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Heal the Bay Blog

Author: Heal the Bay

Imagine L.A. Without … Katie Teshima

12.18.2017 |

Climate ChangeSouth Bay


Katherine Teshima (on the left) and her friend near the Redondo Beach Pier.

Maayong adlaw, or good day to the Heal the Bay community!

My name is Katie, and I thought the best way to begin introducing myself was with a greeting in the language I’ve been speaking for the past 15 months. I’m currently serving as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer assigned in the beautiful tropical islands of the Philippines.

Before I hopped overseas, I grew up along the sandy shores of Redondo Beach.

There was hardly a summer day that you wouldn’t find me feet first in the sand and head first in the water. I attended Redondo Union High School from 2007-2011 where I first became aware of issues that threatened the ocean as well as opportunities to help out. I was lucky enough that Heal the Bay had broken ground as a club during my junior year, and I dove right in.

During my time at Heal the Bay, I found a new means of connecting with the ocean that I loved so much. For the first time I considered (and literally sorted through) the waste we produce and how we manage to disconnect ourselves from our actions and the environment. I felt pride in the contribution I made during beach clean ups and soon realized that volunteerism was with me to stay.

Fast forward six years and I find myself in no other occupation than a “professional volunteer” with the United States Peace Corps. On the opposite side of the world, in a small town in which I am the only American for miles, and for 27 months I fight for the same cause I took up all that time ago.

As a Coastal Resources Management Volunteer I work within a local government unit alongside small fisherfolk organizations and community groups in improving practices and governance of their environment. This can include anything from solid waste management to coastal habitat assessments and environmental education. On a smaller, more personal scale I’ve found a new place that I call home. I’ve learned a thousand times more from the people and culture than I can ever hope to give back. My perspective has been tested, flexed and grown from interacting in an environment wholly different from my origin.

It is not without difficulty that I continue “the hardest job I’ll ever love.”

As stewards of the ocean we face ever mounting challenges related to its health and sustainability. Global environmental issues are represented in different shades at all local levels and require the associated community’s participation. It is only through the involvement of local stakeholders that the unique conditions and challenges can be addressed in an appropriate and timely manner. With the participation of those individuals directly using the resources we strengthen the capacity of our communities for change.

As we set out to transform our world/community/selves, we must be resilient against the threats of frustration and doubt.

What I’ve found more important than finding a solution to any one problem is building the strength to rise and brave the tasks at hand. It is only through our collective steps forward, backward, and all directions in between that our very real, very important impact will be made.


Through this Community Mangrove Training, local leaders gained practical skills and knowledge to rehabilitate their mangrove forest ecosystems. Mangroves are a critical part of the Philippine environment, as they provide protection for communities from strong storms, nursery habitat for fish and wildlife, and water quality maintenance.


I helped assess the fishing effort in our local bay by surveying the number, GPS location and type of fishing activity. Developing sustainable fishing practices is crucial in the Philippines where more than 50% of animal protein intake is derived from marine fisheries.


The opportunity to work with students – to learn a little bit and laugh a whole lot  – has strengthened the connection I have with my community and my Peace Corps service.


I love to share my journey and inspire others to consider volunteering in their own communities and abroad.  I recently spoke about my work at Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.

Our work isn’t possible without the real passion, action and commitment from people like Katie and you. Help us spark more positive change in our region, up and down the coast, and around the world.

Make a Year-End Gift to Heal the Bay

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Year In Review 2017: Take a Swim Down Memory Lane

12.14.2017 |

Ballona WetlandsCoastal Cleanup DayHeal the Bay AquariumL.A. RiverPlastic Pollution

Heal the Bay Year In Review 2017

 

It’s been a hot year, but these 7 memories helped us keep our cool.

 

7. Marching for Science, NOT Silence.
Fighting Federal rollbacks with 50,000 Angelenos. Watch Facebook LIVE video >


(Photo Credit: Austin Francalancia)

 

6. Skipping the Straw.
Empowering local business patrons to reduce plastic pollution in our seas. See campaign >

Plastic Free

 

5. Protecting the Pacific Seahorse.
Caring for local animals and willdlife at our S.M. Pier Aquarium. Explore our Aquarium >

Pacific Seahorse

 

4. Changing the Course of the L.A. River.
Expanding the River Report Card to protect public health and habitats. View the River Report Card >

 

3. Championing Community Cleanups.
Leading 37,000+ volunteers to remove 418,000+ trash and debris items. Sign up for a 2018 cleanup >

Los Angeles Beach Cleanup

 

2. Bringing Back Ballona.
Advocating for the robust restoration of L.A.’s last remaining large wetland. Get the latest update >

 

1. YOU!
Your voice. Your time. Your energy. Your contribution. Thank YOU.

We want to make new memories and powerful change next year. But, we can’t do it without the support of ocean lovers like you.

Year in Review Infographics

Will you make your tax deductible Year-End Gift today?
(If you’ve already given this season, thank you.)

Make Your Year-End Gift

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Imagine L.A. Without … Ken Seino

11.14.2017 |

Malibu / Pacific PalisadesMore Ways to Give

Through the end of December, we will share the stories of amazing people whose lives have been changed by Heal the Bay. Now they are changing our region for the better. Please make your Year-End Gift today to support the work of these water warriors.

Ken Seino almost died surfing at Malibu’s fabled First Point.  First he was scared, then he was angry. Then with Heal the Bay’s help he took matter into his own hands – flying to Sacramento with us in 2009 to fight successfully for stricter pollution limits. Here’s his story in his own words:

Call me biased, but from the first time I surfed the place, I knew Surfrider Beach was special – dare I say sacred? But the continuous human pollution from Malibu Creek eventually played Russian Roulette with me and it won. I suffered a prolonged illness from a fecal virus contracted surfing here and I almost died from it.  The disease damages the heart muscle and even causes your own immune system to weaken you. It is irreversible.

Two surfer friends of mine did die from the very same virus here.  They asked me to help them fight for its restoration to the pure and holy place that the Chumash tribe ascribed it to be. In order to honor my friends and honor this place, how could I refuse?

As a member of the Malibu Surfing Association and a Surfrider Beach regular since 1971, I was asked by MSA president Michael Blum to accompany the “A-Team” to Sacramento and speak before the State Water Board.

The State Board was weighing in on whether to support the Regional Water Board’s earlier prohibition of on-site wastewater plants in the Malibu Civic Center area. Opposition to the action was strong with Malibu’s city attorney actually threatening litigation if the State Board upheld the prohibition, which aimed to prevent seepage of harmful bacteria from outmoded septic tanks.

I had heard of last-minute strategies by the city of Malibu to have the septic ban remanded to the L.A. Board because of its contention that the prohibition was “technically unfeasible and politically unachievable.”

So I was worried as I walked into the State Water Board hearing room and sat next to my esteemed teammates. We each spoke, with [former HTB president] Mark Gold wrapping up succinctly all of the issues at stake. We sat down, hoping and praying that our words persuaded the five-member board that would make the final decision.

The city of Malibu arrived with its own A-Team. Euphemized threats of litigation were uttered and Mark Gold was gratuitously misquoted.  I hoped that the board would see through this.  Other opponents spoke as well. The residents and commercial interests complained how oppressive the ban would be to them personally.

But suddenly, after the last speaker had appealed, the board called for the vote.  And in a few minutes, a unanimous vote (5-0) in our favor was recorded.  About 90% of the room vacated as the board moved on to other business.  We sat there together silent, staring straight ahead, stunned.  All these decades of activism, protest and creation of organizations to fight this breach upon the environment and public health, and now the victory had finally been achieved. Is this how it felt at Waterloo?  Mark Gold got up from his chair, looked at us and said, “What, did someone die? Hey, we won!”

It didn’t hit me personally until I was on the plane staring out the window as we were coming home.  I thought about my own fight for this place I love, and also about Ralph Gambina and Erik Villanueva who died from infections from surfing Malibu.  They were vocal in insisting upon this ban of septic tanks in Malibu. This is what they fought for and it is finally a reality.  As I stared out the window of the plane at the glistening ocean, I cried for Malibu, but this time they were tears of joy.

Make a Year-End Gift to Heal the Bay

Our work isn’t possible without the real passion, action and commitment from people like Ken and you. Help us spark more positive change in our region, up and down the coast, and around the world.

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Bring Back Ballona

09.25.2017 |

Ballona WetlandsClimate ChangeMarina del Rey / Playa del ReyWetlands Restoration

Ballona Wetlands Nicola Buck Heal the Bay

Photos of Ballona Wetlands on September 16, 2017 by Nicola Buck.

Excuse the pun, but today marks a watershed moment for one of our region’s most important natural places — the Ballona Wetlands.

After years of delay, state and federal authorities released restoration plans Monday for the beleaguered 600-acre Reserve in the Playa del Rey area. Greater L.A. has already lost nearly 95% of its coastal wetlands, so we’re ecstatic to see officials finally moving forward to protect this ecological jewel.

But it’s not just scientists and enviro junkies who should care. Wetlands touch everyone in our region, no matter where we live.

  • Do you like more thriving open space for all Angelenos?
  • Do you like protecting habitat for local animals and native species?
  • Do you like improved water quality throughout the region?
  • Do you like natural buffers from the coming ravages of climate change?
  • Do you like providing natural spaces for young students to explore?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you already care about protecting and restoring wetlands.

Why Ballona Needs Our Help To Heal

For Angelenos, Ballona Wetlands, located between Marina del Rey and LMU, are the largest wetlands habitat in the region. Unfortunately they are not healthy or functioning well and need our help.

Decades ago, authorities building Marina del Rey dumped 3 million cubic yards of fill onto the wetlands – about 28 million wheelbarrows’ worth. Even before that, to protect against flooding, Ballona Creek was encased in concrete, removing the vital connection between land and water.

These actions served as a double-whammy – degrading natural habitat and starving the wetlands from essential sources of salt and fresh water.

Ballona Wetlands Nicola Buck Heal the Bay

One Step Closer To Restoring Ballona

Today the California Department of Fish & Wildlife and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released their long-gestating draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement (EIR/S), which presents three project alternatives for restoration. They examine the pros and cons of each alternative to meet the overall goals of the project, which are ecosystem restoration, increased public access and enhanced recreational use.

The good news is that the lead agencies seem fully and genuinely committed to a habitat restoration project that grows public access. Our staff scientists look forward to working with them to realize the option that we think best meets the goals for a healthy wetland.

The release of the EIR/S marks the beginning of a 60-day public comment period when anyone can weigh in on the plans.

Robust Restoration Is The Only Option

Heal the Bay is working together with a coalition of leading environmental groups and wetland scientists to advocate for restoration projects that put science first and maximize every opportunity to comprehensively restore our degraded wetlands.

Over the next few weeks, Heal the Bay will dive into the details and options highlighted in the restoration plans. The coalition doesn’t have a preferred alternative at the moment but will identify one in the coming weeks. It’s a thousand-page document – without the appendices! — so our team needs some time to thoughtfully review the EIR/S.

One alternative creates a more natural creek by removing concrete from Ballona Creek to reconnect the land to the water, north and south of the Creek; another alternative keeps the concrete along Ballona Creek but allows water to enter the floodplain north of the Creek, creating a so-called oxbow. Every EIR/S also has to examine the impacts of doing no project. You can see a nice review of the various options here.

Ballona Wetlands Nicola Buck Heal the Bay

Exact details of the restoration are still being worked out. But we can say for certain that we have to do something.

The Ballona Wetlands are highly degraded from fill, are too high in elevation and lack the critical connection to fresh and salt water. In addition, more than half the Wetlands Reserve has been taken over by non-native invasive plants, reducing economic, ecological, and social value.

If we just leave the Wetlands alone, and do no restoration work, they will continue to degrade. They cannot heal on their own.

It’s critical we help our local environment thrive. In L.A. County, on average we have 3.3 acres of greenspace per 1,000 residents – well below the national average for major metropolises. We can do better.

You’re Invited To Explore Ballona

Heal the Bay, along with our partners, is dedicated to Bringing Back Ballona. As part of this effort, we invite you to join us over the next month to discover the wetlands.

We’re hosting events so the general public can explore this amazing resource, see why it needs help, and understand its incredible potential.

Ballona Wetlands Nicola Buck Heal the Bay

You can pick and choose from a number of fun and educational opportunities with our staff, partners and volunteers:

And stay tuned – as we review the alternatives for restoration, we will keep you informed. We are going to need your help. We need you to add your voice to help protect this special green space.

Send in your comments

Please email short letters of support calling for robust restoration of the Wetlands to the key decision makers — the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Fish & Wildlife. Comments are due by Feb. 5.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Daniel.p.swenson@usace.army.mil

California Fish & Wildlife: BWERcomments@wildlife.ca.gov

Ballona Wetlands Nicola Buck Heal the Bay

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Mirando hacia atrás: Los Resultados de la Limpieza Costera 2016

09.15.2017 |

Calidad de AguaCalifornia CoastCoastal Cleanup DayEventsPoluciónTake Action

Estamos todos preparados para el Día de la Limpieza Costera, mañana es el día. Cada año, con la ayuda de nuestros voluntarios, recogemos datos para calcular los resultados. Como es un evento global, se puede ver los resultados de aquí, el condado de Los Ángeles, pero también se puede ver los resultados de otros lugares como, México o Brasil.

En el año pasado, en el condado de Los Ángeles se recogieron 29,635 escombros con la ayuda de 9,556 voluntarios. De los escombros, 28,087 eran basura y 1,548 eran reciclables. La cosa recogida más interesante fue un estetoscopio.

En Belize se recogieron 11,289 libras de escombros con la ayuda de 937 voluntarios. En total, recogieron 91,884 libras de escombros de 29.9 millas de costa. La cosa recogida más interesante fue un árbol navideño cual incluia las luces.

En Brasil se recogieron 3,082 libras de escombros con la ayuda de 1,977 voluntarios. En total, recogieron 31,255 libras de escombros de 34.5 millas de costa. La cosa recogida más interesante fue un frasco de perfume.       

En Guatemala se recogieron 21,066 libras de escombros con la ayuda de 440 voluntarios. En total, recogieron 81,452 de escombros de 9.1 millas de costa. La cosa recogida más interesante fue una lámpara.

En México se recogieron 131,396 libras de escombros con la ayuda de 20,588 voluntarios. En total, recogieron 898,234 de escombros de 127.3 millas de tierra. La cosa recogida más interesante fue un microonda.

En Puerto Rico se recogieron 127,573 libras de escombros con la ayuda de 17,943 voluntarios. En total, recogieron 597,940 de escombros de 253.6 miles de costa. La cosa recogida más interesante fue una muñeca de vudú.  

Explora los resultados del Día de la Limpieza Costera, un evento global que está celebrado por todo el estado de California, cuando voluntarios recogen basura y escombros de las playas, los ríos, los arroyos, los parques y los espacios públicos. Contamos todo lo que recogen los voluntarios para concienciar sobre los desafíos de la contaminación. Heal the Bay está orgulloso de coordinar los sitios de limpieza con La Conservación del Mar y La Comision de la Costa de California.

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Advisory: Stay Out of L.A. River This Weekend

09.08.2017 |

L.A. RiverLos AngelesNewsRiver Report CardWater Quality

Update (9/10/17): Bacteria levels remain very high in Sepulveda Basin. Most sites also exceed regulatory limits in Elysian Valley, although amounts of bacteria are lower than earlier this week. Based on these latest sampling results, we still recommend avoiding water contact with the L.A. River.

Heal the Bay is urging the general public to avoid the waters of the Los Angeles River this weekend because of alarmingly high levels of bacterial pollution.

Our staff scientists collect weekly water quality samples at four sites in the Sepulveda Basin and Elysian Valley, areas of the L.A. River that have become popular for kayaking, fishing and other recreational activities. The levels of bacteria are at the most worrying levels since Heal the Bay began monitoring L.A. River sites in 2015.

The results have a special urgency this weekend, as the fourth annual L.A. Boat Race is scheduled to take place at the Glendale Narrows (Elysian Valley). Dozens of kayakers are expected for the boat pageant and parade.

Samples taken on Sept. 6 in the Sepulveda Basin by the City of L.A. Sanitation Department showed very high levels of bacteria, well over accepted regulatory and health limits. The poor results are possibly related to runoff from recent thunderstorms and rains. A fish kill in the Balboa Boulevard area of the Basin has also likely degraded water quality. Low-oxygen levels, high turbidity and increased ammonia levels have been cited by city officials as contributing factors to the fish kill.

Additionally, Heal the Bay scientists and other monitoring groups recorded very high levels of bacteria on Sept. 1 and Sept. 4 in the Elysian Valley area. Rainstorms and poor upstream water quality likely led to the spike in such bacteria levels (the presence of which indicate an elevated risk for ear infections, respiratory illnesses and gastrointestinal illnesses for people who come in contact with the water).

Heal the Bay urges people to stay out of the water and to delay any planned kayaking trips until water quality results show marked improvement. Our staff scientists expect to get updated bacteria counts this weekend (please check our Twitter and Facebook pages on Sunday as we’ll be posting the results).

Unlike at the beach, there is not yet an official protocol for authorities to alert the general public or kayak outfitters when potentially dangerous levels of bacterial pollution are found at popular recreation zones at the L.A. River. The only way for the general public to know about potential threats to their health is to access water quality data on Heal the Bay’s River Report Card, which is updated weekly.

Heal the Bay looks forward to working with the City of Los Angeles and the L.A. County Department of Public Health to resolve jurisdictional conflicts about health oversight of the L.A. River. This effort should hopefully lead to formal protocol for proactively warning kayak operators and the general public as soon as they know bacteria levels exceed safety thresholds.

Every year thousands of people recreate in the L.A. River. In 2014, approximately 6,000 people utilized the recreation zones, according to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.

The L.A. River has been designated by state regulators as a bacteria-impaired waterbody. The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has identified several conduits of bacteria to recreational zones along the river: urban runoff, leaks and flows from wastewater collection systems, illicit connections and failing septic systems. Bacteria sources include pets, horses and human waste.

Experiencing the L.A. River firsthand is an undeniable way to make a connection to a river that needs supporters and advocates; many Heal the Bay staff members and volunteers have kayaked the L.A. River over the years and will continue to do so. We also believe that the public has a right to know what the water quality of the river is and then to make an informed decision about how they want to experience the river.

If you are thinking about getting out on the water, please check out our FAQ about recreation and water quality issues along the L.A. River.

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FAQ: Why We’re Gushing About Stormwater Bill SB 231

09.06.2017 |

L.A. RiverLos AngelesLos Angeles StormwaterNews

As California’s legislative session nears its end, an important water bill passed out of the Assembly last Thursday, giving us hope that cities will soon find it easier to finance much-needed stormwater projects. SB 231, led by state Sen. Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), is now headed to the Governor’s desk. We believe it’s a great step to increase runoff capture, cleansing and reuse throughout the state.

What is SB 231?
SB 231 gives cities, counties and local water agencies broader authority to finance local projects to put stormwater to use. Cities currently charge residents for infrastructure like sewage treatment, but have been hamstrung by rules that prevent them from charging property owners for stormwater services. Cities need public funding measures to build enhanced runoff infrastructure that can augment local water supply while protecting against flooding. We need to treat stormwater as a resource instead of a nuisance.

What problem does it solve?
California suffers from an outdated water management system that has created serious long-term challenges that are intensified during times of drought and heavy rains. For example, an average 1-inch storm in Los Angeles County sends over 10 billion gallons of runoff to the Pacific Ocean, along with the pollutants picked up and carried with it. This wasteful and environmentally harmful practice could be improved by capturing, cleansing and reusing that stormwater. However, one of the biggest barriers to plumbing our cities has been confusion around the tools local government can use to finance new or updated infrastructure to put runoff to use. SB 231 helps address this problem by clarifying the definition of sewer service so that projects designed to capture and clean stormwater can be more easily financed, consistent with how municipalities support water, sewer and trash services.

I care about clean water, but what other benefits does it provide?
SB 231 will provide economic benefits by creating jobs through local infrastructure investments and upgrades. It will shield our communities from costly and devastating flood damage, and it would also help cities and counties invest in a more water-resilient future in the face of climate change – cleaning stormwater to help build local water supplies and reducing reliance on costly and uncertain imported water.

What will this allow greater L.A. to do?
Each day roughly 10 million gallons of water flows uselessly from the urban Los Angeles County area out to sea, even as we desperately need water. Up to 630,000 acre feet of water per year could be generated by better stormwater capture and reuse in the state. That volume is roughly equal to the amount of water used by the entire City of Los Angeles annually. Properly managing runoff and water supply is a critical responsibility of local government, and in L.A. it’s required by regulations set by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. If SB 231 is signed into law, it will provide L.A. region municipalities more options for funding these critical stormwater service investments, allowing us to modernize the way water is managed in the region.

What happens next?
SB 231 is now headed to the Governor’s desk. Gov. Brown has until Oct. 15 to sign the bill into law or reject it with a veto.

Follow @OurWaterLA to stay up to date with the latest news about building a more water-resilient region. You can also learn more and get involved at ourwaterla.org, a website created by a coalition of leading community groups including Heal the Bay.

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El Día de la Limpieza Costera 2017

08.25.2017 |

Calidad de AguaCalifornia CoastCoastal Cleanup DayPoluciónTake Action

coastal-cleanup-day-collage-banner-v2-e1500322971809

Regístrese para El Día de la Limpieza Costera 2017

Miles de personas limpiarán las playas, los ríos, los parques, las escuelas, y las cuencas hidrográficas por todo el estado de California (un medio millón de personas por todo el mundo) en el sábado el 16 de septiembre — El Día de la Limpieza Costera, el día del voluntario más grande del mundo.

Es un movimiento global compuesto de las comunidades y las organizaciones locales. Juntos podemos quitar basura y escombros de los hábitats locales, nuestros barrios, y ciudades.

Además de crear un medioambiente más limpio, todo lo que recogerán los voluntarios va estar registrado para concienciar sobre los desafíos de la contaminación. En El Día de la Limpieza Costera 2016, había más que 18.3 millones libras de basura y escombros recogidos en unas horas. ¡La unión hace la fuerza!

Eventbrite - Coastal Cleanup Day 2017

Participe en El Día de la Limpieza Costera

¿Quiere meterse más en El Día de la Limpieza Costera? Hay muchas oportunidades de participar:

  • Capitán del sitio: Ayúdenos a informar los voluntarios, explorar la defensa del agua, y prepárese para el evento del voluntario más grande del mundo. Regístrese.

 

  • Prácticas: Las prácticas son para la gente que ama el mar, defensores de los animales, y los que sueña para agua limpio. Solicite hoy para ganar experiencia en apoyar un evento de voluntario masivo y disfrutar de trabajar con uno de los más fiable (y divertido) fines de lucros en Los Ángeles.

 

  • Colaboración: De realizar las quedadas empresarial, los actividades de fitness en el aire libre y entretenimiento, hasta las ofertas de comida y bebida, hay muchas maneras de participar. Hagamos algo juntos. Contactenos.

 

  • Recaudación de Fondos: Entrege a sus ideas para un nueva campaña creativa de Heal the Bay de crowdfunding. Creemos que albergar un evento de nadar desnuda en el puerto de Santa Mónica es más divertimos que girar un cheque. Inspírese.

 

  • Patrocinios: Ayúdenos en hacer que este evento sea una experiencia inolvidable para los voluntarios. No pierda la oportunidad de ganar buena voluntad para su marca. Contactenos.

 

¿Porque tenemos un Día de la Limpieza Costera?

Explorar las historias y los resultados del Día de la Limpieza Costera, un evento global que está celebrado por todo el estado de California, cuando voluntarios recogen basura y escombros de las playas, los ríos, los arroyos, los parques y los espacios públicos. Contamos todo lo que recogen los voluntarios para concienciar sobre los desafíos de la contaminación. Heal the Bay está orgulloso de coordinar los sitios de limpieza con La Conservación del Mar y La Comision de la Costa de California..

???? Comunicado de Prensa para El Día de la Limpieza Costera 2017

???? Artículo de lo que se puede esperar de Día de la Limpieza Costera 2017

???? Galería Fotográfica del Día de la Limpieza Costera 2016

???? Los Resultados del Día de la Limpieza Costera: Global

???? Los Resultados del Día de la Limpieza Costera: El Condado de L.A. & Global

???? Los Resultados del Día de la Limpieza Costera: El Condado de L.A.

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Estamos en la Ofensiva de Salvar el Arroyo de Compton

08.18.2017 |

Compton CreekLos Angeles

Queridos científicos y naturalistas ciudadanos, es hora de cargar los móviles. Katherine Pease, nuestra científica de las cuencas hidrográficas, les manda una invitación para hacer un BioBlitz con ella por algunas horas el sábado, 26 de agosto.     

El arroyo de Compton es una joya de verde y azul, dividido por dos autopistas ruidosas, estacionamientos decrépitos, y un casino de gran altura. Escondido entre una jungla urbana, una parte del arroyo vive y prospera.

Muchos ni saben que existe este arroyo, una media milla de tierra. Hay gente que no lo describiría como una joya, pero pensamos que el arroyo de Compton es una joya olvidada. Representa todo lo que eran las vías fluviales del interior y un símbolo de lo que queremos devolver a Los Ángeles.

Hay sauces, cañas, ranas, enjambres de libélulas, ardillas de tierras californianas, y hasta aves volando, sobre todo. Tiene mucha basura, pero mucha, y hay contaminantes que no se pueden ver con el ojo mismo: bacterias, metales y nutrientes. Sin embargo, tenemos esperanza. Las plantas y los animales siguen viviendo aquí, y ahora es nuestro deber de enterarnos de lo que existe aquí y cómo podemos protegerlo.

Entonces les invitamos a ser parte de la ofensiva. Un BioBlitz para salvar el arroyo de Compton.

 

El sábado 26 de agosto, se puede unir con científicos y expertos de Heal the Bay y el Natural History Museum de Los Angeles County en buscar la vida silvestre y documentarla en su móvil.

Pasaremos tres horas juntos tomando fotos de la fauna y la flora local, cargando todas las fotos a nuestro catálogo, que está cada vez más grande, de la vida silvestre de Los Ángeles a través del iNaturalist app.

Usted no tiene que ser científico para participar – solo hay que mirar a su alrededor. Además de tomarle fotos a la vida silvestre, estaremos recogiendo la basura que hay acerca del arroyo que llega hasta el mar pacífico.

Los datos que recogeremos nos ayudaran a informar la restauración y la revitalización de la cuenca hidrográfica del río Los Ángeles. El plan de la revitalización para el parte bajo del río L.A. está formulando por el Lower L.A. River Revitalization Plan Working Group. Como parte de este grupo, Heal the Bay está luchando para mejor acceso al río, una calidad de agua mejorada, y hábitats ecológicos restaurados en el parte bajo del río L.A. Queremos recoger datos de las condiciones actuales de la biodiversidad en al arroyo de Compton para establecer una base de donde podríamos lanzar nuestras metas para los años que vienen.

Este BioBlitz es la segunda parte de los esfuerzos de documentar, proteger, y mejorar la biodiversidad y los hábitats del área de Los Ángeles.

Primero, promovido por el concejal Paul Koretz, Los Angeles City Council acaba de aprobar una moción para proteger y aumentar la biodiversidad en Los Ángeles. Heal the Bay está implicado en este esfuerzo y el BioBlitz en el arroyo de Compton es una manera de entender la naturaleza que existe a nuestro alrededor por todo Los Angeles.

El segundo esfuerzo es la revitalización de Compton Creek Task Force por la ciudad de Compton. El grupo operativo se centrará en crear oportunidades de proteger el arroyo y de informar a los residentes y los visitantes de su importancia. Este grupo también ayudará en aplicar el Compton Creek Regional Garden Park Master Plan de la ciudad, lo cual incluye la restauración de la parte del arroyo que tiene un fondo de tierra.

Si usted ha pensado alguna vez de ser un científico ciudadano, el BioBlitz es un comienzo ideal. El año pasado, tuvimos eventos similares en los humedales de Ballona y la laguna de Malibu. Montones de voluntarios cambiaron nuestro trabajo para el mejor por documentar todo lo que vieron cada mañana.

Se puede registrar para el evento aqui.

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¡Sí queremos un Río en Los Ángeles, es nuestro deber limpiar el agua!

08.17.2017 |

Calidad de AguaL.A. RiverLos AngelesWater Quality

Escrito por Steve Lopez de LA Times — translado del Inglés por Heal the Bay

Nelson Chabarria dice que su amor para la química empezó en una clase en la preparatoria de Los Ángeles, pero no tenía la oportunidad de seguir una carrera. Su familia necesitaba ayuda en pagar las facturas, y se puso a trabajar en el distrito de la costura, pero nunca dejó su sueño de ser químico.

No perdió las ganas de lograr su sueño, y ahora tiene 34 y está comenzando su segundo año de estudiar la tecnología química en L.A. Trade Tech. Su trabajo del verano lo ha convencido de seguir una carrera en la ciencia ambiental.

Un día de la semana pasada, Chris estaba de pie en el medio del río de Los Ángeles, cerca de Frogtown, el agua hasta la cima de sus botas. Llevaba puesto guantes de caucho, tenía un recipiente de vidrio, y pasaba con cuidado sobre piedras resbaladizas.

“¿Aquí?” Chris preguntó a Katherine Pease, la científica de las cuencas hidrográficas de Heal the Bay.

Chris llenó la botella con el agua del río, volvió para la orilla del río y dejó la muestra en hielo para prepararla para pruebas en el laboratorio.

 

 

Planes Grandes, Pero También Grandes Problemas.

Los Ángeles tiene planes grandes para revitalizar unas 11 millas del río en los siguientes años, el precio cual comenzó en unos mil millones ha aumentado ha 1.6 mil millones.

¿Pero está el agua suficiente limpia para el uso recreativo o para atraer a la gente que vive y trabaja en la orilla de lo que es nada más que un canal de drenaje para escorrentía urbana y de residuales tratados?

Heal the Bay es reconocido por ser una de las fuerzas impulsoras de mejorar la calidad del agua del mar en el golfo de Santa Monica, dando notas (A-B-C-D-F) a las playas. Durante los últimos tres años, la organización ha recogido muestras de la cuenca Sepúlveda y tres locales del uso recreativo en el río en el valle Elysian. El sistema que utiliza es una de tres colores, verde, amarillo, y rojo. El rojo significa las áreas que tienen las más bacterias dañinas. Los resultados cambian cada semana.

Pease dice que la calidad de agua ha mejorado un poco, pero sin coherencia y no por todo el río. Este verano la cuenca Sepúlveda tiene marcado muchas áreas rojas y en el valle Elysian, en las áreas de Frog Spot and Rattlesnake Park, tiene marcado amarillo. Pease, en un informe del año pasado, dijo que el nivel alto de las bacterias “indica un riesgo de infecciones del oído, enfermedades respiratorias y enfermedades gastrointestinales para la gente que tiene contacto con el agua.”

“No quiero decir que no debes hacer kayaking en el río — lo hice yo el año pasado y lo recomiendo. Tampoco no es de tener miedo de andar por las orillas del río y ver los animales y plantas que viven ahí. Solo hay una cosa que recordar– si esta en contacto con el agua se debe lavar las manos,” dice Pease.

“Yo realmente haría kayaking,” dice James Alamillo, quien ayuda a mantener la operación de monitorizar el río con Heal the Bay, “pero no nadaría o no vadearía en el agua.”

Aguas Peligrosos, No Aguas de Bañar

El equipo de monitorizar siempre ve a individuos indigentes utilizando las aguas del río como un área recreativa.

Especialmente no se debe entrar en el agua cerca de desagües que echan escorrentías contaminadas en el canal central. Puede ser que usted no espera cascadas ni gotas de los desagües en el medio de un verano seco en Los Ángeles, pero agua fluye todos los días y las noches en algunos lugares.

“El volumen de agua es increíble,” dijo Alamillo, mostrando una cascada cerca de Fletcher Street Bridge.

La cascada fluyó con mucha fuerza. El agua ha cambiado, de estar limpio, de estar jabonosa, y de estar marrón. Alamillo y los demás han comprobado las calles alrededor del río para encontrar el origen de la contaminación, pero en vano.

Pease dijo que el uso excesivo del agua es el primer sospechoso, tanto como el lavado de los coches. Se estima que 100 millones de galones de escorrentía contaminada pasa por los desagües del condado del LA por todos los días en el verano, llevando excrementos de animales, pesticidas, productos químicos, aceites y basura hasta el mar. Alamillo recogió un contenedor plástico de una prescripción para marihuana y me dijo que descartes así son tan comunes por el río LA como las bolsas de plástico eran por el arroyo de Compton cuando pasamos yo y ella hace muchos años.

 

 

En la semana pasada, en mi segundo día con el equipo de monitorizar, el equipo montaba en bicicleta por las riberas por el norte del río. Recogieron muestras de tres desagües entre Fletcher Drive y Harbor Freeway. Todas de aquellas muestras tenía E. coli y Enterococcus que son bacterias de fecales inductores, lo que no nos sorprendió.

En el primer desagüe había un carro de compras lleno de excrementos y papel higiénico. Un hombre sin casa, que vive en una ciudad campamento debajo de la carretera 2, y tiene cuatros gatos en correas, dijo que alguna de la gente que vive por ahí usa el desagüe como un baño.

Los otros dos desagües no parecían mejor, uno de ellos era una cascada que llegó hasta el río y sus riberas. Un joven sin casa, que se llama Abraham, acabó de bañarse en el río y estaba secando su ropa en la ribera. Hay gente sin casa muriéndose en las calles y bañándose en el río, es obvio que tenemos que hacer algo más.

La ciudad de Los Ángeles y los oficiales del condado tiene mucho que resolver en los meses y en los años que vienen. Tienen que entender lo que es el río, lo que podría y debería ser, como se debe limpiarlo y cómo lograr de pagar por su revitalización. Esas decisiones son cada vez más importantes porque está subiendo las estimaciones y no podemos esperar mucho ayuda de Washington. De hecho, el programa de monitorizar el río está pagado por un subsidio del EPA, lo cual es una agencia federal que está en peligro de recortes masivos.

LA River Kayaking

El potencial para un oasis urbano

El río, históricamente, estaba seco por nueve o diez meses del año, pero ahora fluye por todo el año porque millones de galones de residuales tratados son emitidos diariamente en el canal, y llegan hasta el mar.

Prefiramos de hacer kayaking todo el año en agua tratado y escorrentía, o invertir en proyectos de la recuperación del agua para afrontar mejor sequía, o diseñar un compromiso viable.

El potencial para un oasis urbano por el centro de Los Ángeles es grande, ¿pero incluirán o desplazaran a los cuales viven cerca del rio y el desarrollo comercial para la construcción?

No tengo todas las respuestas, pero puede ser que los estudiantes de L.A. Trade Tech, los cuales son los que están monitorizando el río, nos ayudarán a descubrirlas. Nelson Chabarria quiere ser un inspector normativo medioambiental. Los otros estudiantes, Vanessa Granados, Christopher Zamora, y John Silva me dijeron que quieren seguir carreras en Ciencias del medio ambiente, geoquímica o ámbitos relacionados.

Ellos saben, mejor que muchos otros, el gran potencial del río tanto como los desafíos de mantener y limpiarlo. El río nos precede y sigue aquí, navegando los cambios que hemos hechos.

LA River Monitoring Team

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