A Successful 'Toast to the Coast,' New Board Member Welcomed and Other News

Thanks for Making Our 2019 ‘Toast to the Coast’ a Success!

Coastkeeper would like to thank the major sponsors: Law Offices of Jennifer F. Novak, SA Recycling, Chevron, Contech Engineered Solutions, Steve & Patricia Bone and Southern California Edison, as well as all of our ongoing supporters and in-kind donors who joined us at our 2019 ‘Toast to the Coast’ fundraiser on Sept. 12. More than 200 guests attended the event, which included Orange County residents, business leaders and elected officials. The evening was a tremendous success. Coastkeeper raised $132,000 in order to continue our mission of protecting the region’s water resources so they are swimmable, drinkable and fishable for present and future generations. Learn more.

California Must Defend its Environmental Protection Laws

Garry Brown, Orange County Coastkeeper’s founder and executive director, penned an opinion article that was recently published in Capitol Weekly and details the impacts of Governor Newsom’s veto of Senate Bill 1. The bill would have ensured that laws protecting water, as well as air, climate, worker safety and endangered species, could not be weakened by future federal government rollbacks. Without the protections of SB1, our waterways could become so polluted that people won’t be able to enjoy clean water in California. Read more.

Town Hall Meeting on Proposed Poseidon Desalination Plant

Residents for Responsible Desal and Coastkeeper held a Town Hall meeting in Huntington Beach to prepare local residents for the upcoming Regional Water Quality Control Board workshop on Friday, Dec. 6. At the workshop the board will take public comment on the draft permit for the proposed Poseidon desalination plant. Coastkeeper opposes Poseidon’s proposal to construct a giant, polluting and unneeded desalination plant that will kill marine life, pollute our ocean and cost a fortune. Learn more.

WHALES Students Find Pacific Seahorse in Newport Bay

On a recent field trip to Newport Bay, AP Environmental Science students from Estancia High School discovered a rare find while conducting a Marine Life Inventory in the bay. Their discovery of a Pacific Seahorse may be a good sign our eelgrass beds are helping to provide habitat for species that have always lived in the bay, but have been disappearing in recent years.Under the WHALES Program, our goal is to engage students in the Orange County area to become knowledgeable environmental stewards to the wonderful nature that is around us. Read more.

Landscaping Techniques to Protect Homes Against Fires

Coastkeeper Garden Director, Marianne Hugo, presented a FireScape Workshop at the Fullerton Arboretum to teach about firewise landscaping and maintenance. With the fire season upon us, this workshop was very useful to homeowners looking to harden their property from fire. Read an article the Daily Titan wrote about the workshop here.

Janice Sclafani Joins Orange County Coastkeeper’s Board

Orange County Coastkeeper welcomes Newport Beach resident and corporate sales leader Janice Sclafani to its Board of Directors. A native Californian who shares a love for local waters and boating, Janice grew up in Tustin and attended the University of California, San Diego.

She is now Regional Vice President of Sales, Essity Professional Hygiene – West U.S., having established a 32-year career in sustainable paper manufacturing. We believe her professional experience along with a passion for sustainability will benefit our shared mission here at Coastkeeper. Our Board.

Upcoming Events in November

November 2 – Free Community Irrigation Workshop – Our garden director will be presenting on irrigation fundamentals from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Valley Water District. More info.
November 2 – Monthly Cleanup in San Clemente – Join Coastkeeper for our monthly trash cleanup at San Clemente State Beach. Grab your family and friends and help us protect the California coast. 9-11 am. Register in advance here.
November 6 – Free OC Marine Protected Area Compliance Priorities Workshop – Join the Orange County Marine Protected Area Council, local enforcement officers and community members to discuss issues affecting local compliance with MPA rules and recommend solutions. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Learn more and register here.
November 9 – Coastkeeper Garden Plant Share – Plant lovers and gardeners are invited to bring garden-related items to trade, such as plants, cuttings, pots, tools, produce, and more. More info.
November 9 – Free Water-Wise Vegetable Gardening Workshop – Our SmartScape Team will be presenting on how to grow water-wise vegetables from 10 – 11 a.m. at the Menifee Community Garden. More info.