Kickin’ Back... or Kickin’ Ass

Summer is typically thought of as time to relax, kick back, and enjoy the warm weather at the beach. For the two major environmental groups that dominate protecting the coastlines and waves we surf in, the summer is a time to get amped and produce tangible results for the protection of the coasts and oceans.

If you are not a member of Surfrider Foundation or WiLDCOAST, below are lists of some of the things both organizations have been up to this summer. I hope you consider joining both organizations because your membership funds are the foundation of making these events and accomplishments happen.

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

MORNING AFTER MESS
The morning after the 4th of July, there was a massive beach clean up presented by Sun Diego. This cleanup was performed at seven sites throughout San Diego County. Approximately 1,400 volunteers collected over 8,000 pounds of trash including over 45,000 cigarette butts.
 
SAN DIEGO BEACH AND PARK SMOKING BAN 
Surfrider has played an integral part in supporting the smoke-free beaches ordinance for a long time because of the litter impact. This summer Surfrider spoke in front of the City Council and played an important role in getting the ordinance passed. Surfrider also spoke to several City Councils including Imperial Beach, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and others regarding issues such as seawalls and ocean pollution.
 
HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTT
This summer OB was targeted for an assault against cigarette litter. Surfrider Foundation worked with local businesses to install over 25 outdoor ash cans along Newport Avenue as an immediate solution to cigarette butt litter and as an awareness reminder that it is important to dispose of butts properly. Via a press conference and street protests, Surfrider volunteers spread awareness about the major litter problem in the area.  
 
INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY
Surfrider San Diego participated in this global event by having a beach clean up/celebration at Mission Beach and Oceanside. Surfing Magazine created International Surfing Day in an effort to get people to give special recognition to the lifestyle of surfing and to create appreciation for the ocean by holding beach cleanups around the world.

PADDLE FOR CLEAN WATER
To end the summer Surfrider held the 15th Annual OB Pier Paddle for Clean Water where hundreds of people congregated at the OB pier to protest ocean pollution. Tons of media were there to capture the event on TV, and local politicians David Faulconer and Donna Frye showed up to voice their support and efforts to clean up San Diego’s ocean water.

PICKING UP TRASH
Beach cleanups were held throughout the summer on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.  This has been a record year for our beach cleanups with an average of over 100 people at each one.  At the July 22nd Sunset Cliffs cleanup we collected over 250 pounds of recyclables, which was cashed in for a $22 donation for the chapter.

 WILDCOAST
 
KIDS FOR CLEAN WATER CONTEST
This menehune event involved more than 50 super groms battling it out in an early season 3-5’ south swell. WiLDCOAST, Coronado Surfing Association, the City of Coronado, and Emerald City Boarding Source sponsored the event. Getting kids involved (especially surfers) is key to protecting the environment in the future.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF DEFIENDE EL MAR RADIO SHOW
WiLDCOAST launched its weekly radio program out of Tijuana to talk (in Spanish) about coastal protection in the border region and other environmental issues. A surprise appearance by San Diego reggae sensations Burnt livened up the weekly show that included segments on the Tijuana River, surfing in Playas de Tijuana, and wildlife protection in Mexico. CLEAN WATER RALLY
In July more than 250 people joined WiLDCOAST for a rally and paddled out at the Imperial Beach pier to ask Congresswoman Susan Davis to support efforts to clean up border beaches. Later in the month WiLDCOAST took Congresswoman Susan Davis on a tour of Tijuana to show her and her staff why border beaches are among the nations most polluted. Visibly moved by the incredible amounts of water pollution in the streets, Rep. Davis committed to supporting the WiLDCOAST Clean Water Plan. CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL CANCELLED FOR PUNTA ABREOJOS
Mexico’s Northwest Environmental Law Center (DAN) partnered with NRDC, ELAW, Mexican Environmental Law Center (CEMDA), Group of 100, and WiLDCOAST to successfully challenge and halt a proposed cruise ship terminal for Punta Abreojos, one of Mexico’s top right point breaks. The spot had previously been threatened by a yacht marina. For now the project plans are on hold.

CLEAN WATER CONCERT IN IMPERIAL BEACH
Jimmy Sue, Castillo, and Burnt rocked for hundreds of people at the Imperial Beach Pier. The event was designed to build support for Border Beach Bill (AB966) to get relief for polluted beaches in south San Diego.

JOINT EFFORT

JUNE 12: SAVING TRESTLES IN SACRAMENTO
WiLDCOAST joined Surfrider and the Sierra Club in a one-day Save Trestles event in Sacramento to spread the word to elected officials, including the big man Arnold, that Trestles is a resource worth saving and that an environmentally destructive toll road is not the solution for southern California traffic. Surfrider spearheaded getting an item of the SD City Council agenda in late September about a resolution to support the State Parks and strengthen their position. Pearl Jam was also added to the long list of people opposing the toll roads. Visit www.Savetrestles.org for more information.

These events and accomplishments are in addition to the already established programs run by these organizations on a regular basis. In order to pull off both the programs and events they need your support. Become a member or just donate some cash. To educate yourself on the current environmental issues facing our region, visit both organizations’ websites at www.wildcoast.org and www.surfridersd.org.