CEC invites you to a special program on February 4 to learn how reorienting people’s daily lives around where they live can benefit them, their community, economy and planet. This event will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Burlingame Community Center, 850 Burlingame Ave. in Burlingame. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required at https://bit.ly/ConnectedtoPlace2026.

The program features Matt Biggar, Ph.D., a strategy consultant, researcher, and former school district and school administrator in San Mateo County, discussing his new book, Connected to Place: Regenerating Nature, Community, and Local Economies through Systems Change, and local educational leaders. Following his book talk, Matt will moderate a panel discussion on place-based education with Julie Hilborn, Director of Environmental Literacy and Sustainability at the San Mateo County Office of Education; Theresa Vallez-Kelly, Coordinator of Safe Routes to School at the San Mateo County Office of Education; and Natalie Dias, a youth climate activist who attends San Mateo High School. In addition, a city representative will explain the statewide “6 Neighbors” campaign, which emphasizes the benefits to personal well-being and community resilience of knowing your neighbors.

The program is co-hosted by the Citizens Environmental Council, San Mateo County Office of Education, Thrive Alliance of Nonprofits for San Mateo County, Sustainable San Mateo County, and Burlingame’s Department of Parks & Recreation.