BNC encourages you to exercise your vote in this election, but does not endorse candidates.
From a BNC Member:
Sierra Club and Dense Development in Berkeley
The local SF Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club has been captured by single-issue members, focused largely on pushing cities to build unrestricted market-rate housing (1), and on EBMUD, East Bay Parks and other agencies to open hiking trails to mountain biking (2). The Chapter is now advising the Berkeley City Council to build along the commercial "Corridors" of Solano, N. Shattuck and College, buildings "at least 7 stories" tall, including in the three residential blocks on either side.(3)
Because of the Club's long history and its reputation as a defender of the environment its advice is often trusted and carries special weight with elected officials. Candidates, especially Berkeley's, seek the Club's endorsement when running for office; it's not uncommon to see the Sierra Club logo on a yard sign or mailer. Sierra Club's advice can make a difference in cities' decisions, including those on land-use.
The next election in Nov/Dec is a chance to begin to roll back this take-over. The Chapter can continue on its narrow course or return to the Sierra Club's 120-year mandate to protect and restore the environment of the SF Bay, California, the country and the planet. Every Sierra Club member in the Bay Area is entitled to vote for SF Bay Chapter leadership.
In order to vote, your membership must be active on 10/31 in order to receive a ballot, so join or renew at least a week before, or preferably right now: https://www.sierraclub.org/sfbay . Tell your friends and family. A household can have multiple voters.
Last year's winners were separated from those who lost by as little as 200 votes. Simply getting those you know to join/renew and vote will make the difference. Recommended candidates for SF Bay Chapter Executive Committee are:
Matt Morrison
Paul Seger
Patrisha Piras
Mark Van Landuyt
(leave the fifth slot empty)
Recommended candidates for the SF Bay Chapter, N. Alameda County Group
Andy Katz
Jacob Dadmun
Here is more background on the issues:
(1) https://48hills.org/2024/02/opinion-the-local-sierra-club-is-no-longer-an-environmental-leader/
(3) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o2c67v0SY0Jxy9iBue_rS7YkXp7BLs31/view?usp=drive_link