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Heal the Bay Blog

Cyclists: New Mountain Bike Site Added for CCD

08.22.2012 |

Coastal Cleanup DayMalibu / Pacific Palisades

Come help Mountains Restoration Trust and Heal the Bay clean areas that are hard to reach on foot!

There’s a ton of junk in the upper end of Malibu Creek: wrecked kayaks, dinghies, fishing boats, lawn furniture. It needs to be hauled out, but it’s too far back to hike. We’re seeking up to 20 hardy folks with mountain bikes (or anything you can ride on a fire road) to participate as part of Coastal Cleanup Day. Register for the bike ride here.

The ride is a only couple miles on a fire road with one big hill, so you don’t need to be Lance Armstrong.

The event is open to anyone 16 and over, as long as they are comfortable biking off-road. Those under 18 must have their waiver form signed by a parent or guardian to participate.

The basic gear you need is your bike, a helmet, basic off-road riding skills, sturdy shoes to work in, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water and a snack. But because getting that junk out is going to be messy work, we also strongly suggest bringing a long-sleeved shirt to work in and long pants (or anything to cover your legs).

Gloves and tools will be provided. Be prepared to get dirty. The ride should take about 25 minutes.

NOTE: Print your parking pass and waiver and display it on your dashboard.  We’ll meet at the upper parking lot near the picnic tables and restrooms at 8:30 a.m. and leave for the site at 8:45.

Driving Directions: If you are coming South on Las Virgenes Rd., the park entrance is 0.2 miles south of Mulholland. If you are coming North on Malibu Canyon Rd, the park entrance is 1.5 miles north of the crossing with Piuma. There is another entrance for Malibu Creek SP/Tapia south of the main entrance, 0.2 miles north of Piuma — do not enter here but continue on another 1.3 miles to the main entrance.

Register

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CCD 2012: Introducing the Bay Street Site

08.20.2012 |

Coastal Cleanup DaySanta Monica

Bay Street has been added as one of the Coastal Cleanup Day sites in Southern California. 

This new Santa Monica cleanup site, sometimes known as the “Inkwell,” was a popular beach hangout for African Americans from the 1920s to the early 1960s. Santa Monica Conservancy docents will be on hand to educate volunteers on the history of this unique site.

Pictured to the left, Verna Williams and Arthur Lewis at the segregated African-American beach site near Bay Street in 1924, courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library Online Collection.

Just Announced: The first 100 people who volunteer at Bay Street will receive a free ticket ($20 value) to the Jazz for the Environment Concert at EarthFest L.A. 2012 at 2 p.m.

For a complete list of Coastal Cleanup Day sites or to register, visit healthebay.org/ccd.

Related: “White Wash” Documentary Screening and Discussion on Sept. 16, 2012.

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What Are Those Black Clumps on the Beach?

08.20.2012 |

News

“I was walking along Dockweiler Beach from Marina del Rey towards El Segundo, and I couldn’t help but notice black sticky roundish clumps all along the beach in the sand where the water breaks along the shore. Are these oil deposits? I stepped on a few and they stuck to my feet and I was wondering what they were? Thanks for your help.” 

As we often receive variants of this question, our Science & Policy team prepared an answer:

“Natural oil seeps are present in the Santa Monica Bay off the coast of Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach. They are a natural geological occurrence and are not caused by any human activity. On average, about 10 barrels (420 gallons) of oil from the seeps reach the sea surface daily in Santa Monica Bay. Surface oil generally drifts northward, towards the shore, reaching the beaches from Redondo Beach to Malibu in a few days. Tar on Santa Monica Bay beaches also comes from natural seeps in the Santa Barbara Channel. Geologic activity, like earthquakes, can affect the flow of natural oil seeps.”

As for removing beach tar from the bottoms of your feet, many of us beachgoers—especially those of us who’ve spent time on Santa Barbara’s beaches, where tar is even more prevalent—recommend using either baby or olive oil.

Got more questions? Ask them on our Facebook page.

Want to connect more with Heal the Bay? Join us!

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A Super Staffer Shares Her Story

08.17.2012 |

About UsMore Ways to GiveSanta Monica

In January 2005, after a month of being holed up in our tiny Santa Monica apartment and listening to the rain fall incessantly outside, I knew I had to get out and do something productive with my time. I was still adjusting to my new surroundings after a cross-country trip from our native Canada in a rented U-Haul packed with husband, bewildered dog and our meager belongings. The move had happened so fast; I hadn’t really had time to think about what I might do to keep busy without a work visa. After more than 15 years working in health care and administration, I knew I was ready for something completely different!

There was so much I didn’t know about my new California home, but one thing I was sure I wanted to learn more about was the ocean. Fresh water was an intrinsic part of growing up in Canada, surrounded by lakes, rivers, creeks and ponds; summers were spent at the cottage swimming, boating and fishing.

Having been raised on the shores of Lake Ontario, I understood fresh water, but the ocean was a huge mysterious entity to me. I’d never even dipped my toe in salt water until my late 20s! Staring at my computer screen, I typed in the words “Volunteer, Santa Monica, and Ocean” and the first site that popped up was Heal the Bay’s.

Initially the name conjured mental images of running slow motion down the beach, coming to the rescue of stranded marine mammals and saving oil-slicked water birds rather than the reality of collating documents and stuffing envelopes for mailings in the Heal the Bay office.

After about a month of Wednesday office work, Tom Galassi, HtB’s volunteer coordinator at that time, happened to mention something about aquarium volunteer training. What’s this? There’s an Aquarium…with animals… and it’s only four blocks from my house?! How could this be? I think I was out the door and headed down to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium before the cloud of papers I’d left behind settled to the floor. I was immediately enchanted by the cozy facility, captivated by strange and new marine life and wanted to learn absolutely everything I could about it.

The small staff was so warm and engaging and the energy and enthusiasm the children brought with them when they visited was contagious. You couldn’t keep me away. In 2006 I was honored to receive the volunteer “SuperHealer Award” and in 2008, once being granted a work visa, I was hired on as a paid Key to the Sea naturalist. Less than three months later, I interviewed for the newly created Executive Assistant position supporting Executive Director Karin Hall and Associate Director Alix Hobbs, the position I occupy today.

Okay, so maybe administrative support isn’t quite as “sexy” as teaching on the beach or saving marine mammals in distress. But I know that every day I come to the office, I am playing a small part in protecting this amazing resource, which I’ve been so lucky to have come to know and love — the ocean!

 

–– Sylvie Makara

Executive Assistant and 2006 SuperHealer

 

Interested in working to protect what you love? Consider one of our career, intern and volunteer opportunities.

Want to support our work as ocean stewards? Join Heal the Bay.

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Respect the Landlord of the Sea

08.17.2012 |

California SharksHeal the Bay AquariumLong Beach / AvalonMalibu / Pacific PalisadesMarina del Rey / Playa del ReyPalos Verdes PeninsulaSanta MonicaSouth BayVenice Beach

No other animal on Earth has captured the imagination and stirred the range of emotions like the Great White Shark, aka The Landlord. Yes, the Landlord, the lord of the land, or in this case, the lord of the sea. The nickname we SoCal natives have bestowed on this beautiful and misunderstood fish has everything to do with shaking off that jittery feeling we sometimes get out in the water. I will admit there have been times I’ve even heard cellos strumming that all too famous tune. Because honestly, who hasn’t thought about it? The Landlord owns the place, and we just rent the space.

Every summer, predictably, the images of white sharks gobbling up an elephant seal or breaching out of water with a little sea lion in its mouth is the topic of conversation on every TV in the U.S. This time every year, images and programs about sharks and shark attacks seem to consume the airwaves. The news media frenzy about any little story related to shark attacks. And, of course, you can always rely on weeklong programming dedicated to sharks.

I have always questioned this kind of programming and have wondered if this is exploitive or if the people viewing are actually getting educated about the important issues that are facing the global shark population. Are these programs dispelling fear and myth or galvanizing people to appreciate and respect sharks?

The past few years have been very special in the Santa Monica Bay because of the regular appearances of white sharks, sometime small ones and sometimes … big ones!  Last week a large white shark was seen off shore near Venice and earlier this week a young white shark was spotted just off of King Harbor. What a treat! What an amazing event to have the Landlord pay us a visit. I get excited about these sightings because these animals are very rare.

In fact the population of white sharks number in the low hundreds off of the California coast. Decades of over fishing and shark finning have depleted white sharks and other shark species in California and around the world. Groups like Oceana and the Center for Biological Diversity are calling on the government to list the white shark on the federal Endangered Species Act.

At the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium we get to educate thousands of school children and visitors about current marine science issues and the relevant work we do as Heal the Bay. Sharks and the conservation of sharks is a critical part of the education we provide to all of our visitors.

Last year, Heal the Bay helped champion an important law making it illegal to possess or sell shark fins in California. This law is a part of a global movement aimed at saving shark populations everywhere.  It is so satisfying to see a new generation of adults and children learning about the white shark with respect and admiration rather than through fear from misconceptions. It will take continued education and activism to save the white shark from extinction.  Please do your part in helping the Landlord get the respect it deserves.

— Jose Bacallao, Operations Manager, Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

Want to get active and protect what you love? Join Heal the Bay.

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Can World’s Largest Retailer Be Green?

08.16.2012 |

California Bag BanLong Beach / AvalonMalibu / Pacific PalisadesMarina del Rey / Playa del ReyPalos Verdes PeninsulaSanta MonicaSouth BayVenice Beach

We didn’t have a Wal-Mart near me growing up in the Midwest. My first real exposure to Wal-Mart came from watching the documentary Store Wars: When Wal-Mart Comes To Town. In case you haven’t seen the film, it pits the big, nasty retailer versus the small town, little guy. Since then I’ve felt guilty when I do shop there. However after last week, I have a somewhat enlightened perspective.

Last week I was invited to participate in a sustainability meeting with Wal-Mart executives and leading California environmentalists. Wal-Mart wanted to better understand the nexus between our initiatives and their company initiatives. Specifically, I wanted to push the retailer on moving away from single-use bags and supporting AB 298, the single-use plastic bag ban bill (Ed. Note: AB 298 did not pass the state senate).

I was pretty surprised by all that the retailer is doing that coincides with many environmental issues. For instance, Wal-Mart is aiming to be zero waste in its stores – 80% of the waste that previously went to landfills is now diverted. Company officials also have a goal for their stores using 100% renewable energy; in fact one of their distribution sites just got its own wind turbine. They work directly with local farmers and source produce, which they characterize as a “no brainer.” As the largest retailer in the world, Wal-Mart has the advantage of scale. If the stores want an organic cotton t-shirt at the same price point as a regular cotton t-shirt, a supplier will typically step up to the plate.

Will a huge company really put the environment first? Probably not. Could they and should they do more? Of course! However, Wal-Mart has found that pollution and conflict (i.e. lawsuits) are expensive. Also they realize that a local tomato tastes a whole lot better (and is less costly to ship) than a tomato from the other side of the world. In other words, the smart choices for the environment don’t necessarily conflict with smart choices for a business. Hopefully many other businesses will come to this same conclusion.

As for AB 298, the execs were non-committal. I’m hoping they will come around and realize that reusables are also smart for business. In the meantime, they did ask us to give them some suggestions for promoting reusables in their stores. So, that’s a start!

— Kirsten James

Water Quality Director, Heal the Bay

You can learn more about the cost of single use plastic bags in California. Learn more.

Your donation can help Heal the Bay continue impactful advocacy programs. Please donate now.

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And the Emmy Goes to…

08.15.2012 |

Long Beach / AvalonMalibu / Pacific PalisadesMarina del Rey / Playa del ReyNewsPalos Verdes PeninsulaSanta MonicaSouth BayVenice Beach

We are proud to announce that KTLA5 won a 2012 Emmy for its one-hour special about Heal the Bay’s Coastal Cleanup Day program. The Emmy was the third that KTLA has won for its CCD-focused programming.

We are grateful to KTLA for showcasing our work so effectively. This Emmy win is testament to KTLA’s long support of our mission to keep Southern California’s coast and waters healthy, safe and clean.

In case you missed the show, KTLA will rebroadcast it on Saturday, September 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 9 at 4 p.m., just in time for Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 15.

You can join this year’s Coastal Cleanup Day, the biggest volunteer day on the planet: Find a cleanup site near you and sign up now.

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In Compton: Greening the Future

08.14.2012 |

More Ways to GiveSouth Bay

Following a path already traveled by the likes of Van Jones in the East Bay Area and Majora Carter in the South Bronx, Rhonda Webb of Compton has started a journey of revitalizing her community that is rooted in green infrastructure and a green economy.

Even the street artist Shepard Fairey is hip to the idea that gardens and green space are important elements in rebuilding communities with his “Urban Roots” piece (see below). The communities involved in each of these efforts general have common threads: dis-investment by private and public sector, large swaths of vacated land, a large population of underemployed and unemployed, and a number of public health issues associated with the built environment.

For the past three years, Rhonda has been working in South Los Angeles, particularly in Compton, to bring attention to the connections of community and environmental health. She has actively worked with school-aged kids to tie environmental education and real world experience. Beyond the environmental benefits derived from her efforts, she is equally concerned with the economics of going and being “green.” For her, “the multi-billion dollar green economy has not altered or improved the quality of life. The green economy has gone mainstream and quietly left communities of color in the grey polluted economy of yesterday. The black and Latino communities are festering in a gray dirty economy.”

While critical of the green economy and its past efforts, she is a believer that green has the capacity to “lift communities out of poverty” through job creation and employment opportunities. But the best part of this effort, it will lead to the more livable communities, healthier food sources, and a softer landscape. “That’s beautiful. That’s power. A power that needs to be developed, harnessed, and used by Latino and black communities in reimagining Compton and South Los Angeles.”

To this end, Rhonda and her community group LEAPS Action Center, will be hosting “Make a Green Noise,” an event that involves community garden planning and planting. It takes place this Saturday (08/18) from 10 .am. to 1 p.m. in the City of Compton at 2125 W. Compton Blvd. This effort is part of a global movement to utilize green tools to promote opportunities for equitable, sustainable and innovative renewal.

Come get your hands dirty and be part of this movement. Heal the Bay staff will be there if you’d like to join us. For more information about LEAPS Action Center call (310) 637-2843 or visit: http://www.indiegogo.com/makeagreennoise.

Read more about how Heal the Bay has made the Compton Creek Watershed a major programmatic effort for the last 10 years, as part of our Healthy Neighborhoods, Healthy Environment initiative.

— James Alamillo

Urban Programs Manager, Heal the Bay

Shepard Fairey Urban Roots

 

Questions? Call us 1.800.HEALBAY or contact our Programs staff.

Your donation can help Heal the Bay continue impactful community programs such as these. Please make a donation.

 

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Sewage Spill in Orange County

08.13.2012 |

Beach Report CardNews

As of August 11, the harbor water area at the Huntington Harbour Boat Launch in Orange County at Warner and PCH to the boat docks at Bluewater Lane is closed to swimming and diving due to a sewage spill.

Baby Beach in Dana Point and Poche Beach in San Clemente were also on alert for high bacteria levels.

County environmental health officials also advise beachgoers to avoid contact with any beach area adjacent to storm drains, creeks and rivers, where bacteria may be high.

Ocean and bay waters are closed when an immediate health hazard is identified, such as a sewage spill.

More information here.

 

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That’s Beautiful…and Disgusting!

08.10.2012 |

California Bag BanSanta Monica

California artist Marina DeBris transforms the trash she finds on the beach into “trashion,” wearable – and fashionable—clothes.

“When I moved here 14 years ago, I was disgusted by the amount of trash on the beach,” she recalls. Eventually she engaged with Heal the Bay and other environmental organizations to address the problem, because she says, “I love the ocean.”

DeBris began crafting trashion about a year ago, when Heal the Bay asked her to dress a mannequin to display at the opening of Santa Monica Marketplace. She made that piece, titled “White Trash,” from the “most prevalent things” she finds when she walks the beach, including: cigarette lighters, bottle caps and straws.

“I saw ‘White Trash’ as a great opportunity to represent Heal the Bay and get the public to think about how they know all of these items,” she says.

Her latest trashion collection features what DeBris calls “The Bag Lady,” a dress comprised entirely of plastic bags. “I don’t clean the items,” she says. “So the bags on this dress have already gone through the ocean and have been sitting in the sun for a long time. It’s rather disgusting.”

And that, she says, is her favorite compliment to receive: “That’s beautiful…and disgusting!”

Watch this video for a trashion show of DeBris’ latest work, made from ocean-bound litter.

Want to help end the scourge of plastic bags?  Help Heal the Bay pass a statewide ban in California. Take action.

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