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Heal the Bay Blog

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Celebrating Earth Month 2025

03.12.2025 |

CaliforniaEventsHeal the Bay AquariumLos AngelesTake Action

Celebrate Earth Month with Heal the Bay!

Fun, inspiring activations are happening all month for everyone – individuals, families, schools, and more! Grab your reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and friends for climate action fun near you!

Heal the Bay Earth Month 2025 Calendar of Special Events

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF EVENTS and get involved this Earth Month with events and activities from Heal the Bay and our partners! 👇👇👇

 

Spring Science Camp at Heal the Bay Aquarium

Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18, 2025

Spring is a time of renewal—and babies! This season, we’re celebrating by exploring marine animal life cycles, survival strategies, and the adorable offspring of our Aquarium animals. Campers will dive into marine conservation as they discuss shark eggs, experiment with slime, and create their own sea creatures. We’ll also compare survival adaptations of species past and present during an exciting fossil excavation.

Join us as we celebrate new life and the strides Heal the Bay has made toward equitable environmental justice—it’s guaranteed to be an egg-cellent adventure!

Our camp is designed for students grades K-5 as of April 2025 (or aged 5-11). Camp kits and T-shirts will be handed out to campers enrolled for several days and/or a full camp week on your camper’s final day of camp.

Price:
Full Week: $400
Daily: $85 per day

 Register for Camp

April Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup – FREE

Saturday, April 19, 10 AM – 12 PM @ Santa Monica Pier Tower 1550

Earth Month Beach Cleanup 

Join Heal the Bay in celebrating the resiliency of our Greater LA watersheds at our Beach Cleanup this Earth Month! Every gloved hand on the sand, every advocate trained, and every dollar raised brings us closer to a climate-resilient future. Whether you participate in a beach cleanup or contribute to our online fundraiser, you’ll be directly helping to rid our beaches of harmful plastic pollution and advocate for impactful, lasting change for the Los Angeles community.

Join us on the sand, explore all the ways you can make a difference this month, and share this event with your community. Thank you to United By Blue for helping make this cleanup possible!

 Register for Nothin’ But Sand

Celebrate Earth Day at Heal the Bay Aquarium 

Saturday, April 19, 12 PM – 4 PM

For Heal the Bay, every day is Earth Day, but April is extra special because communities from around the world come together to celebrate and help heal our planet! Join us for Heal the Bay Aquarium’s Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 19, from 12 pm to 4 pm. 

Earth Day Activities Include:

  • 📖 Story Time at 2 pm
  • 🔎Earth Month Scavenger Hunt
  • 🐟 Animal Feeding Demonstrations at 1 pm & 3 pm
  • 🎨Hands-on Crafts & Pollution Awareness Displays
  • 📽️ Short Film Screenings

⭐ Nothin’ But Sand Volunteers! Get half-off adult admission and FREE admission for children 12 & under when you participate in our Earth Month Beach Clean Up at Santa Monica State Beach, April 19, 10 am – 12 pm.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Earth Day at the iconic Santa Monica Pier!

 Plan Your Visit

Black Sands, A Beach Talk Series- FREE

Monday, April 21, 7 PM – Virtual

Join us for Black Sands, a special virtual installment of Heal the Bay’s on-the-sand Beach Talk series

We welcome ALL who want to connect, learn, and share.

This roundtable will blend thoughtful dialogue with community-building, exploring topics like Black identity in outdoor and marine spaces, coastal resilience, climate justice, wellness, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a longtime advocate, a curious learner, or someone simply seeking space to exhale, Black Sands is for you.

 Register

Changing Tides: Fires, Blooms & A Warming Coast (Panel) 

Wednesday, April 23, 5 PM – Virtual

Join Heal the Bay and Marine Mammal Care Center forJoin Heal the Bay and Marine Mammal Care Center for a special virtual panel moderated by actress and advocate Bonnie Wright (Harry Potter Series), who will meet with Heal the Bay’s CEO Tracy Quinn and Marine Mammal Care Center’s Chief Operations & Education Officer, Dave Bader, for a conversation about climate change and the recent environmental events, from wildfire to toxic algae, that are testing the resiliency of our coastal ecosystems. RSVP to get access to the livestream link!

 RSVP

Heal the Bay BioBlitz: 2025 L.A. City Nature Challenge – FREE

Sunday, April 27, 10 AM – 12 PM @ Ballona Discovery Park OR Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve 

Join Heal the Bay’s Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP) for the 2025 LA City Nature Challenge BioBlitz, a global event that started as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco and has since grown into a worldwide movement!

A BioBlitz is a fun, hands-on community science event where we’ll work together to document local wildlife. By snapping photos of wild plants and animals, you’ll contribute valuable data to a global biodiversity database to help scientists better understand our urban environment. No experience needed! Just bring your curiosity and a smartphone.

We’re offering two BioBlitz locations this year, and both are happening simultaneously, so please choose only one.

WHERE: Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve (1202 W 170th Street; Gardena, CA 90247) OR Ballona Discovery Park (13110 Bluff Creek Dr; Los Angeles, CA 90094)

 Register

Gathering at Kuruvungna – FREE

Saturday, May 3, 10 am – 2 pm @ Kuruvungna Village Springs and Cultural Center 

Heal the Bay is joining the Gabrielino Tongva Springs Foundation in honoring and celebrating the past, present, and future of the Kuruvungna Village Springs and Cultural Center. This family-friendly gathering will feature live music, garden tours, art, vendors, food, and workshops.

 Register

We’re Looking For Our 2025 Coastal Clean Up Day Poster Artist!

Calling all ocean-loving artists! Let your artwork advocate for our ocean this Coastal Cleanup Day!

Win $500 and see your artwork all over Los Angeles County on the official Heal the Bay Coastal Cleanup Day poster!

Submit a portfolio of your work and a concept for a poster that captures the essence of our theme: “Rebuild With Resilience.”

How do you envision the future of LA? What changes do you hope to see in your community? How can we build a climate-resilient future? Express your vision through original artwork inspired by this theme!

Submissions are accepted until May 31st, 2025. See full details and application here!

 Apply Now

Gear Up for Earth Day with Heal the Bay 

Level up your drip while leveling up the ocean!

Rep Heal the Bay, discover unique gifts, and shop reusable goods, all for a great cause!

Shop Heal the Bay

Heal the Bay Earth Month 2025 Tabling Calendar 

Check out our list of Earth Month events hosted by some of our favorite social, environmental, and partner organizations across Los Angeles. Stop by Heal the Bay’s Outreach table while you’re enjoying Earth Month fun around Los Angeles County this April.

Pepperdine’s University’s Annual Earth Day Celebration @ Pepperdine University, April 1, 11 am – 2 pm

2nd Annual Cleanup @ Discovery Cube Los Angeles, April 12, 9 am – 12 pm

City of STEM + Maker Faire @ Exposition Park Los Angeles, April 12, 9 am – 4 pm

Wild for the Planet @ The LA Zoo, April 18 – 20, 10 am – 4 pm

Annual Earth Day Event @ South Bay Parkland Conservancy, April 19, 10 am – 1 pm

CSUDH’s 18th Annual Earth Day Celebration @ Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, April 22, 9 am – 2:30 pm

City of Santa Monica Earth Day Celebration: Our Power, Our Planet @ Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, April 22, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

The 2025 Arts & Literacy Festival at Virginia Avenue Park @ City of Santa Monica’s Virginia Avenue Park, Santa Monica Public Library, Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District-Child Development Services, and Venice Family Clinic, April 26, 10 am – 2 pm

Beverly Hills’ 22nd Annual Earth Day, 9300 Civic Center Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, April 27, 9 am – 1 pm

City of Manhattan Beach Earth Day, April 29, 11 am – 3 pm

Culver City Enviro-Fest, May 3, 9 am – 1 pm

Make waves for a sustainable future in Greater Los Angeles by making your Earth Month donation to Heal the Bay.

DONATE 

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Coastal Cleanup Day 2024 – Wrap Up

09.30.2024 |

California CoastCoastal Cleanup DayLos AngelesNews

Check out the full 2024 Coastal Wrap-Up Book:

DOWNLOAD THE 2024 WRAP-UP BOOK

Check out our Coastal Cleanup Day Highlight Stats! 

Updated September 27, 2024, 3:00 PM

Los Angeles County Numbers (Heal the Bay Sites)

  • 6,983 Volunteers cleaned
  • 62 Sites,
  • Removing 19,209.47 Pounds of trash from our coastline and waterways!

According to the California Coastal Commission as of 5PM 9/24 with 50% reporting (including Heal the Bay)

  • According to the California Coastal Commission, more than 250,000 pounds of trash was removed on the 2024 California Coastal Cleanup Day. The event took place on September 21, 2024, and nearly 29,000 volunteers participated. 

Thank you to all who joined Heal the Bay in Los Angeles County on Coastal Cleanup Day 2024, and a special thank you to our 2024 Coastal Cleanup Day Sponsors:

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CCD 2024: A Real Pick Me Up

09.27.2024 |

Coastal Cleanup Day

Coastal Cleanup Day 2024 brought out a true rainbow coalition of participants: 6,983 Volunteers cleaned 62 Sites, removing 19,209.47 Pounds of trash from our coastline and waterways!

These amazing efforts are only possible with your support.

“Protect what you love.” It’s a mantra I preached to our supporters during my tenure as Heal the Bay’s Communications Director a decade ago.

And if there’s one beach I love in greater LA, it’s Will Rogers State Beach in Santa Monica Canyon. Specifically, Tower 18, where my father served as an L.A. County lifeguard during my youth. So I felt a tug of connection when Heal the Bay asked me to be a last-minute captain there during last Saturday’s Coastal Cleanup Day.

Our crew, led by volunteer Jennifer Cheong, contributed to a fantastic turnout over the weekend. In total, 6,626 volunteers joined Heal the Bay at 60 coastal and inland cleanup sites throughout Los Angeles County. These diligent supporters collected more than 19,209.47 pounds of trash. Over the past 30 years, our CCD volunteers have removed nearly 2 million pounds of debris from local shorelines and inland waterways.

Back in the ‘70s, Tower 18 became a gathering spot for a cross-section of the hip, tanned actors sunning themselves against a stone wall, waiting for a nearby pay phone to ring with a call from their agents. Fabled surfers like Miki Dora and Mickey Munoz prowled a series of surprisingly good beach breaks. World-class beach volleyball players competed ferociously in pickup games, sometimes joined by Lakers great Wilt Chamberlain.

Tower 18 was also home to the so-called Green Wall Gang, a beach-loving crew of Speedo-clad gay men who congregated near a bank of paddle-tennis courts.  The beach served as a refuge and safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community at a time when overt discrimination, verbal abuse, and street violence flared against its members.

L.A. County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath hosted an event last year to honor the legacy of the site, known informally as “Ginger Rogers Beach” and to unveil a Pride Progress flag installation/wrap around the lifeguard tower there. The beach continues to attract ocean lovers of all stripes and sexual orientations.

So it didn’t come as a surprise to me when I pulled up to the parking lot Saturday and saw a group of men waiting in the parking lot for us, many with rainbow regalia. About a dozen members of the California Gay Adventurers association showed up on an overcast morning, armed with good will and cleanup buckets brought from home.

The organization, which has about 800 members, hosts social events, outdoor activities and community action throughout the state. One weekend you might find the local chapter bowling in Hollywood, the next hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains.

About two dozen CGA volunteers canvassed the sand in search of cigarette butts, plastic bottle caps and bits of Styrofoam. Joined by another 20 or so participants, the men put in a good two-hour shift. Returning to base camp with smiles on their faces, they had their collected debris weighed and cataloged.

Amid the comparing of hauls, one gentleman in a floppy khaki and a neat goatee beamed. He had, no doubt, won the unofficial contest for best find. He held out a washed-out, severely torn $20 bill. We assured him that if he had at least one set of serial numbers on the torn bill, he could redeem it at a local bank.

Another volunteer also found something of monetary value – a $1 poker chip from a local casino. A rusted-out pitchfork marked the most dangerous item found during our cleanup. In all, we removed more than 115 pounds of trash from just one small beach in two hours.

Single-use plastic items comprised the vast majority of the detritus: soda bottles, potato chip bags, straws and what-not. The heaps of trash served as a powerful testament to why Heal the Bay this week joined the California Attorney General in filing a landmark lawsuit against ExxonMobil, the world’s largest producer of plastic polymers.

Cleanups are fun, when conducted with good people like the CGA. But frankly, we’d rather not be doing them. With this bold suit, we aim to stop the harm at its source, rather than merely reducing the harm.

We know that we can’t solve the plastic crisis in a single morning of action. However, the commitment and enthusiasm shown by our volunteers is incredibly heartening to all of our staff. We thank you deeply.

Among the CCD heroes this past weekend:

  • Site captain Joel Glen, who found his plans to clean up the East Fork of the San Gabriel River turned upside down by the recent Bridge Fire. Instead of giving up, he pivoted and established a new site at Eaton Canyon, mobilizing 27 volunteers within a week.
  • The crew at Good Earth Community Garden and our new partners at BlueSkyLA helped us run a new restoration site in South L.A., with 67 participants.
  • Bleu World, a diving organization that conducts citizen science, helped us bring back CCD sites to Catalina Island after a pandemic-related hiatus.

As a special thank you to all these healers, we are hosting a special celebration on Saturday evening at the CadFab Creative Gallery in Culver City. Libations and awards will be handed out. General public is invited too. Click here for details and registration.

If you couldn’t make it to this weekend’s event, we have good news. We host a monthly beach cleanup called Nothin’ but Sand at rotating locations throughout the region. You can find more information about those events here.

And if you’re feeling gratitude, you can join hundreds of other supporters in donating to our Exxon legal fund. The money will be used to defray the costs of our policy team collecting and analyzing data about single-used plastics for the Attorney General as we pursue our lawsuits. Contribute here.

 

Matthew King is a communications consultant for Heal the Bay and other nonprofits.

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Celebrating 34 Years of Amazing Volunteers

04.02.2024 |

CaliforniaEventosEventsHeal the Bay AquariumTake Action

Heal the Bay thrives because of our amazing volunteers. We are only able to celebrate those achievements because of the time, dedication, and support that our volunteers so graciously donate. 

On March 21, 2024, Heal the Bay celebrated the incredible volunteers and supporters at our annual Super Healer Awards and Volunteer Party.

Our dedicated volunteers span a wide age range, from 12 to 87 years old, and hail from various corners of the greater Los Angeles area. From Malibu to Long Beach, South LA to the North East San Fernando Valley, volunteers share a common goal at Heal the Bay: to make coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean for everyone. Whether they are participating in beach clean-ups or funding critical work, their collective contributions have made a tangible difference in our ongoing efforts to protect our oceans. Thank you to past, present, and future volunteers for your invaluable support and dedication!

2023 Was A Winning Year for Heal the Bay:

Volunteers who participated in our monthly Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanups and annual Coastal Cleanup Day programming contributed over 22,278 hours to protecting and conserving our local waterways and coastal waters.

  • On Coastal Cleanup Day, we had 7,337 volunteers remove more than 16,211 lbs of trash and 430 lbs. of recyclables from our waterways and neighborhoods.

  • Aquarium volunteers contributed 5,751 hours as they interpreted at touch tanks, engaged with visiting students, and assisted in caring for our animals.

  • Our MPA Watch volunteers conducted 572 surveys in 2023 to monitor use in the Palos Verdes and Malibu MPA sites.

Our Super Healer Awardees

Corporate Super Healer

The Many

The Many is a local values-based advertising agency headquartered in the Pacific Palisades of Los Angeles, CA. They deliver bespoke client solutions ranging from integrated brand experiences and world record-setting activations to social movements, influencer campaigns and earned media stunts. They are an active supporter of Heal the Bay and this year they have created the campaign design for our biggest fundraising event of the year, our annual Bring Back the Beach Gala. A big thank you to The Many for their amazing support!

 

Aquarist Super Healer

Bailey Cox

Bailey is a fantastic volunteer. Her ability to work through tasks with incredible speed and efficiency sets her apart. She has a vast knowledge of marine biology, which shows through all of her work. Bailey combines speed with expertise, effortlessly managing multiple responsibilities while ensuring the highest standard of care for our aquatic residents. Her dedication and proficiency make Bailey a valuable asset to our volunteer community, contributing significantly to our mission at Heal the Bay and the well-being of our animals. Thanks Bailey!

 

Laia Mayne

Laia is one of our most hard-working and meticulous volunteers. She is always eager to tackle whatever task is given to her. Her meticulous care in ensuring the tanks are impeccably clean reflects her dedication and desire to learn. Laia sees her time with us as a stepping stone towards her academic ambitions and brings outstanding professionalism and enthusiasm to our volunteer force. Thanks Laia!

 

 

Maia Flores

Maia joined our Aquarium family early on in 2023 and she has shown great enthusiasm and drive for Aquaristing. She is always on top of the tasks she has and is open to trying new tasks. She goes above and beyond in supporting our team in a variety of ways, to help aquarists finish big projects for the day like even getting in and helping scrub Under The Pier. Maia is trustworthy, reliable and dedicated to supporting with any Aquarium tasks for a given day. Thanks Maia!

 

Jake Bogart

Jake has been an excellent volunteer who shows up consistently and for longer than he is required to do because he enjoys spending time at the Aquarium. He goes above and beyond, staying extra hours to get as much aquaristing experience but also helping us complete tasks at hand. He always comes in with a positive attitude ready to work hard and has insightful questions about Aquaristing. We are grateful to volunteers like Jake who help us keep our Aquarium in tip-top shape. Thanks Jake!

 

 

Public Programs Super Healers

Samantha “Sam” Spero

Sam is an Aquarium Super Star. She volunteers with BOTH aquarists and public programs, which gives her a whole new perspective to share with aquarium guests! We also appreciate Sam’s work with Club Heal the Bay. Sam is reliable, creative, and cheerful. It’s a pleasure to work alongside Sam and are in awe of her passion for marine science and marine wildlife. Thank you so much Sam, for your dedication, reliability, and hard work!

 

 

Carter Yean

Carter is a spirited and confident volunteer. We appreciate Carter’s volunteer work with Public Programs and his experience advocating for environmental justice. He’s shown amazing leadership, dedication, and eagerness to try new things. Thank you so much for all that you do Carter, and thank you for being a super healer!

 

 

 

Jackson Yean

Jackson has taken on many endeavors as a Public Programs volunteer. From interpreting with guests at the Aquarium to taking part in educational outreach efforts on the Santa Monica Pier, Jackson is always ready and eager to support in any capacity. Jackson contributes not only his time but also brings along awesome animal facts to share with the team and guests. Thanks for all that you do Jackson, we appreciate your time and effort!

 

 

Gabriel Snyder

Gabriel has been a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer since day one! Gabriel takes part in various Heal the Bay volunteer programs such as the Aquarium, Club Heal the Bay, and Adopt-a-Beach. He is passionate about protecting our environment and even wrote a book, Samson the Harbor Seal, to encourage readers to do their, part in reducing plastic pollution. We’re so lucky to have Gabriel be a part of our Heal the Bay family! Thank you for all that you do Gabriel!

 

 

Education Super Healer

Sue Liu

Sue has been volunteering with the Education Department for a while now and we absolutely adore her! She has been a positive energy for our team as well as a mentor of sorts. She is great with the students and we cannot thank her enough for her work here, and the kids love her too. Thank you Sue!

 

 

 

 

Beach Programs Super Healers

Art Salter

Art has been a dedicated Coastal Cleanup Day captain since 2018. He heroic heads up the Santa Monica Pier site at tower 1550 every year, Heal the Bay’s busiest CCD cleanup site! He communicates early and often about his CCD duties and helps keep the Beach Programs team on track for a successful Coastal Cleanup Day.

 

 

 

Samuel Jones

 

Sam is always ready to put in whatever work is needed to ensure we have a successful cleanup. He is prompt and very communicative.

 

 

 

 

Jerica Covell

Jerica joined Heal the Bay as a Beach Captain and never looked back. In one year, she has completed the Speakers Bureau training and volunteered as a summer intern for CCD 2023. Jerica’s dedication is invaluable to Heal the Bay. I cannot wait to see what more this incredible person is capable of!

 

 

 

Makayla Cox

Makayla started with the AAB program in November of 2022, quickly got involved as a Beach Captain and now runs her own beach cleanups every month in Venice though her own non profit, Clean Up the Beach. Did I mention she is a sophomore in High School? She started a secondary project, Be Nice to VeNice to help rid the plastic pollution problem along the boardwalk at its source! Makayla has spent countless hours cleaning the beach, leading CCD sites, educating the public, attending community meetings, and working with elected officials to make Venice and the Los Angeles Beaches a better place for all!

 

Community Science Super Healer Awards

MPA Watch: Olivia Rose Marie Muñoz

Growing up in North Hollywood Olivia used to daydream about taking a small boat down the LA River to get to the beach. She’s interested in how watersheds work and their impacts on coastal ecosystems, with an emphasis on water quality. She has been a Heal the Bay volunteer for multiple programs for many years. In 2022, she graduated with a B.S. in Oceanography from Cal Maritime, and is applying to graduate schools for next fall to continue her marine studies focusing on water quality and conservation. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys going on adventures, traveling, combing the beach, or just reading a book. She’s currently halfway through reading all of Stephen King’s books.

eDNA: Kate Swanson

Kate has been involved with Heal the Bay’s eDNA sampling events for just about a year now. Kate grew up in the valley and is a current senior in high school. She first became involved with Heal the Bay through beach captaining Nothin’ But Sand cleanups and heard about eDNA during volunteer orientation, signing up the instant they got notice they were back on. The events have brought so much excitement to Kate’s Saturdays and is looking forward to doing more. One of Kate’s favorite memories was at Latigo Point when Crystal and her found a sea hare!

 

Outreach Super Healer Award

Outreach: John Marshal High School, Club Heal the Bay

JMHS’s Club Heal the Bay has exemplified our efforts to strengthen our youth programming. They have participated in our eDNA events, adopted a beach (and park!), and provided public comment to bring green efforts to LAUSD campuses. They are our most dedicated club, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with them. Thanks Club Heal the Bay, John Marshal High School for all that you do!

 

 

Are you ready to begin your volunteer journey with Heal the Bay? Discover all the ways you can work for a safe, clean coastline and watershed!

Take Part

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Celebrating Earth Month 2024: Reusable Is Beautiful

03.13.2024 |

CaliforniaEventsHeal the Bay AquariumLos AngelesNewsTake Action

Heal the Bay Reusable is Beautiful. Earth Month 2024

Celebrate Earth Month and all things reusable with Heal the Bay!

Join our “Reusable is Beautiful” Earth Month activities to help you ditch single-use plastic and keep our oceans healthy.

Every year, billions of pounds of single-use plastic flood our oceans, threatening the health of our planet. This month and every month, Heal the Bay is committed to raising awareness about choosing reusable options over single-use plastic and keeping our waterways clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone.

Fun, inspiring activations are happening all month for everyone – individuals, families, schools, and more! Grab your reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and friends for climate action fun near you!

Heal the Bay Earth Month 2024 Calendar of Special Events

👇👇👇SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF EVENTS and get involved this Earth Month with #ReusableIsBeautiful events and activities from Heal the Bay and our partners! 👇👇👇

Get Safety Talk Certified for Earth Month -FREE

Monday, March 25, 2024: VIRTUAL or IN PERSON

Become a Heal the Bay Safety Talk Speaker!

Our fun, impactful Nothin’ But Sand cleanups rely on fantastic volunteers like you! As a Safety Talk Speaker, you’ll educate beachgoers about Heal the Bay’s mission, impact, and safety practices. This is your chance to:

  • Educate thousands of volunteers about Heal the Bay’s work. (e.g., 20,000+ lbs of trash removed in 2023!)
  • Lead confidently by learning best practices for beach cleanups and authentic land acknowledgments.
  • Make a real difference for our coastlines and wildlife.
  • Gain public speaking skills to connect everyone from elementary school kids to the CEO’s of some of the region’s most prominent local brands and the science and policy that fuels Heal the Bay’s impact.

Two-Step Training:

  1. Virtual Safety Talk Certification: March 25, 6:00 PM
  2. In-Person Beach Captain Training: April 20, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Santa Monica Beach, Tower 1550)

Ready to dive in? Sign up today!

 Get Safety Talk Certified

Touch Tanks on Top of The Pier – FREE

Friday, April 5 12 PM -2 PM 

Join our Aquarium experts and LACC for an extra special touch tank on the Santa Monica Pier next to the Heal the Bay Welcome Center! Get close to some incredible aquarium animals and learn all about the fascinating creatures that call our oceans home.

FREE EVENT

 Plan Your Visit to the Santa Monica Pier

Plastic Pollution Advocacy Training (VIRTUAL) -FREE

Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 6 PM – 7 PM

Calling All Environmental Warriors!

Join Heal the Bay and 5 Gyres for a FREE virtual advocacy training to combat plastic pollution in California. Learn the power of grassroots activism and how to lead impactful campaigns targeting local and state plastic reduction efforts at our VIRTUAL training.

Master the tools to make a difference:

  • Understand key plastic pollution policies.
  • Craft persuasive messages for decision-makers.
  • Make impactful calls to representatives.
  • Submit compelling written comments on legislation.

Become a voice for change:

Gain essential advocacy skills and join the movement for a plastic-free future. Let’s make our voices heard and pave the way for a healthier planet!

Help Heal the Bay 5 Gyres depose the disposables!

Join our plastic policy workshop with Heal the Bay’s Coastal and Marine Scientist, Emily Parker and 5 Gyres’ Policy & Programs Director, Alison Waliszewski. Gain insights on the plastic bag ban, LA’s 2023 plastic laws, Heal Bay’s anti-plastic bills, and why 2024 might be a game-changer for plastic reduction in LA!

 Register to get the Zoom Link

April Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup -FREE

Saturday, April 20, 10 AM – 12 PM @ Santa Monica Pier

Earth Month Beach Cleanup Leveled Up!

Join Heal the Bay’s Nothin’ But Sand at Santa Monica Beach on April 20, 2024 (10 am-12 pm). Fun awaits! Enjoy spin-the-wheel games, trash relay races, and a marine science exploration station, and win #ResusableisBeautiful raffle prizes! All attendees gain FREE ACCESS TO HEAL THE BAY AQUARIUM for the day! Help clean & celebrate a healthier planet with 1000+ other volunteers at LA’s biggest Earth Month cleanup of 2024!

 Register for Nothin’ But Sand

Celebrate Earth Day at Heal the Bay Aquarium 

Saturday, April 20, 11 AM – 4 PM

Dive into Earth Month at Heal the Bay Aquarium! Fun, educational exhibits & live demonstrations await ocean enthusiasts of all ages. Explore the wonders of Santa Monica Bay & meet the fantastic local animals that call it home.

Saturday, April 20, 11 AM – 4 PM

Come to Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier for a non-stop day of Earth Month fun!

  • Take an Earth Month pledge
  • Enjoy crafts, chalk art, and face painting
  • Learn about our state flower with California Poppy Kits
  • Participate in an Earth Month Scavenger Hunt
  • Collect limited Edition Earth Month Pins
  • Take 20% off reusable items in the gift shop

Join the Earth Month Beach Cleanup to get free entry to the Heal the Bay Aquarium Earth Month Celebration!

 Plan Your Visit

2024 LA City Nature Challenge BioBlitz -FREE

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Heal the Bay’s Safe Clean Water Program returns with an Earth Month BioBlitz! Heal the Bay staff will host two events with the 2024 LA City Nature Challenge, sponsored by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences. Join us on Saturday, April 27th, at Bixby Marshland or Fern Dell in Griffith Park for an afternoon of ecological exploration!

 RSVP to JOIN

Wake & Dance with DAYBREAKER @ Santa Monica Pier

Saturday, April 28, 2024, 6 AM to 9 AM

Join the DAYBREAKER Peace Tour to the Santa Monica Pier! Rise and shine to help protect what you love. Some proceeds will support Heal the Bay programs that keep our coastal waters and watershed clean and healthy for all.

 Get Your Tickets

Rising Tides Discussion Panel @ Hermosa Beach Community Center -FREE

Sunday, April 28, 2024, 3 PM

Our coastline is shrinking. But what can Los Angeles do about it?

Attend the discussion panel of the year at Hermosa Beach Community Center, “Rising Tides: Exploring LA’s Readiness for Sea Level Rise,” to find out.

Join three leading experts on climate change, environmental policy, and community resilience as they sit down to unpack the challenges facing LA’s coast and explore solutions for a more sustainable future:

Discover how fossil fuels impact the Pacific shore and delve into equitable approaches to protecting our communities. RSVP now to reserve your FREE seat!

 REGISTER TO ATTEND

Stussy x Heal the Bay Collaboration Launch 

Friday, May 3, 2024, 9 AM

Stüssy x Heal the Bay returns with a limited-edition capsule collection launch!  100% of the proceeds from this collaboration will be donated to Heal the Bay to support our marine and coastal watershed protection work!

This exclusive collection of Stüssy x Heal the Bay retail will be available at Stussy.com.

Get your shopping cart ready and mark your calendar for the 2024 collection drop on May 3, 2024. Last year’s collection sold out in 15 minutes, raising over $75,000 to protect our coastal waters and watershed.

 

 Stüssy.com

All Earth-Month-Long at Heal the Bay 

Did you miss out on Earth Day fun? Enjoy these Heal the Bay activations all month long!

Heal the Bay Reusable is Beautiful. Earth Month 2024

 FREE Beach Wheelchair Rentals @ Heal the Bay Aquarium 

April 2024, 9:30 AM – 11 AM

Beach Wheelchair at Santa Monica PierNeed a beach wheelchair to enjoy some fun in the sun? Everyone should be able to enjoy a day at the beach, so come to Heal the Bay Aquarium to access our manual beach wheelchairs, which are available for FREE public rentals.

Pick Up Location Details

Heal the Bay’s Beach Wheelchair rental program helps provide accessibility to one of nature’s most inspiring and critically essential resources and was made possible thanks to funding from The Coastal Conservancy. Learn more about our Beach Wheelchair Rental Program: https://healthebay.org/beach-wheelchairs-santa-monica-pier.

Earth Month: Battle of the Babies @ Heal the Bay Aquarium

Join Our Self-guided Beach Cleanup Competition – All Month Long

Are you feeling competitive this Earth Month? Are you ready to defeat the trash on Santa Monica Beach? Then join the Battle of the Babies all month long at Heal the Bay Aquarium!

Lead your team in a self-guided cleanup of Santa Monica Beach, choose which animal you would like to support, and at the end of the month, we’ll tally the total pounds collected by each fandom to see which baby will emerge triumphant!

Stop by Heal the Bay Aquarium to grab a FREE bucket and support your favorite fishy friend: the adorable swell shark pup or the darling California skate baby. This Earth Month, let’s see who emerges victorious in the battle against beach pollution!

Questions? Contact Heal the Bay Aquarium

“Hold the plastic, please!” #Selfie Challenge

Enter for a chance to win Heal the Bay Swag in this social media challenge

Calling all eco-warriors and selfie champions! Help your favorite restaurant ditch plastic for a chance to win awesome Heal the Bay gear .

Here’s the deal:

1) Ask your fave restaurant to “Hold the plastic, please!”

2)Snap a selfie with your HTPP card♻️

3)Post it to social media using #ReuableisBeautiful and tag @healthebay

Win epic Heal the Bay swag for showing your support!

Need a reminder card? Grab one at our #ResuableisBeautiful station, Heal the Bay Aquarium on the Santa Monica Pier, or download a digital one to flash at your next meal.

PSA to Restaurants! LA’s new plastic laws mean less waste and more savings for you! Confused about utensils, takeout containers, or the bag ban? We’ve got all the info on our website. 

Let’s make #EarthMonth plastic-free and selfie-worthy!

Download a Hold the plastic, please! Card

Protect What You Love with a Heal the Bay Member”Ship”

Join our crew! Climb aboard the SS Heal the Bay Membership!

Our Member“Ship” is full of passionate and dedicated Heal the Bay supporters working to ensure that coastal waters and watersheds in Southern California are safe, healthy, and clean for generations to come. Thanks to the generous annual support of our Member“Ship” Crew, we can further our efforts through science, education, community action, and advocacy. Become a member and join our Crew!

Member“Ship” OPTIONS & BENEFITS

$55: Membership for one adult*
$95: Membership for two adults* 

$95: Family Membership for two adults + up to 2 children*

Member” Ship” Includes:

  • Free admission to Heal the Bay Aquarium for one year
  • 25% discount on guest admission tickets
  • 10% discount on retail purchases at the Heal the Bay Aquarium Gift Shop
  • 5% discount on Aquarium Science Camp
  • Heal the Bay’s digital Blue Newsletter
  • AQ Movie Night
  • Special Member-Only Tide Pool Excursions

Become a Member TODAY!

Gear Up for Earth Day with Heal the Bay 

Level up your drip while leveling up the ocean!

Nothing says #ReuseableIsBeautiful this Earth Day like swag from Heal the Bay! Shop comfy appeal, unique gifts, and reusable goods, all for a great cause!

Shop Heal the Bay

Heal the Bay Earth Month 2024 Tabling Calendar 

Check out our list of Earth Month events hosted by some of our favorite social, environmental, and partner organizations across Los Angeles. Stop by Heal the Bay’s Outreach table while you’re enjoying Earth Month fun around Los Angeles County this April.

Gardena Spring Equinox Earth Day Event, Johnson Park, 1200 W 170th St. Gardena, CA, March 17, 9 AM – 12 PM

Pepperdine Earth Day Celebration, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, April 9, CA, 11 AM – 2 PM

Generation Earth/Tree People 2nd Annual Environmental Youth Summit, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, April 11, 9 AM – 10:15 AM and 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

LA County Sanitation Districts, Earth Day Celebration, 1955 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA, April 13, 1o AM – 2 PM

City of Azusa Outdoor Recreation and Eco Fair, Memorial Park, North Recreation Center Parking Lot, 340 N Orange Ave, Azusa, CA, April 13 10 AM – 1 PM

Tarzana Neighborhood Council 11th Annual Earth Day Festival, Tarzana Park, 5655 Vanalden Ave, Tarzana, CA 91356, April 13, 10 Am – 2 PM

STEAM Expo, 2368 Pearl St, Santa Monica, CA, April 13

Resilient Palisades Earth Day 2024, Palisades Village Green, 15280 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA, April 14, 9 AM – 1 PM

SONY Pictures Entertainment Earth Month, April 18

Wild for the Planet, LA Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA, April 20 – April 21, 10 AM – 4 PM

South Bay Parkland Conservancy Earth Day Event, Wilderness Park, Redondo Beach, April 21, 10 AM – 1 PM

CSUDH 2024 Earth Day Festival, April 23, 9 AM – 3 PM

CSU Dominguez Hills 17th Annual Earth Day Festival, 1000 E Victoria St, Carson, CA, 10 AM – 2:30 PM

Loyola High School Earth Week Fair, 1901 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, April 25

Paradise Canyon Earth Week Fair, Paradise Canyon Elementary, 471 Knight Way, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, April 26, 6 PM – 8 PM

2024 Arts and Literacy Festival, Virginia Avenue Park Campus, Santa Monica, April 27, 10 AM – 2 PM

Beverly Hills 21st Annual Earth Day, 9300 Civic Center Dr, Beverly Hills, CA, April 28, 9 AM – 1 PM

 Celebrate the Earth beyond April

APPLY TODAY – 2024 Coastal Clean-Up Day Poster ARTIST

Calling all ocean-loving artists!

Let your artwork advocate for our ocean this Coastal Cleanup Day!

Win $1,000 and see your artwork all over Los Angeles County on the official Heal the Bay Coastal Cleanup Day poster!

Submit a portfolio of your work and a concept for a poster that captures the essence of our theme: “Reusable is Beautiful.”

**Think vibrant colors, powerful messages, and inspiring imagery to showcase the beauty of reusables and the importance of protecting our oceans. **

Show us your vision!

Submissions are accepted until May 31st, 2024. See full details and application here!

Enter to win the opportunity to become our 2024 COASTAL CLEANUP DAY Poster Artist!

Apply Here

Bring Back the Beach Gala

Celebrate #ReusableIsBeautiful

dress

You are cordially invited to our Bring Back the Beach Gala on May 16, 2024.

As a fundraising benefit for Heal the Bay, this exclusive West Coast event welcomes hundreds of business, political, entertainment, and environmental leaders. Reserve your tickets to our biggest event of the year! 

Our 2024 GALA is SINGLE-USE PLASTIC-FREE because at Heal the Bay, we believe  #ReusableIsBeautiful! Help keep single-use plastic out of our watershed when you “BRING BACK THE BEACH” this May.

GET TICKETS

Coastal Cleanup Day Site Captain Training

Become a Site Captain or Co-Captain and host a Heal the Bay cleanup site in LA County for Coastal Cleanup Day 2024!

 

LA’s biggest volunteer event returns!

Join Heal the Bay’s Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept 21st, 2024.

In 2023, over 7,000 Heal the Bay volunteers removed over 16,000 lbs. of trash and 400 lbs. of recycling from 97 miles of beach, river, underwater, and trail cleanup sites!  Help us make an even more significant impact in 2024.

Want to lead a cleanup site? Sign up for Site Captain training on Thursday, 5/30/2024, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. More Site Captain training dates to come.

+The deadline to sign up to be a CCD Site Captain is 7/31/2024.

SIGN UP

Make waves for a sustainable future in Greater Los Angeles by making your Earth Month donation to Heal the Bay.

DONATE 

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Success From Summit to Sea in September 2023

10.04.2023 |

Events

Coastal Cleanup Month 2023 was a big success for Heal the Bay! Thank you to all our Healers who made this amazing month possible. Join us for a look back at all we accomplished in September of 2023, from Summit to Sea, and get ready for all we have to look forward to in October of 2023.

Spectrum 1 Spotlight: Heal the Bay’s Everyday Heroes Kick off Coastal Cleanup Day

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Kicking off Coastal Cleanup Day — Check out the incredible news package featuring our own Meredith McCarthy and long-time rockstar volunteer Fallon Rabin for Spectrum News 1 “Everyday Hero” weekly segment that ran hourly throughout the programming day and evening.

 

Coastal Cleanup Education Day 2023

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

The Wednesday before Coastal Cleanup Day was “Coastal Cleanup Education Day” at the Aquarium and it was all hands on deck for Heal the Bay staff.  Our Aquarium hosted more than 250 3rd-5th grade students from across Los Angeles County for a day of beach exploration, scientific excursions, pollution education, and hands on learning while having some fun in the sun.

 

ONE Water Day

Friday, September 22, 2023

Our third annual ONE Water Day was a huge success and reintroduced Heal the Bay as a thought leader on water policy in LA! Heal the Bay convened the top LA water agencies, state leaders, and policy experts to participate in a compelling conversation about how to balance reliability and affordability as we adapt to a changing climate.  We also welcomed California Assemblymember Laura Friedman (AD 44) and Senator Ben Allen (SD 24), along with several City and County staff.  We were also pleased to host our partners from local engineering firms to listen in to the big water issues impacting the future of our City, County and State.

This year’s theme was balancing reliability and affordability – we discussed how water agencies and state leaders are planning to pay for the multi-billion-dollar water recycling projects planned for LA County and how they will ensure that underserved and low-income communities will be able to afford water for their basic needs. The consensus was clear — we will do it by working together!  Water agencies, state and federal partners, NGOs, and the business community must come together to invest in innovative solutions to achieve our water reliability and climate resilience goals.

A special thank you to our 2023 ONE Water Day Sponsors Brown & Caldwell, CDM Smith, Metropolitan Water District for making this event possible.

 

Coastal Cleanup Day

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Coastal Cleanup Day was a tremendous success this year.  Our staff and volunteers overcame every obstacle thrown at them and came together to achieve the best Coastal Cleanup Day in years! The teamwork was absolutely inspirational.  There is no question that we had an incredible turn out and we’ve already turned our eyes to next year (Sept 21, 2023) where we are planning to do even better.

Starting in August LA was a buzz with excitement over Coastal Cleanup Day 2023. Registration for Heal the Bay sites were covered by news outlets like LAist (KPCC), Good Day LA, Spectrum News1, the OC Register, and many more. Even our local elected officials got into the spirit if CCD including LA City Councilwoman Traci Park (CD11) who proudly donned a Heal the Bay shirt in City Council to promote Coastal Cleanup Day.  Check out her full City Council presentation from the August 25th, 2023 meeting.

The energy on the day of was nothing less than spectacular across our many beach, underwater, neighborhood and inland sites.

Enjoy some on the sand coverage from KCLA who joined our volunteers at the Santa Monica Pier cleanup site:  Thousands hit SoCal beaches for California Coastal Cleanup Day – CBS Los Angeles (cbsnews.com)

And now that the FINAL results are in, drumroll please…

Coastal Cleanup Day 2023 Stats

 

Los Angeles County Numbers (Heal the Bay Sites)

  1. 47 Cleanup Sites Reported
  2. 7,337 volunteers
  3. 1,646 volunteers who brought their own cleanup supplies
  4. 16,211 pounds of trash
  5. 429 pounds of recycling
  6. 97.5 miles of beach, river, underwater, and neighborhoods sites cleaned.
  7. 15 Inland Cleanups, 31 Coastal Cleanups, 2 Dive Cleanups

 Check out our Coastal Cleanup Day Wrap-up Blog for more stats and the California Commissions latest recap on the Statewide numbers.

And a special thank you to our 2023 Coastal Cleanup Day Sponsors:

 

 

LOOKING AHEAD:

Heal the Bay Day in LA

Friday, October 20, 2023

SAVE THE DATE: On October 20th, the Los Angeles City Council (presented by Councilwoman Traci Park – CD11) will honor Heal the Bay for the 20th Anniversary of our Aquarium and Angler Outreach Program and declare October 20, 2023, Heal the Bay Day in LA.  I hope you can join us in City Council Chambers between 10am – 12noon.

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Coastal Cleanup Day 2023 – Wrap Up

09.25.2023 |

California CoastCoastal Cleanup DayLos AngelesNews

Check out the full 2023 Coastal Wrap-Up Book:

DOWNLOAD THE 2023 WRAP-UP BOOK

Check out our Coastal Cleanup Day Highlight Stats! 

Updated September 27, 2023, 3:00 PM

Coastal Cleanup Day 2023 Stats

Los Angeles County Numbers (Heal the Bay Sites)

  • 47 Cleanup Sites Reported
  • 7, 337 volunteers
  • 1, 646 volunteers who brought their own cleanup supplies
  • 16,211 pounds of trash
  • 429 pounds of recycling
  • 97.5 miles of beach, river, underwater, and neighborhoods sites cleaned.
  • 15 Inland Cleanups, 31 Coastal Cleanups, 2 Dive Cleanups

According to the California Coastal Commission as of 5PM 9/24 with 50% reporting (including Heal the Bay)

  • 25,570 volunteers participated statewide.
  • Those volunteers picked up 126,605 pounds of trash at cleanup sites all along California.
  • An additional 7,041 pounds of recyclable materials were collected. 
  • A total of 133,645 pounds or 67 tons of refuse were removed from watersheds all over California. 

Thank you to all who joined Heal the Bay in Los Angeles County on Coastal Cleanup Day 2023, and a special thank you to our 2023 Coastal Cleanup Day Sponsors:

A Wave of gratitude for our 2023 Coastal Cleanup Day Sponsors

2023 Coastal Cleanup Day Sponsors:

Pacific Premier Bank @pacificpremierbank

Ocean Conservancy @oceanconservancy

Water Replenishment District @wrdsocal

City of Santa Monica @cityofsantamonica

Department of Beaches and Harbors, Los Angeles County @lacdbh

California Coastal Commission @coastalcommission

Northrop Grumman @northropgrumman

Water for LA @waterforla

Councilwoman Traci Park (Council District 11) @councilwomantracipark

Councilmember Tim McOsker (Council District 15)

Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky (Council District 5) @cd5losangeles

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Bring Back the Beach Gala 2023

05.25.2023 |

Bring Back the Beach GalaNews

See the full Gala Photo Album (Michel Guyon & John Salangsang of Line8 Photography)

What a night!!  Thank you to all who were a part of the celebration. Your generous support of the Bring Back the Beach 2023 Gala enables Heal the Bay to continue (and expand) our mission to make coastal waters and watersheds in Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. Guests enjoyed drinks, dancing and a one-of-a-kind experience in the Time to Act Augmented Reality Tents all at the iconic Jonathan Club right on the beach in Santa Monica.

Bring Back the Beach was a tremendous success, raising critical funds to reinforce our work!

With your support the event raised more than 🎉$925,000🎉exceeding all expectations and allowing Heal the Bay to continue our mission to #protectwhatyoulove: our irreplaceable Southern CA watersheds and coastal waters.

We were delighted you were part of the celebration honoring Assemblywoman Luz Rivas with the Dorothy Green Award; Amy Liu, Founder Tower 28 Beauty, with the Wave Award; and Jan & Marsh Mokhtari, Co-Founders Gray Whale Gin, with the Walk the Talk Award (Images below).  We also hope you had fun!

 

Check out the Bring Back the Beach Gala Flickr for even more pictures of the spectacular celebration.

A tidal wave of thanks to all the elected officials who came out to show their environmental support for our coastline from #Summit2Sea:

🔷Assemblymember Luz Rivas

🔷Assemblymember Mike Fong

🔷Senator Ben Allen

🔷Assemblymember Laura Friedman

🔷Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi

🔷Assemblymember Jaqui Irwin

🔷Assemblymember Lisa Calderon

🔷LA City Katy Yaraslovsky, 5th Council District

A Great Wave of Gratitude for our Special Supporters

Thank you once again to our special supporters–without whom this magical night would not have been possible–for being part of the movement to improve LA from summit to sea!

Liquid IV

LAcarGUY

Gregory Willis Air Lease Corporation

Laura Woeste Air Lease Corporation

Laura Woeste Air Lease Corporation

Dan Bunce Brown and Caldwell

Gray Whale Gin

Craig Perkins The Energy Coalition

Marsh Mokhtari Gray Whale Gin

Adam Sullins Latham & Watkins LLP

Robin Onkka GHD Ticket

Beverley Stinson AECOM

Amy Bowers Arcadis

Audi Pacific Donation

Jim Clark Black & Veatch

Leneyde Chavez Carollo Engineers

Melissa Ferguson CDM Smith

Kristi Steinberg Ernst & Young Donation

Ian Eddleston EY

Ian Eddleston EY

Donna Bloom-Crook HDR Engineering, Inc.

Brandon Ramirez Hyundai Motor America

Brandon Ramirez Hyundai Motor America

Rich Nagel Jacobs

Larry Witzer Johnny Carson Foundation

Pamerla Perez LA Sanitation

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power

Nikita Lingenfelter McCarthy Construction

Adel Hagekhalil Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Sharon Lawrence

Camela Ott None

Richard Katz Richard Katz Consulting, inc.

Venu Kolli Stantec Consulting

Greg Morena The Albright

Adam Galia The Boeing Company

Kari Boiler The Boiler Family Trust

Arie Harel The Walsh Group

Amy Liu Tower 28

Toyota Santa Monica

Bob Kane World Surf League

Katy Fox Donation BOA

Madelyn Glickfeld

Brian O’Malley

David Weil Harvard-Westlake School

Hampik Dekermenjian Hazen and Sawyer

Chris Minton Larry Walker Associates

Maribeth Tan Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

Caitlin Ishigooka Southern California Edison

Luciana Brafman Time to Act Entertainment

Nichol Shuart Wells Fargo Capital Finance

SEE THE GALA JOURNAL

2023 GALA PHOTO ALBUM

JOIN THE 2024 GALA GUESTLIST

 

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Nick Gabaldón Day 2023

05.22.2023 |

Nick Gabaldón Day

Nick Gabaldón Day will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 9AM – 4:30PM. Sign up for FREE Surf Lessons or REGISTER to Volunteer. 

Celebrating Nick Gabaldón

Nick Gabaldón (1927-1951) was a pioneering surfer of Mexican– and African American descent. He was the first documented surfer of color in the Santa Monica Bay. Gabaldón’s passion, athleticism, discipline, love and respect for the ocean live on as the quintessential qualities of the California surfer.

In 2013, with the help of African American historian Alison Rose Jefferson, Heal the Bay joined forces with the Black Surfers Collective to amplify and expand their prior Nick Gabaldón efforts. Nick Gabaldón Day is now in its 11th year, and will be held on June 3, 2023, as a collaboration of organizations gather together to honor this great legacy that left ripples throughout many communities. ​The Surf Bus Foundation is another essential organization to the structure and safety of Nick Gabaldón Day 2023, empowering people to have a healing connection to the sea by engaging in ocean sports like surfing.

This innovative and collaborative celebration provides an amazing opportunity for broadening outreach, action, and education to connect Angelenos with their cultural, historical, and natural heritage.

Sign up for FREE Surf Lessons or REGISTER to Volunteer. 

 We are excited this year to welcome LA28.  The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games will celebrate our community’s diversity and creativity to collectively design a Games we all want to be a part of.  The Games are organized by an independent, non-profit, private organization that partners with private and public entities to deliver the Games. Participants will have an opportunity to meet and hear inspirational stories from Olympic athletes.  

Once Upon a Beach, in the Face of Adversity

The shoreline and waters at Bay Street in Santa Monica were an active hub of African American beach life during the Jim Crow era. This beach was popular from the 1900s to early 1960s among African American people, who sought to avoid hostile and racial discrimination they might experience at other southland beaches. Racial discrimination and restrictive covenants prevented African Americans from buying property throughout the Los Angeles region, but their community’s presence and agency sustained their oceanfront usage in Santa Monica.

In 2008, the City of Santa Monica officially recognized the “Inkwell” and Nick Gabaldón with a landmark monument at Bay Street and the Oceanfront Walk. In 2019, this same beach was listed as the Bay Street Beach Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in the African American experience and American history.

A Beach Day For All: June 3, 2023

Nick Gabaldón Day introduces young and old from inland communities to the magic of the coast through free surf and ocean safety lessons, beach ecology exploration, and a history lesson about a man who followed his passion and a community who challenged anti-Black discrimination to enjoy the beach.

Sign Up For Free Surf Lessons

Register to Volunteer

The Black Surfers Collective, Heal the Bay, Surf Bus Foundation, and the Santa Monica Conservancy collaborate for Nick Gabaldón Day to reach families in resource-challenged communities and to connect them with meaningful educational programming. Together, we are helping build personal experiences with cultural, historical, natural heritage, and civic engagement that make up the foundation of stewardship, and the development of the next generation of heritage conservation and environmental leaders.

Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier will be free for all visitors in honor of Nick on Saturday, June 3, 2023 thanks to a generous sponsorship. A celebrity guest reader will pop in for story time and special art activities will be offered, as well as screenings of documentaries exploring issues of race, coastal access, and following your passion against all odds (“12 Miles North: The Nick Gabaldón Story” [2012] and  “La Maestra (The Teacher)” [2014]).

Tentative Agenda: June 3, 2023

  • 9 am Welcome Ceremony and Memorial Paddle Out for Nick at Bay Street Beach
  • 10 am – 1 pm Free surf lessons, beach and local history exploration, and cleanup at Bay Street Beach. MUST REGISTER TO ACCESS FREE SURF LESSONS.
  • 1 pm – 4 pm Celebration continues at Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier; admission to the Aquarium is free today in honor of Nick.
    • 1 pm Documentary screening
    • 2 pm Children’s story time with guest reader
    • 3 pm Documentary screening

Nick Gabaldón Day 2023 Presented By
Black Surfers Collective
Heal the Bay
Surf Bus Foundation
Santa Monica Conservancy

 Partners
Swim Up Hill
Color the Water
LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
SoFly Surf School

Participating Youth Groups
Outward Bound Adventures
The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena

Sponsors
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation – Funding for this project was provided (in part) by the Refugio Beach Oil Spill South Coast Shoreline Parks and Outdoor Recreation Grants Program overseen by the Refugio Beach Oil Spill Trustee Council.

For more information about partnership and sponsorship opportunities please contact: Jeff Williams, Black Surfers Collective, ghettosurfn@gmail.com or Meredith McCarthy, Heal the Bay 310.451.1500 ext. 116 or mmccarthy@healthebay.org.

Bios 

Alison Rose Jefferson M.H.C. Ph.D.

Alison Rose Jefferson M.H.C. Ph.D. is a historian and heritage conservation consultant who has contributed to the organization of the Nick Gabaldón Day celebration since 2013. Currently, Jefferson’s work is public facing as consultant on Los Angeles history projects. Her book Living the California Dreams: African American Leisure Sites during the in the Jim Crow Era, rethinks the significance of the struggle for leisure and public space for all within the long freedom rights struggle and civil rights movement. Her book was honored with the 2020 Miriam Matthews Ethnic History Award by the Los Angeles City Historical Society for its exceptional contributions to the greater understanding and awareness of regional history. Dr. Jefferson’s work has garnered attention in the L.A. Times and other media outlets. For more information about her activities visit her website, www.alisonrosejefferson.com. 

Surf Bus Foundation 

​The Surf Bus Foundation’s mission is to empower people to have a healing connection to the sea. They do this by engaging in ocean sports like surfing, swimming and beach games while exploring the wonder and beauty of the sea. Our teaching and mentoring provides understanding that encourages a lifelong commitment to share and protect our oceans for all to enjoy. 

Jamal Hill 

Jamal Hill is a Los Angeles based educator and community leader with over 10 years of experience in aquatics that include teaching inner-city youth swim lessons, serving as an LA County lifeguard, and representing Team USA as a member of the Paralympic Swimming team. Dismantling the barriers to industry entry such as previous aquatic related trauma, lack of access to calm water environments, unestablished learning curves, and non-affordable pricing, Jamal helps to create restorative justice through swimming for underserved communities with little access to this life saving essentials. 

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Celebrating Earth Month From Summit to Sea In 2023

04.03.2023 |

EventsSanta Monica Bay

Earth Month is here!  Heal the Bay is excited to celebrate this April from #Summit2Sea.  Our waterways are precious and care for them is an essential part of keeping the Earth healthy.  This April, make time to honor and care for them, from the San Fernando Valley to Mulholland all the way to the sands of Santa Monica Bay.  Greater Los Angeles offers opportunities to learn ways to conserve, go outside to do some good, and celebrate our precious blue planet with Heal the Bay all month long.

Individuals, households, schools, businesses, and community organizations are all invited to attend Heal the Bay’s Earth Month events. Our inspiring and fun activities all contribute to our dedication to protect Southern California coastal waters, rivers, creeks, and beloved beaches from Summit to Sea.   Join us and bring your family and friends to help Heal the Bay.

Heal the Bay Earth Month 2023 Calendar of Special Events

Scroll down for our full #Summit2Sea list of Earth Month events and activities waiting for you to get involved.  Don’t forget to stop by our partner events listed below, as well.

Beach Captain’s Training- Virtual & In Person

Tuesday, April 11, 6 PM – 7 PM PST

Our monthly Nothin’ But Sand cleanups are public events open for all to join and we couldn’t run these awesome cleanups without the help of our amazing captains & Speakers! Our Beach Captains lead our cleanup volunteers, educate the public on Heal the Bay’s work and mission, help with registration, hand out supplies, fill out community service forms, and represent the organization on the sand. Beach Captain Volunteer Training is a two-step process. First, attend a virtual Beach Captains Volunteer Training, then attend our in-person cleanup to finalize your traininig.

Training Dates:

Hundreds of pounds of trash are removed from the beaches of Los Angeles at each Nothin’ But Sand Cleanup, helping to promote safe, clean coastlines for wildlife and people alike. We could not achieve this without amazing volunteer Beach Captains. Ready to dive in?

 Register for Beach Captain Training

Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup – In-Person

Saturday, April 15, 10 AM – 1 PM PST

April is Earth Month, so we are amping up our regularly scheduled Nothin’ But Sand cleanup. Come for the great feeling you get when you volunteer, then stay to win prizes at our sponsored raffle.   While you’re there, check out our on-the-sand art installation Marina the Mermaid (Artist Andrea Martina Isenschmid), and celebrate your good work with a silent disco party. 

Dance your way to a cleaner beach to support Heal the Bay!  We are thrilled to partner with World of Sound Productions by offering our cleanup volunteers a unique silent disco dance party experience. DJs will be spinning family-friendly music through your rented headphones for ALL AGES including: EDM, house music, nu-disco, hip hop, Latin, pop and remixes from the 70’s to current day. Headphones will be available for rent on the sand, but you can prebook yours today after you register to reserve your bucket. A percentage of profits will be donated to Heal the Bay to further support our marine and coastal watershed protection work! Reserve your headphones with World of Sound.

A Big Wave of thanks to Golden Road Brewing, Ocean Conservancy, and Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors for sponsoring this very special cleanup!

 Register for Nothin’ But Sand

 Reserve Headphones

Celebrate Earth Month at Heal the Bay Aquarium-

In-Person

Saturday, April 15, 11 AM – 4 PM PST

The award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium located at the Santa Monica Pier has planned an afternoon filled with fun Earth Month activities.  Featuring exciting exhibits and demonstrations, it’s a great way for the entire family to experience the Santa Monica Bay and observe the local animals that call it home.

Heal the Bay Aquarium’s Earth Month Celebration schedule includes:

Aquarium Opens (11 AM): Check out our award-winning animal exhibits, visit with sharks and sea stars in the touch tanks.

Wildlife Observation Station (12:00 PM to 3:00PM): Visitors who walk to the west end of the Pier will find our wildlife station, staffed and stocked with binoculars and bird identification guides.

Sea Star Feeding (1:00 & 3:00 PM): Help Heal the Bay Aquarium staff feed our sea stars their favorite lunch in our Tide Pool Touch Tanks.

Story Time (2:00 PM): Join the Heal the Bay team for a whale of a tale at our Earth Month Themed Story time.

Mini Dance Party (12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (hourly): At the top of each hour, join Heal the Bay in our Dorothy Green Room for a Mini Dance Party to celebrate all things Earth Month.

All Afternoon: Enjoy an eco-themed crafts station, short films, and hands-on pollution displays including our 6-foot-tall Marina the Mermaid art installation (artists Artist Andrea Martina Isenschmid).

Visit Heal the Bay Aquarium

Stussy x Heal the Bay Collaboration Launch – Virtual & In-Person

Saturday, April 22, 11 AM – 4 PM PST

Stüssy and Heal The Bay have collaborated on a capsule collection consisting of two
ecocycle blank co-branded t-shirts, and a mesh hat. 100% of the proceeds from this collaboration will be donated to Heal the Bay to further support our marine and coastal watershed protection work!

Stüssy and Heal The Bay is available at Stussy.com and LA Chapter only on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Check out the Collaboration

Earth Day 2023 Celebration at Heal the Bay Aquarium -In Person

Saturday, April 22, 12 PM to 4 PM PST

Did you miss out on the Earth Month fun last Saturday? Enjoy the encore of exciting exhibits and activities as Heal the Bay Aquarium celebrates Earth Day on April 22. Come celebrate the wonder of our Earth’s oceans with touch tanks, sea star feeding sessions, story time, an eco-themed crafts station, short films, an on the pier Wildlife Observation Station, photoshoots with our 6-foot-tall Marina the Mermaid art installation, and mini dance parties at the top of each hour.

Earth Day at Heal the Bay Aquarium

Gardena Willow Wetlands Earth Day Celebration & Blue Table Talk- Virtual & In-Person

Saturday, April 22, 11 AM – 11:30 AM

Start the Morning with a wetlands cleanup at Johnson Park from 8 AM -10 AM, then look for the shimmering Heal the Bay Blue Table at the Gardena Willow Wetlands Earth Day Celebration from 10 AM-1 PM where there will be informational booths, food, music, a scavenger hunt, games, and arts and crafts!

Join us for the Blue Table Talk at 11 AM, and take a seat at the table to chat about some of Los Angeles’ most pertinent water topics. Sit down with our watershed experts from Heal the Bay, the Natural History Museum, and TreePeople to ask us anything about water, and its connection to our local habitats. This pop-up roundtable is FREE and open to the public. 

Can’t make it to the Blue Table in Person? Follow @cityofgardenaca to join us at the table on Facebook LIVE and then check out @healthebay for the replay!

Watch the Blue Table Talk LIVE

SURFScape -A Consumer-First Experiential Event -In Person

Saturday April 29, 9AM – 5PM & Sunday 30, 9AM – 3PM PST

Enjoy an immersive consumer experience featuring the best brands in surf and the outdoors, produced by the Surf Industry Members Association, supporters of the Nowcast Beach Report Card. The event is free to attend and family friendly. Stop by the Heal the Bay Beach Report Card table as you check out tons of outdoor gear demos, listen to inspirational conversations around environmentalism and sustainability, enjoy food, and watch local surfers catch waves.

 SURFScape

Earth Month April eDNA Community Science Event with MPA Watch -In Person

Saturday, April 29, 10 AM -1 PM

Interested in meeting volunteers and participating in cutting-edge science? We are excited to reintroduce a fun and social Heal the Bay event that will occur monthly in the Malibu Marine Protected Area transects! Heal the Bay is partnering with UCLA again to collect sea water samples in Malibu for an environmental DNA scientific testing program with PhD candidate, Moriah Byrd. All marine life leaves traces of DNA in their environment. eDNA water testing analyzes the quantification of biodiversity in a standardized way within a marine ecosystem, making it an incredible tool to monitor Marine Protected Areas.

Register ASAP as spots are limited.

 REGISTER for eDNA Training

BioBlitz in the Marsh- In-Person

Saturday April 29, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Heal the Bay’s Safe Clean Water Program team is adventuring out to Madrona Marsh in Torrance, CA on 4/29 at 10am for an Earth Month BioBlitz. Heal the Bay staff will instruct guests on how to safely observe and document wildlife while discovering more about local marsh ecosystems. Come walk in nature to collect data as part of the 2023 LA City Nature Challenge, sponsored by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences.

Registration on Eventbrite in advance is required.

Register ASAP as spots are limited.

 Register for BioBliz

 Heal the Bay Earth Month 2023 Tabling Calendar 

Check out our list of Earth Month events hosted by some of our favorite social, environmental, and partner organizations across Los Angeles. Stop by Heal the Bay’s Outreach table while you’re enjoying Earth Month fun around Los Angeles County this April.

LA Galaxy Easter Egg Hunt and Earth Month Celebration, Dignity Health Sports Park: Track and Field Stadium, April 7, 12 PM

FOLAR Earth With Us Great LA River Cleanup, Golden Shore Marine Biological Reserve, 201 Golden Shore Long Beach, CA 90802, April 22, 8 AM

LASAN Earth Day LA Expo, Hyperion, 12505 Vista Del Mar, Playa del Rey, April 22, 10 AM

Earth Day at Gardena Willow Wetlands, 10 AM

20th Annual Earth Day Celebration at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market, April 23, 9 AM

The City of Alhambra Utilities Department 2023 Eco Fair, 100 S Second Street Alhambra, CA 91801, April 23, 8 AM -1 PM

Earth Day Celebration 2023 at Wilderness Park, Wilderness Park 1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277, April 22, 2 PM & April 23, 3 PM

Kids Beach Cleanup Event (Plus Traveling Tidepool, Arts & Crafts, & More), Dockweiler Youth Center, Playa del Rey, CA, April 29, 9 AM- 12 PM

All Earth-Month-Long at Heal the Bay 

Take the Pledge: Start your Commitment to Conservation 

All Month Long

Take Heal the Bay and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s ONE Water pledge for a step by step guide on saving water indoors and outdoors during the drought. The Dashboard.Earth app connects Angelenos to the climate solutions that matter most in their neighborhoods and makes it easy and rewarding to take action. Together, we can brighten Los Angeles’ water future.

Capture the QR code above to begin the ONE Water Pledge. Already on a mobile device? Download the App.

ACTION LINK(S)

TAKE THE PLEDGE

FREE Beach Wheelchair Rentals & Beach Exploration with Heal the Bay Aquarium – In person

All Month Long 9:30 AM – 11 AM PST

Need a Beach Wheelchair to enjoy some fun in the sun? Everyone should be able to enjoy a day at the beach, so come to Heal the Bay Aquarium to access our manual, beach wheelchairs, available for FREE public rentals.

Pick Up Location Details

Heal the Bay’s Beach Wheelchair rental program helps provide accessibility to one of nature’s most inspiring and critically important resources, and was made possible thanks to funding from The Coastal Conservancy. Learn more about our Beach Wheelchair Rental Program: https://healthebay.org/beach-wheelchairs-santa-monica-pier/

Gear Up for Earth Day with Heal the Bay 

All Month Long

Nothing says Earth Day like swag from Heal the Bay. Use promo code EARTHLOVE for 15% off everything in the Heal the Bay online store from April 1 – April 30, 2023.

Shop the Bay 

Make waves for a sustainable future in Greater Los Angeles, by making your Earth Month donation to Heal the Bay.

  • Inspire Local Youth: Your $25 gift can provide 1 student with a marine science education experience.
  • Tackle Toxic Plastics: Your $50 gift can train 2 volunteers to fight plastic pollution with strong advocacy.
  • Restore Our Rivers: Your $100 gift can underwrite 1 week of water quality monitoring in local freshwater spots
  • Protect Clean Water: Your $500 gift can fund campaigns to hold polluters accountable for pollutants in the Bay

DONATE 

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