Featured chapter: CCL West Los Angeles

CCL’s West Los Angeles chapter has had “a very challenging 2025 so far,” say group leaders Gerda Newbold and Kathy Seal, beginning with several of their longtime members losing their homes in the Palisades fire.

“Additionally, the hostility toward—and active dismantling of—climate legislation by the current administration has been difficult to process and address,” Gerda and Kathy add. “Our strategy for dealing with both of these distressing situations has been to focus on building community and strengthening connections with each other and with other people.”

Since January 2025, alongside all their regular climate advocacy, CCL West Los Angeles has hosted at least one additional monthly engagement activity—and sometimes more! They’ve tabled at two local farmers markets, volunteered twice at a local wetlands restoration site, and participated in a beach cleanup. One of the chapter’s members recently started a book club to read “What If We Get It Right,” and they invited other local environmental groups to join. Another member hosted a lively dinner party at his house for the chapter’s steering committee.

Gerda and Kathy say, “We’re proud of the amount of work we’ve accomplished despite the hardships and find that our chapter is stronger than ever!”

Thanks for showing up and supporting each other, CCL West LA!