CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: February 3, 2026
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Victoria Henkel, Permit Technician
Subject: Climate Action Committee Interviews
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATIONS:
City Council to conduct interviews for two openings on the Climate Action Committee and consider making appointments later in the agenda.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE – 2 YEAR TERM
The Climate Action Committee promotes initiatives related to climate change issues and makes recommendations to Council. There are currently two openings on the committee. Vacancies are available under the variety of experiences and/or characteristics approved for the Committee makeup at the March 18, 2025, Council meeting.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
The Climate Action Committee is regularly scheduled to meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Sebastopol City Hall Conference Room at 7120 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol, CA. Terms of office are two-year terms, and the opening term will last until December 31st, 2027.
On March 18, 2025, the City Council reviewed a proposal to reconfigure the makeup of the Committee and directed staff to update the Committee composition to include 7 members from the following backgrounds:
1. One City Councilmember Liaison (at large)
2. Six members with one or more of the following experiences/characteristics:
• Youth Representative
• Climate Change
• Sebastopol Business Owner
• Local Climate Action Group
• Environmental Justice and Equity
• Rights of Nature
• Energy
• Transportation
• Zero Waste
Current Climate Action Committee terms/categories are listed below (vacancies are highlighted)
MEMBERS CATEGORY TERM ENDING DATE
Phill Carter City Council Liaison at large As assigned
Steven Pierce, Chair Sebastopol Business Owner, Energy, Transportation, Local Climate Action Group
December 31, 2026
Emily Ocon Transportation, Climate Change, Local Climate Action Group
December 31, 2026
Lila Newton Youth Representative, Climate Change December 31, 2026 Sunny Galbraith Zero Waste December 31, 2026
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Vacant One or more of the listed
experiences/characteristics
December 31, 2027
Vacant One or more of the listed
experiences/characteristics
December 31, 2027
The City Council received applications from the following individuals for the two openings on the Climate Action Committee:
APPLICANTS EXPERIENCE/CHARACTERISTICS:
Kenna Lee Climate Change
Olivia House Youth Representative
Interviews for the applicants are scheduled as follows, beginning at 6:00 pm:
Applicant Name Experience/Characteristics
1. Kenna Lee Climate Change
2. Olivia House Youth Representative
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The City received one application within the time period for the two openings. City staff extended the deadline for two more weeks and received the second application. This item is for the Council to consider these applications for the two available seats. If the seats are unfilled, City staff will re-advertise the vacancies.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
This item has been noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action tonight.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
Interview the applicants who have applied and consider appointments based on the interviews later in the agenda.
OPTIONS:
None. Consideration of appointments will be considered later in the agenda
ATTACHMENTS:
Applications (redacted)
APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Approval Date: 1/21/2026
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date: 1/5/2026
The proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administrative Services (Financial) Approval Date: N/A_____ Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No N/A Account Code (if applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date: N/A
City Manager Approval: Approval Date: 1/21/2026
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Youth Application Instructions:
Use this form to apply to serve on any of the City of Sebastopol’s Boards, Committees or Commissions.
Please complete the entire form and either print and mail it to the address above or email your completed application to [email protected]. If a question does not apply, please note as not applicable. Please deliver completed form, by the date and time due to the City Clerk. All applications will be reviewed by the City Council. Interviews may be required by City Council. If appointed, you have a choice whether you wish to have your contact information visible to the public; however, your information may be made public upon request by (a) member(s) of the public.
Board, Commission, or Committee being applied for? _______________________
Name: ________________________________________________________ Age _______ Home Address, City, State and Zip Code:
_____________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _________________
If appointed, do you want this number to be visible to the public? □Y es □No □I am a minor (your phone number will not be made public)
E-Mail Address: ______________________________________
If appointed, do you want this address to be visible to the public? □Y es □No □I am a minor (your email will not be made public)
Do you live in Sebastopol? □Yes □No
Do you go to school in Sebastopol? □Yes □No
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Have you attended a meeting of this body? When?
____________________________________________________
Can you make a one-year commitment to participating on this board/commission/committee? □Yes □No
Have you served on, interviewed for, or applied for this body previously? □Yes □No If so, when? _________________________________________
Do you have a job? □Yes □No
If yes, who is your present employer:_________________________________________________ Job Title:_________________________________________________________
Please list school clubs and/or civic or charitable organizations to which you belong or have belonged:
Describe the activities you have helped organize or taken part in through these groups or organizations.
What special interests, skills and talents would you bring to this board, commission, or committee?
Please list any educational programs or courses you have taken that relate to the work of this board/commission/committee
Have you previously served on any governmental bodies? If so, please list position held and dates:
Please state why you would like to become a member of this board, commission or committee:
To your knowledge, are you associated with any organization/employment that might be deemed a conflict of interest in performing your duties if appointed to this position? □No
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Are there particular issues you think the board/committee/commission should concentrate on?
What exciting possibilities do you see for Sebastopol as a community in the future and how might this board/commission/committee help us get there?
Is there any other information that you feel would be useful to the City Council in reviewing your application and materials provided with the application?
I certify that I have thoroughly read and understand all material in this application.
Applicant’s Signature :________________________________________________ Applicant’s Name (PLEASE PRINT): ___________________________________ Date:__________________________________
Parental Consent: (If applicable)
If applicant is under age 18, parent/guardian must complete the following:
As parent/guardian of this minor, I have reviewed the volunteer application form and give my consent for (name): _________________________ , (age) _________: To participate in this volunteer committee/commission/board.
Signature of Parent:___________________________________________________Date:_________________
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City of Sebastopol Climate Action Committee Application Responses School Clubs and Civic or Charitable Organizations
Disability Culture Awareness Club (SRJC), Environmental Club (SRJC), Paper Crane Club (Vice President - high school), Key Club (Treasurer - high school), A&O Cleaning Service (Co-founder), Volunteer with local community gardens.
Activities Organized or Participated In
I've helped coordinate peer support and educational meetings, organized wellness and sustainability awareness events, and participated in local community clean-up efforts. Through my business and volunteer work, I've promoted eco-conscious, low-waste living and mental health-centered care in daily life. In high school, I supported fundraising and outreach projects, including supply drives and mental health awareness campaigns.
Special Interests, Skills, and Talents
I'm passionate about sustainability, mental and physical wellness, and environmental equity. I've been actively working to cut out plastic in my life, make low-impact choices, and educate my peers through example and conversation. I bring strong organizational and leadership experience from both school and community roles, and I care deeply about how climate change affects the general health and well-being of individuals-especially youth and vulnerable populations.
Relevant Educational Programs or Courses
Environmental Engineering (in progress), Introduction to Environmental Science, Nutrition & Food Systems, Psychology, and Art (with a focus on visual storytelling for outreach). I'm currently attending Santa Rosa Junior College with plans to transfer to a four-year university in environmental studies or engineering.
Previous Governmental Bodies Served On
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City of Sebastopol Climate Action Committee Application Responses Not yet, but I'm excited to begin serving in a civic role.
Why I Want to Serve on this Committee
I want to help Sebastopol reach its climate goals while ensuring that solutions are accessible, community-driven, and inclusive. I care deeply about the environment and believe young people have a key role to play in shaping sustainable futures. Serving on the Climate Action Committee would give me the chance to support real progress in our town while learning from others and giving back.
Issues the Committee Should Focus On
Yes-reducing plastic and single-use waste, supporting zero-waste initiatives, improving public access to climate education, and promoting equity in all aspects of climate planning. I also believe strongly in ensuring that underrepresented voices, including youth and disabled community members, are included in climate conversations.
Exciting Possibilities for Sebastopol
Sebastopol has the chance to become a model for small-town climate leadership-one that prioritizes justice, resilience, and community connection. By focusing on education, sustainable infrastructure, and local empowerment, this committee can help Sebastopol make bold progress that reflects both global responsibility and local care.
Additional Information for City Council
I'm a passionate advocate for equity and sustainability with a lived understanding of how climate action intersects with everyday life. Through personal choices, business practices, and peer engagement, I've been working to live more sustainably and encourage others to do the same. I would be honored to bring that experience and dedication to the Climate Action Committee.
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