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May Newsletter

 
 
  

 

CASM in the Community

CASM’s Climate Corps Club leader, Sarrie Thompson hosted an Earth Month Event in April at the Main Street Farmers Market. The event featured seed ball making, planting, climate tarot cards, and CASM’s Wheel Of Knowledge.

 

 

  
 

 

 

Farmers Market goers spin CASM’s “Wheel of Knowledge” to learn about Climate topics at our Earth Month Celebration

 

 

  
 

Little hands hold earth, making seed balls from soil and wildflower mix

  
 

 

Climate “Tarot” cards playfully ask passersby to make connections between their own lives, personal benefits, and collective climate actions. View the deck

  

 

 

 

We also wrapped up the Climate Corps Club, with an end of the year celebration last week at the beach. We’re so proud of our amazing teen leaders who have given their time and energy to the  program this year – tabling at local events, sharing powerful climate actions, advocating for climate at city council meetings, and more. Thank you!

 

 

 

  
 

 

But wait! We’ve still got a couple of youth climate events coming up… 

  
 
  

 

Upcoming CASM Activities

 

May 12th, 6:30pm: Let the Youth Speak: Growing Community Together

  
 

 

Join other youth activists for a night of gardening, music, poetry and community!

What would you like to see grow in the world?

Get involved with local organizations that are committed to improving our community. 

Show up, sign-up, and speak up!

6:30pm – Let’s seed our intentions for community, growth and change! Join us for seed ball making at Reed Park Community Garden, mingle, and sign up for local volunteer opportunities

7:20pm – Bring  your intentions to life at Downbeat 720, a youth open-mic sponsored by the City of Santa Monica, now in its 25th year! Bring your words, your music or just yourself!

Special guest poet: Raquel “Rocky” Perez 

Special guest singer: Downbeat alum, Makeda

 

Wednesday June 3rd, 4pm: SWIP (Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project) Tour

Calling all youth! Join us for a tour of the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project (SWIP) led by Santa Monica water resource manager, Sunny Wang. SWIP is a first-of-its-kind project that utilizes water recycling to provide a drought resilient water supply for the City. Please join us for this event as we witness this powerful climate adaptation strategy first hand. Closed toed shoes required.

  
 
 
  

 

Action Alerts

Looking for easy ways to support impactful climate legislation? The Climate Center has action alerts with email templates, so all you have to do is add your name and hit send. Sign up at the bottom of their webpage for action alerts like this.

  
 
  

 

Climate News

 

Your Green Bin and Protecting your Local Wetlands are your Emergency Brakes for Climate Change. Check out this new article by CASM’s Super-Volunteer, Mackenzie Devilbiss to learn local solutions you can do now to curb polluting emissions fast. 

 

Big Blue Bus hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony for their new EV charging infrastructure; CASM’s Program Lead, Makeda spoke at the event. Here’s the scoop – Santa Monica Breaks Ground on $56 Million Clean Transit Future. 

 

May is Bike Month. Riders can enjoy discounts, promotions, and events all month.  All you need to know, here.

 

 

  
 

 

California marks biggest state park expansion in decades with 3 new parks

New reports show renewable wind and solar energy sources are meeting 99% of new demand for electricity in 2025. Read or listen here. 

What if finding your role, not more information, was the best thing you could do to advance climate solutions? What if by defining and joining together our roles we can create a “mycelial network of change?” Project Drawdown shares on this topic  “Finding Clarity, Courage, and Community in Climate Action: A Conversation with Katharine Wilkinson, Ph.D.”

  
 
  

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Your Green Bin and Protecting your Local Wetlands are your Emergency Brakes for Climate Change

By Mackenzie Devilbiss

Some climate solutions are particularly potent because they are high impact and they can be implemented in the near future. Called ‘emergency brake’ solutions, these actions immediately curb emissions from highly damaging greenhouse gases such as methane. Emergency brake climate solutions include preventing ecosystem degradation, reducing methane emissions and leaks, and reducing food and energy waste. A few of these powerful climate solutions can be implemented at home, and one of them is already available to you as a resident of Santa Monica!

Green Bin Program and Food Waste

Two emergency brake climate solutions that go hand-in-hand are increasing the use of composting and reducing food loss and waste. When food waste and organic matter, like yard trimmings, are disposed of in a landfill, the organic waste decays and releases methane into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and has roughly 30 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. According to the US EPA, municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are the third-largest anthropogenic source of methane emissions in the US. The agency estimates that 24% of the MSW disposed of in landfills is food waste – and this food waste is responsible for a staggering 58% of methane emissions caused by unintentional leaks from landfills. The final product of composting is a nutrient rich product that can be used for soil amending. This beneficial soil additive produces less potent emissions as a byproduct and has the potential to store carbon in the soil long-term. 

In Santa Monica, the Green Bin program is available for all residents to separate organic waste from recyclables and landfill trash. The City of Santa Monica characterizes MSW into different categories and tracks how much of our MSW is food waste. In both 2023 and 2025, roughly 24% of Santa Monica’s MSW sent to landfill was food waste, matching the national average. The City also tracks how much waste is composted through the Green Bin program. Each resident in Santa Monica can support this powerful climate solution both by using the green bin in your home and by explaining the importance of the green bin program to your friends and neighbors. In addition, it is important to reduce the amount of food waste in your home by only buying what you need and planning meals in advance to prevent impulse food purchases. According to the US EPA: “One-third of all food in the United States goes uneaten. EPA estimates that in 2019, about 96 percent of households’ wasted food ended up in landfills, combustion facilities, or down the drain to the sewer system. The remainder was composted.” By maximizing use of the green bin program and reducing food waste in every home, we can each put on the emergency brakes to reduce climate-warming methane emissions.

Ballona Creek Wetlands

CASM has also taken action to preserve local natural landscapes by supporting closure of the operational oil and natural gas wells in Playa del Rey. The natural gas production and storage facilities in Playa del Rey have regularly reported large methane leaks, releasing methane directly into the air of the neighboring communities and the atmosphere. The area is classified as a ‘Level III methane hazard zone’, the highest methane hazard level recognized by the City of Los Angeles. CASM has taken a stance to support closure of the site.  At the very least, SoCal Gas should plug all leakages as soon as possible to prevent further uncontrolled methane emissions. Gas leaks in the area can be reported to South Coast AQMD by calling 1-800-CUT-SMOG, and advocacy groups like Protect Playa Now have organized petitions on closing the site in the past. Being informed about the Playa del Rey natural gas facility and advocating for reduction of methane leaks is another opportunity for local emergency brake climate action!

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Nuclear Power Isn’t Green Enough… And America Can’t Deal with the Waste!

Watch The Recording

 

CASM December SAMOCAN Webinar

How much do you know about high-level radioactive waste policy in the United States? In the face of a global increase in demand for electricity, many nations are looking to nuclear power as a low-carbon, round-the-clock power source to bolster electricity grids. However, only one permanent high-level nuclear waste repository has been established worldwide.

This webinar discusses the current status and history of radioactive waste legislation in the United States, explaining the struggle to establish a national nuclear waste repository over the last few decades. Then, explores the first permanent geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel, which has been established in Finland. Finally, we make some rough calculations to compare the buildout of nuclear power and nuclear waste facilities with renewable energy sources and battery storage facilities. How do these two advanced energy technologies compare to addressing the global demand for more electricity while also supporting people, planet, and future generations?

Mackenzie Devilbiss is a PhD physicist and environmental consultant. Through her background in particle physics, she has taken many radiation safety training courses and even used radioactive sources in experiments. Her environmental work recently brought federal radioactive waste policy to her attention, this webinar serves to start an informed discussion about the topic.

climateactionsantamonica SAMOCAN, Uncategorized

Understanding and Adapting to Climate Change with Bill Selby

Watch The Recording

 

In June, CASM hosted Understanding and Adapting to Climate Change with Bill Selby, an inspiring Zoom talk, in which the professor emeritus shared what future effects of climate change could actually look like. As he said in one of our conversations, “put on your seat belt, we’re in for a ride!”

What will future effects of climate change actually look like? Everyone seems to have different views about climate change nowadays. There’s a lot of misinformation floating around out there. Which of the current changes are part of natural cycles and which are caused by humans? Will some places get colder, while others get much hotter? Put on your seat belt, we’re on for a ride! Let’s use some critical thinking to explore these greatest scientific experiments and learn how they are changing our landscapes and impacting everyone.

The good news is there are still plenty of opportunities for us to join together and make positive waves. From native plants to habitat restoration, and from greening urban heat islands, to living more efficiently, let’s explore the many ways Californians are reacting and adapting to climate change, severe weather events, and other environmental stresses. Join professor emeritus, naturalist, and author William Selby, with his most recent publication, The California Sky Watcher as we search for some silver linings during these uncertain times. You can follow his stories at www.rediscoveringthegoldenstate.com.

 

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February Newsletter

Climate Action Santa Monica  has been kicking off the year with a focus on collaboration! In communication with other local community and environmental organizations, we hope to meet mutual needs and reach people at a deeper level through collaboration. Here’s what we’ve got for you this month:

February 6th: CASM Climate Corps Club meeting at Samosa House

Our monthly climate club meetup for teens.

February 7th: Join CASM at Reed Park Community Garden & Miles Playhouse Open House Event

CASM and the Climate Corps Club will be supporting the event and sharing climate action resources. We’re back with our first monthly Picnic on the Planet of 2026! Meet us at 1pm at the new Reed Park garden, following Playhouse tours and class. BYO brunch, enjoy snacks and good vibes.

  
 
  

We’re sharing some key resources for climate action based on the Santa Monica CAAP and 5-Year Progress Report, which came out last summer. 

Our largest sources of emissions are energy (33%) and transportation (60%).

Here’s 6 easy ways you can help right now:

 

A woman signs the Climate Corps Club’s “What makes you want to walk” poster at the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market

  1. Walk your commutes under a mile. Nearly one third of residential trips in Santa Monica are under 1 mile, but two thirds of vehicle trips are driven alone. That’s a significant portion of trips that could be easily walked by those who are physically able, reducing our total emissions. Plus you get exercise, mental clarity, and nature. It’s a win win! 

  2. Thrift an electric appliance and cook electric with ease. Upgrading your gas appliances is a great solution for those who are able, but that option isn’t available to everyone. For $5-20, you can have your very own air fryer, crock pot, hot plate, or toaster that reduces emissions and makes cooking easier. Again, a win win! 

  3. Get a free portable heat pump AC/heater unit through Santa Monica’s REACH program (available to Income-qualified renters).

  4. Students, get a free TAP card to ride BBB & Metro. Available to SMMUSD and LAUSD students through their school, taking transit to school is one way to reduce vehicle emissions in your daily routine that has a big impact over time. If transit isn’t a good fit, try walking, biking, or carpooling with a friend. You’ll help reduce emissions and traffic congestion while getting outside for a better start to your day. 

  5. Use MODE – Mobility on Demand Everyday is a door to door rideshare mobility service for residents over 65 or with disabilities $1.50 or less/ride. Hours have expanded Sunday service and weekday service until 6pm.

  6. Attend a community event. We need each other! And community and climate just go together. Attend a CASM picnic, a beach clean up, a dunes restoration, or a community garden event and connect with your local community and nature, while working towards a big picture goal of a sustainable planet.


For more info and ways you can take action to help Santa Monica get to zero emissions, see our Climate Action Resources, and join us on the 7th!

The Plastic Pollution Coalition shares some beautiful perspectives in this guide –

Climate Anxiety: How to Remain Hopeful & Resilient in Difficult Times

Get Your Project Funded Through the HRC Community Wellbeing Program

YSA is developing new strategies to ensure that all young people are included in community service regardless of their background. You can support by taking the YSA survey. 

Sign Petition! Governments to Declare Climate Emergency and Act Now!

 

Upcoming in the Community:

February 7th: Santa Monica Dune Restoration Event

February 13th: Santa Monica Dunes Galentine’s/Valentine’s Day Evening Event

February 14th: ROOTED IN LOVE – Companion Planting & Lending Library Dedication 

9:00 – 11:00 AM, Main Street Community Garden, 2318 Main Street, Santa Monica, 90405 

February 15th: Wheel You Be Mine? Valentine Kidical Mass Bike Ride

9:00 AM – NOON, Meet atIshihara Park 2909 Exposition Blvd. (between the picnic tables and the playground)

Join City staff and Santa Monica Spoke for a fun, family friendly bike ride for kids of all ages through the Bergamot Area First/Last Mile Improvements Project. We’ll kick things off at 9:00 AM with a brief bike-handling refresher and safety tips, plus bagels, juice, and coffee, then roll out for a guided ride highlighting new street design features, treatments, and how to use them confidently. The ride starts and ends at Ishihara Park and will be approximately 2 miles total.

February 21st: Ishihara Park Learning Garden Citrus Orchard Care and Maintenance Workshop

February 28th: CHILDRENS’ (and adult) BOOK SWAP 

9 – 11 AM, Marine Park Community Garden, 1406 Marine Street, Santa Monica, 90405 

Every Sunday: Bahala hosts a weekly gardening club with coffee & doughnuts


See you at Reed Park on the 7th for more info sharing and community time 🥰

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The Rise of Mass Timber

By Mia Levenson

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.

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RECORDING: Enjoy a Discussion with Denny Zane from Move LA!

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.

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Transformation is inevitable, what is CASM’s Role? with Rob Lempert

Enjoy a Discussion with one of CASM’s Advisor’s Robert Lempert!

The recent IPCC Sixth Assessment Report makes clear that climate change has advanced so far that some type of economic and societal transformation has become inevitable. No single entity can dictate such changes, rather they will emerge from competition and cooperation among many actors in governments, private sector, and civil society across many scales.  Dr. Lempert offers some reflections on some of the opportunities and dilemmas this might pose for a group such as CASM.

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NextGen Climate Summit Engages Local Youth

NextGen Climate Summit Engages Local Youth

By Mia Levenson

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. 

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Join the Climate Corps 2024!

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

Apply now