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August 2026 Newsletter

In this newsletter, we invite you to our Brighter Future Gala on September 12th, recap two press conferences, give an update on our Stand Up for Democracy work, and cover blogs about civic engagement, the Equitable Building Decarbonization program, Trump's attack on our coast, and hope in the midst of climate disasters.

Scroll to the bottom of this email to see our upcoming events.

 
BRIGHTER FUTURE GALA

Celebrate SanDiego350’s climate action work at our annual Gala fundraiser. Enjoy live music by Karlos Paez, tacos by Mafioso Catering, and a fun game of Climate Loteria! 

WHEN: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026 @ 4 – 6pm
WHERE: 37ECB - 3720 El Cajon Blvd
Fill out the form to volunteer.

GET TICKETS
SANDIEGO350 HAPPENINGS
Telling the Public Utilities Commission to rein in SDG&E

On 8/13 we called on Gavin Newsom to stop a backroom deal on wildfire costs for utilities like SDG&E to protect their profits. We should be at the table to make sure ratepayers don’t have to bail out the utilities. 

Press Conference at the CTC

On 8/20 we spoke at a press conference to help raise awareness about the California Transportation Commission (CTC) and press them to prioritize high-value projects our communities deserve. The CTC allocates between $5-$6 billion of dollars in transportation funding throughout CA each year. Their decisions impact us.

Press Conference on SDG&E's profits

On 8/6, the San Diego Energy Justice Coalition held a press conference outside the headquarters of Sempra Energy, parent company of SDG&E. We drew attention to the company’s bragging about their high second quarter profits to investors while San Diegans pay some of the highest electricity rates in the US (photos).

STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY TEAM UPDATE

The Stand Up for Democracy Team is working on getting out the vote and encouraging early voting in the mid-term elections and responding to Trump’s undermining of the mid-terms. Stay tuned for ways to help with the campaign by phone banking, canvassing, and protesting! Get involved: Fill out the volunteer form.

Upcoming Events & Actions:

  • Flash Banner Action is Wed. Aug. 26, 4-5 PM at 6th Ave and I-5 REGISTER
  • Indivisible presents Hands Off Our Votes webinar about threats to the election and how to resist them on Wed. Aug. 26 5-6 PM.
POSTER CONTEST

Are you a student in high school or college? Enter to win this Poster Contest! The Midterm Elections are on November 3, 2026. Poster designs need to convey to the public the urgency of protecting our democracy and exercising our right to vote despite Trump's efforts to subvert free and fair elections. All submissions need to be completed by no later than Monday, September 14.

Honorariums: 1st place - $300; 2nd place - $200; 3rd place - $100. 

SUBMIT 
 
BLOG ARTICLES FROM SANDIEGO350
As Our Planet Weakens, So Will Our Democracy

Not caring is the most dangerous thing we can do for our planet. High-risk environmental behaviors are dominating our political landscape, trickling down to harm our most vulnerable populations. In order to address ongoing environmental harms and improve sustainability outcomes in our communities, we must realize civic participation as a necessary way to support lasting change.  

Civic engagement provides opportunities to address inequality by dismantling systems of oppression, uniting global citizens around common causes. 

People see political decisions regarding climate as being outside of their immediate control, making it essential to highlight civic engagement as a method to shape climate policy. 

By Carmen Berry, SD350 Member

Read the full blog
NEW Equitable Building Decarbonization Program

Did you know that the air quality in your home can contribute to health problems and climate change? 

The Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Program, is a state program, supported by local nonprofits, community organizations, and environmental leaders to provide no-cost upgrades and personal support to your community. It is a free program for communities in qualifying regions to receive upgrades in their homes to better air quality and fight climate change. 

Electrifying homes with newer, efficient appliances help improve indoor air quality, and reduce pollution.

See if you qualify at SoCalEBD.org, or email us at ContactUs@SoCalEBD.org

By Melissa Reyes, Community Outreach Program Assistant

Read the full blog
Fight to save our coastal zones!
The Trump Administration has launched yet another attack on our state’s natural resources. This time, it comes as an administrative review of California’s Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP), under which California and the Federal government collaborate to manage our coastal resources. The CZMP has been enormously productive and successful. California has passed all its previous reviews and NOAA’s own draft report in 2025 verified successful state compliance. Yet, the Administration now threatens to invalidate it and allow the federal government to override our environmental laws, deny opportunities for local public input in coastal management, and allow permitting of offshore drilling, undersea cables, and oil and gas pipelines.
 
By Ken Kobayashi, SD350 Member
Read the full blog
Out of the Fire an into the Future: Is There Still Hope on Climate?

More than a year after the Palisades fire, the drive down Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles on a sunny summer day is still jarring. From Santa Monica to Zuma Beach, the cars continue to jam the lots and the side of the road as people from all over the city stream to the beaches, but the scars from that catastrophic event remain starkly evident. 

During a visit there in July, one of my old high school friends, a doctor, gave me a tour of the ruins of his neighborhood, including the scorched lot that was his home. It was a stunning reminder of how we live now as we have adapted to the permanent reality of climate disasters, whether they come via storms, floods, extreme heat or fires.

Article by The Jumping Off Place
Jim Miller, The Jumping-Off Place & SD350 Board Member

Read the full blog
 
WE ARE HIRING!

SanDiego350 is hiring for a Part Time City Heights/Southeast San Diego High School Intern. This position is open to high school students living in City Heights or Southeast SD passionate about climate justice.

Get a chance to develop deeper subject area knowledge and professional and leadership skills through the Youth4Climate Program!

Read the full description and apply! 

APPLY
Resist Trump Flash Banner Action - Downtown

Continue to push-back against Trump and broadcast our concern to the public and remind thousands of people on our freeways to “Resist Trump” and “Save Our Planet”.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 @ 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm
WHERE: 6th avenue and the I-5, San Diego, California 92101

REGISTER
Better Future Book Club

The Better Future Book Club is SanDiego350’s volunteer-led book club. The club meets in-person over snacks to discuss the book we are currently reading (Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design by Charles Montgomery). 

WHEN: Thursday, September 3, 2026 @ 6:15pm - 7:30pm
WHERE: Fashion Valley Mall Food Court - 7007 Friars Rd, San Diego 92108

INTEREST FORM
Art Build: Gala decorations

Join us to make sunflower parasol decorations for our upcoming Brighter Future Gala. Listen to music, connect with new friends, and make art!

WHEN: Sunday, September 6, 2026 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
WHERE: Masada's house, 9318 Carmichael Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941

REGISTER
 
In the News
  • How Trump is Trying to Crush California's Environmental Policies (The New York Times)
  • California Ratepayers Demand Lower Utility Rates at CPUC (IndyBay) Comments by SanDiego350's, Tyler "Dre" Andre
  • Sempra profits nearly $800M while San Diego utility customers struggle with bills (CBS 8)
  • Affordable energy advocates rally in front of Sempra HQ after the company posts ‘strong’ quarterly earnings (KPBS)
 

Who are we?
SanDiego350 is building a movement to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and climate injustice through education and outreach, public policy advocacy, and mobilizing people to take action.

 
Your Support Drives Our Activism

Looking for a way to support the work we do at SanDiego350? Visit our donations page to help drive climate-focused policy in San Diego County. 

Support Our Efforts
 
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