See you in SLO!
"March madness" has taken on a new meaning for Surfrider's California activists. The month brings the first Coastal Commission hearing since the firing of Dr. Charles Lester, the California chapters conference and Ocean Day in Sacramento.
Coastal Commission
The coalition of nonprofit environmental and social justice groups that united in protest of the Commission's unfair and controversial firing of Executive Director Charles Lester remains committed to protecting California's coast from takeover. The Commission will appoint an interim executive director and discuss the process for hiring a permanent leader tomorrow in Santa Monica. Social justice, environmental and indigenous rights advocates from across the state will be there to send a clear message to the Coastal Commission: the people of California expect a transparent, accountable Coastal Commission that serves all Californians, regardless of race, income or culture, and the Commission can start by including civil rights, Native Nations, public health, education and environmental groups in the hiring process.
Read more on The Inertia where Surfrider's California Policy Manger Jennifer Savage wrote about The Fate of California's Coast and keep up-to-speed on the projects coming before the Commission and how individual Commissioners vote via ActCoastal.
California Chapters conference
Activists from all over the state descend upon Cambria this coming weekend to learn the finer points of running a chapter, recruiting volunteers, working with media and decisionmakers, and share struggles and victories alike – and some waves, too, if luck holds. For those who can't make the conference, resources abound on Chapternet, plus your California staff (Sarah Damron, Bill Hickman, Amanda Winchell and Jennifer Savage) are all here to support.
Ocean Day 2016
Next-level activism happens in the State Capitol next Tuesday, March 15 at the 11th annual Ocean Day in Sacramento. Teams of ocean advocates will meet with legislators and staff throughout the day to update them on important issues – like upholding California's bag ban – connecting inland communities with coastal ones. Register here if you'd like to attend! More information via Environment California, Surfrider's longtime Sacramento partner.