Dear Sustainability Stewards,

Today, we are at a unique junction in history: a chance, as we get ready to reenter the "new normal", to actively design and realize the sustainable future we all want and deserve: a future where we live in balance with our surroundings, where the economy rhymes with smart and green (think:  circular economy) and, last but not least, where everyone gets included and is valued. San Mateo County has long been on the forefront on all of these efforts and now has the opportunity to further 
A sustainable future for everyone in San Mateo County
strenghten all of these - not weaken nor dismiss them as a "luxury item" we are no longer able to afford.  Simply put: we can't afford to "no longer be able to afford sustainability", this is not an option.

It will take courage, vision, innovation and willpower. Looking for fruitful collaboration opportunities, a willingness to look "out of the box" and an open, creative mindset. These are all qualities that define our cities, businesses, and residents. Together, we can realize SSMC's vision of "A sustainable future for everyone in San Mateo County". We invite you to join us on this journey as we are now more determined than ever to make this happen! 

Please make sure to participate in our fun, first-ever virtual auction. Silent bidding opens on June 12 and will culminate with a Live Auction on June 19th. All of the proceeds will allow us to continue our important work. Details are below.


We thank you for your ongoing support!
Christine Kohl-Zaugg & the whole SSMC Team
Sustainable San Mateo County Hosts First Virtual Auction


Bid on our amazing auction items while supporting a worthy cause 
We invite you to our first Virtual Auction, featuring State Senator Jerry Hill as auctioneer. Bidding will begin on Silent Auction items on Friday, June 12, and conclude on Friday, June 19, when the Live Auction will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A preview from 6 to 6:30 p.m. on June 19 will explain how to bid. 
The auction site is at:
https://charityauction.bid/SSMC

Silent auction items include:
  •  a Filoli gift basket and one-year membership, 
  • two nights at Costanoa, 
  • Queen's Tea for Two at Lovejoy's Tea Room and 
  • an after-hours tour for eight to view the elephant seals at Ano Nuevo when the new pups are born. 
Live auction items include: 
  • one-week stays at beautiful vacation homes at Lake Tahoe and in Twain Harte, 
  • a Swiss-made Raymond Weil men's watch valued at $1,325, 
  • a visit to the county's Crime Lab that includes lunch with the sheriff, 
  • a deluxe Monterey package, 
  • two premium tickets to a 49ers game valid through the 2021-22 season (with parking), and 
  • a $500 gift certificate to Geoffrey's Diamonds and Goldsmith.

All proceeds will go toward realizing our vision of a sustainable future for everyone in San Mateo County.
Are you eligible for the  Medical Baseline Program?

Do you, or someone you know, have a medical device at home to treat an ongoing condition? If so, it is important to register for the Medical Baseline Program. Not only does this program offer you a monthly discount on your energy bill, you will also receive extra notifications in advance of a Public Safety Power Shutoff.

To find out if you are eligible and to apply click here.


About Peninsula Clean Energy:
Peninsula Clean Energy launched in October 2016 as California's fifth Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program and is the official local electricity provider for San Mateo County. Peninsula Clean Energy has the goal of providing 100 percent greenhouse gas-free power by 2021. Find out more at peninsulacleanenergy.com
Con fronting Climate Change Together: Office of Sustainability seeking input to its CCAP via workshops in June

Public input needed for Community Climate Action Plan
Calling all unincorporated County residents to upcoming climate change planning workshops in June! The Office of Sustainability (OoS) is looking for feedback on the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP), designed to help reduce emissions that lead to climate change. This is your chance to weigh in on a planning process for your neighborhood and community!

Not sure if you live in unincorporated County? Visit this link to see if you live in an unincorporated area (everyone is welcome to participate).

The County's Community Climate Action Plan will set goals and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate change impacts, and increase quality of life in unincorporated communities. The plan will address topics including:
  • The energy that powers our homes and other buildings
  • Improving indoor air quality of our homes
  • Reducing energy and water bills at home
  • Public transportation services including bus, train, and services that connect people to bus and train stations
  • Improving the walkability of urban environments and the safety of routes to school
  • Increasing sustainable practices, reusable materials and reducing waste.
  • Reducing climate related risks like wildfire, extreme heat and increased flooding.
  • What can we do together and what can we do individually to lead to a brighter future for our communities.
How would you like to see these things improve in your community? OoS is hosting three online workshops for different areas of the County to dive into these topics and hear from you, so join in on this important conversation! Check our upcoming Events section to see when the workshops are being held and register.
Virtual Happy Hour Spotlight: 
Food for Thought - Zoonotic Diseases and the Link to our Food Systems

Thank you for supporting your local farms
A few weeks back, Heather Rockwood, from Recology, kickstarted our event on   zoonotic diseases by sharing her knowledge about the topic. Learn more about key insights from our discussion here.

SSMC has been holding successful Virtual Happy Hours on a regular basis. If you haven't participated in one of these yet, we hope you'll be able to join us next time!
Ideas about topics and or speakers? Contact us! 
email: [email protected] with "Happy Hour" in the subject line.
Upcoming Events

Check our e-calendar here for a full list of upcoming events! 
Please check directly with the organizer for the latest status. 
Thanks!

Some Highlights:
  • June 9, 7 - 8:30 PM: Free online electric vehicle workshop, organized by Acterra and sponsored by Peninsula Clean Energy. RSVP here. 
  • June 12:  SSMC's Silent Auction opens
  • June 19, 6:30-7:30PM: SSMC's Live (and Silent) Auction. Access the auction site here.
  • June 23, 4:30-6PM: OoS CAP Workshop - Broadmoor and Colma Areas. Register here.
  • June 24th, 5:30-6:30 PM: Happy Hour #5 - Topic: Energy Resilience. Register here .
  • June 25, 4:30-6PM: OoS CAP Workshop - Emerald Lake Hills. Register here .
  • June 30, 4:30-6PM: OoS CAP Workshop - Menlo Oaks, West Menlo Park, Sequoia Tract Areas. Register here.
JULY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER: SAVE THE DATE!
JULY 10th, 5:30-6:30PM, Virtual Event
Join us to celebrate our 2020 Awards winners! Stay tuned for more information soon!


Don't see your event and want it publicized? Contact Nicole today at:  [email protected]


SSMC is a public charity nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status, so your contribution is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Check out our 2019 Impact Report HERE
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