Surfrider San Diego Policy

RAP @ OTIS - 07Dec09

noreply@blogger.com (Scott) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:40:00 +0000

...Parsons School of Design, that is...

Students from Otis college of Art and Design announced today that they will be hosting an event to raise awareness and educate the Otis community about the effects of single-use plastic consumption on the environment.

The event which is the result of a partnership between Surfrider Foundation’s Rise Above Plastics Program and students from the Integrated Learning department at Otis. Students will showcase will involve art and design interventions, interactive installations, , and video and animation projects, which aim to promote and educateencourage visitors the community to reduce and refuse single-use plastic consumption in a fun and positive way.

The Green Ambassadors and Community Changemakers from the Green Ambassadors from Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale will be giving a special “Rise Above Plastics” very special RAP presentation and will also be modelling the “Plastic Fashion” they designed in their R’ahsion—Recycled Fashion—class. at the event and gGuests will be invited to participate in creative ways to pledge to take rise above plastics in creative ways, such as the plastic pledge. Students will be making reusable grocery bags at the event from used tank tops and more. . Refreshments will be served and there will be gift bags for those that arrive first!

OTIS RISE ABOVE PLASTICS DAY!

Monday December 7, 2009 - 4pm - 6pm
5 pm – Fashion Show and Presentation by Green Ambassadors & Community Changemakers

Otis Student Lounge, Otis College of Art and Design
9045 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (800) 527-6847

Bring: old tank top – leave with a RAP designed shopping bag

Contact: Lara Hoad from Otis for more details:
larahoad@gmail.com, (310) 773-6674

Last Chance to Speak Up on South Coast Marine Protected Areas--Attend Commission Hearing on Dec 9 in LA

noreply@blogger.com (Stefanie Sekich) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:53:00 +0000

The 'end of the line' for South Coast Marine Protected Areas has arrived! Dec 9th marks the final meeting in a 'yearlong process', and we need you to attend. As you know, the Blue Ribbon Task Force unanimously voted to forward a final map to the Fish and Game Commission. The map, called the Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA), is a hybrid map representing diverse Stakeholder views.

The MLPA, as a law, was designed and written to ensure diverse views were incorporated into the final map. Surfrider fully supports the IPA because we believe it contains a balance of conservation and fishing interests--and perspectives from all ocean users. The Commission will base its decision on public support--and that’s why they need to hear from you on Dec 9th!

Please attend the hearing and express that you are concerned about preserving ocean resources and that you support a 'balanced' proposal that provides strong protection while incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives.

If you would like help with talking points for the Dec 9^th meeting, please contact Stefanie at: Ssekich@surfrider.org To stay updated about Surfrider MLPA efforts and to send an action alert to the Commission here: http://mlpasurfrider.blogspot.com/

Dec 9th Meeting Information:

Radisson Hotel--LAX  ABC Ballroom  

6225 W. Century Blvd.  

Los Angeles, CA

**PUBLIC SPEAKER CARDS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT 9:00 AM AND MUST BE TURNED IN TO COMMISSION STAFF BY 10:10 AM FOR CONSIDERATION. PUBLIC TESTIMONY WILL BE HEARD FROM APPROXIMATELY 10:15 AM -12:30 PM TODAY. THE TIME ALLOTTED PER INDIVIDUAL WILL BE DETERMINED BASED ON THE NUMBER OF SPEAKER CARDS RECEIVED, AND ANNOUNCED AT THE START OF THE MEETING.**

Please take the time to fill out this action alert that will be sent to the Commission. http://action.surfrider.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=428

Thanks and hope to see you at the Dec 9th hearing!

Final Marine Life Protection Act Map goes to Fish and Game Commission

noreply@blogger.com (Stefanie Sekich) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:33:00 +0000

This week, the Blue Ribbon Task Force unanimously voted to forward the Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA)map to the Fish and Game Commission. The IPA is a hybrid map containing shapes from all the Regional Stakeholder Group maps.

Surfrider is pleased with the map because we believe some of our recommendations were considered and incorporated into the final map. The BRTF will present the IPA to the Fish and Game Commission on Dec 9 and the Commission will make a final decision early in 2010

See a write up on Surfrider's thoughts about the final map here.

Activists Needed as RWQCB Considers Gregory Canyon Bridge

noreply@blogger.com (Johnny) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Thought a Toll Road through a State Park was a bad idea? How about a landfill on top of an aquifer and near an aqueduct in a geologically unstable region containing Native American sacred sites? This is exactly what the proponents of the Gregory Canyon Landfill have been trying to do for the last twenty plus years, despite the fact that the landfill site has been rejected by the County of San Diego, by using the initiative system to try to invalidate years of local government studies. The landfill would be squarely ontop of the aquifer that provides Oceanside and other communities with much of their current drinking water as well as adjacent to aqueducts providing fresh water to the City of San Diego. Sacred sites of the Pala Band of Mission Indians would be destroyed by the building of and operations of a landfill in this area. Earlier this year this damaging project was to go before the San Diego Regional Water Quality Board however their application for a "discharge permit" was deemed to be incomplete after a local water authority decided to not provide the proposed landfill with the reclaimed water it needed for its operations. Now the proponents are trying to piecemeal their application by getting a bridge needed for landfill operations approved before the discharge permit. The Board will be considering approval of this bridge at its November 18, 2009 monthly meeting. Concerned citizens and environmental groups are speaking up in order to oppose both the piecemeal approach to this project and this devastating project itself.

Contact Johnny Pappas or Stefanie Sekich if you are in need of additional information and are able to attend the meeting. Thanks!

Background Information on this project:

County of San Diego

Pala Band of Mission Indians

NRDC

Metro Water District to Consider Subsidy of Poseidon Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Johnny) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:52:00 +0000

Dear Board of Directors:
As an environmentalist and a rate-payer, I urge you NOT to approve the subsidy for the Carlsbad Desalination Project through the San Diego County Water Authority. The Metropolitan Water District should instead prioritize support for public projects that provide regional water independence, and are environmentally sustainable and fiscally responsible. Providing $350 million to subsidize water produced by a company with an unproven track record meets none of these goals.

In Florida, Poseidon's Tampa Bay desalination plant was $40 million over budget, five years late, and has yet to produce the 25 million gallons per day it promised on a regular basis. Now Poseidon plans to bet the health of our marine environment on its latest attempt to build a plant twice that size.

Poseidon Resources is seeking a $250 per acre foot subsidy from Metropolitan Water District for its Carlsbad Desalination Project. Poseidon's plant is a bad deal for the environment and for customers. The company's previous attempt at a major desalination in Tampa Bay was an utter failure. This project is not the solution, merely exacerbating global warming at rate-payers' and the ocean environment's expense. While you may have seen recent news stories that final approval has been granted, there are still a few hurdles to clear such as funding. Tell the Metropolitan Water District not to subsidize this project and the irresponsible use of our precious ocean resources.

Take action now by emailing the Board of Directors, suggested text is below: OfficeoftheGeneralManager2@mwdh2o.com

This project cannot be reconciled with MWD's promise to address climate change through responsible water supply options in the Integrated Resources Plan. We all share the responsibility of ensuring a reliable water supply. To meet that responsibility, we all play a role in water planning as well. But we cannot trade water security for energy insecurity. This project will only exacerbate some of the very threats to our current water supplies.

Moreover, the Carlsbad Desalination Project is extremely destructive to the marine ecosystem. By using an open-ocean intake system to draw in 304 million gallons per day of ocean water to create merely 50 million gallons of drinking water, the project will kill vast amounts of fish and other aquatic life in the process. EPA estimates that power plants in California using such intakes destroy 312.9 million pounds of fish each year, a $13.6 million loss to California fishermen.

I urge you to reject the proposed $350 million in subsidies. Instead more money should be allocated to environmentally beneficial water programs such as conservation, reclamation, and low impact development.

Sincerely,
(your name here)

Marine Life Protection Act Regional Stakeholder Group Meeting in Carlsbad, CA

noreply@blogger.com (Johnny) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:56:00 +0000

One of the Last Chances to Provide Input on Maps for Marine Protected Areas

The MLPA Regional Stakeholder Group (the people tasked with making the maps for protected areas) is entering into “Round 3 of map making”. After Round 3, the proposed maps will be given to the Blue Ribbon Taskforce and ultimately forwarded to the Fish & Game Commission for adoption into law. The time to provide input on where you want Marine Protected Areas is now! The Surfrider Foundation has been obtaining information from our supporters through our survey. Please complete the survey by Aug 1st, if you haven't already. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=jweijd4I8d5vtscSSwjSHw_3d_3d

We plan on sharing the information we have gathered with the Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) in order to help them create maps that reflect what local communities want. On August 3rd and 4th, the RSG will be coming to San Diego (Carlsbad area). If you are interested in testifying about marine protected areas, we encourage your attendance. If you can attend and/or would like to help, contact Stefanie at: Ssekich@surfrider.org. Please visit Surfrider’s MLPA blog to see the work we are doing, to stay informed about meeting locations, and to view links to proposed RSG maps. http://mlpasurfrider.blogspot.com/

Action Alert: Oppose Gregory Canyon Landfill

noreply@blogger.com (Johnny) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:11:00 +0000

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION SAN DIEGO CHAPTER
POLICY ACTION ALERT

Oppose Gregory Canyon Landfill

Background

This project is located east of I-15 near SR 76, adjacent to Pala Band of Mission Indians land, in the North County. This project will go before the Regional Water Quality Control Board for waste discharge permit following completion of CEQA documentation. The pertinent issue before the Water Board and what is is of concern to Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter is water quality. The geologic and potential fire conditions at the site increase the risk of leaks that contaminate groundwater basins in the watershed of the San Luis Rey River as well as compromise the San Diego Aqueduct. Recently the City of Carlsbad and the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs joined other governmental bodies in opposing this project. In this age of a society striving for zero waste and in an era of diminishing water supplies, anything that puts water resources counted upon by a large number of San Diego county citizens at risk is unacceptable

What Can You Do?

Write the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board by July 12, 2009, and include your name and address. You can click on the below e-mail address, cut and paste and personalize the below sample letter.

State of California Regional Water Quality Control Board

San Diego Region

9174 Sky Park Court Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92123

Attention: Ms Carole Tamaki

CTamaki@waterboards.ca.gov

Subject: Tentative Order No. R9-2009-004
Waste Discharge Requirements for the
Gregory Canyon Ltd.
Gregory Canyon Landfill, San Diego County

Dear Members of the Board:

I am very concerned that the proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill is adjacent to the San Diego Aqueduct and the San Luis Rey River and located over a valuable and irreplaceable aquifer. The aqueduct supplies the City of San Diego, the aquifer supplies irrigation and domestic water wells and the River provides water for the City of Oceanside’s water recycling plant.

Despite project proponent assertions, it is very likely, due to geographic conditions in the area that the landfill will leak, resulting in contamination of valuable water resources. Stated mitigation measures are totally unacceptable.

The mission of your board is to preserve and enhance the quality of California's water resources for the benefit of present and future generations of Californians. Adoption of the Tentative Oder for the dangerous proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill project would run counter this mission and put valuable water resources at peril. Please deny this dangerous project.

Sincerely,

Carlsbad to Consider Opposing Gregory Canyon Landfill

noreply@blogger.com (Johnny) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:08:00 +0000

The Carlsbad City Council is set to consider a resolution opposing the Gregory Canyon Landfill this

evening at 6:00 PM at the City Council Chambers, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. This

dangerous project would be sited next to the San Luis Rey River watershed AND the San Diego aqueduct

and be within one mile of many domestic and irrigation wells. Contamination to these adjacent

bodies would cause water that is relied upon by thousands to be contaminated in this state of

drought and dwindling water deliveries. The project will also negatively impact

the Pala Band of Mission Indians who would be forced to see their sacred sites desecrated by

this project. Please show up at Calrlsbad City hall to ask the City Council to approve this resolution

opposing this project, our water supply in San Diego County is too precious to allow this project

to go forward.

Carlsbad City Hall

Resolution

If you can't make it to the meeting, please (especially if you are a Carlsbad resident)

e-mail the City Council using this link.

Hope to see you all there promptly at 6:00, tonight.

Johnny Pappas

Policy Group Leader

Surfrider Foundation

San Diego Chapter

http://www.twitter.com/surfridersd

Join our Facebook Group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=35289298911

Coming Soon Our New Policy Website

noreply@blogger.com (Johnny) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Our new policy website is being planned and will be unveiled soon!

Call to Action

noreply@blogger.com (Stefanie Sekich) — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:36:00 +0000

The Surfrider Foundation is very busy these days… and we need your help at two meetings next week!

On Monday June 1st, the California State Lands Commission is considering significant items related off shore oil-drilling in Santa Barbara and our Raise Above Plastics campaign.

Come out and voice your support!

At the meeting, we need people to testify in support of the following agenda items:

Support: Agenda Item 69. This is a resolution that would support legislation to reduce litter and marine debris by imposing a fee on single-use carryout bags. We all know about the damage plastics are causing in our oceans. Go here: http://www.riseaboveplastics.blogspot.com/ to learn more information that will help you with your testimony.

Support: Agenda Item 70. In January, the State Lands Commission denied an oil-drilling project in Santa Barbra and we need to make sure that decision is not overruled! Item 70 is a resolution opposing the Governor’s Budget Revision to override the State Lands Commission denial of the PXP oil-drilling project. Help ensure the decision to protect Santa Barbra coastline is upheld. Go here: http://www.nottheanswer.org to gather more information for talking points during your testimony.

MEETING DETAILS: CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION

MEETING STARTS At 10:00 AM
City Of Santa Monica
City Hall Council Chambers
Room 213, Second Floor
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, Ca 90401

We also need voices at the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) meeting on Thursday, June 4—in LA. The Blue Ribbon Taskforce is a panel of experts helping implement the MLPA by establishing a network of protected areas that will help restore our impaired ocean.

We need people to testify in support of marine protected areas! The State is on a timeline to implement the MLPA and it’s critical that they hear from the public about how important marine protected areas are to you and you local community.

Go here to learn more about why marine protected areas are so important and what you can say at the MLPA at the meeting on June 4^th. http://www.surfrider.org/policy_mpa.asp To learn more about MLPA go to: www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa

MEETING DETAILS--- MLPA, JUNE 4^TH.

Public comment starts at approximately 9:40am

Where: Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
6101 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Over the summer we will also be hosting MLPA trainings where you can learn more about Surfrider’s efforts and get trained on how you can be part of the MLPA process. There are upcoming MLPA meetings this summer and fall where we need your help! To learn more about MLPA and how you can get involved, contact Stefanie at: SSekich@Surfrider.org

Recent Surfrider Chapter Meeting Discusses Border Sewage Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Johnny) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:32:00 +0000

Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter meeting recently addressed border sewage issues. To get involved with the Border Sewage Campaign contact Dan Murphy, dan@surfridersd.org

Public Hearing For Encinitas Hall Property on 9/3 at 6:00

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Taylor) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:31:00 +0000

The Encinitas Planning Commission will hold a special hearing on Wednesday, September 3 to hear community input regarding plans for the Hall Property. The Hall Property is a 44 acre parcel just west of I-5 in Cardiff acquired by the city of Encinitas in 2001 for the purpose of a community park. Controversy exists as to what type of park will best serve community needs. The final EIR has just been released (available on the City website under "View Public Documents"). As currently planned, the park will be developed as an intensive use park, including 5 soccer fields, with potential for water quality degradation to San Elijo Lagoon and ocean. Community groups are attempting to enter mediation to find an acceptable alternative to all parties. More information available at: www.hallpropertypark.com

Encinitas Residents to Consider Tax for Beach Sand Replenishment

noreply@blogger.com (Wongaran) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:24:00 +0000

The Encinitas City Council has decided to place a measure on the November 2008 ballot which would require short term vacation renters to pay a 2% Transient Occupancy Tax designated for beach sand replenishment and stabilization projects. A similar proposition (Proposition G) was rejected on June 3, 2008 even though 65% of voters supported the measure (a 2/3 vote was required). Councilmembers Houlihan and Barth opposed the motion to place the measure on the ballot on the grounds that (a) Proposition G was rejected by the voters and (b) they believe additional time is needed to garner support for this new measure. However, Major Stocks and Councilmembers Gallagher and Bond supported the motion. A citizens committee was formed, which includes Mayor Stocks, Councilmember Galagher, Steve Aceti, and the Chairman of the Parks Commitee.

Groundbreaking Legislation Passed in California State Assembly

noreply@blogger.com (Johnny) — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:49:00 +0000

The California State Legislature today passed legislation aimed at greatly reducing the use of single-use plastic bags. The bill would require a 25 cent fee on single-use plastic and paper bags at large grocery stores and pharmacies statewide, if a 70% reduction in bag usage is not achieved by the end of 2010. Similar fees in other countries have had extreme success, reducing bag use by upwards of 90%. Paper bags have been included in the fee provisions of the bill, further encouraging the use of reusable bags by shoppers. Surfrider Foundation supports the strengthening of the bill to include biodegradable bags in the bill as these bags do not decompose in the ocean and present the same hazards as other bags to marine life. The groundbreaking legislation, which can set a national precedent, now moves onto the California State Senate. Check these pages for further updates on the bill which is entitled AB 2058, Recycling: plastic carryout bags, paper carryout bags.

Save Trestles: It's Far from Over and WE NEED YOUR HELP

noreply@blogger.com (Johnny) — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:35:00 +0000

They are still coming after us. They want that Toll Road so that they
can build more sprawl in Orange County. I was at the Karl Strauss Beach
to Brewery Festival yesterday and got to speak to hundreds of folks
about Trestles. You'd be surprised at how many people said something to
the effect of "Trestles, I thought that was over and 'they' rejected
that." Ummmmm, no, it's not over people and as long as the TCA has
millions of dollars of cash in their coffers and the support of
spineless politicians, they'll keep fighting. They're appealing this
decision to the US Secretary of Commerce and are hoping that he will
overturn the California Coastal Commission. We need to let him know
that we do not want a toll road through a state park. Please help us by
taking a few minutes for this alert.

http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/tollroadappeal0408

Thanks much!

Johnny

Encinitas EAC report

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Taylor) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:21:00 +0000

The newly formed Encinitas Environmental Advisory Committee met tonight, 4/24/08. They completed the drafting of their mission statement and then moved on to a brainstorming session. There was discussion of several topics of interest to Surfrider, including watershed restoration, expanding marine protected areas, and addressing stormwater runoff and marine debris. The committee members will each select their top priority items to discuss further at the next meeting. The EAC also decided to hear presentations from various city departments at future meetings regarding environmental matters of interest to the committee.

Forum: Water crisis can be solved

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:19:00 +0000

North County Times By TONY BOGAR - commentary | Thursday, April 17, 2008

California has enough water. Surprised?

We hear endlessly about the "water crisis." Politicians like Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sen. Dianne Feinstein are pushing to build more dams, at a cost of several billions dollars each. Even the Peripheral Canal has resurfaced as a solution to our crisis.

But do we really need to pile on to the state's debt and wait decades for these "solutions" to be built? Isn't there a quicker, cheaper, smarter answer to our problems?

Let's be clear. California certainly faces major water challenges like global warming and increased demand. So some people are rushing to build dams ---- expensive 19th-century solutions to 21st-century problems.

We don't need solutions that are expensive, destructive and useless. A little common sense shows us that the real answers to our problems are easy, efficient and smart....

Common sense can help to save water. Conservation really does work. California has cut its per capita water use by 50 percent during the past 40 years, even as the state has boomed.

Simply using the tools we already have (new appliances, drip irrigation), we can easily cut our water use another 20 percent and still support a growing population and a bigger economy.

Recycling water is efficient. Why spray clean, clear drinking water on our golf courses and median strips? We can use the rainwater than runs into our storm drains and recycle our wastewater. Through reclamation and recycling, we can save enough drinking water each year for 1.5 million households ---- roughly all of Los Angeles.

Click here for the entire article.

Water supply threats worsen in San Diego County

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:13:00 +0000

North County Times – 4/12/08. By Bradley J. Fikes, staff writer

San Diego County has long had to worry about drought. It imports nearly all of its water from sources hundreds of miles away. Now it's struggling with what has been called a "man-made drought," a cut of up to 30 percent from Northern California rivers.

Local water agencies have created numerous programs to encourage saving water. For example, the region's water wholesaler, the San Diego County Water Authority, is promoting a "20 Gallon Challenge" to cut household water use by 20 gallons a day. And the authority recently adopted a model drought conservation plan for its member agencies, who directly provide water to customers.

However, other water-deprived areas outside of California have done even more to conserve water. One of the most notable examples is the Las Vegas area, renowned for its creative management of a water supply that's far more limited than San Diego County's.

Las Vegas has managed to produce an economic boom despite drought, and even decreased its water use in the bargain. This has been done mostly through conservation. By contrast, most of San Diego County's efforts have focused on getting more water, particularly its landmark water transfer deal with the Imperial Irrigation District.

That supply, however, is contingent upon there being enough water to transfer, and Mother Nature has shown herself to be a fickle provider. Conservation and reclamation of already used water doesn't rely on the vagaries of the weather. So the Las Vegas area, a desert like San Diego County, provides an example for what can be done locally.

Total water consumption in the Las Vegas area dropped by 13 billion gallons from 2002 to 2007, said Doug Bennett, conservation manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the water wholesaler for the region. During the same period, the area's population has increased by 400,000.

Las Vegas has had no choice but to become more efficient in conserving and reusing water. The landlocked area doesn't even have the desalination option available to coastal San Diego County.

Click here for the whole article.

All that water, every drop to drink

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:09:00 +0000

'The SUV of water' By Mindy McIntyre

With all the growing limitations on freshwater, it is easy to see why people would look to the Pacific Ocean as a potentially unlimited new water supply. However, the reality is that despite the industry-fanned hopes, ocean water desalination remains largely impractical in California.

Many people mistakenly consider ocean desalination a harmless way to get water to growing cities without the effects associated with damming rivers and over-pumping groundwater. The truth is, desalination is one of the most harmful and expensive water options in California. When compared to other available strategies, ocean desalination just doesn't pencil out.

Consider that ocean desalination is the most energy intensive way to get water. That's right -- it requires more energy to desalinate a gallon of ocean water than it does to pump water rom Northern California over a mountain range all the way to Southern California. All of that energy means more greenhouse gases, which would cause more problems for our snowpack and groundwater, not to mention other resources.

Ocean desalination also requires that massive amounts of sea water, carrying millions of fish, plankton and other ocean life, must be sucked up and filtered everyday -- with 100% fish mortality. Those who care about the ocean know that these types of diversions can destroy miles of already stressed coastal habitats. In fact, people have been working for decades to stop power plants from this kind of water filtration.

Ocean desalination also fails the cost test. It is the most expensive source of new water for California, thanks to the very high energy requirements. Despite the claims that desalination will get less expensive as time goes on, you do not have to be an economist to understand that $4 gasoline means that all forms of energy will be much more expensive in the future, not cheaper.

We should also be aware that many of these desalination plants would be owned by private companies, including subsidiaries of multinational corporations. That raises concerns about transparency and accountability.

Locally controlled water conservation, water recycling and brackish water desalination are all far cheaper than ocean desalination. Coincidentally, these options are also less energy- and greenhouse-gas intensive, and less environmentally damaging.

Ocean desalination, quite frankly, is the SUV of water. We have better options. Communities need to decide whether they want their water sources to generate massive amount of greenhouse gas, cost a fortune and destroy the environment. I suspect that in most cases, Californians would reject that offer.

Mindy McIntyre is the Planning and Conservation League's water program manager.

From the LA Times.

Oceanside Robertson's Concrete Update

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:06:00 +0000

From super activist Marty Benson.....

I attended that meeting with a "No Robertson's" button and I am of the opinions that

- a full EIR should have been required;
- a site in the flood plain, right on an already impaired body of
water that feeds into a popular beach suffering from regular closures
is not the place for a concrete plant;
- a site located within a quarter mile of a new mass transit stop
(Sprinter) is better utilized as a mixed use property, and such a use
would create more jobs and benefit for the city and pollution in
general;
- O'side city council should more closely abide by the Oceanside
Boulevard Corridor Vision on which it spent $600k; and
- a worthwhile council would listen to the preponderance of its
constituents when making a decision.

These points were hit by the resident and enviro group opponents who far outnumbered the project proponents. Unfortunately, Oceanside is run by a 3-2 majority of pro-development people masquerading as conservatives.

For more info, you can go to http://www.stoprobertsons.org/

Trestles Update

noreply@blogger.com (Stefanie Sekich) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:23:00 +0000

We need your help contacting the Secretary of Commerce by asking him to grant a public hearing regarding the TCA's recent appeal. We need to ensure the Secretary of Commerce comes out to California to hear concerns of the public. Thousands of Trestles supporters swayed the Coastal Commission in February--now, we need to make sure a hearing is granted and the Federal government upholds the Coastal Commission decision.

To sign the action alert and learn more about the appeal process: click here

As you may have heard, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has dismissed fellow actor Clint Eastwood and his own brother-in-law, Bobby Shriver, from the State Park and Recreation Commission. Eastwood and Shriver had spoken out publicly against a senseless plan, supported by the governor, to put a six-lane toll road through San Onofre State Beach--one of the state's most popular parks.

Thanks in large part to their courageous stand--and a powerful outcry from thousands of concerned California citizens like you-- this disastrous proposal was recently dealt a major blow when it was rejected by the California Coastal Commission. Now the Governor has sent a chilling political message by failing to reappoint Eastwood and Shriver.Gov. Schwarzenegger claims to be committed to environmental protection. But by backing the toll road scheme, he is endorsing the destruction of one of the last unspoiled stretches of California's coastline.

According to the Governor, this road "has to go through somewhere. We can't stop progress." Please express your outrage to Gov. Schwarzenegger (see letter template below). Tell him to reverse course and vigorously oppose any attempt to revive the toll road plan. Tell Governor Schwarzenegger to support his appointees-- even those who disagree with him--and to join the State Park and Recreation Commission and the California Coastal Commission in opposing the toll road.

To see recent new coverage: click here

You are welcome to use the below letter template:

To contact Governor: click here

On the drop down menu select:"Parks and Recreation".
___________________________________________________________________
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

I am outraged by your decision to dismiss Clint Eastwood and Bobby Shriver as vice chair and chair, respectively, of the California State Park and Recreation Commission. Your reported justification for terminating their appointments--– to infuse the Commission with "fresh legs"-- rings hollow. They had the courage to oppose the San Onofre toll road, which violates numerous California coastal policies and is one of the most destructive infrastructure projects in our state today.

I vehemently oppose your decision to dismiss two state parks commissioners who have done exactly what they were appointed to do: weigh the facts and exercise their independent judgment in the best interest of California. Please reverse course and join the State Park and Recreation Commission and the California Coastal Commission in opposing the toll road. I count on you as governor to represent all Californians, just as you did when you stood up to the Bush Administration when it sought to build roads in wild national forests in California. But all too often you have chosen to silence voices that disagree with your own--whether they are on the Coastal Commission, the Fish and Game Commission, the Air Resources Board or the Reclamation Board.

This pattern of dismissing appointees who dare to disagree with you sets a dangerous precedent. Public officials shouldn't be constrained in their performance by fear of losing their positions. Our state parks face an onslaught of threats. When it comes to protecting our natural heritage, Californians deserve to be represented by stewards like Clint Eastwood and Bobby Shriver. They were right to oppose the toll road through San Onofre, and so was the California Coastal Commission. We need you to do the same.

Sincerely,[signature block]

Coronado City Monitor Report

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:27:00 +0000

From Barbara Denny:

I attended the Coronado City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 4. There was one potentially relevant issue:

Navy opposes proposed tunnel. As part of the regular business of the city council, the agenda item known as the Coronado tunnel project generated a fair amount of discussion among all the city council members, except the mayor who was absent from the meeting.

As a traffic mitigation effort, the eight member Coronado tunnel commission proposed the building of a 1.4 mile, two-lane reversible tunnel beginning at the base of the Blue Bridge in Coronado, running under Fourth Street, and surfacing directly inside NASNI (Naval Air Station North Island).

In response to the submitted draft EIR (environmental impact report), the Navy leadership commented that it strongly opposes such a tunnel because it is an obvious terrorist target.

According to a slideshow presentation by one of the city council members who also is a tunnel commission member, Coronado leaders have been working on the tunnel project since 1999. The Navy's opposition to the proposed tunnel is a major setback.

The city council members, in the absence of the mayor, did not decide on any action to take at this time. It remains to be seen what will become of the Coronado tunnel project.

Coronado City Council generally meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 3 pm in Council Chambers at the south end of City Hall located at 1825 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118. City Council meetings are also telecast live on cable channel 19. Check city website at www.coronado.ca.us for meeting date changes due to holiday schedules.

Latest in Encinitas

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:24:00 +0000

Here is the summary from the 3/12/08 Encinitas City Council Meeting:

(1) The City Council adopted Ordinance 2008-02, which prohibits smoking at beaches, parks, trails, outdoor eating areas, etc.

(2) The City Council approved the recommendation by the Shoreline Preservation Working Group to support the Coast Share Methodology for sand replenishment.

Submitted by City Monitor Aran Wong.

California Coastal Commission Under Attack

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:55:00 +0000

The California Legislature is considering a bill that would dramatically undermine the ability of the Coastal Commission to protect our coast and ocean.

California Senate Bill 1295 (Ducheny) would strip the right of Coastal Commissioners to appeal development permits granted by local governments.

This oversight by the Coastal Commission is critical to fair and consistent enforcement of the Coastal Act. Senate Bill 1295, if enacted, would dramatically undermine this function and potentially allow numerous violations of the Coastal Act to “slip through the cracks.”

Tell the California Legislature that you oppose the weakening of the Coastal Commission’s oversight role and oppose Senate Bill 1295.

Click here to take action

Encinitas City Council Meeting Report 2/27/08

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:40:00 +0000

From Aran Wong:

(1) The San Dieguito Water District gave a presentation to the City Council. Because of the current drought, the Drought Response Work Group was formed to prepare for a supply cutback. It is currently working on a model ordinance and considering limiting landscaping and washing of hardscape. The model ordinance should be ready in March.

(2) The Council had a public hearing to discuss water rates and meter service charges. Water costs have more than doubled, and the Council is considering increasing rates and encouraging conservation.

(3) The Mayor gave his State of the City speech. A Cardiff Specific Plan is being prepared, which will be forwarded to the City Council. An EIR for the Hall property will be completed and submitted for certification by the summer of this year. The City will place a measure on the ballot to require short term rentals to pay a transient occupancy tax to help pay for beach replenishment, public services and other benefits to the community.