2019 Contra Costa Leadership in Sustainability Awards

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Dear Friends and Partners,Thank you for being part of the Sustainable Contra Costa (SCOCO) community, a network of individuals and organizations who envision resilient, sustainable, and connected communities for all! Your participation supports SCOCO’s educational and action programs to save resources, reduce waste and pollution, and rapidly mobilize climate action.

The Leadership in Sustainability Awards have honored 82 individuals, organizations and businesses over the last eleven years. We’re inspired by these “solutionaries” who demonstrate outstanding commitment, innovation and leadership in making Contra Costa communities healthy, beautiful, clean, and resilient. Their contributions are leading the way and guiding others—locally, nationally and globally—on the path to a more sustainable region and world. Many of the honorees have taken part in our annual Challenge, which has inspired 9,600 people to take over 50,000 actions to grow food, save energy and water, reduce waste, and build community since 2012!

Humanity may be entering the most critical decade we’ve ever faced. But we know that anything is possible when we unleash the power of individual, daily action in connection with our community! There is no infrastructure stronger and more regenerative than relationships with other human beings. Sustainable Contra Costa is proud to work alongside so many of you as we deepen our commitment to living in harmony with nature and with each other in order to create a vibrant and healthy world for our children and future generations. Thank you for ALL that you do!

Together in Action,

Tina and the SCOCO Team

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Proud sponsors of Sustainable Contra Costa

Congratulations to this year’s winners of the

Leadership in Sustainability Awards

Mt. Diablo Resource Recoveryreduce • reuse • recycle • respect • recover

A Garaventa Company

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2019 Contra Costa Leadership in Sustainability Awards

September 17th, 6:00–9:00 pm Pleasant Hill Community Center

6:00 Reception, Raffle and Wine Raffle, Local Action Exhibitors

7:15 Dessert & Awards Presentation

7:25 Opening Remarks by Tina Neuhausel, SCOCO President

7:30 Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Pollution Prevention Awards

7:50 Contra Costa Green Business Program presentations

8:10 Leadership In Sustainability Awards presented by CoCo County Supervisors

8:50 Announcement of Raffle Winners

9:00 Return Name Tags & Have a Good Night

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Find or Become a Green Business Today!

Contact our office: 925-335-3200

contracostagreenbusiness@cchealth.org

www.greenbusinessca.org/ContraCostaCounty

Environmental Values at Work...We are committed to creating

healthier, cleaner workplaces for our customers, employees,

communities - and you!

Contra Costa Green Business Program

Find or Become a Green Business Today!

Contact our office: 925-335-3200

contracostagreenbusiness@cchealth.org

www.greenbusinessca.org/ContraCostaCounty

Environmental Values at Work...We are committed to creating

healthier, cleaner workplaces for our customers, employees,

communities - and you!

Contra Costa Green Business Program

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2 0 1 9 2 0 1 92 0 1 9Who We AreSustainable Contra Costa (SCOCO) is a community of citizens, organizers, leaders and educators who have worked together since 2008 to inspire healthy, connected and regenerative communities for all.

We are so grateful for the many individuals and organizations that participate and team-up with SCOCO to carry out our work. We are especially thankful for the dedication and contributions of the following individuals who have made our programs possible this year:

Michelle Alas, Marijana Belton, Michael Cass, Sue Chan-Huettl, Lois Courchaine, Jacenda Davis, Sunshine Deffner, Jennifer DeVinney, Abby Dodd, Jaime D’Urso, Jessica Gonzalez, Alicia Huang, Bob Joe, Ashley Louisiana, Michael Low, Trent Neuhausel, Laura Nicodemus, Zeta Olvera, Ingrid Owen, Julia Paras, Heather Reyes, Kerry Rivers, Marti Roach, Courtney Jane Sanchez, Brenna Shafizadeh, Lee Sigourney, Hailey Spadia, Gerard van Steyn, QianZi Wang, Carol Weed, Jimmy Weir, Illana Weisman, Mark Westwind, Lillian Wickman, Veronica Yoo, Noah Zakaria, and the SCOCO Board of Directors.

Board of DirectorsTina Neuhausel, President & Co-Founder

Caedmon Bear, Treasurer

Darren Deffner

Kimberly Lam

Ed Morales

StaffDoug Bleakly, Program Manager

Alison Clary, Workshop Coordinator

Janette Drew, Director of Operations

Kim MacKaye, Accountant

Andrew McKleroy, Community Engagement Coordinator

Tyler Snortum-Phelps, Program Administrator

Program InstructorsShawna Anderson, Anna Marie Beauchemin, Helen Erickson, Patrice Hanlon, Sheila Hill, Beth Kercher, Denise Koroslev, Renee Lee, John Matthesen, Mary Helen Nicolini, Peter Schumacher, Marian Woodard, Seth Wright

www.sustainablecoco.org

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2 0 1 9 2 0 1 9Inspiring Healthy, Connected, and Regenerative Communities for All Since 2008

Sustainable Business Summit & WorkshopsContra Costa Food System Alliance

REDUCE WASTE

Chad Frischmann - Project DrawdownIlaria Mazzoleni - Biomimicry Pioneer

Toby Hemenway - Permaculture PioneerHunter Lovins and Peter Darby - Leaders in Sustainability

We Support Project

Contra Costa Leadership in Sustainability Awards

Central San Pollution Prevention Awards

Sustainable Living Workshop Series

Central San’s Sewer Science, Water Wizards, and Pipe Protectors Hands-on programs for High School and Elementry School Students

Recognizing and Celebrating Achievement

Building a Strong, Inclusive Sustainability Movement

Creating a Vibrant, Equitable and Sustainable Economy

Encouraging, Inspiring and Motivating Action!

Engaging and Educating Our Youth

Presenting New Perspectives, Pioneers and Thought Leaders

Bay Area Regional Energy Network

Sustainable Communities Summit Sustainable Bay Area Network

Our Projects, Programs and Accomplishments

We are: Passionate About Sustainability! Organizers, conveners, leaders, innovators and educators

guided by the One Planet Living Principles

Over 50,000 actions registered since 2012!

Organizers, conveners, leaders, innovators and educators

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Truckbox CenterTRUCKS, VANS & JOBSITES

3550 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez

925-228-6136

Family owned & operated since 1948

Bill’s Ace....when minutes counts and service matters

www.billsacehardware.com

www.acetruckbox.com

Concord4451 Clayton Rd.

925-825-4100

Pleasant Hill1530 Contra Costa Blvd.

925-682-5000

Martinez3610 Pacheco Blvd.

925-228-6135

Bill

’s

HitchesBedlinersTruck BoxesVan OutfittingJobsite BoxesTruck Racks

For all your truck, van & jobsite

accessories!

PROUD TO BE A

There are many ways you can help us create a more sustainable Contra Costa. Whether you have an hour, a day, or some dedicated time throughout the year, we welcome your participation!

• Nominate a business, individual, government program, school, or nonprofit for the Leadership in Sustainability Awards or Green Building Awards.

• Donate to support SCOCO’s programs at SustainableCoCo.org, or approach your employer about doing so. It is your support that makes our work possible.

• Volunteer on a committee and contribute to the development and execution of our projects! For a full description of our volunteer opportunities, look us up on VolunteerMatch.org.

• Help plan, produce and publicize events

• Assist with fundraising, graphic design, website development, writing, research, editing, data entry, or outreach to the public about ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

• Participate in our hands-on workshops, attend a Community Gathering, or join the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge and pledge your actions.

• Connect and share on the SCOCO Network at SustainableCoCo.ning.com.

Have questions or an interest in supporting our work? Please contact us at info@sustainablecoco.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Pacific Gas & Electric Applied Technology Services3400 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon

PG&E Applied Technology Services practices pollution prevention by collecting and off-hauling federally regulated high-strength wastewater. They eliminate all discharges to the sanitary sewer from their chemistry lab by removing and capping all sinks. PG&E also removed all mercury-bearing materials from their chemistry lab.

2019 POLLUTION PREVENTION AWARD WINNERS

C ongratulations to this year’s winners of our annual Pollution Prevention Awards! These local businesses are leaders in environmental protection and we are proud to commend their commitment to preventing pollution in our community. C

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Contra Costa Newspapers2505 Dean Lesher Drive, Concord

Contra Costa Newspapers practice pollution prevention in various ways throughout their processes. They switched their plate process from a wet chemical to a digital process, switched all their outdoor lights to LED, installed low flow toilets, and they recycle all scrap paper and aluminum.

Mary Watson Craft GroupMary Watson and her craft group have keen eyes for potential; they use recycled materials to create an array of decorative items. Mary sources her materials from many places, including discarded pallets from hardware stores, old fences, and a community resource particularly close to our heart – the Reuse Room at Central San’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility! “Sometimes I go to the Reuse Room and find more than I can carry,” Mary explained.

POLLUTION PREVENTION PARTNER

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George MarkisonFrom July 2018 to June 2019, Mr. Markison visited Central San’s Residential Recycled Water Fill Station 232 times. Over the past year, he has used more than 26,000 gallons of recycled water for landscape irrigation.

RECYCLED WATER CITIZEN CHAMPION

RECYCLED WATER CHAMPIONSBrosamer & Wall, Inc. 1777 Oakland Blvd, Ste 300, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Brosamer & Wall is currently working on the Highway 4 widening project between Martinez and Concord. So far they have used over 775,000 gallons of recycled water for dust control and other construction purposes.

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. he following community partners are recognized for maintaining full compliance with their Central Contra Costa Sanitary District sewer discharge permit, preventing pollution and protecting water quality.

WATER QUALITY COMMUNITY PARTNERS (as of June 30, 2019)

T19 YEARS

• Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, Concord

15 YEARS

• Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office, Martinez

14 YEARS

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Forensic Science Laboratories, Walnut Creek

• Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek

11 YEARS

• Acalanes Union High School District Maintenance Facility, Moraga

• Contra Costa Water District Alum Drying Pond, Martinez

10 YEARS

• Aquarius Pool & Spa, Walnut Creek

9 YEARS

• Captain Vineyards, Moraga

• The CONCO Companies, Martinez

• Del Monte Foods Research Center, Walnut Creek

• Ising’s Culligan Water Systems, San Ramon

8 YEARS

• Gold Coin Car Wash, Concord

• Gold Coin Car Wash, San Ramon

• John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek 7 YEARS

• Cerus Corporation, Concord

6 YEARS

• San Ramon Valley Unified School District Maintenance Facility, San Ramon

• Shadowbrook Winery, Walnut Creek

5 YEARS

• Central Contra Costa Transit Authority, Concord

• Contra Costa Newspapers, Concord

• Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, Concord

4 YEARS

• PG&E San Ramon Technology Center, San Ramon

• 7 Flags Car Wash, Martinez

3 YEARS

• Copart, Inc., Martinez

• DenMat Holdings, LLC dba G. Hartzell & Son, Concord

• Independent Construction, Concord

• Kwik-N-Easy Car Wash, Concord

• Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Concord

2 YEARS

• Cascade Drilling, L.P., Concord

• Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, Martinez

• John Muir Medical Center, Concord

• Les Lunes Winery, Orinda

• Nu West Textile, Concord

• Sierra Pacific Tours, Pacheco

1 YEAR

• BART Concord Shop, Concord

• Contra Costa Water District Bollman Filtration Plant Lab, Concord

• Geronimo’s Professional Auto Detailing, Walnut Creek

• Golnazar Gourmet Ice Cream, Walnut Creek

• Herc Rentals, Pacheco

• Military Ocean Terminal Concord, Concord

• Mt. Diablo Unified School District Maintenance Facility, Concord

• Republic Services, Inc., Pacheco

• SFPP, L.P. - Area IV Ground Water Extraction Treatment System, Concord

• So Kwik Car Wash, Concord

• The Luxury Collection, Walnut Creek

• TransMontaigne Operating Company, L.P., Martinez

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Visit our website to find or become a green business:

www.GreenBusinessCA.org

CONTRA COSTA GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM

The Contra Costa Green Business Program is part of the California Green Business

Network, which leads the state and nation in working with small to medium sized busi-

nesses to grow a vibrant and healthy green economy. Businesses in our pro-

gram contribute to more livable communi-ties with healthier environments, while also

conserving resources and saving money.

Together with our Program Partners, our program assists and certifies businesses

that comply with environmental regula-tions and meet program standards for sav-

ing water, conserving energy, preventing pollution and minimizing waste.

The Green Business Program would not be possible without the support from our Program Partners. Thank you!

511 Contra Costa, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, City of Richmond Water Resources Recovery Department, Contra Costa Clean Water Program, Contra Costa Watershed Program, Contra Costa Haz-ardous Materials Programs, Contra Costa Water District, Delta Diablo Sanitation Dis-trict, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Pacific Gas & Electric, RecycleMore, West County Wastewater District, Town of Danville, and the Cities of: Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, El Cerrito, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, & Walnut Creek.

The Contra Costa Green Business Program would like to recognize the following businesses for their commitment to the environment. Congratulations!

2018 CERTIFIED GREEN BUSINESS RECOGNITION

New Certified Businesses

Re-Certified Businesses

A-1 Brake & Tire, Walnut Creek……………….....……………………………..17 years

Alion Energy, Richmond………..……...…….…………………………………....7 years

Antioch Chamber of Commerce, Antioch…………...........................……12 years

Central Automotive Service Center, Walnut Creek..............................….19 years

City of Concord Fleet Services, Concord………………...…..……………...15 years

City of Martinez City Hall & Police Department, Martinez….......................7 years

City of Walnut Creek Vehicle Maintenance………………………………...12 years

EBMUD East Area Service Center, Walnut Creek…….…………………..…..4 years

German Sport Parts & Service Inc., Walnut Creek …………..........……….20 years

Mechanics Bank, Concord……………………………………………………...12 years

Metro Dog, Richmond……………………………………………………………11 years

Paul’s Automotive Service Center, Oakley…………………………………....9 years

Stillpoint Center for Health, Well-being & Renewal, Lafayette..………....11 years

Town of Danville, Danville…………………………………………………….......8 years

Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce, Walnut Creek….…………….…...8 years

Thank you to the following businesses for continuing your efforts and completing recertification in the Contra Costa Green Business Program.

Diablo Valley College—Custodial Department

Pacheco Auto Care

Save Mount Diablo

2019 CONTRA COSTA GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM RECOGNITION

The Contra Costa Green Business Program is part of the California Green Business Network, which leads the state

and nation in working with small to medium sized businesses to grow a vibrant and healthy green economy.

Together with our Program Partners, our program assists and certifies businesses that comply with environmental

regulations and meet program standards for saving water, conserving energy, preventing pollution and minimizing

waste.

The Green Business Program would not be possible without the support from our Program Partners. Thank you!

Visit our website to find or become a green business: www.GreenBusinessCA.org

The Contra Costa Green Business Program would like to recognize all new and recertified businesses

for their commitment to the environment and contribution to cleaner, healthier communities!

Congratulations!

New Certified Businesses

Re-Certified Businesses Ally Electric & Solar Inc., Richmond (4 years)

Armanino LLP, San Ramon (12 years)

Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation, Pittsburg (8 years)

City of Concord Printing Services, Concord (13 years)

Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials Programs, Martinez (5 years)

Danville Maintenance Services, Danville (15 years)

EBMUD Orinda Water Treatment Plant, Orinda (13 years)

Engineering/Remediation Resources Group, Inc., Martinez (6 years)

Generation Green, Moraga (6 years)

HF&H Consultants, Walnut Creek (9 years)

Independent Volvo Service, Walnut Creek (13 years)

Innersense Organic Beauty, Concord (11 years)

Integro Insurance Brokers, Pleasant Hill (11 years)

Interactive Resources, Richmond (8 years)

LandSpaces, Richmond (8 years)

Nan Phelps Photography, Kensington (9 years)

Natural Healings Center for Wellness, Martinez (12 years)

Office of Supervisor Mitchoff, Concord (8 years)

Organic Choice Carpet Cleaning, Antioch (14 years)

Paladin Law Group, Walnut Creek (8 years)

Unique Law, El Cerrito (11 years)

vCom Solutions, San Ramon (7 years)

Anaviv Catering and Events, Richmond

Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi, Pleasant Hill

Gates + Associates, San Ramon

Honeycomb Financial, LLC, Walnut Creek

MCE, Concord

Zip Code East Bay, Kensington

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Visit our website to find or become a green business:

www.GreenBusinessCA.org

CONTRA COSTA GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM

The Contra Costa Green Business Program is part of the California Green Business

Network, which leads the state and nation in working with small to medium sized busi-

nesses to grow a vibrant and healthy green economy. Businesses in our pro-

gram contribute to more livable communi-ties with healthier environments, while also

conserving resources and saving money.

Together with our Program Partners, our program assists and certifies businesses

that comply with environmental regula-tions and meet program standards for sav-

ing water, conserving energy, preventing pollution and minimizing waste.

The Green Business Program would not be possible without the support from our Program Partners. Thank you!

511 Contra Costa, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, City of Richmond Water Resources Recovery Department, Contra Costa Clean Water Program, Contra Costa Watershed Program, Contra Costa Haz-ardous Materials Programs, Contra Costa Water District, Delta Diablo Sanitation Dis-trict, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Pacific Gas & Electric, RecycleMore, West County Wastewater District, Town of Danville, and the Cities of: Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, El Cerrito, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, & Walnut Creek.

The Contra Costa Green Business Program would like to recognize the following businesses for their commitment to the environment. Congratulations!

2018 CERTIFIED GREEN BUSINESS RECOGNITION

New Certified Businesses

Re-Certified Businesses

A-1 Brake & Tire, Walnut Creek……………….....……………………………..17 years

Alion Energy, Richmond………..……...…….…………………………………....7 years

Antioch Chamber of Commerce, Antioch…………...........................……12 years

Central Automotive Service Center, Walnut Creek..............................….19 years

City of Concord Fleet Services, Concord………………...…..……………...15 years

City of Martinez City Hall & Police Department, Martinez….......................7 years

City of Walnut Creek Vehicle Maintenance………………………………...12 years

EBMUD East Area Service Center, Walnut Creek…….…………………..…..4 years

German Sport Parts & Service Inc., Walnut Creek …………..........……….20 years

Mechanics Bank, Concord……………………………………………………...12 years

Metro Dog, Richmond……………………………………………………………11 years

Paul’s Automotive Service Center, Oakley…………………………………....9 years

Stillpoint Center for Health, Well-being & Renewal, Lafayette..………....11 years

Town of Danville, Danville…………………………………………………….......8 years

Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce, Walnut Creek….…………….…...8 years

Thank you to the following businesses for continuing your efforts and completing recertification in the Contra Costa Green Business Program.

Diablo Valley College—Custodial Department

Pacheco Auto Care

Save Mount Diablo

2019 CONTRA COSTA GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM RECOGNITION

The Contra Costa Green Business Program is part of the California Green Business Network, which leads the state

and nation in working with small to medium sized businesses to grow a vibrant and healthy green economy.

Together with our Program Partners, our program assists and certifies businesses that comply with environmental

regulations and meet program standards for saving water, conserving energy, preventing pollution and minimizing

waste.

The Green Business Program would not be possible without the support from our Program Partners. Thank you!

Visit our website to find or become a green business: www.GreenBusinessCA.org

The Contra Costa Green Business Program would like to recognize all new and recertified businesses

for their commitment to the environment and contribution to cleaner, healthier communities!

Congratulations!

New Certified Businesses

Re-Certified Businesses Ally Electric & Solar Inc., Richmond (4 years)

Armanino LLP, San Ramon (12 years)

Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation, Pittsburg (8 years)

City of Concord Printing Services, Concord (13 years)

Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials Programs, Martinez (5 years)

Danville Maintenance Services, Danville (15 years)

EBMUD Orinda Water Treatment Plant, Orinda (13 years)

Engineering/Remediation Resources Group, Inc., Martinez (6 years)

Generation Green, Moraga (6 years)

HF&H Consultants, Walnut Creek (9 years)

Independent Volvo Service, Walnut Creek (13 years)

Innersense Organic Beauty, Concord (11 years)

Integro Insurance Brokers, Pleasant Hill (11 years)

Interactive Resources, Richmond (8 years)

LandSpaces, Richmond (8 years)

Nan Phelps Photography, Kensington (9 years)

Natural Healings Center for Wellness, Martinez (12 years)

Office of Supervisor Mitchoff, Concord (8 years)

Organic Choice Carpet Cleaning, Antioch (14 years)

Paladin Law Group, Walnut Creek (8 years)

Unique Law, El Cerrito (11 years)

vCom Solutions, San Ramon (7 years)

Anaviv Catering and Events, Richmond

Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi, Pleasant Hill

Gates + Associates, San Ramon

Honeycomb Financial, LLC, Walnut Creek

MCE, Concord

Zip Code East Bay, Kensington

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2 0 1 9About the Sustainability AwardsThe Contra Costa Leadership in Sustainability Awards honor those who demonstrate outstanding commitment, leadership and contributions to practicing and promoting sustainability. Nominations are accepted throughout the year at SustainableCoCo.org. Nominees are evaluated on how well their actions reflect these basic areas of sustainability: Environmental Health, Social Health and Wellbeing, and Economic Prosperity. They are also evaluated on their: uniqueness, scope of involvement and impact in the community, level of organization-wide involvement, ability to serve as a model for others, and partnerships and collaborations. Winners are announced at the annual Awards Gala.

One Planet Living: Sustainable Contra Costa has committed to aligning all of our programs with the One Planet Living Principles. One Planet Living is an initiative of Bioregional and its partners to make truly sustainable living a reality. One Planet Living holds a vision of a world in which people enjoy happy, healthy lives within their fair share of the earth’s resources, leaving space for wildlife and wilderness. The Ten Principles provide an easy-to-use framework that can help anyone, anywhere, to plan, deliver and communicate sustainability.

In the description of each award winner you will see icons that represent the One Planet Living principles that align most closely with their work.

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2 0 1 9 2 0 1 92 0 1 9Congratulations to all the 2019 Sustainability Award Finalists

Ruth Abbe

Smitty Ardrey, Bike Concord

Michael Cass

Chris Dundon, Contra Costa Water District

Rossmoor Food Waste Recycling Program

Cindy Gershen

Charlotte “Charlie” Keohane

John Kiefer

Kathy Kramer, Bringing Back The Natives Garden Tour

Janet Miller

Richmond Housing Renovation

Save Lafayette Trees

Springhill Elementary School Garden

Sustainability Awards JudgesThank you to the 2019 Sustainability Awards judges for their time, diligence and integrity throughout the awards selection process: Gary Farber, Nanette Heffernan, Ashley Louisiana, Justin Marquez, Marcia McClean, Lee Sigourney, Illana Weisman

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Chris DundonA passionate and committed leader in sustainability, Chris Dundon has worked in the field of water conservation for over 25 years. He is the water efficiency supervisor for the Contra Costa Water District, where he has developed numerous innovative water conservation programs that have saved over 20 billion gallons of water. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of California at Davis and has many years of experience in landscape and irrigation design. He is a certified landscape water auditor, water conservation specialist, and recycled water site supervisor. He served on the board of directors of the California Urban Water Conservation Council (now the California Water Efficiency Partnership) for 12 years as well as on several Department of Water Resources water conservation committees.

Chris is a role model and leader in sustainable water, sustainable land use & wildlife, and zero waste who brings a sense of humor to his work and inspires those around him. Beyond water conservation, many of Chris’ programs meet multiple sustainability objectives such as biodiversity, healthy soil, and habitat. These programs have served as models for similar programs throughout the state, including the Lawn to Garden Rebate Program, which has replaced nearly 3 million square feet of water-thirsty lawns with water-wise landscapes and increased our cityscape’s air quality, carbon sequestration, and native plants & biodiversity. He is active inpartnerships and collaborations with numerous community organizations and non-profits, including Ruth Bancroft Garden, Sustainable Contra Costa, California Water Efficiency Partnership, Alliance for Water Efficiency, Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, and the Green Business Program.

AwArd winners

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Michael Cass Michael is a champion of all ten One Planet Living principles in the sustainability movement and most notably a leader in Land Use & Wildlife, Zero Waste, and Zero Carbon. In high school, Michael raised more than $30,000 for the preservation of the ½ acre Leigh Creekside Park in Lafayette, and he co-founded the Lafayette Open Space Project, which resulted in robust donations to Save Mount Diablo and the John Muir Land Trust. Michael served on the board of Sustainable Lafayette and was Chair of the Waste Diversion Committee, where he was involved in trash, recycling, and compost receptacle re-branding and signage; community outreach; and revamping Sustainable Lafayette’s “Recycle Lafayette” campaign. Michael drafted the plastic bag and Styrofoam bans in the City of Lafayette and implemented the Styrofoam ban in the City of Concord, resulting in hundreds of businesses using compostable or recyclable food and beverage containers.

Michael is the only city planner in the county that successfully brought a community choice energy program to two jurisdictions –Lafayette and Concord—specifically designating MCE as Concord’s default electricity provider. He led the effort to upgrade Concord’s downtown parking garage light fixtures to LED lights and install five Level 2 electric vehicle chargers. In Lafayette, Michael served as staff liaison to the Environmental Task Force and drafted resolutions authorizing participation in five Property Assessed Clean Energy Programs. Michael is a regular volunteer with Save the Bay and has been a Sustainable Contra Costa Certified Sustainability Advisor, Certified Climate Reality Leader, former California 16th Assembly District Environmental Advisory Councilmember, and former Sustainable Contra Costa Board Member.

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Richmond Housing Restoration Program Th e city of Richmond has many housing challenges. Much of the housing stock is over 60 years old, and many city homes were abandoned due to Richmond’s changing employment base and the housing market crash of 2008. Some consequences have been severe blight, neighborhood destabilization and a drain on Code Enforcement resources. At the same time, fi rst time homebuyers are unable to purchase homes in Richmond in spite of the fact that it is one of the last cities in the Bay Area that still has aff ordable properties. Th e Richmond Housing Restoration Program addresses these problems by acquiring these properties, rehabilitating them and selling them to graduates of the First Time Homebuyers Program. Th e funds used to support the program come from a new type of bond called a social impact fund. Th e program brings many local entities into partnership to achieve program success.

When new construction is required, the program builds to Zero Net energy standards and provides a solar system to homebuyers. In addition, all rehabbed homes are designed using green materials, low VOC paints, dual pane windows, and energy effi cient fi xtures and appliances. Water effi cient and drought tolerant plants are used in the landscaping. Th is program increases home ownership rates of fi rst time Richmond homebuyers, hires local contractors, reduces blight, helps to stabilize neighborhoods, and reduces police costs. Th rough the fi nancing process and energy-saving measures employed, homes available through this program are aff ordable to purchase and aff ordable to maintain.

Contact info@rbcellars.com to book your holiday or special event

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Kathy KramerKathy Kramer has been involved in environmental education for more than thirty years. Her signature contribution to the public understanding of sustainability is the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. Founded in 2005, this award-winning event showcases forty pesticide-free, water-conserving gardens that provide habitat for wildlife and contain 60% or more native plants. More than 3,000 people have attended the tour every year since its inception. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of native plants have been sold by small area nurseries in connection with the tour, and several landscape designers credit it for a large part of their business. This innovative event enlists local residents to demonstrate by example that seasoned and novice gardeners can garden with good results without the use of synthetic chemicals and with minimal supplemental water while providing food, shelter, and nesting areas for wildlife.

Kathy displays a total commitment to fostering sustainable land use in the 21st century and implements engaging educational programs and events. She is visionary and hardworking in the pursuit of her goals. On the most recent tour, 15% of the featured gardens belonged to people who had themselves attended and been inspired by the tour. Her work involves extensive collaboration with community stakeholders. Each year, the tour partners with numerous city and county Clean Water Programs, water districts, non-profits, and businesses, and coordinates with other native plant tours such as the Going Native Garden Tour. What started as one woman’s passion to restore nature in our own backyards has grown into an event that inspires thousands of people to appreciate the value of growing and preserving native plants.

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Springhill Elementary School GardenThe Springhill Elementary School garden is a little slice of magic. The garden program is currently run through the amazing volunteer efforts of Heidi Doggett and Jessica Chandler. While gardening classes might seem like an “extra,” Heidi has found that many kids don’t understand essential concepts like seasonality or who is working to grow their food. To address this, the program has created short tutorials on topics such as gardening basics, supporting pollinators, beneficial insects, and building soil. Garden teachers also include garden games to maximize fun. The classes discuss the critical concept that everyone involved in food production needs safe, dignified working conditions and a fair living. The Springhill gardening space can also be used to supplement every subject and need at school, from math to art to a place where students can go to calm down and learn mindfulness. One science teacher integrates the garden with her science curriculum and uses garden time to boost the kids’ motor skills and time outside.

Jessica Chandler has been working with multiple experts and organizations to create a lasting program that can serve as a model for other school garden programs. In addition, the program is developing methods of fundraising that can be used to make the program financially self-sustaining. All of this is being done with sustainability in mind: building soil, creating habitats for wildlife, using repurposed materials where possible, and avoiding chemical inputs.

Heidi and Jessica are working on a harvest festival fundraiser in the garden this fall where families can buy pumpkins and flowers. In the spring, they plan on having a maker festival in the garden. Heidi hopes this program can help build community, and she will soon open the garden for crafts and picnics outside of school hours. This team hopes to show parents, kids and educators how gardening can be a regular part of students’ education at Springhill and beyond. Not only is it important for kids to know the science of soil, plants, and weather, but it is also critical for them to know where their food comes from. They need to understand the positive and negative impacts that farming can have on people and our planet.

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Charlotte “Charlie” Keohane, Rising StarRising Star Charlie Keohane is 17 and going into her senior year at Acalanes High School in Lafayette. She is a committed vegan who lives a sustainable lifestyle and promotes a plant-based diet in her community. Raised vegetarian, Charlie made the choice to become vegan at age 10 and eats foods that do the least harm, thereby reducing her carbon footprint. She has maintained an active social media presence on Instagram, and you can see her food postings that showcase vegan food from the past fi ve years on Instagram @thedoughgirl.

Charlie brings vegan baked goods and treats to classmates in high school, particularly to team members of Blueprint, the Acalanes School Newspaper, and was recently asked to create a “Cooking with Charlie” segment for the online version of the newspaper. Th is is now a regular feature, with three fi ve-minute segments already launched and others in production.

Charlie makes plant-based food more acceptable in a world that often scoff s at vegan options. She is a joyful example of a happy and healthy person who follows a compassionate, sustainable lifestyle, and with her new cooking show, she promotes delicious snacks and treats that teens can make themselves. An avid hiker and backpacker, Charlie plans on studying environmental science at college so she can be a part of the solution to the many problems our planet faces.

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Cindy Gershen Lifetime Achievement AwardCindy Gershen is a chef and teacher at Mt. Diablo High School in Concord, founder of Sunrise Bistro and Catering restaurant in Walnut Creek, and founder of the non-profit Wellness City Challenge. She has created a remarkable Sustainable Hospitality Program that focuses on the science of food through culinary, hydroponics, and nutrition education. This program has become an integral part of the curriculum at Mt. Diablo High School as an Innovation Center for programs that can be replicated throughout our district and state. Cindy’s education programs take a prevention approach to the obesity and diabetes epidemic occurring in the nation.

Cindy prepares young people for employment as professionals in the healthy food service industry by promoting state of the art growing techniques via vertical tower gardens. Her education programs are effective in creating social change because they merge theories and principles with hands-on activities. This curriculum incorporates the “Do no harm” revolution in the hospitality industry by promoting standards that are good for the environment, workers, and consumers. Cindy’s senior class focuses on Career Technical Education (CTE) through topics such as farm to table/cafeteria with experience in planting, growing, and harvesting produce and entrepreneurship through catering. Her students also promote health and wellness through a district wide “Water Drinking Campaign.”

Cindy continues to expand her youth education programs, including a recently launched 4th grade culinary, growing, and nutrition education program. In her new role as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), she is launching “Educatering,” which supports healthy food needs through student driven recipes and products and reduces waste by providing non-packaged, non-processed healthy food. Cindy’s vision is: “Teachers are in the best condition to teach, and students are in the best condition to learn.” Cindy is a past winner of the California Assembly District 14 “Woman of the Year” award and co-author of the book The Fat Chance Cookbook.

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Promoting Sustainabilitywith a Citywide Garage SaleAn annual Antioch Eco-Event Held on October 4–6, 2019

The citywide garage sales is a joint effort by the CIty of Antioch & Republic Services to protect the environment and conserve resources through reuse.

For more information: AntiochYardSales.com Environmental Resource Line: (925) 779-6137

Proud sponsors of Sustainable Contra Costa

Join the Challenge to save money and reduce your carbon footprint!

www.CleanerContraCosta.org

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Culture Community Pridewww.pi t tsburgca.gov www.ThinkPit tsburg.comCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community PrideCulture Community Pride

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City of MartinezCommunity-minded Commitment to

Environmental SustainabilityVisit our Sustainability Resources page online

to find more information on:

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Looking towards a brighter tomorrow.

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Congratulations to all the 2019 Winners & Nominees!

From:

Proud Sponsor of Sustainable Contra Costa

Environmental Resource Line: (925) 779-6137 Website: www.ci.antioch.ca.us/environment

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Viano Vineyards

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Thank you to our 2019 partners

VISIONARY Central Contra Costa Sanitary District

BENEFACTORS Contra Costa Green Business Program

Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery

SUSTAINERS City of Martinez

East Bay Municipal Utility DistrictEcoMulch

Green Gutter ScreensMCE

CHAMPIONS Contra Costa Centre Transit Village

Contra Costa Water District City of Antioch

City of Pittsburg City of Pleasant Hill

City of Walnut Creek Laura & Nick Neuhausel

RecycleSmart Republic Services

ADVOCATES Bill’s Ace Hardware Calicraft BrewingCaptain Vineyards Chairs For Affairs

Mt. Diablo High School Hospitality & Tourism Academy Mechanics Bank

Pacifi c Service Credit UnionR & D Cellars/Riggers LoftRenaissance Club Sport

Sunrise BistroViano Vineyards

Westwind AssociatesBay Cities Produce

SUPPORTERS AEI Consultants

Ellyn Gelson & Bill RouletteEric & Marsha Golangco

Lyn & Brian HiraharaIndigo Yoga

JFC ConstructionJohn Muir Health

Rooted Coffee Sloat Garden Center

Jasmine Cisneros - cover photo | Ingrid Owen - booklet design & productionAlison Clary - copy editing | Siripat Virushamornphan - event photography

This booklet was printed by Central San using 100% post-consumer-waste paper.Sustainable Contra Costa is a 501c3 charitable organization Tax ID# 30-0670501

SustainableCoCo.org