Updated video and presentation links: 1) Trees for Oakland video, 2) EBMUC presentation and video, 3) Quit Carbon presentation and video, 4) City of Oakland Electrification presentation and video

As the impacts of climate change become more severe, we must acknowledge how our actions may contribute to these impacts. More importantly, we should take action and make changes in our own homes and communities. RCPC is putting out a call for Rockridge to step up and to do so collectively. On October 19, 7-9 pm in the Rockridge Library, RCPC will bring three expert panelists to provide residents with real solutions they can use to help reduce their carbon footprint at home.

Trees for Oakland is a volunteer organization dedicated to planting and caring for trees throughout the City. Their vision is to
create “an Oakland that is lusher, and more beautiful, with better air quality that would lead to the improved well-being of people who live, work, and visit the city.” Amy Hansen, lead volunteer, is responsible for planting hundreds of trees in Oakland and is an expert in the entire process. At the Town Hall, she will speak about the benefits of tree planting, the types of recommended trees, and the process for planting trees on Oakland sidewalks, as well as answer questions.

RCPC is calling upon eligible Rockridge residents to plant City-approved trees in their sidewalk tree wells and contribute to Trees for Oakland in order to simplify the process. Preparation meetings will be conducted in November/December with the aim to plant the trees early next year.

Can’t plant a tree? Volunteer or sponsor a tree instead. Volunteers are needed for weeding, digging, and planting — here in Rockridge and throughout Oakland. To sign up, email hansena49@gmail.com. No experience needed. We’re also looking
for five sponsors to individually contribute $150 to plant trees in front of Rockridge businesses (email Chair@Rockridge.org to sponsor).

Geneva Gondak, Supervisor of Water Conservation for East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD, the water and wastewater for Rockridge and other parts of the East Bay) will provide tips on how to reduce water consumption in your home and garden. EBMUD has related upcoming webinars about water-efficient gardening:
1) Biodiversity, Water Conservation, and Yards, October 20, 12pm to 1:30pm.
2) Virtual Landscape Rebate Office Hours: Tuesdays, 12pm to 1pm. Learn more at https://www.ebmud.com/water/conservation-and-rebates.

Adam Klaus of QuitCarbon.com will provide a presentation on how homeowners can reduce their home’s carbon footprint by eliminating the devices that produce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing them with electric alternatives. QuitCarbon provides free personalized Home Electrification Plans, explains rebate programs, and offers technical assistance support.

Jeffrey Ja Wong will speak about the City‘s Electrification Ordinance, EV’s, battery storage, and more. The City of Oakland’s Climate Action Fellows will be available to answer questions and share information.