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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 19/08/2026

TODAY, join us in calling Assembly Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel, to protect $2B in climate, transit, and affordability funding before August 31st. As Budget Chair, he's key to CA's final budget. 📞916-319-2046 #california #policy #climate #affordability #transit

Action alert flyer with a blue border, titled "Action Alert: Save Climate Funding." It reads: Take 5 minutes to call Assembly Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel on Wednesday, August 19th to demand he take action to protect climate funding. Phone number: 916-319-2046. Below is a photo of the California State Capitol building with the U.S. and California flags. A sample script reads: "I'm calling as a resident of California impacted by Chair Gabriel's budget decisions to demand that he take action before August 31st to protect critical Tier 3 programs funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. We cannot meet our climate goals — or address the affordability needs in our state — without further investments in transit, affordable housing, clean air, and clean water."

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 10/07/2026

You're invited🎉 Rising Sun's Annual Celebration is September 17th, 5–8pm in Oakland. Live music, food, drinks, and an interactive conversation with the Rising Sun community. Tickets are up now! secure.qgiv.com/for/rsc2/eve...

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Reposted by Rising Sun Center for Opportunity

Berkeley Climate Equity Action @climateequity.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

You can get a free green house call from @risingsunopp.org. See how you can save money and energy, cut carbon emissions, and have a healthier home. Plus get some free energy goodies! In the Bay Area and beyond. risingsun.tfaforms.net/f/GHC

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 06/05/2026

Our CEO is a keynote speaker at the California Green Building Conference at UC Berkeley on May 28! #CGBC brings together sustainability leaders to explore green building innovations. Julia joins keynote speaker Christine J. Harada, CPUC Commissioner. 👉Register usgbc.ca/cgbc26 #USGBCCA #CGBC2026

Promotional graphic for the 25th Annual California Green Building Conference 2026 and California Sustainability and Innovation Awards, hosted by USGBC California. Headline reads "Keynote Speaker: Julia Hatton, President & CEO, Rising Sun Center for Opportunity." Photo of Julia, a smiling woman with curly dark hair wearing a white button-down shirt. Conference URL: usgbc.ca/cgbc26.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 21/04/2026

Our 2025 Impact Report is here. 96 Energy Specialists, 105 union-ready graduates, and policy work showing up on state and national stages. Read the full report: report2025.risingsunopp.org ☀️ #ClimateSky #NonProfit #PolicySky #Construction

Rising Sun Center for Opportunity Impact Report 2025 cover slide titled "Hope and Solutions." Two young people in green Rising Sun shirts kneel on a sidewalk, working with tools from a black toolbox. Photo taken outdoors on a sunny day.

Slide titled "From Our CEO" with a quote from Julia Hatton: "In a year when hope and solutions felt in short supply, Rising Sun delivered on both, launching careers that uplifted individuals, their families, and their communities while expanding our programs, our policy advocacy work, and our footprint." Below the quote is a photo of Julia Hatton smiling outdoors, alongside her signature and the title "President and CEO."

Graphic with three colored sections summarizing 2025 program impact. Climate Careers section: "Trained and employed 96 youth as Climate Careers Energy Specialists who made over 4,000 homes more energy- and water-efficient across 12 counties in the Bay Area and Central California," with a photo of a group of smiling youth in green shirts holding certificates. Opportunity Build section: "Prepared 105 more Bay Area residents to double their earnings in just three years," with a photo of a person welding in protective gear. Policy section: "Built on the success of our Bay Area High Road Training Partnership for Residential Building Decarbonization to develop and release a policy priorities framework," with a photo of four people seated on a panel stage at the 2025 Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector conference.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 15/04/2026

It's California's first-ever #HeatPumpWeek! Heat pumps use electricity to heat and cool homes, lowering utility bills and carbon emissions. Rising Sun will be installing no-cost heat pumps for Central CA residents this year. We're proud to be part of this movement. ☀️ #HeatPumpWeekCA #ClimateSky

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 03/03/2026

In California, over HALF of our workforce are immigrants or children of immigrants (see link). Rising Sun will continue to fight poverty & climate change by helping people get good, green jobs. But we need safe, whole communities, justice, diversity, equity, belonging, & inclusion.

calbudgetcenter.org

Over half of all California workers are immigrants of children of immigrants

Immigrants are essential to California’s labor force, with a total of 5.9 million immigrants employed in California from 2020 to 2022, representing 1 in 3 workers in the state.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 03/03/2026

Trump’s HUD is proposing a new rule that would overturn decades of precedent & kick mixed immigration status families out of their housing. Tell HUD to withdraw this cruel, costly & counterproductive proposal today. actionnetwork.org/letters/keep... @aforhj.org

actionnetwork.org

Tell HUD: Keep Families Together and Housed!

HUD’s new proposal is cruel, costly, and counterproductive. It would rip families apart and increase eviction & homelessness during a housing crisis. Join me in telling HUD Secretary Scott Turner to ...

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 05/02/2026

Costs are only half of the #affordability crisis conversation, though. Urban Institute's research shows we need better jobs and fair wages too. Great article by Elisabeth Jacobs and Catherine Harvey on how both policymakers can and should address both sides of the affordability conversation:

urban.org

To Solve the Affordability Crisis, Start with Better Jobs and Pay

Seven evidence-backed strategies state and local policymakers can implement to make life more affordable for working Americans by improving job quality.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 05/02/2026

@urbaninstitute.bsky.social research finds that, since 2017: - workers’ earnings have increased 38% - childcare & healthcare costs have increased 40% - rent has increased by 50%

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 03/02/2026

Renters can participate too; On-bill financing programs let tenants make energy upgrades with landlord approval. Some CA programs include safeguards from rent increases and eviction related to energy upgrades.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 03/02/2026

Examples of electric alternatives: - Heat pump water heaters - Electric heat pumps (for heating & cooling) - Electric dryers - Induction cooktops - Electric stoves/ovens - Bonus: proper insulation & air sealing maximizes efficiency

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 03/02/2026

Why switch to electric? 1. It’s 4x more efficient than gas furnaces with lower operating costs 2. Zero toxic fumes, prevents carbon monoxide poisoning 3. Safer & reduces risks from gas leaks, explosions, fires 4. Can cut emissions up to 90% by 2050 compared to homes using both gas & energy

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 03/02/2026

RESIDENTIAL DECARBONIZATION! It's the process of reducing or eliminating CO2 emissions from apartments/homes/smaller housing complexes, often through electrification, replacing fossil fuel appliances with electric alternatives.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 03/02/2026

10% of California's greenhouse gases come from where people live (ww2.arb.ca.gov/ghg-inventor...). Many homes still use gas appliances that contribute to emissions. CA is tackling this with zero-emission standards for new space/water heaters starting in 2030. How we can make a difference:

ww2.arb.ca.gov

Current California GHG Emission Inventory Data | California Air Resources Board

2000-2023 GHG Inventory (2025 Edition)

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 02/02/2026

The BLM sign on our #BayArea office is getting refurbished for a few months. In the meantime, check out what the lumenCrew put up! Racial equity is crucial to economic equity & climate resilience. We’re honored that we get to host these messages to thousands of people daily, especially right now.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 21/01/2026

Introducing our 2026 Policy Priorities, shaped by 75+ stakeholder interviews. We’re advocating for systemic change at the intersection of climate, equity, and jobs. We’ve got a small but mighty policy team with big impact ahead. Learn more: risingsunopp.org/policy/

risingsunopp.org

Policy and Advocacy - Rising Sun Center for Opportunity

Rising Sun advocates for state and local policy updates and programs to equitably improve job quality and climate resilience.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 05/12/2025

We call on state leaders to embed equity in decisions, strengthen community power sharing, and build real accountability. We urge partners and state leaders to uplift community priorities and stay engaged in this next phase of work. @governor.ca.gov @caspeakerrivas.bsky.social

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 05/12/2025

As a member of the CA Racial Equity Coalition, Rising Sun celebrates the release of the Racial Equity Framework. It offers tools and strategies to advance equity across state governments. We’re committed to supporting its implementation and driving the equitable change Californians deserve.

racialequity.opr.ca.gov

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 02/12/2025

This #GivingTuesday, every dollar will be matched 100% up to $10K by our Board of Directors. Double your impact today. When we can imagine a better future, we can build it.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 02/12/2025

This year, Opportunity Build debuted its first-ever cohort for 21 high school students pursuing pathways into the trades. We continue to host Women Building the Bay, where women & non-binary individuals can access high quality jobs for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Picture of high school students on graduation day for the Opportunity Build program, a program helping people enter the trades.

Picture of participants in Opportunity Build’s Women Building the Bay cohort, helping women and non-binary people enter the trades.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 02/12/2025

Beyond training, Opportunity Build provides mental health counseling, childcare support stipends, and financial coaching. Data from the CA Employment Development Department shows that graduates earn 50% more in the 1st year after program graduation, & double their earnings by the 3rd year.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 02/12/2025

“This is one of my favorite organizations to work with; I work for Webcor Builders, a general contractor—and we hire people directly from Rising Sun.”

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 02/12/2025

For Cynthia, Rising Sun = opportunity where it’s needed most. If you want to support our work, every dollar donated will be DOUBLED tomorrow by our Board of Directors, up to $10,000. Please donate whatever is meaningful to you: secure.qgiv.com/event/rising...

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 25/11/2025

After over 30 years of work, we’re doubling down on building accessible pathways to good, green jobs. We hope you’ll stand with us. Please give what you can: secure.qgiv.com/event/rising... Your support today can help us build careers that lift communities.

secure.qgiv.com

Rising Sun's End of Year Peer-to-Peer Campaign 2025

Rising Sun is building career pathways for economic equity and climate resilience in the California Bay Area and San Joaquin County. I just donated to support their work—and you can too: https://secur...

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 21/11/2025

Field trip time! Our Women Building the Bay cohort of Opportunity Build visited UA342 in Concord last week. Check out Johnny’s welding-themed sleeve. Shoutout to this steadfast partner of Rising Sun’s work. #Union #Trades #WomenInTrades #Apprenticeship

Instructor talking with cohort participants in welding room

Instructor talking with cohort participants in piping room

Instructor showing cohort participants tools on wall for welding, pipe fitting, steam fitting, plumbing, and HVAC/R servicing

Instructor revealing his arm full of tattoos related to welding

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Reposted by Rising Sun Center for Opportunity

Oakland Zoo @oaklandzoo.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Jane Goodall today. Jane’s conservation work was groundbreaking. She was a tireless advocate for the protection of our natural world. We join all of those who were inspired by Jane’s work in honoring this pioneering, remarkable human.

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Reposted by Rising Sun Center for Opportunity

Alex Barron @alexrbarron.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

You're working to decarbonize your campus, right? If you want a 6 month opportunity to get smart on decarbonization, the 2026 Campus Decarbonization Academy is worth checking out. www.aashe.org/calendar/cam...

AASHE’s Campus Decarbonization Academy returns in 2026, and applications are now open! This six-month, cohort-based program offers actionable solutions to guide your institution through the complex process of decarbonization, with support from campus and industry experts every step of the way.

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Reposted by Rising Sun Center for Opportunity

Building Decarbonization Coalition @buildingdecarb.org · 23/09/2025

⚡ Register now to join BDC’s Ted Tiffany on Thur. Sept 25 at 3 pm ET for Electrify 101, a Clean Air Week webinar on how to make your home safer, more energy efficient & more comfortable using the latest generation of #HeatPumps and other zero-emission appliances. bit.ly/4nO81GO #ElectrifyEverything

bit.ly

Electrify 101

Sep 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM Pacific

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Reposted by Rising Sun Center for Opportunity

Oakland Ballers @oaklandballers.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

💚 💛 Ballers fam, @MayorBarbaraLee just announced that we're going to keep the party going! 🎉 See you there! 🍾

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 23/09/2025

It’s never been more important for CA to lead the US in innovative policies to decarbonize our economy. Signing #SB787 into law presents an opportunity we can’t miss to grow clean economy industries. @governor.ca.gov: let's continue to lead environmental policy while delivering high quality jobs!

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Lead the Charge @leadthecharge.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

#SB787 would support US automakers by creating a new state-level leadership position in California to support the development of US battery supply chains by: 🔢Collecting industry, firm, and consumer data to forecast production and financing costs in battery supply chains; #battchat

docs.google.com

SB 787 Sign On Letter

Honorable Chair Wicks, Assembly Appropriations Capitol Office, 1021 O Street, Suite 8140 Sacramento, CA 95814 Honorable Vice Chair Sanchez, Assembly Appropriations Capitol Office, 1021 O Street, Suit...

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 22/09/2025

Stockton youth in our Climate Careers program nail interview questions for green jobs, and the generous support from the U.S. Bank Foundation helps our program continue to grow. Thank you for believing in our mission! (2/2)

Image of 5 youth wearing green uniforms as Energy Specialists for Rising Sun. They are standing in front of a house and posing for a picture.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 22/09/2025

This summer we've hosted multiple mock interview days in Stockton, and we're so grateful for dedicated supporters like U.S. Bank! Their staff volunteered to help (1/2)

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 17/09/2025

Check out this feature by @otisrtaylorjr.bsky.social about our Lead Case Manager, Jenn, in KQED. "That’s the truth about touching the bottom: No one climbs out alone...We pass them every day—in tents, in shacks, at stoplights with cardboard pleas." www.kqed.org/news/1205480...

Photograph of Jenn Oakley, standing at a door frame and looking outside. She is in her new condo, purchased through the First Home Emeryville program. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for KQED.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 16/09/2025

Extreme heat is a public health emergency for millions of Californians. For Pedro Zacarias and his family, it isn’t just a threat outdoors, but within their home as well. Read more from Pedro and why he’s urging state leaders to pass #SB655. #CALeg @governor.ca.gov calmatters.org/commentary/2...

calmatters.org

Extreme heat in homes sickens and kills. California lawmakers can fight it. | Opinion

As climate change makes for more 100-degree days, California legislators are considering a bill to set a maximum indoor temperature standard for homes.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 26/08/2025

Green House Call visits are now available in Merced & Madera County, August 25-October 3! Our youth Energy Specialists are trained to install energy- & water-saving items in your home. It's renter-friendly, environmentally-friendly, & wallet-friendly! Visit lnkd.in/gKPGmHP to learn more and sign up.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 28/07/2025

"Trades are important. There are a lot of jobs in the trades and a lot of opportunities." Check out this feature on Carlos Contaxis, an Island High student in our Opportunity Build program. So excited to see where your construction career takes you, Carlos! Read the feature here: bit.ly/459iiFw

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 02/07/2025

Yet another reason why expansion of our Climate Careers® program into Central California this year is a big deal! Young people are looking for earn-and-learn programs like ours to help them launch their careers in sustainability. shorturl.at/0juuZ

shorturl.at

Younger generation want green jobs but lack the skills to get them - Energy Live News

Less than half of youth globally feel equipped for a green workforce, despite high interest in climate careers

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 10/06/2025

We’ve launched our new Strategic Plan! 🎉 Rising Sun’s 2025–27 Strategic Plan charts an ambitious course through a time of upheaval, and we’re excited to share the details with you at risingsunopp.org/wp-content/u...

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 23/05/2025

Read more about the California Employment Development Department report that rocked our world last year at report2024.risingsunopp.org Participating in a Rising Sun program has a positive impact on economic mobility, and we’re thrilled to showcase the work.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 06/05/2025

We are looking for organizations in the green economy to host a Climate Careers youth extern this autumn! Externship positions are 120 hours of fully funded, hands-on work experience for an emerging youth climate leader. Wages are fully covered! Email Shay Hart at hart@risingsunopp.org for info 🌎💼

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 11/04/2025

In our Appliance Upgrade Program, we only use contractors that pay fair wages and benefits. This embodies Rising Sun's commitment to equity, climate, AND good jobs. Learn more about our appliance upgrade program here: risingsunopp.org/appliance-up...

risingsunopp.org

Appliance Upgrades - Rising Sun Center for Opportunity

For qualifying residents within the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) service area, Rising Sun offers no-cost appliance upgrades.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 09/04/2025

Upgrading residential buildings with energy-efficient solutions can cut energy waste and lower utility costs for residents. But for many households, the upfront cost and complexity of existing incentive programs can be major barriers. Rising Sun is helping fill that gap: rmi.org/reforming-en...

rmi.org

Reforming Energy Efficiency Programs to Increase Heat Pump Adoption - RMI

Best practices for creating energy efficiency programs that are simple, durable, equitable, and tailored to the local market, with a focus on heat pumps.

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Rising Sun Center for Opportunity @risingsunopp.org · 05/04/2025

Announcing Opportunity’s Build’s first-ever high school cohort!! 🥳 From April through August 2025, Opportunity Build will welcome a targeted cohort of high school seniors and recent graduates into a combined after school and summer program. Graduates will receive their MC3 certification and more!

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