Over the past few months I have been researching Mass Timber as a sustainable building solution in coordination with The Office of Sustainability and the Environment at the City of Santa Monica. The building and construction sector accounts for roughly 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making the switch to materials such as mass timber important to consider when working towards the reduction of local emissions. Mass timber is a large, solid, engineered wood product that can be used as an alternative to steel and concrete buildings. which has many environmental, safety, health, and convenience benefits. With the utilization of mass timber, there is a 43% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional building as there is a lower embodied carbon in both the product and construction stage.
Mass timber has been prominent throughout Europe and Canada for the past 15 years as a less carbon intensive building model. Recently, California has recognized mass timber as a building strategy in the approved California Building Code. There are various finished and ongoing mass timber projects already in the Los Angeles Area (Chinatown, Los Angeles pictured above), demonstrating that mass timber is a possible solution. With the rise in awareness of mass timber buildings, Santa Monica will be able to implement mass timber buildings as a way of climate mitigation.
Denny Zane created Move LA in 2007 to bring together business, labor and environmental leaders and community organizations with the goal of raising significant new funding for LA County’s transit system. Denny presents and discusses how we in Southern California can create a coalition and a regional voter initiative for a measure that if approved by a simple majority of voters will raise a boatload of money to invest in strategies to end air pollution, dramatically reduce climate pollution and enhance zero-emission regional transit mobility.
Denny Zane is the Founder and Executive Director of Move LA, a housing and transit activist, and a former mayor of Santa Monica. He will investigate a “Grand Boulevards” strategy to promote transit-oriented, mixed-use multifamily housing along currently underutilized boulevards designated as Bus Rapid Transit corridors. He believes that a transit investment can create an affordable housing solution.
On Sunday, April 28 CASM Climate Job Corps members attended the 2024 NextGen Climate Summit at New Roads School. This event was hosted for the youth in Santa Monica and beyond by Sustainable Works and the City of Santa Monica.
The room was filled with inspired young individuals eager to listen and share their opinions and outlook on climate solutions. Climate speakers and local Santa Monica climate-oriented organizations were there to support and share their knowledge with the group. Youth Climate Strike Los Angeles organizer, Sim Bilal, shared his story of getting involved in climate activism and the importance of continuing to fight for what you believe in. “I enjoyed hearing people speak about what made them want to get involved in environmental and climate issues. Every person had a distinct story, but they all shared a common concern for their loved ones, their communities, and future generations” shares CJC member Mario Melgarejo. Hearing the stories of experienced climate leaders sparked new ideas and curiosity within the group.
Along with listening and gaining information, there was an opportunity for breakout group discussions led by Sustainability Expert Walker Wells. This was a conversation between the youth to envision and come up with ideas that work towards a sustainable Santa Monica. There, the voices of SAMOHI, New Roads, Santa Monica College, and UCLA students were heard. Solutions including, but not limited to, a switch to renewable energy, more green spaces, and better transit options were shared and discussed amongst the room. This was a time for the youth in Santa Monica to be brought into the discussion of climate and encouraged to use their voices. Being such a well-rounded event made it informative and enjoyable for all participants involved.
Celebrate bike month by attending one of the following events
Hop on your bike and join us as we pedal into National Bike Month! May 2024 is gearing up to be an exciting time with many events catering to all transportation enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking to cruise around town, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From family-friendly rides to education workshops, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved and show your support for active transportation. So grab your bike, gather your friends and family, and let’s make May a month to remember!
Bike Skills 101 Saturday, May 4th, 2024 – 11:00 AM to NOON SMC Sustainability Center During this in-classroom workshop participants will review ABC Quick Check, Rules of the Road, and upcoming projects in the City of Santa Monica. This session will be led by League of American Bicyclist’s League Certified Instructor Jayro Queme.
A bike is not needed to attend. There will be no on-bike components to the workshop.
Bike It Walk It Bus It Week Monday, May 6th thru Friday, May 10th Each year schools work to encourage as many students as possible to bike, walk, skate, scoot, or ride the bus to school. Teachers participate by counting the number of kids who participate in a districtwide competition to see who can get the most. Launched in 2010, Bike It! Walk It! is now a parent-led initiative. Participation will vary by school.
Big Blue Bus is celebrating this week by giving K-12 students who attend school in Santa Monica free rides. Eligible students may 1) Use Your GoPass TAP Card or 2) Show Your Valid School ID to the Operator.
MANGo Milestone Community Ride Saturday, May 11th 10AM to 12PM 17th/SMC Station (accessible via E Line) Enjoy a free five-mile social bike ride with Metro Bike Share, Santa Monica Spoke, and the City of Santa Monica! This ride is the perfect way to learn more about the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway (MANGo). This ride is “no-drop,” meaning we will maintain a comfortable and inclusive pace for all participants.
Bike Anywhere Day Thursday, May 16th A variety of bike-centered events are sprouted up throughout the City of Santa Monica on May 16th, including the annual pit stop in front of City Hall from 8AM to 10AM. To celebrate, cyclists who bring their bicycle, folding bicycle or helmet can ride on any Big Blue Bus for FREE. Click the button below to view a map of what’s happening in the community.
Kidical Mass Bike Ride Sunday, May 19th 9:00AM to 12:00PM Clover Park Co-hosted by Santa Monica Spoke, the Kidical Mass bike ride + Mental Health & Wellness Fair is back at Clover Park! Remember to wear GREEN for Mental Health Awareness! This group ride will help all participants develop skills and comfort for bike riding in the city. Riders can stop by BBQ #1 area (near the trailers) of Clover Park between 11:00AM and 3:00PM to learn more about the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project at this community engagement kick-off.
Adult Learn to Ride Classes w/ Sustainable Streets Sundays: May 5th, May 12th, and May 19th Santa Monica Beach Bike Campus This practical hands-on learn to ride class for adults age 18 and up will get you rolling in no time. Our certified bicycle instructors create a fun low-stress environment to help you learn the basics of balancing and pedaling before moving on to more advanced skills. If you already know how to balance and pedal our instructors will teach valuable skills such as turning, steering with one hand, scanning, signaling and tips for choosing a bike to fit your riding intentions.
Bicycle Maintenance Classes w/ SMC Spring 2024 (April 29th thru June 10th) Santa Monica College offers free, noncredit classes to jumpstart your career and develop new skills! Classes are in-person on SMC’s main campus. Register by filling out the SMC Noncredit Registration Form and email to NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu. Find details here or call 310 434-3399. More information can be found in this newsletter.
From family-friendly rides to educational workshops, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved and show your support for active transportation. So grab your bike, gather your friends and family, and let’s make May a month to remember!
Climate Action Santa Monica invites high school and college students to apply for the CASM Climate Corps 2024 program.
Since 2016, Climate Corps have engaged in local climate action for an informative, fun and empowering summer confronting the global climate emergency. Climate Corps is a program of Climate Action Santa Monica (CASM) to engage in climate action in our local community for an informative, fun and empowering summer experience.
A primary partner of the program is the City of Santa Monica, which has integrated sustainability goals and rights into its laws, regulations, and operations through the Santa Monica Climate Action & Adaptation Plan. This plan aims to profoundly reduce greenhouse gases by 2030, and aims for the City of Santa Monica to be carbon-neutral by 2050. CASM Climate Corps members help bring climate policy and action to life in our local community.
In collaboration with our partner, the City of Santa Monica, Climate Corps ages 15 to 21 learn about and have real-world experiences in:
causes and impacts of climate change
local sustainability policies and programs
communicating feedback to leaders.
engaging with and educating the community on sustainability issues.
building relationships with leaders from business, government, and community organizations to provide a youth perspective, ideas, hopes, and solutions.
If you have questions, email us at casmcommunity@gmail.com
Presented by the City of Santa Monica and Sustainable Works
Take action and make a difference. Create your climate change vision and develop a roadmap to achieve it.
Together let’s amplify the voices of the next generation of climate leaders in the civic process and help guide City decision-making for a sustainable and resilient future for all.
The event is open to High School and College age participants and is free of charge. However, registration is required.
To register, click register on the Eventbrite form below.
This event is sponsored by Climate Action Now UCLA, a grassroots committee.
UCLA is an important Santa Monica neighbor. The policies, plans, and innovations they undertake can significantly impact and set the pace of climate action by others. UCLA students and faculty will rally on Earth Day to push for accelerated action by UCLA leadership. The students are calling on the administration to aim for 100% clean energy usage by 2035. This means dealing with the gas-burning co-generation plant they have on campus. The facility uses up to a million gallons of water a day. CASM will attend the rally and Co-Chair Laurene von Klan will be one of the speakers.
Come and be a part of it! The rally is scheduled for April 22nd from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at UCLA’s Murphy Hall.
How are other California cities reducing single use plastic food ware?
By Nancy Sanchez
Approximately 4.7% of Santa Monica’s greenhouse gas emissions come from landfill waste. In Santa Monica and throughout California, the movement to reduce waste and carbon emissions from single-use plastics is gaining momentum.
Senate Bill 54 requires that by 2032, all packaging in California needs to be recyclable or compostable. Plastic production would be reduced by 25%, and 65% of packaging would need to be recycled after use.
In Oakland, five hundred businesses are switching to reusables through programs like ReThink Disposable. This program helps restaurants find the best strategy for them and provides education and grant opportunities. In LA County they are moving forward to eliminate single-use plastics at local restaurants through 1) Banning single-use food service ware (examples: utensils, plates, cups, etc) that aren’t compostable or recyclable, 2) Banning expanded polystyrene (example: styrofoam) products, 3) Requiring reusables for full service, dine-in eateries (reusablela). The legislation will help small businesses while permanent eateries will have 1 year to reach compliance. Reusable LA shows how support for restaurants can help encourage the switch. CASM sees reusables as a critical climate strategy throughout our community and economy.
As a leader in sustainability and as an ocean community, Santa Monica adopted waste ordinances that also protect marine ecosystems and clean water. Acknowledging that littered plastic foodware harms Santa Monica’s coastal environment, we adopted ordinances that promote marine degradable food service ware. We also have rules to eliminate single-use carry-out bags and provisions for reducing the amount of waste that comes with foods ordered online. Specifically, Santa Monica requires that food service ware be requested when ordering online. Delivery companies such as Doordash and Uber Eats need to make it easier to request foodware, and also make it clear on the app that these will not be provided unless requested. Since bio-plastics are NOT marine-degradable, they are not permitted under the Santa Monica ordinance. Exemptions exist for beverage cup lids at this time. However, with many new options now available, we hope that can soon be changed. Fines are possible for restaurants that do not comply. There are also exemptions for hardship.
CASM conducted a study analyzing the foodware provided by fast-food chain restaurants during food delivery. We found that many complied partially, and a few hardly followed the local ordinances. We are hoping all local restaurants can become heroes for zero waste. CASM is working on outreach to notify local Santa Monica food establishments of changes they can make to their foodware to become heroes and we encourage more local enforcement.
What actions can you take? How can you help?
You can join CASM’s restaurant outreach volunteers. We want people willing to talk to restaurants as customers interested in seeing those establishments commit to a more climate-friendly waste reduction strategy. If you are interested, contact .
In the Fall of 2023, Climate Action Santa Monica’s Climate Job Corps assisted in outreach for LADOT’s Westside Mobility Projects. The program is a plan to enhance safety and connectivity for four secondary bikeway corridors connecting Westside neighborhoods and adjacent cities with the goal of making bicycling more comfortable for riders of all ages and abilities.
CJC members Mario Melgarejo and Nancy Sanchez worked together to spread the word and gather community input for the potential bikeway improvements. Their strategies included posting on Social Media, attending in-person events (farmers markets, flyer distributions, etc), and distributing information electronically via email, newsletter, and on CASM’s website. These outreach activities gave the CJC team opportunities to grow their skills of communication, team work, event planning, and data collection while promoting climate-friendly mobility.
The Westside Mobility Projects will be important to an area in critical need of safer walking and biking infrastructure. With some of the most desirable weather in the country and relatively flat topography, the Westside has the potential to become one of the best biking areas in the Country. But many of Santa Monica’s bike routes stop at city limits, and the continuing paths in the City of LA are often less safe or non-existent. Improving the safety of bike routes in LA’s Westside will complement and extend Santa Monica’s plans for a robust citywide bike network. This project will make an important contribution to promoting climate-friendly mobility, connecting communities and making our streets safer for everyone.
As we collectively strive for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future, we would like to draw your attention to a problematic and alarming issue right here in Santa Monica – the impact of beach grooming on our environment and its relevance to climate.
Beach grooming involves diesel-powered, tractor-style vehicles regularly driving up and down the coast, raking and flattening miles of sandy shores during the early morning hours. This practice has implications for carbon emissions, plant growth, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and resilience against rising sea levels.
Last fall, CASM studied some of the effects of beach grooming. In addition to altering the beach habitat and removing trash, the process also shreds beach trash into smaller pieces, which are harder to remove. As these vehicles traverse hundreds of miles, they also emit carbon. The sandy shores of Santa Monica, artificially expanded decades ago with millions of cubic feet of imported sand, are nonetheless a vital habitat for various wildlife, including the endangered snowy plover, which nests here in Santa Monica.
Snowy plover image captured by Birds of The World
Beach grooming is carried out primarily for aesthetic reasons, with a prevailing belief that beaches should be wide, flat, and devoid of vegetation. Additionally, it serves the essential purposes of trash removal and the ability to drive trucks on the beach for emergency management. However, these well-intentioned purposes have unintended consequences, adversely impacting wildlife and the natural environment.
Images captured immediately after grooming show minimal large trash pieces but reveal a startling truth – the shredding of large items into smaller, more challenging-to-manage fragments. It’s a call to action for Santa Monica, our government, and the community.
The exciting and successful establishment of native plants on the beach also presents an excellent opportunity to think of our beach dunes as living climate resources. A living dunes ecosystem can sequester carbon, provide habitat for wildlife, make our community more resilient to rising sea levels and storm surges, and offer new types of nature-based recreation and tourism. Thriving habitats can co-exist with other uses.
It’s time to start a dialogue on beach grooming practices. As a leader in environmental innovation, Santa Monica can pioneer needed change globally; grooming affects beaches worldwide. What if we could employ smaller zero-emission vehicles when needed and promote human stewardship? Let’s promote education, outreach, and policy changes that are future-oriented and climate-smart.
For a comprehensive understanding of our study, please watch this presentation on the study by CASM’s Jasmine Contreras. You will also learn about the Dunes Restoration project led by The Bay Foundation and the City of Santa Monica.
