Join your College Terrace neighbors for a festive winter sing-a-long next Wednesday, December 14 at 6pm. Meet at the College Terrace Library where you can pick up a lantern, songbook, and a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine. Then we’ll walk through the neighborhood singing holiday songs. Hope to see you there!

The Palo Alto Historical Association is hosting its December program, “A Climate of Unrest Gave Rise to the Environmental Movement,” in-person this Sunday from 2pm-4pm at the Mitchell Park Community Center.

The 1960s and ’70s were among the most tumultuous decades with the war in Vietnam, civil rights, and political assassinations creating headlines and activism. There was also a growing awakening that pollution was having major effects on the planet, prominently on display by rivers repeatedly catching fire in Ohio.

Human activities were cited as the cause of pollution as well as other environmental harm to the planet as clearly described by Rachel Carson in her 1962 publication Silent Spring. The book is largely credited with starting the modern environmental movement.

In response to the rise of planetary concerns, President Nixon created the Environmental Protection Act in 1970. Nixon also signed the Clean Air Act in 1970 and the Clean Water Act in 1972.

Locally, the environmental movement was taking hold in major ways. Individuals were inspired to take initiative and form organizations to focus their energies on some of the most threatened and threatening of actions that had previously gone largely unchecked.

At the December PAHA Vignettes program, we will hear from some of these local organizations, each of them celebrating a significant anniversary in the year 2022: Green Foothills, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Environmental Volunteers, and Canopy.

Why and how were these organizations formed and by whom? How has their work changed since formation and what has been accomplished? What do they see as major challenges ahead for the environment and their work? Please join us for a lively discussion about their missions, their work, their successes, and challenges to make this a better place that, for some, literally means a livable place.

The CTRA joins Princeton Street and College Avenue neighbors in presenting a “Know Your Neighbors” Family Block Party and Jam Session this Sunday afternoon (October 2) from 1pm to 5pm. Hot dogs, chips, and lemonade provided–bring a side, salad, or dessert to share! Keep it green by bringing your own reusable plate and utensils. Princeton Street will be blocked off between College and California for the duration of the event.

Bring your instruments and voices: there will be a stage set up for anyone who wants to jam or perform. There will be crafts for kids, games, prizes, and more. And, since it’s getting close to Halloween, feel free to come in costume!

All College Terrace residents are invited. Come by, meet your neighbors, and enjoy our neighborhood!