February 2019: "Slugs Go Solar"

Beginning March 1, the campus’ long-planned solar panel installation will begin in the East Remote parking lot and is scheduled to continue through December, 2019.  During construction, parking availability in the East Remote parking lot will be directly affected. Daily and Quarterly R permit sales during the Spring quarter will be closely monitored and likely reduced.

Solar Power Installation - East Remote Parking Structure:

• A 2MW array producing 3 million  kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity, enough to power more than 330 houses for a year 
• The panels will last at least 20-years and save the campus an estimated $6 million on its energy bill
• UCSC plans to add an accompanying 1.2 megawatts (MW) battery storage which will reduce peak demand and shift load to times of day when electricity is less costly
• UCSC has an existing 250 kilowatt photovoltaic array on the McHenry Library, which provides 25 percent of the annual electrical energy needed for that build

“Slugs Go Solar” marks another step toward UCSC’s efforts to attain a sustainable carbon footprint by generating clean, reliable electricity for the campus. In an effort to minimize transportation- and parking-related impacts during this improvement project, TAPS will be working diligently to offer alternative options, especially for R permit holders. Projects of this magnitude require campus-wide collaboration and we are confident in our ability as Slugs to work together throughout the installation period, especially considering what we will all gain at the completion of the project.  

The work will be conducted in phases, each requiring closures of various amounts of parking spaces. Throughout the Spring Quarter, we anticipate approximately upwards of one-third of the parking in East Remote will be unavailable at any given time, and throughout the Summer Quarter approximately half of East Remote will be unavailable.  However, no construction will take place during Commencement and Move-In weekends in order to optimize East Remote during those events.

In addition, our campus will welcome hundreds of prospective students during the annual Spring Tours in April, which will further impact on-campus parking during that month.

Signs will be posted prior to, and during, each closure in specifically affected areas in the East Remote lot.  Special “Slugs Go Solar” messaging will be posted in shuttle buses and at shuttle stops to further increase awareness. Follow TAPS on Twitter for the most up to date information on this project and any related traffic updates.  Finally, the TAPS website will soon incorporate a special section where updated project status and other helpful information will be provided.

To proactively mitigate potential impacts, the following measures have already been undertaken:

• Approximately 200 Remote spaces were added just north of the East Remote lot, within Overflow 5.
• TAPS has expanded our daily parking lot surveys to identify additional parking efficiencies and availability.
• In anticipation of this project, TAPS reduced the available quantity of Academic and Annual R permits prior to Fall Quarter, 2018.

*** TAPS will be offering the following special options to current Annual, Academic or Quarterly R permit holders for Spring Quarter (Please note - Quarterly R permit holders who received their permit via an appeal must successfully renew their appeal before becoming eligible).

• Shared C Permits:  Effective immediately, current R permit holders may return, for a refund, their R permits and purchase a shared C permit.  Groups of 2-4 may qualify for this exchange for Spring Quarter. This offer is limited to the first 20 groups only. If interested, your group must visit the TAPS Sales Office together during business hours with your R permits and ID.
• Complimentary Zipcar Membership and Monthly Driving Credit:  Beginning March 4, students who are current R permit holders may return, for a refund, their R permits and receive a complimentary Zipcar Membership and $25 driving credit per month during the Spring Quarter. Memberships are limited, so if you’re interested, please email TAPS for more details.
• ...additional special options may be coming soon, so stay tuned!

TAPS always encourages the use of alternate transportation methods to avoid parking-related delays. This is the perfect time to take advantage of these great resources:

• Bikes: Click here for UCSC Bike Program services / safety information and click here for Santa Cruz JUMP bike information
• Vanpooling or Ridesharing: Click here for information about other UCSC Commute Options, including our Vanpool, Carpool and more.
• Santa Cruz Metro

We look forward to being a part of this campus-wide effort to bring efficient and positive solar energy to UCSC. We encourage the campus community to adjust commuting and / or parking routines in support of this exciting sustainability project. Your contribution to this goal will be an everyday effort and we appreciate and acknowledge your commitment to keeping UCSC one of the top sustainable campuses in the country. Thank you for your patience and cooperation, and please let us know if you require additional information.  

By: Dan Henderson, Interim Director of Transportation and Parking Services

February Sustainability Profile: Carol Garcia

What does sustainability mean to you ?

"When I hear the word “sustainability,” I think about the things that sustain a community, such as families, access to quality education, healthy food and clean air and water. I also think about labor protections for workers in labor intensive industries, such as factories and farm work. In my experience growing up in the Central Coast, working conditions are integral to people’s well being, and more often than not, labor is tied directly to the environment. "

What sustainable practices do you live by in your daily life and did has the sustainability office inspire you to make some changes?

"I’ve engaged with common forms of sustainability, such as recycling, for most of my life. However, the sustainability office has inspired me to make a conscious effort to reduce my use of single-use plastics and begin composting at home. "

Favorite Green Tips?

"I don’t know if this is a practical green tip, but I do encourage folks to read about the impacts of climate change and educate themselves about the severity of environmental degradation. While this can be depressing at times, it does push me to, for example, skip out on buying coffee if I don’t have my reusable mug (and I save money too!)."

What is your role/Position at the Sustainability Office?

"I am currently the Program Coordinator for the People of Color Sustainability Collective, which is a collaboration between the Sustainability Office, Colleges 9 & 10 and the Ethnic Resource Centers. At the Sustainability Office, I collaborate with staff and students on programs and events."

Tell me about your background and how you became part of UCSC?

"I am from Salinas, CA, a large agricultural town. My parents are immigrants from Mexico and I was the first born in the United States. My interest in the People of Color Sustainability stems from my experiences growing up in Salinas, a place where communities face health concerns directly linked with environmental and labor issues. I have been fortunate to explore and learn more about these issues through formal education. I received my BA in Spanish and Anthropology from the University of California, Davis. Last year I was in graduate school, and my Master of Arts degree in Social Sciences will be conferred from the University of Chicago in March 2019. "

What is your long-term vision for sustainability at UCSC?

"I would like to see more collaboration between staff members working on diversity with sustainability staff members. This is developing, and I am excited to see where it will go in terms of programming and creating new spaces for students. "

What are your thoughts on environmental justice ? 

"I think that environmental justice should be considered as a framework within environmental spaces more often than it is. It is important to realize that climate change and environmental degradation will affect certain communities disproportionately and the specific environmental, social and political concerns of these communities need to be part of the larger conversation. "

What is your role at PoCSC?

"As I mentioned, I am the Program Coordinator for PoCSC. In this position, I support our three student interns in programming and events for PoCSC. I also actively work toward forming partnerships with other student organizations, programs and departments to expand the reach of PoCSC’s vision."

What is PoCSC purpose? 

"The mission of PoCSC is to make UCSC a leader not just in mainstream sustainability, but also environmental justice, in recognition of our changing demographics and pressing ecological challenges. "

Is there a message you would like UCSC students to know?

"I would encourage students at UCSC to engage with the breath of environmental knowledge on this campus and think about how they can expand, question, and add to that knowledge. I believe that this is important for coming up with solutions to the environmental, social and political problems that we face."

February 2019: Contests & Funding

California-Nevada Chapter SWCS: Due February 28.

The California-Nevada Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society offer an annual scholarship to encourage undergraduate students interested in soil and water conservation to obtain technical expertise and to pursue careers in soil and water resources. Applicants must have completed two years of study, be enrolled in an undergraduate curriculum related to soil and water resources, and have a GPA of 2.5 or better. 

Scholarships through National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) & the American Academy of Sanitarians (AAS):Due date March 1

Undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in an accredited college or university with a dedicated and recognized curriculum in environmental health (EH) sciences are eligible to apply for the NEHA/AAS Scholarship. The undergraduate scholarship is to be used toward the tuition and fees associated with either the junior or senior year of college studies. The graduate scholarship is to be used toward tuition and fees associated with graduate studies. All applicants must have at least one semester of coursework remaining to be eligible for this scholarship. Visit the website to learn more and apply.

The B.O.G. Pest Control Scholarship Fund Due date: March 15th, 2019

Eligibility: Open to Everyone. Submit - Official Application Form + Letter of intent which should describe the applicant’s passion and plans for their education, desired career, and any relevant experience in the field.

Northern California Botanists 2019-2020 Research Scholarship: Due midnight March 31, 2019

Northern California Botanists is accepting applications for our Botany Research Scholarship Program for the 2019-2020 academic year. All materials should be submitted to ncbotanists@gmail.com or by mail to Northern California Botanists, P. O. Box 8042, Chico, CA 95927-8042 by midnight March 31, 2019. See the application packet for more details on application guidelines and requirements. Please post the flyer at your school, workplace, or other venue for students to see! $1,000 award! 

Davis-Putter Fund 2019, $10,000 Scholarship: Due April 1st, 2019 

They will be awarding an undergraduate and or graduate student who is actively involved in social justice movements a 10,000 scholarship! The deadline to apply is April 1, 2019! For more information and to apply, please visit their official website: “2019 Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund“

Sierra Club 2019 Scholarship Application: Due April 1st.

The Stanislaus County Sierra Club Yokut’s Group is seeking applications for the Donna Durham Memorial Scholarship for the 2018/19 academic school year. This $1000 scholarship is given to honor Donna Durham’s commitment to local environmental issues. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to an environmental or conservation project, and or course of study through a degree program. Deadline to apply is April 1st. Interested students must completethe application formand submit an essay of 200 words but no more than 500 words supporting their environmental work or study and how this scholarship will help further their goals. 

2019 Save Water Video Contest: Due 12:00 am (midnight) on Tuesday, April 17, 2019 

The 5th Annual Save Water Video Contest is here. Inspire others to save water or prevent water pollution by making a short newscast, skit, animation, commercial or even a music video. The winning films will earn $500 and be broadcast on TV and online! Your goal is to create a high-quality video that convinces people to save and protect water by learning more about this year’s theme, Water Wise Gardening.

February 2019: TAPS updates

Check out some of TAPS services!

More Articulated Busses are coming to UCSC this winter.

Bicycles.  TAPS Bicycle Program and OPERS co-sponsor a FREE Weekly Bicycle Maintenance clinic offered at the OPERS’ Recreation Office Porch on Wednesdays from 2:00P to 5:00P. Bike experts are there to assist UCSC affiliates with their bicycle adjustments and repairs. For more information, go to UCSC Bicycle Programs. 

Articulated Buses.More Articulated Buses will be coming onto campus this Quarter!  Santa Cruz Metro will be operating a total of four 60-foot articulated buses at UCSC.  These buses can carry 90 riders!  This will be great news for UCSC affiliates traveling to campus right before the popular class changes.  Articulated buses, sometimes referred to as “bendy buses” will be on Routes 15 and 19. 

Vanpools.The Aptos Vanpools have new travel times.  Aptos 1 will have an 8:00A – 5:00P work schedule and Aptos 3 will run with a 7:00A – 4:00P work schedule. Space is available! Riders ride at least three times per week and pay $63 per month.  Students, Staff, and Employees are welcome to try a free trial to see if this can be a permanent solution for them.  Contact Julie Munnerlyn, TAPS Transportation Coordinator at (831) 459-4289 or jmunnerl@ucsc.eduto find out how to leave your car and your worries at home! 

Electric Vehicles Rebates.  Current Electric Vehicle (EV) incentive offers for faculty, staff, and students are listed on the TAPS Website at EV Offers and Rebates.  Check often to find any dealership, PG&E, or Monterey Bay Air Resource Board EV opportunities. 

South San Jose Vanpool stopping for the view and a holiday photo opportunity!  Riders save time, money, and stress with their vanpool commute. Call TAPS to arrange to become a UCSC vanpooler today!

Photo credit: Evelyn Stankiewicz

February 2019: Classes, Trainings, and Community

Environmental Studies Undergraduate Department Peer Adviser

Reporting to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, the peer adviser will be working in a team-oriented setting to ensure the holistic success of all students in the ENVS department and at UCSC. The Peer Adviser will develop strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills, deepen their understanding of departmental and institutional policies and procedures, and establish positive working relationships with students, staff, faculty and campus partners. Click here to apply and be sure to complete all required fields in the application. If you have any questions, please direct them to Jenny Duong at envsugpc@ucsc.edu.

Environmental Studies Senior Seminar

Looking for a Senior Exit this Spring? There are seats available for ENVS 196, Senior Seminar: Data Science for the Environment (Environmental Informatics) with Professor Kai Zhu. The class will include environmental-related modules such as climate change, biodiversity loss, population growth, forest dynamics, and overfishing. Each module will introduce new datasets and questions, leading to new hands-on skills. Students will use these skills to find an environmental-related topic, write a proposal, search for data, perform analyses, summarize results, and complete a final paper. Click here to apply!

Education for Sustainable Living Program Spring Lecture Series

Host a Workshop with Education for Sustainable Living Program's Spring Lecture Series! Every year Education for Sustainable Living Program hosts a Spring Course, CRSN 61/161. This is made up of Monday Night Lectures and Action Research Teams. This year’s theme is Narratives of Hope for a Sustainable Future. ESLP invites campus groups and other relevant organizations to hosts workshops to complement their Monday Night Lectures. They invite you to speak on any subject that relates to our Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus. Find more details and apply at https://www.eslp-enviroslug.org/hostworkshop/

LEED Accreditation Courses

Opportunity for UCSC faculty, staff students to access hundreds of hours of FREE online training and webinars through the US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Online platform through October 2019. The campus is looking for strong user engagement in this pilot year in order to identify the need for future years. Having at least a LEED-GA accreditation is viewed as a minimum qualification for most jobs within the green building industry. The platform includes access to learning modules that can be incorporated into existing course curricula, training resources for students seeking to pursue a LEED credential, and ongoing education materials for staff and faculty seeking to maintain their existing LEED credential. Questions can be emailed to education@usgbc.org. Educational Facilities Planner Chrissy Thomure at cthomure@ucsc.edu is the campus' official LEED liaison, and can also help point you in the right direction as needed. Learn more about the courses here.

February 2019: Internships, Employment, and Volunteering

Green Office Certification Program

The Green Office Certification Program (GOCP) is pleased to announce the opening of a GOCP position. We are seeking undergraduate students of all majors and backgrounds who have an interest in Sustainability. Please apply on the ER system under the ER number 6682 . For additional information on this opportunity visit our website. Please direct your questions regarding this matter to the GOCP Coordinator Jennifer Perez at greenoff@ucsc.edu

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is looking for a weekly intern who will assist in the coordination and delivery of the Preschool Storytime program. Duties will include assisting in the coordination of a weekly preschool activity time at the Sanctuary Exploration Center, helping set up and leading weekly crafts and show-and-tell demonstrations, and assisting in program advertising. For more information, please contact Chelsea Prindle at chelsea.prindle@noaa.gov.

Montana Farm Jobs and Internships

Learn the ins-and-outs of farming or ranching and get exposure to a variety of local and sustainable food systems amid the rugged, breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Montana!  Farm Link Montana is a free, searchable database of current listings for jobs, internships, and land opportunities in Montana. Learn more at https://www.farmlinkmontana.org/

Part-time & Full-time Positions for Environmental Campaigns

Fund for the Public Interest is looking for passionate and dedicated students to join our grassroots campaign office in downtown Santa Cruz, as campaign staff to make real change during this school year. Currently, we are working to protect our coast and wildlife by banning single-use polystyrene (styrofoam) on a statewide level. Learn more at www.fundjobs.org

California Native Plant Society

CNPS is hiring two botanists in the Vegetation Program. The positions are full time for five months, with the possibility of more work in the summer depending on funding. It involves field work in some really cool places around the state! Learn more at https://www.cnps.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/job-asst-veg-ecologist-20181211.pdf

CDFW Biodiversity Coordinator job announcement

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Science Institute is hiring a Biodiversity Coordinator. Under the direction of the Science Institute Environmental Program Manager, this position consults and works across the Department of Fish and Wildlife, with state and federal agencies and other partners on issues related to preserving, managing, and restoring CA ecosystems for resiliency in order to protect the state’s biodiversity from climate change and other pressures. Learn more at https://jobs.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=137615

February 2019: Green Tips

Tips for a More Sustainable Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year

Rethink flowers. If flowers are a must, look for organically grown options. Or better yet, consider gifting your loved one a potted plant that will last longer than a week.

Choose chocolate consciously. Before picking up those chocolates, try to make sure that you are buying local, organic, shade-grown, and/or fair trade chocolate.

Use public transportation or carpool. If you are planning to travel, use public transportation or carpool to reduce carbon emissions (and skip out on the traffic!)

Use reusable dishes and cloth napkins instead of disposable plates and plastic utensils. Soiled paper plates and napkins are usually not recyclable and create a ton of waste. If reusable isn’t an option, try to choose disposable plates and utensils made from 100% post consumer waste recycled paper.

Shop for local and in season foods. Take a trip to the local farmer’s market to purchase local and in season foods to limit the carbon emissions from the journey food takes before it makes its way to the table.

Cook only what you need. Americans throw an estimated 40% of food away each year. That’s a lot! Avoid excess food waste by preparing a smaller portions and skip some of the less popular dishes.

Donate the clothes you have outgrown. Lunar New Year calls for some spring cleaning. Instead of throwing away the clothes that we have outgrown or do not want anymore, donate them to a local charity.

Repurpose red envelopes. Recycling red envelopes is great, but a more creative option is to turn leftover or used envelopes into beautiful lanterns for decoration. Check out “red envelope lanterns” on Pinterest for some inspiration!