Coastkeeper Hosts Pollinator Plant Give Away, Membership Advisory Committee Initiates and Other News
December 13, 2019
Orange County Coastkeeper had the opportunity to interview with Dawn Kamber, news director of KSBR – Saddleback College radio station. Dawn interviewed Coastkeeper Founder and President, Garry Brown, and Associate Director of Programs, Ray Hiemstra, about our nonprofit’s 20-year involvement of water protection in the region. The 30-minute segment will air live on KSBR radio (88.5 HD2) on Monday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. Be sure to tune in! Read more.
This month, Coastkeeper hosted its inaugural Membership Advisory Committee meeting, which is made up of six appointed members who will continue to meet bi-monthly. The purpose of the committee is for members to advise our Board of Directors on projects, priorities and water quality issues from each of Coastkeeper’s three communities – Orange County, Inland Empire and Coachella Valley. Coastkeeper will have two committee members representing the issues of each region. Our Advisory Members.
Coastkeeper and Sierra Club led a 3-mile walking tour of the Huntington Beach Wetlands to show local residents the critical habitats that are in threat due to looming development projects, including the proposed Poseidon desalination plant. Join us on Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 a.m. at the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board at Huntington Beach City Hall and tell the board why this project is not good for Orange County. Learn more.
As a designated Pollinator Habitat, the Coastkeeper Garden is working hard to provide pollinators with forage and shelter. As pollinators continue to decline, it’s more important than ever to help these tiny creatures thrive. On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Coastkeeper Garden, in partnership with Native Sons Wholesale Nursery, will be hosting a Pollinator Plant Give Away. Visitors to the Garden will receive a free pollinator plant to add to their garden at home. Learn more.
Thermal Beach Club is a multimillion dollar development project being proposed in Thermal, California. This residential development plan includes a private 22-acre surf lagoon, using water from the Colorado River. Coachella Valley Waterkeeper is concerned about the quantity of water needed for this project, and the feasibility of sustaining a lagoon the size of 22 football fields in the desert, 8 miles from the Salton Sea. If this project is approved as is, it will be the third surf pool to be approved just within the bounds of the Coachella Valley. Read more.
We don’t hesitate to criticize elected officials when they make decisions we don’t like, so we shouldn’t hesitate to thank a legislator when they bring bills that we support. In 2019, District 74 Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach) helped pass three bills in support of water and the environment including: AB 65, AB 933 and AB 1011. Coastkeeper would like to convey our appreciation to the Assemblymember.
December 6 – Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board Workshop: Local residents are encouraged to attend this workshop and public hearing at Huntington Beach City Hall. The board will be taking public comments on Poseidon’s proposed desalination plant in Huntington Beach. 8 am – 5 pm. More info.
December 7 – Monthly Cleanup in San Clemente: Join Coastkeeper for our monthly trash cleanup at Calafia State Beach. Grab your family and friends and help us protect the California coast. 9-11 am. Must register in advance here.
December 7–Coastkeeper Garden Service Saturday: Volunteers are welcome to join us for a morning of outdoor activity including mulching, planting plants, raking, weeding, digging and more! Individuals, families and groups welcome. 9:30-12 pm. More info.
December 7 – SmartScape with Santa: The SmartScape Team will be at Mount San Jacinto College in Menifee for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. In partnership with Eastern Municipal Water District, the team will host an interactive and fun water conservation booth. 4-8 pm. More info.
December 14 – Monthly Cleanup in Huntington Beach: Join Coastkeeper for our monthly trash cleanup at Huntington State Beach. Grab your family and friends and help us protect the California coast. 9-11 am. Must register in advance here.
December 14–Pollinator Plant Give Away: Visitors to the Garden will receive a free pollinator plant for their home garden. 10:30-11:30 am. More info.
December 14 – 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. 9:30-11 am. More info.