The document provides an overview of Stockton's Climate Action Corps program, which places fellows in local organizations to work on environmental and climate-related projects. It summarizes the missions and projects of several host organizations, including Greater Valley Conservation Corps, San Joaquin County Office of Education, Little Manila Rising, Stockton Service Corps, and Third City Coalition. It also features short profiles on several fellows, including the projects and goals of their service. The goal of the lookbook is to coordinate partners and highlight the work of Stockton's Climate Action Corps fellows.

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CCAC
STOCKTON
LOOKBOOK
THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO
STOCKTON'S CLIMATE ACTIONS CORPS

2. The Local Government Commission (LGC) is a non-profit
organization that works to build livable communities and
local leadership nationwide.
CaliforniaVolunteers addresses state and community
challenges by investing in high-impact service solutions
while leveraging public, private, and nonprofit
partnerships and resources.
Stockton is one of several host cities for the California
Climate Action Corps Pilot Program. This has been made
possible by funding from Americorps, the California
Volunteers Fund, and support from the Local
Government Commission. Stockton Service Corps, Third
City Coalition, and Edge Collaborative were instrumental
in advocating for Stockton as a host city and bringing
partners together.
CCAC Stockton Lookbook
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

3. 2020-2021
Climate Action Corps
Host Sites
The goal of this lookbook is to be a reference document for
coordinating partners, gaining more understanding about
specific projects, and highlighting the work of Stockton's
California Climate Action Corps Fellows. This is a document
that will be updated and archived annually by new Climate
Action Fellows after the previous cohort of fellows departs.
And their efforts to combat environmental
injustice in Stockton, California
CCAC Stockton Lookbook
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Stockton Overview - 1
Environmental Justice - 2
Greater Valley Conservation
Corps - 3
San Joaquin County Office of
Education - 4
Little Manila Rising - 6
Stockton Service Corps - 11
Third City Coalition - 13
Conclusion - 16

4. Located in the heart of San Joaquin County, Stockton is home to over
300,000 people. Stockton has been recognized as the most diverse
city in America, with significant Mexican, Filipino, and African-
American populations. One of two inland ports in California, and
situated amidst plentiful farmland, Stockton was uniquely positioned
for prosperity.
In the early 20th century the city was one of the cultural hubs of the
United States. Urban renewal and the New Deal wiped out many
historic landmarks, including Historic Little Manila. Although the long-
term impacts on the community were never taken into consideration,
the environmental and social degradation these construction efforts
wrought on the area remains today in the form of higher temperatures,
noise, air and water pollution, a lack of access to healthy, affordable
food, concentrated poverty and a lack of affordable housing.
BRIEF STOCKTON OVERVIEW
CCAC Lookbook | 01

5. Environmental
Justice
The EPA defines Environmental Justice as the fair treatment and
meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national
origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
CCAC Lookbook | 02
The NAACP believes the
neighborhoods that are adversely
affected most are low-income,
communities of color. Data shows
this to be true in San Joaquin
County as can be seen in the graph
to the left.
The organizations highlighted in this
document are working to reverse
these effects. They operate with
the belief that all people are entitled
to the same degree of protection
from environmental and health
hazards and deserve equal access to
the decision-making process to
have a healthy environment in
which to live, learn, and work

6. GREATER VALLEY
CONSERVATION CORPS
“Our purpose is to inspire, educate, and serve our local youth and
communities by providing opportunities to practice a strong work ethic
and environmental stewardship. Our vision is to be a global model in the
effort to unite communities, conserve the environment, and support our
youth.”
GVCC corps members receive
environmental education and learn
valuable skills in recycling and
waste management.
Crews work on projects involving
environmental conservation,
ecological restoration, public safety
issues and public land
beautification.
minimize cities' environmental
impact through litter abatement,
graffiti removal, pressure washing,
and more.
GVCC partners with SJCOE Come
Back Kids (CBK) to assist young
men and women between the ages
of 18 to 25 by giving them a second
chance to earn a high school
diploma or GED.
RECYCLING
NATURAL RESOURCES
CITY ACTION
EDUCATION
Greater Valley Conservation Corps, further referred to as
GVCC, became a certified local corps in 2010. The GVCC is
unique because they are the only recognized conservation
corps that is operated by a county office of education, the San
Joaquin County Office of Education. The GVCC helps youth
ages 18 to 25, with academic instruction, employment
opportunities, green job training, and the development of life
skills. The GVCC serves businesses, schools, special events,
nonprofits, municipalities, public works departments, and cities
throughout San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Calaveras, Amador, and
Tuolumne Counties.
"To inspire, educate, and serve our local youth"
PROJECT FOCUS AREAS
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Mission

7. CCAC Lookbook | 04
CPEL - COMMUNITY PARTNERS FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY
The goal of the CPEL network is to connect city,
county, federal organizations, non profits, green
businesses etc. and the environmental work you
are doing in the real world to the students,
schools and districts in San Joaquin County.
CA GREEN RIBBON SCHOOLS - VIRTUAL
WORKSHOP SERIES
This series of workshops promotes awareness
for the CA Green Ribbon Schools Award. This
award recognizes schools for their commitment
to reducing environmental impact, improving
health and wellness, and providing effective
environmental education.
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
OFFICE OF EDUCATION
YEL- YOUTH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
LITERACY
This network aims to builds a community of like-
minded high school students that are passionate
about local environmental issues, eager to share
about environmental projects and clubs at their
schools, and keen to explore careers in the
environmental field.
TEL - TEACHERS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
LITERACY
K-12 educators in this network help lead the charge
for environmental literacy in San Joaquin County. The
focus of this network is all things environmental
literacy ranging from the CA Green Ribbon Schools
Award, the CA Seal of Civic Engagement, California's
water network, experiential place-based learning,
environmental justice, climate change education, and
more.
"Equitably educate and empower school communities to
understand the intersections between human and natural
systems in the past, present, and future, and to inspire civic
responsibility on local and global environmental issues in
order to innovate solutions towards a more sustainable
future."
EDUCATE • INNOVATE • INSPIRE
PROJECT FOCUS AREAS

8. SOPHIE CHERTOK
Sophie has spearheaded several projects which aim to enhance the
network between GVCC, SJCOE-STEM, and regional stakeholders in
order to promote equitable climate action education in Stockton and San
Joaquin County. For her first project, Sophie has been working with the
planning team for SJCOE’s environmental literacy networks and
advocates for equitable outreach to ensure that all K-12 students have
access to these environmental education programs. For her second
project, she will provide climate action education to GVCC’s corps
members by facilitating three workshops - one on environmental justice,
one on workforce development, and the last on climate action planning.
Finally, as a career development project of her own and something that
would be beneficial to San Joaquin County, she has decided to take on a
final project of researching and strategically planning for climate action
and sustainability in schools through curriculum and facilities. She has
learned that schools are a major part of our nation’s public infrastructure
that has a vast influence to not only reduce their greenhouse gas
emissions, but also to lead by example to educate and raise the next
generation of green leaders.
“What inspired me to serve with CCAC is their focus on environmental
justice and community engagement. What is special about service is that it
is not about working for communities, but with communities. Many
communities are faced with environmental injustices which are
exacerbated by climate risks and disasters, and it is imperative that these
communities are first served in terms of climate programs and solutions.”
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS FELLOW
SAN JOAQUIN
COUNTY OFFICE OF
EDUCATION
C L I M A T E A C T I O N
C O R P S F E L L O W
S P O T L I G H T
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+

9. LITTLE MANILA
RISING
The activists of Little Manila are dedicated to bringing multifaceted
equity to Stockton. After generations of neglect of communities in
the margins and the notion that diversity is a hindrance to progress,
LMR believes in cherishing all communities and that diversity is our
city’s greatest asset.
They work to address the root of much of Stockton’s problems - the
consistent disenfranchisement of the poor and institutionalized
racism. LMR continues their work through programs promoting
Ethnic Studies, Culturally Rooted Healing, Cultural Arts, and now,
Environmental Justice.
"We are rooted in history"
LITTLE MANILA
RISING
Multifaceted Equity
PROMOTING
ETHNIC STUDIES
CULTURALLY
ROOTED HEALING
CULTURAL ARTS
ENVIRONMENTAL
JUSTICE
FOCUS AREAS
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10. In Nicholas’s role with LMR, he will research what it could look
like to revamp air monitoring resources in Stockton. Expanding
air monitor support not only provides proof of poor air quality,
but it can also drive grant funding to the areas that need it most.
He will specifically be working to support the AB 617 Steering
committee and its sub-committees to ensure that the money
allocated to Stockton has worthwhile impacts for the residents of
Stockton and does not go directly to big companies to buy new
equipment.
Having been a part of LMR’s after-school Ethnic Studies program,
Nicholas has a deep understanding of the histories of
disinvestment that have contributed to cycles of poverty in
South Stockton. He wants to contribute to the spirit of the
Boomerangs that are making a change in their hometown and be
part of that generation, as an example for youth.
NICHOLAS AROSEMENA
Air Quality Monitoring
Climate Action Corps Fellow
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"I want to continue the
trend of people not only
going away for college,
but coming back, and
making their own
individual difference."
CCAC TESTIMONIAL

11. Evan Fern will be assisting Little Manila rising with the
implementation of the TCC Grant, working directly with Bianette
Perez to carry out the Youth Advocates program associated with
the grant’s Community Engagement Plan. Evan will work with 10
Youth Advocates, meeting weekly and training them on
Environmental Justice.
Evan appreciates Little Manila Rising’s explicit focus on racial
justice and histories of oppression that contribute to the
importance of the work we are engaged in today. The main
priority in his work, as part of LMR’s mission, is to ensure that
South Stockton is included in narratives surrounding Stockton
and the investments that are coming to the city. South Stockton
experiences disproportionate climate impacts and needs
investment.
EVAN FERN
Working for the Community
Climate Action Corps Fellow
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"I chose to join CCAC
because I recognize the
threat that climate
change poses to our
most vulnerable and
underserved
communities. I was born
and raised in Stockton,
and I want to contribute
to the work being done
to protect our people!"
CCAC TESTIMONIAL

12. Ashley will spend most of her time assisting with the implementation
of Decreasing Asthma Within Neighborhoods (D.A.W.N.) Asthma
Initiative. This program was created to increase air monitoring
strategies in South Stockton by educating, engaging, and training
residents and community leaders to advocate for change. She will
also coordinate with the Youth Health Advocates on Asthma
Prevention Day, collaborate with LMR's Mental Health Initiative, and
advocate for the LMR AB617 effort.
She is currently working on creating a resource guidebook to assist
in managing stressors and psychosocial issues associated with
asthma. This guidebook is informed by the need to move from the
medical model of asthma treatment to a social justice model. She will
think through how we can provide the community with better
education, tools, and resources for asthma treatment and prevention.
ASHLEY PEARL PANA
Climate Action Corps Fellow
Climate Health
Intervention
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"You cannot get
through a single day
without having an
impact on the world
around you. What you
do makes a difference,
and you have to decide
what kind of difference
you want to make."
CCAC TESTIMONIAL

13. CCAC Lookbook | 10
“Effectively addressing
climate change requires that
we also address past and
present injustices, and work
toward healing
intergenerational trauma. I
joined CCAC because
community engagement and
empowerment are essential
to that process. Holistic
solutions aren’t developed
from the data alone – they’re
built in collaboration with
those who are most
affected.”
CCAC TESTIMONIAL
Asthma
Mitigation
& Data
Analysis
Sarah will work closely with Ashley in the implementation of
Little Manila’s Decreasing Asthma Within Neighborhoods
(D.A.W.N.) Asthma Initiative. She will be an advocate for resident
needs, especially around air quality monitoring. Part of her role
will be to get more air monitors in schools in South Stockton
which will positive impacts, including: increasing public health
through informal air quality alerts, leveraging air quality data in
conversations with funders, and increasing air quality data
accessibility overall. Sarah is currently working on outreach to
community partners, including doctors and clinics, for D.A.W.N.,
recruiting for virtual home visits. LMR is looking for patients that
need help mitigating the risk of Asthma at the household level.
In her time with LMR so far, she has been reminded of the
importance of speaking out and holding people accountable. She
has been inspired to confront the issues of historical injustice
that still plague our communities in Stockton, and is committed
to asking what's missing and what we can do to make change
happen.
SARAH INSKEEP
Climate Action Corps Fellow

14. CA Climate Action Corps
Directly address and seek to mitigate climate change or otherwise
contribute to climate resilience and recovery.
Foster more equitable outcomes for the State's disadvantaged communities.
Create new opportunities for service and pathways into professional
development.
CA Reading & Math Corps - Tutoring Program
Changeist - Youth Civic Engagement
College Possible - College Perseverance & Graduation
Improve Your Tomorrow - Break the School to Prison Pipeline
Teach For America - Teach in Underserved Communities
STOCKTON
SERVICE CORPS
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MISSION:
Stockton Service Corps
aims to drastically increase
the number of AmeriCorps
Fellows serving the
Stockton community to
improve educational
outcomes and address
social inequities in
Stockton.
Since 2019, AmeriCorps
Fellows have provided
services to over 5,000
students between
Kindergarten and post-
secondary contributing
nearly1.7 million hours of
service to young people in
underserved communities.
Current Fellow Placements:

15. Alejandro has dedicated much of his life to the
National Park Service and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service doing interpretation and
environmental education. He’s excited to
return to his hometown of Stockton and work
closely with the local community and
implement positive climate changes for the
city moving forward.
ALEJANDRO CRUZ
"Everyday I get the chance to work hard at
hard work worth doing. Having the privilege of
supporting a community that supported me so
much growing up is an honor. I'm excited to be
working here and for the future of climate
action in Stockton!"
Project
Deliverables
Current
Projects
Determining cost effective
interventions and
identifying various sources
of funding for urban
greening.
Developing a workforce
plan for a smooth
integration of climate action
fellows.
Building community and
collaboration between all
Stockton fellows by hosting
biweekly fellow check ins.
Conducting a listening tour of
various Stockton
organizations to gauge
interest and capacity to host
a CAC Fellow in future years.
Climate Action Corps Fellow
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Facilitate launch of climate service in Stockton.

16. Documenting and retelling an inclusive historical record as a way of changing
the narrative and building civic pride.
Third City Podcast
Sustainable Neighborhood Plan (SNP)
Creating a platform of shared spaces for learning about civic issues.
Nonprofit Collaborators of San Joaquin
Climate Leadership Forums
Regional Transportation Plan & Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS)
Supporting and empowering neighborhood advocates who work to improve
Stockton.
Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Grant
Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) Grant
Cultivating opportunities for human capital investment.
Stockton Urban Revitalization Fellowship (SURF)
Workforce Development Planning
Third City Coalition is a small non-profit founded in 2016 by a small but mighty
group of Stockton 'boomerangs' and newcomers as a volunteer-driven initiative to
bring people together in the heart of the city.
Now, Third City Coalition connects local change-makers across all backgrounds to
form strong, lasting partnerships. Third City believes that we can design our
communities in ways that prioritize people and our planet so future generations will
prosper.
THIRD CITY COALITION
Connecting local
Changemakers
Focus Areas
"People, Place, Prosperity"
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17. Resource Map - creating pathways for residents to
get involved with urban greening
Process Map - researching laws and policies at the
city level related to urban greening
Workforce Development Plan - indicating decent
career paths for youth and low-wage workers
Steven grew up in Huntington Beach, CA but was
never a stranger to the great outdoors. Camping with
his family every year introduced him to the fragility of
our ecosystems and the need to protect them. Shortly
after graduating university in rural Oregon, he
discovered a passion for community development and
interned at a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening
underserved neighborhoods.
Coming onboard with CA Climate Action Corps he will
be focused on three key areas:
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STEVEN HUNTER
STEVEN HUNTER
Fostering
Climate Resilience
Climate Action Corps Fellow
"Every day is your chance to make this
city a little greener. Many small acts
of care will surely create a caring
community."

18. Urban greening monitoring and evaluation framework
Coordination Structure and Communications Plan
Climate Action Stockton asset map
Mia will be engaging with partners and stakeholders to
develop an urban greening monitoring and evaluation
framework. Through this, she will work to examine
current data, extract metrics, and select indicators of
urban greening success. Another aspect of her role will
be to document how partners and stakeholders are
working to support urban greening, update and maintain
a log of what their capacities and capabilities are, and
how they all interact in the most mutually supportive
way through an asset map. And as the Climate
Coordination Fellow, she will define the preferred
structure for coordination and communications of
California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) fellows, host
organizations, and CCAC broadly.
Mia will be focusing on the following deliverables:
CLIMATE COORDINATION
"Climate Action
Corps is a great
opportunity to build
the capacity for real
change in Stockton."
MIA WEITZ
Climate Action Corps Fellow
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19. In San Joaquin County and Stockton, residents are feeling the impacts of
climate change. The impacts to our environment and health are worsening as
we experience longer and more frequent droughts, devastating wildfires, and
more. Each of us has a role to play. Community members need opportunities to
learn and participate in decisions that affect the places they live.
We are doing this work but it's far from being over, working towards our goals
every day. Part of the work of this pilot cohort of fellows is exploring potential
future partnerships to continue the impact of the program and expand capacity
in Stockton.
We hope this lookbook has provided information for you, the reader, to gain
valuable knowledge about the specific projects and work of Stockton's
California Climate Action Corps Fellows.
CCAC Lookbook | 16
CONCLUSION

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STOCKTON, CA