Dear STAY COOL Community,
It’s that time of the year when I like to look back on our accomplishments and goals, and 
personally share gratitude for everything we have achieved. While it was a challenging year to be in climate action, I am still grateful I’ve been a part of the solution.
I’m proud of STAY COOL’s continued support of good climate policies – including more measurable and enforceable CAPs and the exploration of Community Choice Energy in local cities. We also started an impactful ocean climate science education program – one that I hope will live on to reach more students in the coming year, thanks to a grant from the Fletcher Family Fund to create a traveling trunk in partnership with the Climate Science Alliance.
Since I started with STAY COOL in 2014, we have educated more than 200 members through our 20+ events. I’m grateful to all of you, our STAY COOL members and advisors, for taking on the hard work involved with stemming the tide of climate change, even when the political will was waning.
This year-end reflection is especially poignant because my role as STAY COOL’s Administrative Director ends today. I am grateful to have formed strong friendships and learned much more about local climate action throughout these four years leading this fledgling action group of elders. I’ll miss the daily interactions with our supportive Advisory Council and with other like-minded advocates.
I am confident that the mission of STAY COOL will live on through our existing programs 
due to the dedicated volunteerism of our Advisory Council and the growing partnership with the San Diego Audubon Society. While this transition is personally bittersweet, it provides the best path forward for STAY COOL. I am hopeful about the continued growth of the organization.
I plan to stay engaged as I continue to advocate for a livable climate in the name of our future generations! My personal email address is sarahhuyettbenson at gmail.com if you would like to stay in touch.
For a cooler future,
Sarah Benson
