Chico State students have been a major force in the ‘greening' of the CSUC campus and one way that they have been able to influence the community as a whole is through the production of an annual sustainability conference. The annual "This Way to Sustainability" conference is in its 5th year featuring 4 days of keynotes and panels on all things sustainability. From food systems and compost to energy and recycling to health and natural birth, it's an understatement to say that there's a wealth of information to be had by attending this conference.

This year, the Great Valley Center has coordinated a panel titled "Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future". Panelists include Chico Mayor Ann Schwab, Paradise Vice-Mayor Woody Culleton, and Yvonne Hunter of the Institute for Local Government. Yvonne is going to deliver an overview of climate legislation affecting local governments as well as highlight best practices in local government climate action developed by the ILG's California Climate Action Network program. Mayor Schwab and Vice-Mayor Culleton will then discuss local initiatives taken on under their leadership to help curb global warming.

This year's conference promises to be educational and informative. I hope you stop by our mayor's panel to hear about what local leaders are taking on!