Celebs push eco-awareness

Salma Hayek was one of the many Hollywood celebrities who showed up last week at a pre-Oscar bash put on by Global Green USA, an organization dedicated to environmental efforts such as stopping climate change.

Hayek mingled with a large cast of entertainment movers and shakers, including acclaimed director Oliver Stone and musicians Damien Rice and Michelle Branch.

The soiree—the fifth annual event put on by Global Green—is a way to spread environmental awareness. Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks and Charlize Theron have been past attendees. Also a fundraiser, the event took in $420,000.

Chico State alumnus Matt Petersen (pictured with Hayek) has served as president of Global Green USA since 1994. He is scheduled to speak in Chico Friday (Feb. 29) during the local Greendance Film Festival. He will be joined by his wife, Leila Conners Petersen, who co-wrote, -directed and -produced the film The 11th Hour.