CFROG is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year! As part of our ongoing celebration, we’ll be sharing stories from 10 Wins across 10 Years! Stay tuned for more history from the long fight against fossil fuels in Ventura County.
Today on Earth Day, as we celebrate and appreciate the beauty and wonder of our planet, we also reflect on the incredible impact we have when we come together to protect it. Earth Day holds a special place in the heart of CFROG, serving as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations.
The first Earth Day took place on April 24, 1970, when over 20 million people came together to demand better treatment of our planet. This was a response to the 1969 Cuyahoga river fire caused by an oil spill, which poured at least 21,000 gallons of crude oil into the Pacific Ocean. Despite the devastation of this event, the 1969 oil spill sparked an environmental movement that would continue to fight for the protection of our planet for decades to come.
Since our founding, CFROG has been an active participant in Earth Day celebrations, using these occasions to engage and connect with our community and amplify our message of environmental stewardship. Our history of Earth Day celebrations over the years is a testament to our unwavering dedication to protecting our communities and natural resources. With each celebration, we witness the strength that comes from unity as individuals from all walks of life come together for a shared commitment to celebrate and protect our planet. Let’s take a look at some of CFROG’s Earth Day celebrations over the years:
In 2014, CFROG took part in the Ojai Earth Day Event, setting up a booth to connect with concerned citizens and raise awareness about the harmful impacts of the oil and gas industry. Our volunteers engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing information and resources to empower individuals to take action for environmental justice.
In 2016, our former executive director, Kimberly Rivers, led CFROG’s presence at Ojai’s Earth Day celebration. Alongside other dedicated volunteers, Kimberly showcased CFROG’s commitment to Earth Day, advocating for positive change and inspiring others to join our mission. The event also featured an inspiring address by Vandana Shiva, a world-renowned environmental activist, author, scholar, and advocate.
In 2019, CFROG celebrated Earth Day by participating in Ventura’s Earth Day Ecofest event. We brought fun kids crafts, engaged with city council members, and connected with community members to share our work and mission. It was a vibrant celebration of environmental awareness and community engagement.
Fast forward to 2022, where CFROG continued its Earth Day tradition by attending the Earth Day Farmers Market in Ojai. Staff member (now executive director) Haley Ehlers represented CFROG, engaging with attendees on our shared goals of transitioning to clean energy, monitoring oil and gas permits, and protecting our air, water, and land.
As we look back on CFROG’s Earth Day celebrations, we are filled with gratitude for the support of our community and inspired by the progress we have made together. Together, we have proven that when individuals unite with a shared purpose, incredible change is possible. It’s the collective power of grassroots activism, fueled by the passion and dedication of people like you, that drives meaningful progress in the face of environmental challenges.
Earth Day is not just a day on the calendar; it is a reminder of our interconnectedness and our collective responsibility to cherish and protect our special planet every day.
