The Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter Blog

Be There or Be Square

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:57:00 +0000

Be There on Big Wednesday!

Join hundreds, if not thousands, of Surfrider Foundation activists and other opponents of the toll road in Del Mar for a rally at the CCC hearing. Come help us send a clear message that our State Parks and open spaces deserve saving!

When: Wednesday, February 6th, 2008. Please arrive by 9am.

Where: Wyland Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, CA 92014 - Just off the I-5 in Del Mar at Via de la Valle exit., click here for directions. Please carpool or take one of our buses if you can.

The Surfrider Foundation and partners are renting buses and organizing carpools in San Clemente and San Diego . We are also providing lunch, tee shirts, and posters/sign for all supporters. Surfrider has it all organizedyou just need to show up. If you have questions about the hearing, or are interested in organized transportation, email Stefanie: SSekich@surfrider.org

Surfrider is also offering prizes, including two hand-shaped Rusty Preisendorfer surfboards, to attendees who show up in the most creative and original "Save Trestles" themed outfit

Venue Change for the Coastal Commission Hearing!

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:46:00 +0000

The venue for the Coastal Commission hearing has changed to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Which is great because now hundreds (if not thousands) of Surfrider Foundation activists and opponents of the toll road can fit into the hearing room!

When: Wednesday, February 6, 2008. Please arrive by 9am.

Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds--at Wyland. Hall 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, CA 92014 - Just off the I-5 in Del Mar at Via de la Valle exit.

The Governator Is At It Again

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:45:00 +0000

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a letter in support of the proposed 241 toll road extension. The letter was issued just two weeks before a critical vote by the California Coastal Commission to determine if the proposed extension violates the California Coastal Act. A staff report prepared by the CCC concludes that it does.

"We are absolutely taken aback by this," said Surfrider Foundation CEO Jim Moriarty. "For the Governor to take this unprecedented step of interfering with the workings of an independent and non-political commission, an entity which was established by California voters and whose sole responsibility is to decide the future of California's coasts and beaches based on law and fact, is entirely inappropriate."

The disappointing announcement comes just six days after the California Governor unveiled his plans to close forty-eight California State Parks.

"We had hoped that Governor Schwarzenegger was insincere in his threat to close state parks and beaches," says Moriarty. "It now appears that he is absolutely intent on sacrificing our state park system and natural resources for his political objectives."

The California State Parks Department has maintained that they may be forced to abandon nearly sixty percent of San Onofre State Beach Park, including the popular San Mateo Creek Campground, should the proposed extension to the 241 toll road be completed.

Governor Schwarzenegger's failure to support San Onofre State Beach Park by endorsing the 241 toll road extension is in direct contrast to the efforts of his Republican predecessors, President Richard M. Nixon and then-Governor Ronald Reagan, both of whom worked to establish San Onofre State Beach as a part of their legacy; hoping that it would exist as a resource to be used and enjoyed by future generations.

The Surfrider Foundation activists and other opponents to the planned toll road will be gathering in Oceanside, California on February 6th for a planned rally outside the California Coastal Commission hearing. All members of the public are invited to attend.

Please send the Governor a Letter

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:

I am writing in response to your letter to the California Coastal Commission, urging them to support the Toll Road through the San Onofre State Park and Beach.

I strongly oppose your decision, and the toll road that will destroy California's fifth most visited state park. Voters established the Coastal Commission to be independent and nonpolitical, and decide on the future of our coast based on the facts and the law.

San Onofre State Beach gets over two million visitors to the beach portion each year, and over one hundred and sixty thousand visitors to the park's two campgrounds. There are many reasons for the popularity of this beach and park. Since it was recognized as a State Beach in 1971, San Onofre has attracted surfers with its outstanding surf, quiet, accessible inland campground (in close proximity to the beach), and an environment that offers Southern California families the opportunity to experience the coast and nature in the middle of an otherwise overwhelmingly urban area.

It is disturbing that as our Governor you have decided to improperly inject politics to what should be decision based on facts and laws. I hope that in the future you will not interfere with independent and nonpolitical commissions so they can do their jobs and fairly represent California's best interest, not yours.

Sincerely,

Email it here:
click here

Be sure you use the drop down menu and pick "San Onofre Toll Road" and check "Con". Then fill in your email with the letter template

Or, mail it here:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

Show The Coastal Commission What You Think

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:42:00 +0000

Big Wednesday....Save Trestles

Dear Surfrider Supporter,

On Wednesday, February 6th, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) will hear an application for a proposed toll road that will run through San Onofre State Park.

This project threatens precious coastal open space, water quality and the surf break at Trestles, and it would set a dangerous precedent for YOUR State Park system.

Join hundreds of Surfrider Foundation activists and other opponents of the toll road in Oceanside for a rally outside the CCC hearing. Come help us send a clear message that our State Parks and open spaces deserve saving!

What: Crucial Vote to Save Trestles at California Coastal Commission

When: Wednesday, February 6th, 2008. Please arrive by 9am.

Where: Oceanside City Council Chambers-- 300 North Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054 (take the Mission Blvd exit, head west; park at the public parking area just past Coast Highway. Please consider carpooling and taking the train/public
transit).

We have some limited space on a few of our buses: contact Stefanie ASAP if you are interested in transportation and carpooling. SSekich@surfrider.org

Please click here for more information.

Latest Trestles Update

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:18:00 +0000

Get Ready, Set...and GO!!!

The California Coastal Commission meeting is in sight!

Next week, we are heading to San Pedro to Save Trestles and we hope you'll join us!

We are renting buses, so if you want to hitch a ride with us, please reserve your space ASAP--bus seats are limited.

If you want a bus leaving from San Diego; email Stefanie at: SSekich@surfrider.org and if you want a bus leaving from San Clemente, email Robin of Sierra Club: robin.everett@sierraclub.org

If live close to LA, please attend the meeting. We need to pack the house and demonstrate how many people do not want this toll road.

What:

When:

If you are coming on the bus, we will send you bus departure times and locations.

Where:

Why:

Please go to: www.savetrestles.org and click on "updates" to see a map and the agenda for the day.

Paddle Out for Trestles

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:16:00 +0000

Before We See You in San Pedro....We Want to See You in the Water.

This Saturday, Oct 6, at 10 am we are having a "Paddle Out" to raise awareness for the Coastal Commission Hearing.

Join Surfrider and Sierra Club at Trestles Beach (Uppers), to help us celebrate the beauty of Trestles while paddling out to raise awareness about the Coastal Commission Hearing and the Save Trestles campaign.

We will have several campaign experts available who can answer questions about the toll road and what's being done to SAVE TRESTLES.

Drop us an email if you have questions: savetrestles@surfrider.org

See YOU in the water!!

What's the State of Your Beach?

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:59:00 +0000

The Surfrider Foundation's 2007 State of the Beach report has been released! You can read this comprehensive and informative report on the health of our beaches at http://www.surfrider.org/stateofthebeach.

Although the core audience for this report is coastal managers across the US, the State of the Beach report also empowers concerned beach users like you by providing detailed information to take action on behalf of your coast.
The report evaluates the status of 9 Beach Health Indicators: beach access, surf zone water quality, erosion data, erosion response, beach fill, shoreline structures, beach ecology, surfing areas and website for 25 coastal states and territories.

The featured indicator this year is surf zone water quality. Water quality at our beaches continues to be impaired by both non-point source pollution and episodic sewer spills threatening the health of beach goers, surfers and ocean wildlife.

The sections of each state report provide numerous links to easily access additional information, data and reports produced by state agencies, academic institutions and other organizations.

You can also view bonus State of the Beach report sections including:

The Bad and the Rad - factoids highlighting information on what's wrong and what's right along our coasts.
Perspectives - articles by Surfrider foundation staff, activists and other environmentalists regarding the state of our beaches and coastal waters.
Our Beach Manifesto - Surfrider Foundation's goals for coastal conditions and coastal management policy.

Please take a look at the State of the Beach report. If you would like a printed executive summary of this report, have questions or would like to give us feedback, feel free to contact us at stateofthebeach@surfrider.org.

16th Annual Paddle for Clean Water

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:06:00 +0000

The Paddle For Clean Water and Post Paddle Party are coming!

The Paddle for Clean Water is a non competitive event that consists of hundreds of local beach goers paddling around the Ocean Beach Pier in a joint effort to bring awareness to the pollution problem along San Diego’s coastline. This is a free event, and all ocean enthusiasts are invited to participate. As part of the festivities, there will also be free breakfast for all paddlers, guest speakers, music, a huge raffle and a beach cleanup.

This year there will be a Post Paddle Party, a Festival for Healthy Oceans immediately following the Paddle until 6pm at the Ocean Beach Pier parking lot. The event includes a kids art contest, an art show, dance lessons and great live bands.

Trestles Beach Event

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:04:00 +0000

Barefoot Wine & Surfrider Team Up For Trestles Beach Cleanup & Tour/PARTY!
September 1, 2007, Cleanup & Tour 4 - 6 PM, Trestles Beach / PARTY 8 - 10PM
Rip Curl Store, 3801 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672

Just Released!

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:44:00 +0000

JUST RELEASED: Every year the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health compiles a Beach Closure and Advisory Report. Late last week the 2006 edition was released online. How did your local beach fare? Click here to view this informative report and find out.

August Brings Good Times for Surfrider

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:32:00 +0000

Beach Babes Bachelor/ette Benefit this Saturday August 11th at Bar West in PB!
The intent is to create a fun, feel-good event that offers charity-minded men/women the opportunity to meet and make a difference through raising money for the Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter. Our event will feature a mix and mingle, during which the bachelor/ettes sport leis/boas for easy identification while floating throughout the crowd pouring champagne for the guests to "break the ice".

The mix and mingle will be followed by a bachelor/ette auction, where dates with some of San Diego's finest men/women will be auctioned off to raise money for the Surfrider Foundation - San Diego Chapter. After the auction, guests are encouraged to stay for music and dancing. 3-6pm (VIP 2-3pm) Check out buymelovebenefits.com for more info.

Belly Up Anniversary Series

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:38:00 +0000

Belly Up Anniversary Series

This year, Belly Up rolls into our 33rd year, and to celebrate our anniversary, we want to give back to the patrons for supporting the club throughout the years. The talent department has booked Belly Up favorites and slashed the ticket price to only $7!!! Fans will be able to see their favorite Belly Up bands for about half of the usual admission price.

*July 18 – B-Side Players: Album Release Party!
*July 25 – Greg Laswell w/Get Back Loretta & Derren Raser
*Aug 1 – Cowboy Mouth
*Aug 8 - TBA
*Aug 15 - ALO w/Culver City Dub Collective
*Aug 22 - Grand Ole Party, The Creepy Creeps & The Muslims
*Aug 29 – Marc Ford w/The Swedish Models

**Other bands soon to be announced. Check bellyup.com for updates.

Next Chapter Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:34:00 +0000

The next Chapter Meeting is Wednesday July 18th at the Homeblown surfboard blank factory!
Please note that the meeting is NOT at Forum Hall again this month, join us on site at a local eco-friendly surfboard manufacturer "Homeblown US" for this month's chapter meeting.

Ned McMahon, the general manager of "Homeblown US", will share what they are doing to help the "Surfing World Go Green" and will bring us behind the scenes to share with us their Biofoam technology as well as allow us to tour the manufacturing facility of their boards.

Also, Ellen Shively will share the vision of a local community coalition formed called "The San Diego Coastal Habitat Coalition" who have united to try to save the harbor seal colony in La Jolla by winning approval for a San Diego Coastal and Marine Sanctuary and how the Marine Mammal Protection Act plays a role to save the seals.

Ned and Ellen will be available to answer questions after they speak.

We will also update you on other local issues, programs and events along with ways for you to get more involved with Surfrider right now.

The meeting is from 7 to 8:30pm and doors open at 6pm so you can tour the facility and enjoy refreshments.

Homeblown US is located at 10326 Roselle Street #103 in San Diego 92121, basically just south of the 5 and 805 merge.

Click here for directions

The Time to get Involved is NOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:35:00 +0000

The Surfrider Foundation is getting ready for the busiest part of the year and could really use your help. If everyone can help at one or two events each, everything will be well covered, more effective and more fun. There is a wide variety to choose from all over the county:

Saturday June 16th 10:00 to 11:30am Core Volunteer Training. Do you want to know more about Surfrider and how to make the most of your volunteer experience? This 90 minute workshop is perfect. It is not required for volunteering at any of our events, but strongly recommended. This time the good folks at Patagonia Cardiff are offering their outdoor patio, adjacent to the store, for our use. We should have plenty of space, but seats are limited so bring a beach or camping chair if possible. Please email me or belinda@surfriderSD.org to rsvp for this.

Beach Cleanups:

We need three people to help lead each cleanup which includes getting everyone signed in, their supplies and checking everything out at the end. Let me know if you can help.....

6/9 (this Sat) 8:30 to 11:00am Oceanside at Buccaneer Beach.
6/23 (Sat) 8:30 to 11:00 Pacific Beach - Crystal Pier.
6/30 (Sat) 8:30 to 11:00 Mission Beach - Belmont Park.
7/5 (TH) 7:30 to 11:00 Morning After Mess! at seven sites in SD County. We still need a site captain for the Oceanside and Tourmaline sites and three other volunteers to help there and at PB Drive in Pacific Beach. This is our largest cleanup event of the year and get great media coverage while picking up heaps of trash.

International Surfing Day on the summer solstice, June 21st 6-8pm

Our chapter meeting this month is moved back one day to Thursday the 21st to celebrate International Surfing Day and the summer solstice. We are hosting at two locations, Belmont Park and Cardiff, and asking everyone to come out to enjoy the surf, help with a beach cleanup or just get their toes in the sand. We are looking to get food for each location and Surfing magazine is helping with some special surprises at the Belmont location. We can use four people helping organize at each location, just show up between 5 and 5:30, let me know if you are interested.

Ocean Beach Street Fair: Saturday June 23rd

Shifts: 9am to 2pm or 2pm to 7pm This street fair is always interesting and fun. We have a great location secured by the beach and close to the main music stage, just need some people the booth and a leader for each shift that can be responsible for the supplies. Please reply if you are available for a whole or partial shift.

Trestles camping Friday 6/22 - Sunday 6/24

We are having a camp out and awareness event at the San Mateo campground a mile upstream from the Trestles surf breaks. We have six sites reserved and a few open spots remain if you are interested in camping on Friday and Saturday night. On Saturday there will be a host of activities available. Please email me Stefanie if you are interested or have any questions. SSekich@surfrider.org If possible, let us know:

- Will you be attending the Saturday activities (Trestles workshop, lunch, hiking, surfing, beach cleanup, etc)? We are hoping to have media there, so even if you can't camp, we'd love to have as many bodies there on Sat….
- Will you be camping both nights (if not indicate which night you will camp)?
- How many people are in your party? (More people using less tents is preferred, let us know if you have extra room in your tent)

"TRESTLES" CAMPAIGN SCORES BIG

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Mon, 14 May 2007 18:23:00 +0000

"TRESTLES" CAMPAIGN SCORES BIG
Back To Back Wins Aid Effort To Protect Surf Break and State Park Washington D.C. (May 11, 2007) - Late Wednesday night the House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment to the National Defense Act that included language which now forces the TCA to comply with the same California state laws as other developers in obtaining approval to construct the proposed toll road. The amendment, which was submitted by Rep. Susan Davis of San Diego and supported by Rep. Loretta Sanchez of Orange County, was needed to counter several exemptions from state and federal environmental laws which the TCA had secretively garnered over the past several years.

"With these exemptions, the TCA had a trump card in their back pocket, which they could have used to avoid full compliance with environmental laws," said Surfrider Foundation Assistant Environmental Director, Mark Rauscher. "This vote is a victory for protecting park lands everywhere and upholding state laws."

Surfrider Foundation and its partners applaud Davis' efforts to level the playing field.

In other good news word came down late Thursday morning that the California District Court of Appeals had sided with the Surfrider Foundation and other environmental organizations and ruled that a suit filed by the Save Trestles/San Onofre coalition against the TCA for violating the California Environmental Quality Act must be heard in San Diego County (the TCA of course wanted the case to be tried in Orange County).

"The ruling by the 4th District Court of Appeals is a clear sign that this issue impacts more than just the residents of South Orange County," said Surfrider Foundation's Matt McClain. "If completed as planned, this toll road project will have direct and adverse impact on San Diegans, and very likely destroy precious resources that belong to the public at large."

While these two decisions do not yet represent the final nail in the coffin for the proposed toll road extension, they are two big steps towards that direction!

Please take a moment to thank Susan Davis for taking the initiative! Drop a quick email or call her district office to thank her for working to save Trestles by making sure the TCA follows state and federal laws. Click here to send her an email: http://www.house.gov/susandavis/IMA/contact.html Or call Congresswoman Davis' District Office (619) 280-5353
Thanks for your support!

PS - Within the next few weeks we will be conducting a volunteer training for the Save Trestles Campaign. If you want to get more involved, or if you just want to know more about this issue, we’d love to have you attend the training! We will be sending an e-vite soon, but in the meantime, get ready to help us SAVE TRESTLES!! We need to capitalize on our recent victories and we have a lot of work to do. Stay tuned!

Don't forget!

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Fri, 04 May 2007 19:45:00 +0000

Karl Strauss presents the Beach to Brewery Beer and Music Fest on Saturday May 12th

The annual Beach to Brewery Beer and Music Fest is coming up. Featuring 10 beers on tap, live music by B-Side Players, Reeve Oliver, Stranger, and Grand Ole Party. Brewers will be tapping some small batch specialty beers in Firkin Kegs (when they are gone, they are GONE!).

Don't miss it. Pre-sale tickets are available on-line for $15 and $20 at the door. The event sold out last year so get tickets while you can. Your entry fee includes 5 tasters and the concert.

Food will be available for purchase from Wahoo's Fish Tacos, Mountain Mike's Pizza, and San Diego Pretzel Company.

Complimentary shuttles will be provided from the Pacific Beach Library and in Ocean Beach at Dusty Rhodes Park. Shuttles will run to and from the event.

Drink responsibly. 21 and up only event. No exceptions. Bring your ID.

Saturday, May 12th 2007 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Karl Strauss Pacific Beach Brewery, 5985 Santa Fe Street.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit karlstrauss.com

Myspace please VOTE!

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:12:00 +0000

The Surfrider Foundation has been named a Finalist for this month's MySpace Impact Awards, in the category of Environmentalism. Ending tonight, MySpace users will select a winner from among the three nominees. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the efforts of our Foundation and its chapters on MySpace. The winner of the Impact Awards receives a ridiculous amount of exposure on Myspace and $10,000!!

We are currently losing by .2% and we need as many people as possible to vote! If you have a personal page or are in charge of a chapter page, please log on and vote at www.myspace.com/impactawards <http://www.myspace.com/impactawards> and also post bulletins and blogs and encourage your friends to vote. Encourage chapter members and activists to log on.

Foothill-South: Your road-map to inegalitarian whims

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 22:14:00 +0000

It is important to pave roads and highways to provide vital services to inhabited areas, but what the Transportation Corridor Agency has in mind for San Onofre State Beach is definitely not necessary or popular.

The Foothill-South SR-241 toll road extension will do nothing to reduce rush-hour traffic congestion on the Interstate 5, according to the Orange County Transportation Authority's long-range plan for 2006 but will be destructive to the environment and state parkland around it.

The main problem I have with this project is its implications for the future of the parkland. According to the 1997 mitigation assessment of the toll road's impacts on San Onofre State Beach, the California Department of Parks and Recreation says it will be forced to abandon more than 60 percent of San Onofre State Beach after the toll road's construction. The Transportation Corridor Agency gained exemption from the Federal Highway Transportation Act Section 4S, which would have forced it to prove there are no alternatives to building through state parkland, through an obscure rider in Section 2851 of the 2000-2001 Federal Defense Appropriations Bill.

This is sickening. We have all heard of unnecessary appropriations being stuck into huge bills in Congress, and this is no exception. If the TCA could obey the laws set in place by the Department of Transportation, would it have sought an exemption? Hardly. Regulation on the development of state parklands is now in jeopardy and will set a precedent for future parkland to be paved over for the interests of private organizations nationwide. On the surface, these profit-based projects look appealing to the Monday morning businessperson sitting in rush hour, but as was proved with this toll road, they may never benefit the public.

The myth is that San Onofre State Beach does not really belong to the California Department of Parks and Recreation because it was given to the state agency by the U.S. Navy under a 50-year lease. The Navy issued the lease, but California law under section 11011.7 specifically states the intent and jurisdiction of the San Onofre parkland: "All real property acquired for park and recreation purposes by the state which was formerly part of Camp Pendleton shall be used solely for park and recreation purposes, and no part thereof shall be declared surplus or disposed of."

The park is important to the San Diego community. San Onofre State Beach is the fifth most-visited California state park. The California parks department stresses that San Onofre State Beach and the adjacent Donna O-Neil Land Conservancy are homes to numerous archaeological sites; the popular San Mateo Campgrounds as well as other recreation areas; Trestles Beach, home to internationally renowned epic surf; and almost a dozen federally listed endangered species that will be displaced directly due to the toll road's adverse affects.

Numerous cities, such as Los Angeles, Laguna Beach and San Francisco have voted against construction for the road. Former California Attorney General Bill Lockyer filed suit against the TCA in 2006. Environmental groups are fighting back, including the Surfrider Foundation, the National Resources Defense Council and the California Coastal Commission.

I agree with Bill Hickman, coordinator of the Surfrider Foundation's San Diego chapter, when he says, "It's such a rare thing to have the experience of walking on natural land and undeveloped beach. Deep down, I know it's something that needs to be saved."

Get involved. Save Trestles!

Written by:

Kenneth Pico
Surfrider Club Member, San Diego Chapter and student at High Tech High Media Arts.

Question: paper or plastic? Answer: neither!

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 15:57:00 +0000

Dear Surfrider Foundation Member,

We want to let you know about a way you can help support Surfrider Foundation and help get plastic off our beaches!

As an earth-friendly alternative for customers, Ralphs Supermarkets is introducing a new reusable shopping bag. The reusable bags are now available in all Southern California Ralphs stores, just in time for Earth Day.

Customers can buy 2 bags for $3 and for each bag purchased, 50 cents will be donated to Earth Share of California. Earth Share will then distribute the funds to six environmental groups: The Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Coastkeeper, Environmental Defense Center, The Sierra Club and the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association. The bags, which are black and feature the logos of these six partners, are recyclable, washable, and available for purchase in all Ralphs stores throughout Southern California.

Ralphs purchased an initial order of 100,000, so with the public's help, these six groups will split a minimum of $50,000!

Apart from the obvious benefit to the environment of reducing the number of plastic shopping bags, customers will receive 5 cents, per bag, off their grocery bill each time they are used.

So get out to your local Ralphs Supermarket and support the Surfrider Foundation while helping to get plastic bags out of our landfills, beaches and waterways!!!

Mahalo!

We don't swim in your toilet, so please stop peeing in our pool.

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:16:00 +0000

For those of you that live in or around San Diego County you're well aware of how beautiful the weather was on Sunday. It was another one of those southern California coastal city days, the warm sun shining down creating a blanket of warmth amidst the cool and refreshing ocean breeze which whips around in a playful dance. Much like a few other thousand San Diegans I headed down to the beach, son in tow, to enjoy what our little piece of heaven has to offer. That day the beach offered up any form of sand covered enjoyment that you could conjure up, a strong breeze for flying a kite, unobstructed sun for tanning, decent southwest swell for fun little waves to ride, and miles upon mile of warm sand to walk upon. My son was stoked to be on the beach and have the chance to once again search for "crabbies" as he so affectionately calls the small soft shelled sand crabs. It's almost become a ritual with every day at the beach to scourer the sand at waters edge for these buried treasures, and if it keeps the little man happy then so be it I'm wrist deep in moist sand and loving it. At some point during our fevered hunt for the elusive crabbies, my miniature crab-man got his sights set on the muscle shells scattered across the beach. We proceeded to comb the beach due south for any pretty shells that caught our eyes, scanning all of the drift wood and seaweed that we came across.

Now as a member of the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation I'm more than familiar with the human waste, both organic and inorganic that makes it's way into our coastal waters. The fact that about 80% of California's 33 million residents live within 50 kilometers of the Pacific Ocean goes to show how much runoff and pollution has the potential alone to reach the ocean. It's a sad and disheartening fact that 3,985 beach days were affected by closures or advisories during 2004. Water testing has detected human adenoviruses, fecal coliform, and other disease-causing bacteria, pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals. In fact a study by University of California, Irvine Department of Environmental Health, Science and Policy estimates 74,000 people go to the doctor for stomach illness, respiratory disease and eye, ear and skin infections caused by exposure to the polluted waters south of LA in a typical year. Contributing greatly to this problem would be that every day, 37 ocean outfalls in California discharge over 1.5 billion gallons of sewage containing about 120 million tons of mass solids (sewage sludge).

These facts and information have never been more obviously thrown in my face then on Sunday as I walked along the beach. As my son and I were combing the beach looking through the piles of seaweed, we were put off by the amount of trash that was intermingling with what had washed up on the beach. It looked more like someone had emptied their trash can straight on to the beach, there was every from of trash that you could think of; beer cans, broken bottles, plastic cups and containers, miscellaneous torn clothing items, and various particles of food. As much as I wanted to distract my son from the filthiness that his fellow human counter parts create, and continue on with our shell gathering, I felt it more appropriate to take this as a chance to educate his developing mind about an increasing problem that will (not could) greatly affect his future. We played a new game, see who can find the most garbage, and it went remarkably well. He enthusiastically ran up and down the beach yelling out "look daddy more icky trash" with a huge grin on his face. Only an innocent little child can find joy in what's actually a horrible daily injustice thrown upon Mother Nature. And just maybe when my son gets a little older he'll have an appreciation for the ocean and the beach and have a greater desire to better the conditions that we've put on upon one of the planets greatest resources. Maybe we can all learn from this Sunday afternoon experience.

Chapter Meeting: Trestles Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 21:02:00 +0000

Please note that this month's chapter meeting will not be at the regular Forum Hall location.

Cooley Godward Kornish LLP has generously donated their facilities at 4401 Eastgate Mall in UTC for our chapter meeting on Wednesday the 18th at 7pm. Click here for directions.

Speaking at the meeting will be Michael G. Rhodes, a litigation partner at Cooley who is working with Surfrider Foundation on a pro bono basis in the fight to stop the Toll Road and Save Trestles. Mike will update us on the complex legal wranglings of the ongoing lawsuit. Mike will also speak about other pro bono cases he has worked on and about using litigation as a weapon in the fight for social justice.

We will also be going over other chapter updates and ways that you can get involved. It should be quite interesting, see you on Wednesday. Check out our online calendar for a full list of upcoming events.

Spring Cleaning...Surfrider Style

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 17:03:00 +0000

Spring is once again upon us, and what better time to get actively involved with Surfrider. Here is a list of events, volunteer opportunities and other ways to get active with Surfrider and show Mother Earth how much you really do love her.

1) Make every day Earth Day. Lead by example and always make sure you Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Our daily routines can have a huge impact on the environment, think through your actions.

2) Be a core volunteer. Do you want to be a more active member and pursue some leadership roles? Wednesday the 11th, 7pm at our office in La Jolla we are having the first in a series of core volunteer trainings. We will go over some general background info on Surfrider's history, programs and campaigns and offer specific training for beach cleanup coordination and outreach specialists for various events throughout San Diego County. Email belinda@surfriderSD.org for more details.

3) Volunteer at a beach cleanup. This month Surfrider will be at South Mission Beach twice - once on Saturday the 14th then again on April 28th as part of the countywide Creek To Bay Cleanup. For more details and the full calendar of cleanups click here. Our friends at the Windansea Surf Club are hosting a cleanup on April 21st in La Jolla at the end of Nautilus Street and the more the merrier. Stop by and help out between 9am and noon.

4) Clean your own beach. Walking the dog or hanging out at the beach for the day? Take a bag or two with you to pick up those plastic items and other litter that harms marine life. Whenever you get out of the water from a surf be sure to Pick Up 3 pieces of litter. As a reminder, check out this great video created by Del Mar grom Cobi Emory, Pick Up 3

5) Volunteer to help spread the Surfrider message at a fair or booth event. We will be at Pepper Day in Oceanside on April 15th, at Earth Fair in Balboa Park on April 22nd along with other events and could use your help. No experience is required, we can train you upon arrival. Please email bill@surfriderSD.org for more details.

6) Volunteer to help with water testing. We are teaming up with our friends at Coastkeeper to conduct watershed testing along rivers, creeks and lagoons to help isolate the sources of pollution. The next testing day is April 28th, email mary@surfriderSD.org if you are interested.

7) Come to the chapter meeting on Wednesday the 18th at 7pm. Please note this month we will NOT be at Forum Hall. Cooley Godward Kronish LLP has generously donated their facilities at 4401 Eastgate Mall for our Chapter Meeting this month. Click here for directions. Speaking at the meeting will be Michael G. Rhodes, a litigation partner at Cooley who is working with Surfrider Foundation on a pro bono basis in the fight to stop the Toll Road and Save Trestles. Mike will update us on the complex legal wranglings of the ongoing lawsuit. Mike will also speak about other pro bono cases he has worked on and about using litigation as a weapon in the fight for social justice.

8) Purchase your Art Gala tickets. The event is on May 10th, but tickets are likely to sell out like last year, so get yours soon. Shaun Tomson will be on hand signing copies of his new book, Surfers Code. There will be great ocean-themed art, some amazing limited-edition and one-of-a-kind surfboards for auction and plenty more. Purchase tickets online through our homepage: surfriderSD.org or via the blog posting prior to this one.

9) Visit the Stone World Bistro and Gardens. Stone is a long-time Surfrider supporter and endeavors to use as much in-season, locally and organically grown produce as possible at the World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido. Stop by on Tuesday April 24th between 4 and 8pm and mention you are a Surfrider member for special discounts. Enjoy variety? Stone serves special tapas-sized (and tapas-priced) versions of their dishes ranging across the entire menu. Whether you're looking for lighter dining, or a greater variety, Tapas Tuesdays are for you. Click here for directions.

10) Stay Classy. Surfrider is excited to be a beneficiary for the Stay Classy Charity Crawl this year. With 1000+ people, 6 tribute bands, 2 stages, and money going to local charities, how can you go wrong?? All you have to do is purchase a ticket and show up on April 14th at noon at PB Bar & Grill with your event shirt and bracelet on. Then leave the rest to us! The good folks at Stay Classy stepped up this year and all of the event t's are made with organic cotton and recycling at the event is a priority.

11) Sign up for a Surfshot membership. Surfshot is San Diego's surf report website. Our chapter is very excited to partner with Surfshot on a special membership package deal. For an additional $5 you get a Surfrider membership with a one-year subscription to Surfshot. It's a no-brainer. Click here for details.

12) Who you callin' Apathetic?!? Surfrider is happy to be part of this Earth Day celebration in Ocean Beach on April 14th. The event starts at 3pm by the OB Pier and continues a various locations past midnight. Be sure to stop by Rock, Paper, Scissors on Newport Ave and Bacon between 5 and 8 for an art show, live music and more. Click here for details.

13) Get a copy of Cabo and Coral Go Surfing.
This is an educational and inspirational children's book for the the next generation of surfers created by Del Mar Surfrider member Udo Wahn and Jami Lyn. According to Surfing magazine: "Delightful! Cabo and Coral Go Surfing is a fun, educational and soulful way to pass the ‘stoke' along to your children early. Like, as early as possible." Visit caboandcoralgosurfing.com for a copy or stop by Earth Song Bookstore in the heart of Del Mar on Saturday April 14 at noon for a book signing.

14) Check out the Aaron Chang and Grant Brittain Slideshow Event on April 28th. Surfrider supporters Sun Diego Boardshops are hosting this event at the Wavehouse in Mission Beach - 3125 Ocean Front Walk - from 7pm til midnight. $5 cover with proceeds going to Surfrider! Visit sundiego.com for more details.

15) Spread the word. Pass this email on to your friends and family and get them involved, the more the merrier. Be sure to check out our new online calendar for event updates.

As you can see there are more than a dozen ways to celebrate earth month and get involved with The Surfrider Foundation. I encourage you to make it a goal to pick at least one of the above and show your support.

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:15:00 +0000

The 2007 Art Gala is coming on May 10, 2007 - get your tickets now!

The April General Chapter meeting will be at a new location

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:14:00 +0000

Our next Chapter Meeting, to be held April 18 at 7 p.m., will NOT be at Forum Hall. Cooley Godward Kronish LLP has generously donated their facilities at 4401 Eastgate Mall for our Chapter Meeting this month. Get directions HERE
Speaking at the meeting will be Michael G. Rhodes, a litigation partner at Cooley who is working with Surfrider Foundation on a pro bono basis in the fight to stop the Toll Road and save Trestles. Mike will update us on the complex legal wranglings of the ongoing lawsuit. Mike will also speak about other pro bono cases he has worked on and about using litigation as a weapon in the fight for social justice.

SAVE TRESTLES

noreply@blogger.com (Colin) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:13:00 +0000

Surfrider is continuing the fight to protect San Onofre/Trestles! One major step in the battle is having elected officials sign the endorsement list; so far, the list is impressive. Taking a stand against the Toll Road through the park are Congressman Bob Filner, Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, Francine Busby, State Senator Christine Kehoe, Assembly members Mary Salas, Lori Saldana and the cities of L.A, Oceanside, I.B, and Laguna Beach. (For more information, see SaveSanOnofre.com).