Pick Up 3

How can the ocean give us clean energy – Pick Up 3

2012-08-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

In the face of increasing energy demands and increasingly problematic energy sources, the appeal of using the ocean to generate power is obvious: Water covers more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, and it’s not going anywhere any time soon.

And, like the wind and the sun, the ocean — its waves, tides and temperature gradations — can be harnessed to generate clean electricity, with no emissions or byproducts to manage.
Ocean energy taps into the power of interactions between oceans and the wind (wave energy), the moon (tidal energy), and the sun (thermal energy). The technologies are pretty far behind wind and solar as far as large-scale generation goes, but the potential is huge — and growing.
Tidal energy, for one, is already powering homes and businesses.
The moon’s gravitational pull on a rotating Earth results in tides — ups and downs in water level. These fluctuations mean water is moving, and moving water means kinetic energy. There are several approaches to turning this tidal energy into electricity, including tidal fences, tidal barrages (like dams) and freestanding tidal turbines. Each takes a different route to the same end: using the movement of the tides to spin turbines, or electromechanical generators. As tidal undercurrents pick up, tidal fences channel all of that movement through fence-mounted turbines. Barrages trap high tide waters in dam-type configurations, releasing it through turbines when the tide ebbs. And tidal turbines sit on the sea floor, placed in the path of the most powerful tidal currents to catch the energy in the ebb and flow.
Wave energy taps into a different ocean-based kinetic energy: The movement of waves at the surface, created by wind. If you’ve ever been body surfing, you know there’s power in those waves. To harness it, stationary systems use the up-and-down movement of waves to operate a piston, which in turn runs a generator. This motion can also run systems riding on top of the waves like buoys, which have motion-activated generators inside. A different type of wave-energy device consists of a chamber filled with air. As waves fill that chamber, they force the air out, through a turbine.
Both tidal and wave systems capture kinetic energy. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) taps into a different ocean energy source: solar.
Heat has energy, and there is a huge amount of heat from the sun stored in the ocean’s surface waters. This solar energy can be turned into mechanical energy through the spinning of a turbine. One way to release this energy is by using it to vaporize a liquid, like ammonia, that has a low boiling point. A pressure change causes the vapor to expand, at which point it can spin a turbine. Other systems create a low-pressure environment so that the heat in the water actually causes it to boil, creating steam that can operate a turbine.
The promise of ocean-based clean energy is huge: If OTEC alone were instituted on a commercial scale, it could supply far more than our daily energy needs. But that’s a big “if.” Ocean-energy is still in its infancy.
But testing is underway. The world’s oceans are in fact generating electricity, and they could someday give us all the clean, renewable power we need to run our lamps, our heat, our traffic lights, our cell phones, our iPods and more.
http://dsc.discovery.com/energy/energy-power/clean-energy-from-the-ocean.html

Pick Up Three : Pick up 3 take action and protect the ocean from trash. Whether we look to the ocean as a source of water, beauty, or recreation, the ocean consistently gives back to us.

.Pick up 3

2012-08-17T08:42:00.001-07:00

Pick up 3 take action and protect the ocean from trash. Whether we look to the ocean as a source of water, beauty, or recreation, the ocean consistently gives back to us.

Outside the Lens at Del Mar Heights School

2012-08-17T08:20:00.002-07:00

Del Mar Heights is committed to creating a balanced educational program with focus on the whole child. In addition to rigorous academic programs, Del Mar Heights offers programs like the Global Village and Understanding Differences that help children learn empathy, compassion and commitment to make the world a better place. Outside the Lens provides weekly programming for the 3 third grade classrooms during the academic year.

Inspire. Educate. Visit. Guest Speakers at Del Mar Heights School

Sarah, from San Diego Coastkeeper, spoke about protecting the region's inland and coastal waters.

Cobie, from Pickup3.org, talks about his solution to keeping beaches clean.

Pick Up Three : Pick up 3 take action and protect the ocean from trash. Whether we look to the ocean as a source of water, beauty, or recreation, the ocean consistently gives back to us.

http://outsidethelensatdelmarheights.blogspot.ro/2010/08/inspire-educate-visit-guest-speakers-at.html

California vacation - Pick Up 3

2012-08-17T04:52:00.002-07:00

Indian Summer Packages

Ask a Newport Beach local and they’ll tell you that their favorite months of “summer” are September and October - “Indian Summer.” During this magical time of year, the streets of Newport Beach have emptied out from the summer rush, the beach is yours alone, restaurant reservations are easy to come by – and the weather is, well, sublime. It’s the perfect time for you and that special someone to enjoy a romantic getaway! All at unbeatable prices thanks to exclusive Indian Summer packages from a wide range of the best hotels in Newport Beach. We look forward to giving you a warm welcome to Newport Beach this Indian Summer!

The Balboa Bay Club & Resort - Spa Indulgence Package
 Package includes:

Overnight accommodations for a minimum of two nights

Valet parking daily

Breakfast daily

One-time $200 spa credit
Rate starting at $369 per night (minimum two night stay)

*Restrictions apply. Expiration Date: December 31, 2012. Promo Code: MKTSPI. See Website for full details.

or call (949) 645-5000

Fairmont Newport Beach - Stay & Play
 Package includes:

Overnight accommodations in your choice of one of our various luxury rooms or suites

50% off valet parking ($14 nightly value)

Complimentary High-Speed Internet Access ($13.95 daily value)

$20 Food & Beverage credit per night
Rate: Starting at $129

*A one-night, non-refundable room plus tax deposit is due at the time of booking. All rates are based upon availability and do not include taxes. See website for full details.

or call (949) 476-2001

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach - "Free Time" Offer
Package includes:

The third night free

Complimentary daily breakfast for two in Sol Restaurant

2 p.m. late checkout
Rates starting at $125

*Expiration Date: November 30, 2012. Promo Code: FRTIME. See website for full details.

or call (800) 233-1234

Island Hotel Newport Beach - Weekend in Newport Package
 Package includes:

A $35 Hotel Credit valid at Palm Terrace Restaurant & Lounge and for services at The Spa at Island Hotel

Complimentary Valet Parking for one vehicle
Rate Starting at $229

*Valid select weekends September 7 – October 31, 2012. Subject to availability and blackout dates apply. Price excludes taxes and gratuities. Credit is per stay, unused portions may not be transferred or applied towards other charges and not valid on retail products. Promo Code: Indian Summer. See website for full details.
or call (888) 321-4752

Newport Beach Marriott Bayview - Stay the Night in Newport Beach
 Package includes:

Accommodations in a Standard Suite with 1 King and 1 Sofabed

Daily Breakfast for Two Adults*

Complimentary Self Parking (for one vehicle)

Rate: Starting at $169

Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa - Stay the Night in Newport Beach
Package includes:

Accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room 
Daily Breakfast for Two Adults*
Complimentary Self Parking (for one vehicle)

Rate: Starting at $179

*Breakfast can be in the hotel restaurant or room service. Tax and gratuity not included. Promotion subject to availability and blackout dates. Taxes and gratuities not included. Promotion not available to groups of 10 or more rooms and may not be combined with any other promotional offers. Expiration Date: December 30, 2012. Promo Code: LPR. See website for full details.

or call (949) 640-4000

http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/special-offers/indiansummer/

Pick Up Three : Pick up 3 take action and protect the ocean from trash. Whether we look to the ocean as a source of water, beauty, or recreation, the ocean consistently gives back to us.

Giant Blue Whale Migration Summer/Fall 2011-$15 Whale Watching Special

2012-08-17T04:35:00.000-07:00

Address: 309 Palm, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Phone: 949-675-0551
Venue: Newport Landing Sportfishing & Whale Watching
Visit Website
Handicap Accessible: Yes

Giant blue whales were once considered quite rare off Newport Beach in southern California, but over the last five years this has changed dramatically with hundreds-thousands of giant blue whales spotted each year. In fact in 2011 over 1100 giant blue whales were viewed from May-August with multiple blue whales sighted during one whale watching cruise, a regular occurrence. These giants of the sea reach lengths of 100 feet and are the largest of all animals. Unlike the grey whales (about half the size of the blue whale) for which southern California whale watching is known for, these giants are less shy and provide great viewing opportunities. Along with viewing these giants, the second largest whale in the world, the finback whale has also taken to the waters of southern California during the same months as the blue whales. Along with whales, giant pods of common and bottlenose dolphin are also very common with pods numbering a thousand of more dolphins quite likely. These dolphins come within arm's reach as they play alongside the whale watching ship. Viewings are so good that there is a 96% viewing success rate and if nothing is viewed a free pass for another whale watching cruise. Join Newport Landing Whale Watching on one of the several whale watching cruises offered daily. Whales are regularly sighted just outside the mouth of Newport Bay which is within 10 minutes from the departure. Each cruise is 2 ½ hours in length.
Newport Landing's primary whale watching ship is 65 feet in length with a large upstairs sundeck, wrap around outside seating, snack bar with food and beverages, indoor seating with large windows. Their whale watching ship was designed just for viewing marine life. Plenty of other amenities guartees to make for a very comfortable and exciting trip. Captains & crews have backgrounds in marine biology and are incredible knowledgeable providing details on marine creatures, environment, and eco systems.

For special offer visit http://www.newportwhales.com/newport_beach_whale_watch_offer.html

Which California Beach Will You Fall in Love With?

2012-08-17T01:33:00.002-07:00

There’s a California beach to suit your every mood. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a family beach vacation, or a romantic getaway, you’ll find it here.

Beaches that are perfect for people watching
Beaches made for solitude
Beaches for playing and exploring
Beaches that will simply take your breath away

You can wallow in luxury at a posh resort, snuggle up in a cozy bed & breakfast inn, or rough it in your own little tent by the beach. Go hiking, or loll around in the sun. Go sightseeing, or just decompress.

© Arthur Preston | istockphoto.com
**Mendocino Coast**

Beyond the glories of the coastal landscape, you can also enjoy all the sophistication of California’s great coastal cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Each has its own special attractions, and more things to do than you’ll ever have time for.
If big cities aren’t your thing, plan a visit to one of California’s many beach towns, quaint villages, or tiny burgs. With 1100 miles of coastline, California offers a dazzling array of choices.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll wind up with a long list of California beaches you love.
I lived in California for 25 years, until the lure of greener financial pastures drove me away. Now I write about the California coast with the wistfulness of a refugee longing for the homeland. I hope I can help you find those special places that create warm memories to last a lifetime.

So, what are you in the mood for?

Let’s take a road trip, and see if anything strikes your fancy as we head on down the coast!

© Photoquest | Dreamstime.com
**Highway 1 in Big Sur**

Northern California Coast

The Northern California coast is heaven for nature lovers, adventurers, and the spiritually inclined. The sheer beauty and abundance of the place will feed your soul.

© Oliverblum | Dreamstime.com
**Trinidad, California**

Things to Do:Camp among the beach dunes at Gold Bluffs Beach, and wake to a meadow full of grazing Roosevelt elk, or luxuriate in a scenic inn set on a bluff overlooking the Mendocino coast. Explore the quiet grandeur of the lush redwood forest, or take a tour through it on the historic Skunk Train.
Go Outdoors: This is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure. Go hiking, camping, fishing, whale watching, kayaking, horseback riding, tidepooling, and (if you’re still not tired) diving for abalone. For the truly adventurous, a hike along the wild California beaches of the Lost Coast is a unique experience.
Cultural Attractions: This area is wetter and wilder than the rest of the California coast, yet it also affords luxuries you may not expect. You’ll find art and theater, marvelous Victorian architecture, romantic inns and resorts, numerous wineries, and more.
The coastline is dotted with small towns and tiny villages, like artsy Mendocino or the Victorian village of Ferndale. Some places, like tiny Elk, California, are little more than a scenic stretch of coast with some lovely inns and a few amenities.
Sound intriguing?
Explore Northern California vacation ideas, beaches and attractions.

San Francisco Bay Area

The urban delights of San Francisco are world famous. The City by the Bay boasts splendid scenery, fascinating museums, a vibrant night life, and tourist attractions as varied as Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown.
Take a walk across the elegant Golden Gate Bridge, hitch a ride on a cable car, explore the beauty of Golden Gate Park, and by all means enjoy some of the great food the city has to offer.

San Francisco Travel Association photo by John Lund
**Cliff House at Ocean Beach in San Francisco**

Beaches and Parks:The Bay Area also boasts some of the most beautiful California beaches and parks. To the north of the city, you can explore the wild and lovely beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore, or take a walk through the hushed splendor of the redwood forest at Muir Woods National Monument. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, even though the City is just around the corner.
Even in San Francisco itself, there are miles and miles of beach to explore. You’ll find places to hike, bicycle, kayak, horseback ride – and the list goes on.
South of San Francisco: Head south of San Francisco and life gets simpler and quieter in the small California beach communities along Highway 1. You’ll find major surfing spots in tiny Pacifica, Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.
Looking for fun? Try the amusement park at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or take a ride on the Roaring Camp Railroad in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Enjoy the wildlife (from whales to Monarch butterflies), the breathtaking scenery, and the numerous recreational activities.

Central California Coast

Next, we head down the Central Coast. Buckle your seat belt; it’s going to be spectacular.

© Photoquest | Dreamstime.com
**McWay Falls in Big Sur**

Monterey Bay:First, we hit the Monterey Bay area, where the coastline is scenic and the living is easy. Go golfing in Pebble Beach, take in the Monterey Bay Aquarium, stroll around in the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, or explore some of Monterey’s many historic sites.
If you love the outdoors, this is the place for you. Hop into a kayak to explore the calm waters of Monterey Bay or Elkhorn Slough, and maybe encounter some seals, sea otters, pelicans, or rays. Take a whale watching tour, or go fishing, hiking, sailing or horseback riding. And when you’re done playing, just relax on the gorgeous white sandy beach in Carmel.
Big Sur: Head south of Monterey, and you’ll encounter one of the wonders of the world — Big Sur, where the mountains meet the sea. Take your time traveling along scenic Highway 1; it’s a very twisting road, with numerous turnouts. You’ll want to stop frequently to enjoy the fantastic views. The Big Sur coast is sparsely populated, but there are some outstanding inns and resorts, plus great camping spots.
At the southern end of Big Sur, we hit San Simeon, where you can stroll along a lovely stretch of beach, or take a tour of the opulent Hearst Castle.
San Luis Obispo Coast: Then on to the beach communities of San Luis Obispo County. Morro Bay, Avila Beach and Pismo Beach are great places to enjoy a laid back California beach vacation. You’ll find the most extensive coastal dunes in California here, and one of the few places where you can ride an ATV — on the beach and among the dunes. You’ll also find wineries, a beautiful coastal park at Montana de Oro, and great seafood.
Santa Barbara: A short drive south brings you to Santa Barbara. With its red-tiled roofs and Spanish Colonial architecture, you’ll think you’re vacationing on the sunny Mediterranean. Santa Barbara has it all — beauty, charm and culture. There are historic sites, like Mission Santa Barbara, museums and art galleries, entertainment and nightlife, restaurants and shopping. Go whale watching or take a trip to the Channel Islands, visit Santa Barbara’s wine country or luxuriate at a spa.
Ventura: Last stop on our tour of the Central Coast is Ventura, where you can enjoy a classic California beach experience minus the crowds. Stroll around the historic downtown area, check out the arts scene, and enjoy some of the great restaurants. There’s plenty of surf and sand, and a lovely harbor where you can rent boats of all sorts, or catch a cruise to the Channel Islands.

Southern California Coast

Southern California is the place for fun. You’ll find all the great family attractions here: Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World San Diego, and so many more. And with the warm, sunny climate there’s plenty to do in the great outdoors. Go hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains and enjoy some fantastic views. Go boogie boarding, surfing or kayaking. Take a whale watching cruise, or go deep sea fishing.

© Bryan Mullennix | Dreamstime.com
**Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier**

Let’s take a quick trip down the Southern California coast and see what’s what.
Los Angeles: The coast here is the place to be. Go just a few miles inland, and the heat and smog make summer miserable, but at Los Angeles beaches, things are cool in every sense of the word. You can enjoy the scenic beaches of Malibu, or head to Santa Monica to play at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Do some people watching at Venice Beach, or scoot on down to Long Beach for the warmest stretch of sandy Southern California beach, and while you’re there be sure to check out the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Orange County: For family fun, head to Huntington Beach, where you’ll find lots of easily accessible sandy beach, and Disneyland is only a half hours drive away. Artsy types will love Laguna Beach, with its many galleries, summer art festival, and scenic coves. If you want to head out to sea, Newport Beach and Dana Point are ready with charters, whale watching cruises, boat rentals and more.
San Diego: North San Diego County is a great place for a classic California beach vacation. Hit the surf in Oceanside, visit Legoland in Carlsbad, or go to the races in Del Mar. There’s plenty of broad sandy beach along this stretch of coast. Things get really interesting when you reach La Jolla’s rocky coast. Explore the sea caves in a kayak, check out the tidepools, watch the paragliders at Torrey Pines, or just enjoy the scenery.
San Diego is the second largest city in California, and it boasts all the amenities and attractions of the big city — and then some. Stroll around Balboa Park and admire the unique Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, beautiful gardens, museums and galleries. Relax on Coronado’s white sandy beaches, visit Sea World or the San Diego Zoo, or explore the city’s many unique neighborhoods and cultural offerings. The weather in San Diego is darn near perfect, so whatever outdoor activity is your cup of tea, you’re likely to find it here.

http://www.best-california-beach.com/

Pick Up Three : Pick up 3 take action and protect the ocean from trash. Whether we look to the ocean as a source of water, beauty, or recreation, the ocean consistently gives back to us.

Top 10 Southern California Beaches

2012-08-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

Drive down the Southern California coast, and visit the best beaches in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

Laguna Beach

Laguna is one of Orange County’s most fashionable towns, as well as one of the most culturally rich, but the beach is a big draw, too. The water at Laguna is generally clean and calm, though occasionally the Pacific tends to be cool with strong tides. Clean, white and warm, Laguna’s sands are perfect for strolling, volleyball matches or simply unwinding on a blanket.

Coronado

For well over a century, Coronado’s beaches have been its fortune, namely the seaside in front of the glamorous Hotel Del Coronado open since 1888. For non-hotel guests, the main beach, Coronado Central Beach, stretches 1.5 miles behind the great houses along Ocean Boulevard. Swimmers, bodysurfers, boogie boarders, sand sculptors, tide poolers and, from December through February, whale watchers all take to the sand and sea. North Beach attracts surfers in the morning, and at the extreme north is Dog Beach, where leashless canines can frolic in the surf.

El Matador Beach

If you’ve come to El Matador to savor the beach rather than get sucked into the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, then you’re in luck — there’s blissfully little else to do here other than bask on Malibu’s most glorious stretch of beach. The best way to enjoy your time is to check the tide schedule, pack a picnic lunch or sunset dinner, grab a blanket, and trek down to one of El Matador’s hidden nooks and coves to enjoy the incredibly romantic atmosphere.

Venice Beach

No beach in the world is like Venice Beach. Sure, other California beaches have sand, surf and sunshine. But they do not have a 3-ring urban street circus, complete with philosophizing artists, trash-talking hoopsters, preening weightlifters, barefoot sand sculptors and more. All of this frenetic activity happens on Ocean Front Walk, a 3/4-mile concrete boardwalk with stores, fast-food spots, flea markets and artists.

Newport Beach

Trendsetters, jet-setters, and beach lovers in the know have been taking advantage of Newport Beach’s coastal charms for decades. There’s the ritzy harbor most folks will only dream of docking a yacht in; beachside “bungalows” worth many, many millions; a shopping district so chic, Rodeo Drive looks discounted; and, oh yes, an utterly magnificent stretch of beach. This wide bed of sand, silky and blonde, rolls south from Newport Pier to Balboa Pier, and plays host to diehard surfers, serious sunbathers, trendy 20-somethings and families. Sitting by a weathered pier, gazing past wooden lifeguard stands toward a fiery sunset, one can’t help but wax nostalgic for days when Beach Boys records and long boards were all the rage.

Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach takes pride in its abundance of outdoor beach activities, which include surfing, swimming, paddleball, sunbathing and, of course, volleyball — there always seems to be intense serving and spiking action on the 1.5-mile stretch of sand. By day, the Strand, a paved boardwalk that borders the beach, is a thoroughfare for bikers, bladers, joggers and strollers. At night, the Strand is a great people-watching spot as crowds fill the restaurants and bars.

La Jolla Cove

With its small crescent of sand tucked between towering sandstone cliffs, La Jolla Cove is one of the smallest but also the most photographed beaches along the Southern California coastline. And things are just as lovely below the surface at this is popular spot for scuba-diving and snorkeling, thanks to visibility that extends up to 30 feet and wildlife protected by the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve.

Catalina Island

Located 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island is known for its myriad of outdoor activities like snorkeling, scuba, horseback-riding, kayaking and hiking. After an active day, stroll around the quaint social center of the island at Avalon for window-shopping, gallery-hopping and a gourmet meal. Bring a camera as photo opportunities present themselves at almost every turn; shutterbugs should be on the lookout for grazing buffalo. Boats depart from Newport Beach, Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point; for jet-setters who don’t want to waste any time traveling, helicopter trips are also a possibility.

Crystal Cove State Park

A secluded beach stretching some 3.5 miles, an official “underwater park” teeming with reefs and 2,000-plus wooded acres for exploring make Crystal Cove State Park a remarkable escape from the crowds and bustle of Newport Harbor. Tide pools and coves delight visitors to the beach year-round, though rangers advise exploration of these during winter, when lower tides present clearer views of the aquatic life. Carved into the park’s ridges and canyons are more than 23 miles of mountain-biking, horseback-riding and hiking trails, many of which feature steep, rocky climbs.

Santa Monica

There’s never a shortage of seaside fun at Santa Monica Pier where the beach meets the boardwalk in a festive display of amusement park rides, aquarium wonders and festival food. It’s free to stroll the historic boardwalk and peruse the goods, and even if you don’t go for thrill rides, there’s no charge for the show-stopping sunset at the end of each day.

Pick Up Three : Pick up 3 take action and protect the ocean from trash. Whether we look to the ocean as a source of water, beauty, or recreation, the ocean consistently gives back to us.

Plastic to Oil Fantastic - ViewChange.org

2012-08-16T13:40:00.001-07:00

Plastic to Oil Fantastic - ViewChange.org

Our Mission

2012-08-10T06:37:00.001-07:00

Since 2004, Pick Up 3 has advocated the simple idea, the simple solution that every individual should pick up three pieces of trash whenever outside. We have made it our mission to unlock people’s potential to create a combined, successful change for tomorrow’s world. Through the power of a united community this simple action will result in
a cleaner earth.
The Pick Up 3 message has been heard around the world and continues to be spread by our global ambassadors in 15 different countries. Founded on the coast of San Diego, the message has been heard from the beaches of Bali to the local surfers of Venezuela. The ocean is not owned by anyone yet is enjoyed by all. As global citizens, it is our duty to take action and protect the ocean from trash. Whether we look to the ocean as a source of water, beauty, or recreation, the ocean consistently gives back to us. Engage yourself and help make an impact on our world.