Lines in the Sand - A Blog for Surfrider San Diego

The San Diego County coastline is heavily populated in most places. Lines in the sand from beach 'grooming' tractors are more common than nature's beauty, wind driven lines in the sand. Part of that is good because it shows that many people are enjoying our lovely beaches but part of it is bad because it shows we are not taking care of our lovely beaches. That's where Surfrider comes in with a message of CARE - Conservation, Activism, Research and Education. As an organization, sometimes we need to draw lines in the sand on important issues. As a volunteer based organization, Surfrider is you.....so get involved.

April 24, 2007

Myspace please VOTE!

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.


April 23, 2007

Foothill-South: Your road-map to inegalitarian whims

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!

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!

April 17, 2007

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

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.

April 13, 2007

Chapter Meeting: Trestles Updates

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.

April 9, 2007

Spring Cleaning...Surfrider Style

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.

Support those who support us!

Many local businesses are Surfrider Retail Members and give both the the environment as well as other Surfrider members. These are stores and shops you may already shop at, but don't know that you could be receiving a discount each time you purchase from them just by showing your Surfrider membership card. Go Here for a complete list of Retail Members so you will know where to shop from now on.

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