration on the second day. We hope to see you there!

April 22, 2021 (9:00am-1:30pm PST)

Schedule:

9:00am-9:25am Opening and Introduction to the Launch

9:25am-9:45am Keynote Address: Shalanda Baker

9:50am-10:40am Panel #1: Just Transitions

10:50am-11:40am Panel #2: Social, Racial and Environmental Justice

11:50am-12:40pm Panel #3: Indigenous Climate Action

12:45pm-1:20pm Fireside Chat with Rhiana Gunn-Wright and Center Director Tracey Osborne

1:20pm-1:30pm Closing Statements

April 23, 2021 (9:00am-3:30pm PST)

Schedule:

9:00am-9:25am Opening and Introduction to the Launch

9:25am-9:45am Keynote Address: Vandana Shiva

9:50am-10:40am Panel #1: Community Resilience and Adaptation

10:50am-11:40am Panel #2: Natural Climate Solutions

11:50am-12:40pm Panel #3: Climate Education and Engagement

1:30pm-3:20pm Musical Celebration with Michael Franti and many more

3:20pm-3:30pm Closing Statements

Apr
24
Sat
Affordable Electric Vehicle Clinic: How to Qualify for a Free or Low-Cost EV
Apr 24 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Affordable Electric Vehicle Clinic:  How to Qualify for a Free or Low-Cost EV

This free virtual clinic is open to the public and will be presented in English with Spanish interpretation. Low- and moderate-income households are especially encouraged to attend since they may qualify for increased rebates and incentives that will allow them to get a very low-cost or free EV.

Earth Day Celebration with Santa Cruz Climate Action Network
Apr 24 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Earth Day Celebration with Santa Cruz Climate Action Network

Join Santa Cruz Climate Action Network and Downtown Commons Advocates for a “COVID Safe” Earth Day Celebration

Saturday April 24th, 1-5pm

featuring:

music, art , kid activities – masks required, hand sanitizer available

VALET BIKE PARKING BY BIKE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Bring you own folding chair if possible, and your own water bottle

Location: Corner of Cedar and Cathcart section of lot 4 – without the parked cars!!

May
1
Sat
Santa Cruz County Bike Month
May 1 – May 31 all-day
Santa Cruz County Bike Month

Ride, Encourage, Get Stoked, Win… Repeat.

Santa Cruz Bike Month is back! Register and ride during the month of May for a chance to win a $100 gift card every Friday and increase your chance at the $1,000 individual grand prize.

This year’s Santa Cruz Bike Month offers an array of programs and events: our month-long Bike Challenge, bike commuter workshops, facilitated group rides, and curated routes and guides for people to explore our community by bike.

To register, and for the full list of Santa Cruz County Bike Month events, head here.

May
4
Tue
REI Presents: Urban Cycling 101 with Ecology Action
May 4 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
REI Presents: Urban Cycling 101 with Ecology Action

Biking is on the rise locally and around the world, with increasing numbers of people rediscovering cycling as exercise, recreation, and a great way to get from point A to B. This virtual workshop is a perfect entry for people starting to explore cycling during the pandemic, or as a refresher for cyclists who want to hone their riding skills and level-up their commute.

Experts from Ecology Action and  R.E.I will share tips and tricks for riding your bike in an urban setting.

This  interactive workshop will cover:

  • Pre-ride preparation
  • Bike sizing and fit
  • How to ride safely and confidently in many traffic scenarios
  • Route planning
  • Riding at night
  • eBike benefits
  • COVID-related cycling safety
May
19
Wed
Intro to E-bikes Virtual Workshop @ Zoom
May 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Intro to E-bikes Virtual Workshop @ Zoom

Are you curious about making your transportation trips easier?
Want to learn more about how eBikes can help conquer your commute, saving you both time and money?

Maybe you’ve thought about biking to work, but you’re concerned about hills, distance, or the extra time it will take you.

Perhaps you’d love to ride, but you are a busy parent with kids to transport and errands to run.

Ecology Action staff will provide an overview introduction of eBikes. Topics will include frequently asked questions, different eBike technologies, cost, environmental benefits and investigate if eBikes can really replace cars.

For more information on the GO Santa Cruz program and available benefits, visit cityofsantacruz.com/gosantacruz or facebook.com/GOSantaCruzCA.

This virtual workshop is offered as part of GO Santa Cruz, a transportation program that provides downtown employees with commute alternatives to single-occupant car trips.

FREE BIKE LIGHTS AND HELMETS FOR ALL DOWNTOWN ATTENDEES*
*must be an employee of a business in the Downtown Santa Cruz Parking District and enrolled in Go SC on my.cruz511.org/s/gosantacruz

Jun
11
Fri
Ecology Action at MIDTOWN FRIDAYS! Summer Block Party @ Parking lot Next to the Midtown fire station and across from Home / Work
Jun 11 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm

MIDTOWN FRIDAYS! SUMMER BLOCK PARTY

Every Friday May 21 to October 29

5:00 to 8:30ish

Next to the fire station and across from Home / Work
1111 Soquel Ave
Come Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at our Summer Block Party, happening every Friday!
Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors
The June Music Line-up:
  • June 11th: (Opening Act starting at 5:00) Shoreline Middle School Jazz Band – (Main Act) The Stone Drifters
  • June 18th: Dub Souljah (Reggae)
  • June 25th: Ancestree (Reggae)
Ecology Action will be tabling in support of the City of Santa Cruz Measure D Neighborhood Programs initiative to educate residents on safe pedestrian and bicycle habits. Walk or bike down to this fun community event to celebrate summer with your neighbors and learn how to be safer while biking and walking around town!
Jun
16
Wed
GO Santa Cruz: Bike Commuting 101 Virtual Workshop @ Zoom
Jun 16 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
GO Santa Cruz: Bike Commuting 101 Virtual Workshop @ Zoom

NEW Free Bike Commuting 101 Workshop

Wednesday, June 16th

Noon – 1pm via Zoom

Free helmets and lights for attendees*

REGISTER HERE

Are you ready to take your commute to the next level? Learn from the experts about bike commuting essentials including hauling gear, what to look for in a solid commuting bike, riding while “business casual,” rush hour rules of the road, and more. Join Ecology Action and GO Santa Cruz for this NEW workshop!

As Santa Cruz County expands its network of protected bike lanes and paths, now is the perfect time to explore commuting by bike. For those commuting and those starting to transition from WFH, this is a great time to explore commuting via bike. With the right preparation, adding biking to your commute options can be a breeze. Staff from Ecology Action will share the need-to-knows of bike commuting, trouble-shoot your commute and after-work errands, and help cyclists of all levels plan for a safe and satisfying ride.

The workshop is interactive and will cover:

  • The benefits of a commute by bike
  • What to look for in a commuting bike
  • Hauling gear and managing your exertion
  • How to ride safely and confidently during rush hour
  • Expert trip planning and low-traffic routes to downtown
  • Testimonials and tips from local bike commuters
  • How to pick the right lights
  • eBikes and your commute

FREE BIKE LIGHTS AND HELMETS FOR ALL DOWNTOWN ATTENDEES*

For more information on the GO Santa Cruz program and available benefits, visit cityofsantacruz.com/gosantacruz.

This free workshop is offered to all downtown Santa Cruz employees as part of GO Santa Cruz, a transportation program that provides downtown employees with commute alternatives to single-occupant car trips.

REGISTER HERE

*must be an employee of a business in the Downtown Santa Cruz Parking District and enrolled in Go SC on https://my.cruz511.org/s/gosantacruz

Jun
18
Fri
Ecology Action at West Cliff Food Truck Summer @ Lighthouse Parking Lots, West Cliff, Santa Cruz
Jun 18 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Just in time for Summer, the Food Truck Summer Series is back for the third great season!

Join us at the West Cliff Surfer’s parking lot and Lighthouse Field parking lot to enjoy a fabulous view, great food, and lots of social distancing! It’s a great chance to get outside and enjoy one of the best views in Santa Cruz!

Ecology Action will be tabling in support of the City of Santa Cruz Measure D Neighborhood Programs initiative to educate residents on safe pedestrian and bicycle habits. Walk or bike down to this fun community event to celebrate summer with your neighbors and learn how to be safer while biking and walking around town!
Ecology Action at MIDTOWN FRIDAYS! Summer Block Party @ Parking lot Next to the Midtown fire station and across from Home / Work
Jun 18 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm

MIDTOWN FRIDAYS! SUMMER BLOCK PARTY

Every Friday May 21 to October 29

5:00 to 8:30ish

Next to the fire station and across from Home / Work
1111 Soquel Ave
Come Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at our Summer Block Party, happening every Friday!
Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors
The June Music Line-up:
  • June 11th: (Opening Act starting at 5:00) Shoreline Middle School Jazz Band – (Main Act) The Stone Drifters
  • June 18th: Dub Souljah (Reggae)
  • June 25th: Ancestree (Reggae)
Ecology Action will be tabling in support of the City of Santa Cruz Measure D Neighborhood Programs initiative to educate residents on safe pedestrian and bicycle habits. Walk or bike down to this fun community event to celebrate summer with your neighbors and learn how to be safer while biking and walking around town!

More Ways to Take Action

Less Emissions is our mission – and with a little help from our friends we know we can get there.

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