RESTORE SLOAT
The big news this past month was our appearance at the Bay Conservation and Development Commission hearing on March 19. Our Chapter joined SF Baykeeper, Sierra Club SF Bay chapter, Ocean Research Foundation, Save the Bay, and others in calling for a halt to the expansion of sand mining in SF Bay. At the meeting, we publicly endorsed the Ca Coastal Commission's recommendation that more study is needed on bay sand mining due its potentially significant impact to Ocean Beach erosion.
Also, stay tuned for an upcoming opportunity to help preserve the beach at Sharp Park. A proposal to renovate the pump at the lagoon is slated to come before the Ca Coastal Commission in April. When known, we'll confirm the details thru chapter communications (Facebook, Twitter, Website Calendar, and Email) For more info on our beach preservation campaigns, check out our blog!
http://www.sloaterosionob.blogspot.com
RISE ABOVE PLASTICS (RAP)
Just in time for Earth Day, the RAP program is launching the PLASTIC STRAWS SUCK! campaign. We'll need help from some enthusiastic volunteers who aren't afraid to speak to business owners, asking them to offer straws upon request. Volunteers are asked to attend a training following the April chapter meeting on 4/7 (if you can't make it but would like to be involved, please email Shannon at
waters.skw@gmail.com). We'll cover strategy and talking points, and schedule some days that we can walk the neighborhoods in groups. The RAP team is also looking to garner support from City Hall. Last week Eva and Shannon spoke with an aid in Eric Mar's office to ask for (1) a city-wide ban on plastic straws, similar to the bottled water ban; and (2) financial support in the form of campaign ads on MUNI buses. We will be continuing this conversation and will keep the chapter updated.
Save the Date for a RAP fundraiser
May 16th at Church of Surf. And come hungry as this will be our inaugural mac and cheese cook-off (catchy name and more details to come!)
Lastly, we are partnering with 5 Gyres at the Baker Beach clean up on
April 25. Bring your product with micro beads, turn it in and get a raffle ticket and the chance to win a variety of ocean friendly prizes!
10AM-12PM.