Don’t miss our next General Meeting featuring a special presentation by Pelagic Shark Research Foundation (PSRF) Executive Director Sean Van Sommeran

[The first 20 people will receive their choice of a free Surfrider Santa Cruz T-shirt or hat.]

What: Shark research presentation, slideshow + Q&A
Speaker: PSRF Executive Director, Sean Van Sommeran
When: Tuesday, May 12, 7:00 pm
Where: Simpkins Swim Center Community Room, 979 17th Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Cost: Free

Have burning questions you’ve been wanting to ask about sharks?! Curious about these often misunderstood creatures? Fear not. Sean’s got answers!

Featured on National Geographic, Discovery Channel, BBC, Animal Planet, CNN and much more, Sean will be holding a highly informative and entertaining slideshow + question-and-answer session that you won’t want to miss.

Sean will provide an overview of PSRF's research for the year, touching on genetics, behavior, diet, seasonal movements, and tracking and tagging, to name a few. This free event is open to the public, and you do not have to be a member to attend.

The public is welcome, and you do not have to be a member to attend. The first 20 people will receive their choice of a free Surfrider Santa Cruz T-shirt or hat.

ABOUT SEAN:

Sean Van Sommeran is the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz, California-based Pelagic Shark Research Foundation (PSRF – www.pelagic.org). Originally an affiliate of the Earth Island Institute, the PSRF was established in 1990 and now functions as an independent research, education and conservation group with the sponsorship of Massachusetts-based Earthwatch Institute. Sean established Monterey Bay's first long-term study of white sharks in 1992 with the launching of his white shark study at Año Nuevo Island.

The PSRF was also the original co-sponsor to the white sharks’ protected status in California waters, as well recreational sport limits for other marine species in California waters. Further, their efforts put a stop to shark killing tournaments that were held annually at Elkhorn Slough prior to its designation as a marine sanctuary and marine protected area. Coordinating with Santa Cruz chapter of Surfrider Foundation, the PSRF promulgated additional white shark protections and chumming restrictions within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Sean is an instructor for an Elasmobranch field course conducted seasonally in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Elkhorn Slough Estuarine Research Reserve. He received a World Wildlife Fund 'innovations' award in 1996 and a grant from the local Santa Cruz Fish and Game Commission with which he was able to prove that blue sharks tagged in Monterey range as far as Japan on the opposite end of the Pacific Ocean. Sean works closely with Barbara Block's Lab, the Tuna Research and Conservation Center, Stanford University and Hopkins Marine Station, providing white shark data from the Monterey Bay region.

Sean was born and raised in Santa Cruz California and observed his first white shark predation as a pre-teen working on commercial salmon fishing boat. He has pursued a lifelong dream while lending protections and education efforts toward bigger picture conservation efforts. He has been involved with the Santa Cruz Chapter of Surfrider Foundation since the 1990 following two separate incidents in which surfers were bitten off Davenport (1990). He has continued to serve the local chapter by directing its Storm Drain Stenciling Program for the past 5 years.

NEXT CHAPTER MEETING:
OFF-SHORE OIL-DRILLING

The Santa Cruz Chapter of Surfrider needs your help to kill the ongoing proposal to more off-shore oil drilling off our coasts (especially THIS coast). We know people say "No way it'll ever happen along the Sanctuary", BUT the folks behind this idea are very persistent, single-minded, and very well-funded. Want clean ocean waters and safe and healthy beaches? Then we need YOU TO SPEAK UP!

We'll feature Surfrider Foundations Central Coast Manager Sarah Corbin to explain why the Foundation is strongly opposed to this ongoing effort and how Surfrider chapters, like Santa Cruz, can get active on this issue. We're talking public rallies, letter-writing campaigns, etc. so please, show up and get involved!

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will host four regional public meetings in April to present Interior's findings on Outer Continental Shelf energy resources and potential environmental impacts from their development. At the meetings, the Secretary will also hear comment from public officials, interested organizations, advocacy groups and private citizens on OCS's development.

The meetings will be held at:
~ The Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City on Monday, April 6
~ Tulane University in New Orleans on April 8
~ Dena'ina Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska, on April 14

University of California-San Francisco's Mission Bay Conference Center on Thursday, April 16.

If persons cannot attend in person, or are unable to speak at the meetings, they are welcome to submit written statements, comments or documents, either at the meeting or during the extended public comment period. Written comments can be either submitted at the meeting or thereafter throughout the extended public comment period electronically at MMS.gov "Five Year Program," "How to Comment," or by mail to Ms. Renee Orr, Chief, Leasing Division, Mineral Management Service, MS 4010, 318 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170-4817

Attend our April 14 meeting and let's discuss how best to get active. Surfrider's cookin' up some plans for the San Francisco meeting on April 16.

BUT DON'T PANIC: We've got the easy way to speak up right now: USE THE SURFRIDER ACTION NETWORK AT: SURFRIDER ACTION NETWORK to send an electronic letter to government decision-makers and your elected reps. Hey, it doesn't get any easier than this! Join the Surfrider Foundation's Action Network and learn how to use a TERRIFIC TOOL for getting your opinion on-record!

Blue/Green is a documentary about the human connection to the ocean through a surf centric lens. here is how the Santa Cruz film festival described it:

"What is it about the ocean that pulls at us? There are obvious reasons, weather, livelihood, the fact that it's such a dominating presence on our planet. But there is something deeper. Songwriters, poets and novelists have expounded upon this mystery for as long as there has been harp and printed word. But what do we really know about our deeper human connection with the Ocean?

Blue/Green attempts to answer this question by sitting down with 13 folks who have been lucky enough, passionate enough, dedicated enough or some combination of these to look deeper into our bearing with the ocean as humans. These folks vary, from scientists to activists, athletes to enthusiasts, religious types to technological types. But they all have one thing in common. The ocean is the touchstone of their existence, and this being so, they can perhaps better elucidate on why all of us are attracted to it in one way or another. These folks recognize the power of the ocean, and how it affects their lives and the lives of others. They recognize the threats we face by disconnecting and abusing this powerful source of life on our planet, and what we need to do to to at mitigate some of the issues we face with the ocean. And where better to look for these folks than in the rolling frothing surf at the water's edge, where ocean enthusiasts congregate to better their lives by connecting to the ocean. Here Blue/Green finds it's 13 subjects. Through these people, their profiles and stories: watermen, athletes, spiritual leaders, technological leaders, activists, fishermen all, Blue/Green leads one through a journey of discovery and wonder.

The film stars Layne Beachley, Keith Malloy, Robert August, Liz Clark, Sean Collins, Nachum Shifren and more. All these folks serve up incredible surf (Layne on her way to her 7th!) and inspiring stories about their, and our, connections to the big BlueGreen. Oh yes, not to mention the CEO of Surfrider, Jim Moriarty is featured in the film, talking about the need to protect it, to protect our connection to it, and the repercussions of not doing so.

We'll see you at the show, and, please come prepared for a cool raffle to benefit your Surfrider Chapter. With luck we'll put up a surfboard for the raffle, so don't miss the chance to score a sweet ride.

Join the Santa Cruz Chapter of Surfrider Foundation for Earthday

For sure, we'll stage a BEACH CLEANUP at TWIN LAKES STATE BEACH on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Shelley, our Beach Cleanup Leader, and let's do this busy beach a big favor!

If you would like to participate in this beach cleanup, or any other beach cleanup, please take a minute to register through Clean Beaches Coalition:

Now, we've heard the City of Santa Cruz will have an EARTH DAY event at San Lorenzo Park on Saturday, April 18th with many groups staging activities and hosting info tables, etc.
ARE WE GONNA BE THERE? CAN'T CALL IT, AS OF NOW, but if things change, we'll let you know!

Eric Soderquist is a professional surfer and artist who has participated as both in numerous contests, films and community events while traveling the world from Peru to Australia. Chris Burkard is a surf photographer who has worked for Surfer, Surfing, Transworld Surf, Surfline.com, Patagonia and Burton Snowboards; he is the winner of the Follow The Light Foundation grant (in memory of Larry Moore). Together they cajoled their Volkswagen bus along Highway 1 from the Oregon border to the Tijuana Sloughs. Their fully illustrated book is a love letter to the astounding California Coast and a testament to the passion for catching a perfect wave. This event includes a one night only art exhibit! Event info at Capitola Book Cafe: 831-462-6297

ROUND 5 WITH THE NOTORIOUS FOAM!

WE ASKED FOR IT;
YOU BROUGHT IT TO US;
WE STORED AND SORTED IT;
AND NOW, WE'VE RECYCLED IT!

On Wednesday, March 4th, we finally recycled our HUGE PILES OF DONATED STYROFOAM BLOCKS AND "PEANUTS". Chapter vols Gary Pezzi, Dustin MacDonald, and Jim Littlefield were on-hand to heave the bags of stuff into a semi-truck provided by DART CONTAINER CORPORATION of Lodi. The 3/4-full truck headed back to the DART site in Lodi with a HUGE THANK-YOU from us in the Santa Cruz Chapter. In Lodi, the styrofoam will be processed into material that will be used to make durable goods for the general market, thus keeping about 6,000 cubic feet of polystyrene out of our shrinking landfills, out of the litter stream, and out of our coastal waters.

Also, Violet Lieby Smith from ANNIE GLASS of Watsonville worked with us to remove and re-use the SMALL MOUNTAIN of "Packing Peanuts" we had accumulated in our 2 collection days.

We are totally STOKED to finally resolve this issue, as we've been working on the project for several months, and working with the recycling industry to begin to develop ways to recycle this material in the county, since no such process is currently in place.

We wish to credit DART CONTAINER CORPORATION for stepping up to help with this problem, since they went
w-a-a-a-y out of their usual routes and beyond their usual practices to work with us on this, and we appreciate the help and cooperation of Michael Westerfield of Dart who was instrumental in making this happen.

We ALSO THANK NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO for covering the event, and KION TV for showing up to film and interview participants. Maybe you saw us hard at work on the TV news report on KION on Friday, March 6th.

CAPITOLA MALL; WEST MARINE; COUCH DISTRIBUTING; EXTRA SPACE STORAGE; INDEPENDENT TRUCK RENTALS; KPIG FM; the SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL; KION TV; NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO; ANNIE GLASS; GREEN WASTE; and DART CONTAINER CORPORATION.

We offer our SINCERE THANKS to all these folks for helping make our "LOSE THE FOAM" project a howling success! In fact, check the "Chapter Awards" in the latest edition of "Making Waves" where our project got an award mention, plus a cool pic of our "Jr. Surfriders" Evan Cavuoto and Celeste Ferguson .....Cool, huh?

Back in December, 2008, we offered to accept donations of Styrofoam packing blocks and "peanuts" from the Santa Cruz area community at two drop-off points on separate days. We promised to find a way to recycle this problematic stuff instead of following the standard practice of local "recycling professionals" and dumping it all in our local landfills. Truth is, we didn't get much support or encouragment from these folks, but we had said we'd do it, so we persisted until we found a way to fullfill our promise to you.

We'll see where the info we developed in this experience will eventually take us, but REMEMBER: SURFRIDER IS NOT IN THE RECYCLE BUSINESS! WE ARE NOT A RECYCLING OUTFIT!

WE TACKLED THIS PROJECT TO KEEP AS MUCH POLYSTYRENE AS POSSIBLE OUT OF THE LANDFILL AND ESPECIALLY OUT OF THE OCEAN...and TO SEE HOW THE COASTAL COMMUNITY FELT ABOUT THIS "WASTE" MATERIAL.

Now, we'll see what develops from this experience. We think we may have opened several avenues of action, but only time will tell.

On Saturday, March 7th, be sure to cruise up our beautiful coast to WADDELL BEACH at the "northwest" end of Santa Cruz County. YOU'RE ALL INVITED TO HELP Shelley Alingas, our Beach Cleanup Coordinator, prowl the sands for trash and other human-generated junk.

Shelley will be there from about 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Look for her with our chapter banners and cleanup gear. No telling what the weather will bring for Saturday morning, so all we can say is "BE READY!"

Last time we hit Waddell there were surfers, sail-boarders, and kite-boarders all in the water. Crowded?....NO. But busy...YEAH!

If you would like to participate in this beach cleanup, or any other beach cleanup please take a minute to register through Clean Beaches Coalition:

WE ARE PLEASED TO PRESENT Dan Haifley, Executive Director of O'NEILL SEA ODYSSEY (OSO)describing the OSO program and goals. O'Neill Sea Odyssey was founded in 1996 by wetsuit innovator and surfer Jack O'Neill. A living classroom was created on board a 65-foot catamaran sailing the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary where 4th - 6th grade students from schools throughout Central California receive hands-on lessons about the marine habitat and the importance of the relationship between the living sea and the environment. The program is conducted on board the catamaran with follow-up lessons at the shore-side Education Center at the Santa Cruz Harbor. It is free of charge, but students earn their way into the program by designing and performing a project to benefit their community.

The curriculum is taught in a stimulating and intimate learning environment, which provides a learning experience that lasts a lifetime. The program's curriculum is designed to support the educational goals of the schools that participate, and each of the subjects taught align with both California state and federal education standards. The three subjects taught are marine science, marine and watershed ecology, and navigation/mathematics.

OSO has served 49,000 students since its inception. In 2005 the program received the prestigious California Governor's award in Economic and Environmental Leadership and in 2005 it received US Senator Barbara Boxer's Conservation Champion award.

For any of you who don't know, Dan has been a steadfast advocate for healthy ocean waters throughout his career along our coast. He's also been a Santa Cruz Surfrider member, and you better know we all support and really appreciate the excellent work O'Neill Sea Odyssey does to create ocean awareness and encourage stewardship in schools throughout the state.

Learn what we're into and what we're planning in the upcoming months. PADDLE-OUT FOR CLEAN WATER? POLYSTYRENE BANS? STYROFOAM RECYCLING? CLASSROOM EDUCATION? WATER QUALITY TESTING? STORM DRAIN STENCILLING? SURFRIDER CAMP-OUT?

Santa Cruz Surfrider Sorts 6,000 Sq. Feet of Styrofoam

As most of our memebers know, we collected a mountain of foam after the holidays to recycle, which didn't go according to plan, and now we are stuck with it trying to figure out how to recycle this stuff!! On Saturday the 7th we got a a gang of Surfriders to move our NOTORIOUS MOUNTAIN OF STYROFOAM out of storage in Capitola and off to a sorting-area in Watsonville. MAN, WAS THIS A LOT OF WORK!

WE EVEN MADE THE NEWS!
Click on Dustin to watch the newscast:

Surfrider vols included: Rich Ferdinand, Gary Pezzi, Sean Van Sommeran, Cheryl and Celeste Ferguson, Jim Littlefield, Gina and Evan Cavuoto, Dustin MacDonald, Virginia Rodriguez, Shaara Ainsley, Ethan Mora, Chris Gay, and Kelly Vander Kaay We figure we hauled and stacked around 6,000 cubic feet of Styrofoam packing blocks and "peanuts" that were collected on our two volunteer-drop-off days in late December and early January.

NEXT UP: Sorting the stuff for recycling! Check back to see how you can help!!

Next Chapter Meeting:
CHECK-OUT OUR OFFICE AND LAB

When: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7pm
Where: Surfrider Office, 2222 E. Cliff Drive at the Harbor

Wanna see the chapter's crowded office and water-quality test lab? Wanna meet our new chapter officers? Wanna see what we plan for the upcoming year? Wanna get involved? SURE YOU DO!

SO HERE'S A REMINDER: SURFRIDER GENERAL MEETING ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 at 7 p,m at the SURFRIDER OFFICE, 2222 EAST CLIFF DRIVE, SANTA CRUZ! You bring your energy and curiosity and we'll have some light snacks and drinks out for grazing, and a ton of info on ONGOING and UPCOMING CHAPTER PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS!

PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION: We're paddling away from Simpkins this month and SETTING UP at the O'NEILL BUILDING on the sand at the SMALL CRAFT HARBOR. (next to the Crow's Nest, if you need a landmark). We'll be on the second floor through the door to your right as you come up the stairs from the parking lot in the middle of the building. WE THANK O'NEILL SEA ODYSSEY for allowing us to use their meeting room for this event, since we're pushed for space in our own "office"!

We've got several events and local issues to kick around and brainstorm and WE NEED ADVICE AND INPUT FROM ALL OF OUR CHAPTER MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS...like YOU...to help us figure-out how to accomplish our goals.

WE NEED: to plan how to dispose of all the Styrofoam we collected in our LOSE THE FOAM project...

WE NEED: to work-out how best to help support the Surfing Museum, which is in danger of immediate closure...

WE'VE BEEN ASKED to provide ongoing comment on the pilot DESAL PLANT operated by Santa Cruz and the Soquel Creek Water District...how do we do this?

AND RICH FERDINAND, our new Chair, has a couple longer-range projects he's eager to get started...Hu-m-m-m, envision Steamer Lane as a "Surfing Preserve", limiting any future development in its waters or along the bluffs...

Make it to the meeting and get your opinion on record!

LET'S GET THE FOAM OUT!

NOW HERE'S A PROJECT ALL OF YOU CAN APPRECIATE! LET'S GET THE POLYSTYRENE PACKING FOAM OUT OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY!

1st Round:
When: Friday, Dec. 26th 8:30am to 4:00
Where: Calitola Mall Parking Lot near Bank of America

2nd Round:
When: Saterday, Jan. 3rd 8:30am to 4:00
Where: West Marine, 2450 17th Ave, Santa Cruz

We're talking about the mountains of polystyrene foam packing materials (blocks, chunks, "peanuts", etc.) that land in our homes and sometimes...well, far too often, make their way to our already badly-overcrowded landfill. Got any of this stuff?? We' bet you do, 'cause we're stuck with it,too! Electronics packaging? Toy packaging? Furniture? Sports equipment? BTW, there is no way to recycle this material in Santa Cruz or Monterey Counties.

WHAT WE'LL DO: WE WILL COLLECT YOUR FOAM PACKING MATERIALS for recycling and GET THE FOAM OUT! We will accept CLEAN materials, NOT FOOD STAINED, bagged and / or boxed in recyclable containers, like a TIED plastic garbage-type bag or SEALED cardboard box. (We DO NOT WANT THIS STUFF GETTING LOOSE and blowing all over the neighborhood!) Please note: We are not accepting food-stained items...NO ONE takes this type of product for recycling at all!

YOU bring the stuff to us; WE WILL take it off your hands and transport it to Oakland's recycle facility. EASY, HUH?

We plan to be at CAPITOLA MALL near the corner of 41st Ave. and Capitola Road on DECEMBER 26 from 8 a.m. to around 4 p.m. We'll be on the 41st side in the parking lot near the Bank of America building.You'll see our banners and flags.

If you want to help on this date or otherwise support the project...even collect the stuff around the neighborhood yourself and bring it to us.....SWEET! There are obviously costs to this active project, so if you'd like to donate to the project fund, please, feel free to do so with our sincere thanks. Please, get in touch and give us your thoughts.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
is "A DAY WITHOUT A BAG"...Well, let's be more specific: "A DAY WITHOUT A ONE-TIME USE PLASTIC THROW-AWAY BAG".

THE CONCEPT and THE CHALLENGE:
Can you get through the day, do any shopping you require and NOT USE ONE OF THOSE THIN-PLASTIC FILM ONE-TIME USE PLASTIC BAGS, like the ones we're given in most grocery stores, retail shops, drug stores, and the like???

WHAT WE SAY:
"YES!!" We all can live without these things, if we decide to suck it up and go for it! C'mon now, how hard is it to bring a re-usable tote bag to any store you visit? Many retail outlets and non-profits sell these items for a nominal cost, including the small ones the Santa Cruz Chapter has on sale. We'll even live with plastic bags, as long as they are thick and RE-USABLE!

Think about it...PLEASE...and buy a couple re-useable bags for a buck or less in many, many stores around Santa Cruz County. BUY THEM AND USE THEM! This is a challenge to change your consumption behavior, and you're up for an environmentally-minded challenge, RIGHT?!

This project IS NOT anti-business or consumption, but IT IS ENVIRO-FRIENDLY. Although collection and recycling programs exist for one-time use plastic bags, only a minor percentage ever get collected or recycled. And the rest you'll see blowing around our neighborhoods, clogging our landfills, entangling, suffocating and poisoning our wildlife on land and sea. WE, the shopping public, NEED TO CHANGE OUR HABITS to stop wasting shrinking natural resources (all plastic is made from petroleum-products). THIS IS A CONSERVATION PRACTICE and a simple adjustment to our shopping habits that any and all of us can easily make.

Remember that Surfrider stands for 'CONSERVATION, ACTIVISM, RESEARCH, and EDUCATION", and this project is all about C.A.R.E. Using a re-usable shopping bag is a form of CONSERVATION...also, an act of ACTIVISM, when you demonstrate good conservation habits for other shoppers. You are also EDUCATING yourself and others on the plastics issue when you choose re-useable shopping bags versus one-time-use ones.

So BUY A FEW RE-USEABLE BAGS AND BRING YOUR OWN when you go shopping. AND SPREAD THE WORD, PLEASE! Tell your family and friends about this awareness event and talk it up! These are the kind of "SMALL ACTIONS" that begin a sea-change and which help make Santa Cruz County an environmentally-aware and active place to live and work!

Surfrider plans to table for a few hours at some of the local grocery stores, simply because we can't be everywhere and we all know how common one-time use plastic bags are in any retail operation. The project is still in the PLANNING STAGES, but as of this writing, we will probably be at a few SAFEWAY stores in the area.

DO THESE STORES RECYCLE PLASTIC BAGS? Yes, they do, and DO THEY SELL RE-USEABLE BAGS? Yes, they do this too. The stores are doing much to control over-use of the "convenience bags", BUT it is WE, THE SHOPPING PUBLIC who must make a CONSCIOUS DECISION to make a simple change.

We hope to host an info-table at as many sites as possible. We'll post more detail when we have it nailed-down, but if YOU WANT TO HELP, please contact us!

NO KIDDING...HERE'S AN UNUSUAL SEASONAL FUND-RAISING OP FOR THE SANTA CRUZ CHAPTER...
We have an ebay auction up and running for a uniquely-"surfy" artificial tree, fully decorated with major surf-themed ornaments!

You can bid on a 6 1/2 foot pre-lit Frontgate brand artificial Christmas tree with over 60 ocean/beach themed ornaments! THIS TREE HAS ONLY BEEN USED ONE TIME AND IS VALUED OVER $800.

If you live in Santa Cruz County we will personally DELIVER this tree FREE of charge. 100% of the funds raised from the sale of this tree will go towards the Surfrider Foundation Santa Cruz Chapter's current campaigns and educational programs.

This item is listed as local delivery only, but we are willing to work with the winner for local US shipping with insurance - if you choose to not opt for insurance, the winner assumes all responsibilities for loss or damage.

On December 17th Scotts Valley city councel voted to pass the plastic/Styrofoam ban on takeout containers!!

What does this mean? It means all Scotts Valley vendors may no longer use polystyrene disposable food service ware. Along with Santa Cruz and Capitola, they now have to switch to biodegradable/compostable disposable food service ware!

Currently Capitola, Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley have all banned the dreaded polystyrene!! We think Watsonville should be next and we need your help to get them to step on board too!!

Women On Waves returns to Capitola!

When: Saturday, Nov. 22nd
Where: Capitola Village

Hey, you remember this women-only
surf festival, don't you? We're betting you do, 'cause it's a local favorite for the Santa Cruz / Cen Cal surf community!

So, we're stoked to see the event back on the schedule, and we plan to be there to support the contest and contestants. Be sure to drop by the Surfrider booth to chat with the vols at the table. You'll also have a chance to: Join(?)...Donate(?) ...Learn what your Surfrider chapter is up to lately...Pick-up educational materials on a variety of ocean-related topics...Buy Santa Cruz Chapter gear and cool eco-tote bags (Holiday presents for...well, everybody)...See how YOU can volunteer to help Surfrider work to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches for everyone...

WOW is billed as an amateur contest, so if you're thinking of participating, don't get intimidated. WOW invites women of all ages and abilities to get wet and catch some waves. Yep, we're talkin' groms to pros and everything in between. In our experience, the coastal community has always come out to support the contestants and to cheer on their friends and family members.

Navigate to the contest website at: WOWSURFFEST for registration and event details.

AND, WE NEED A FEW MORE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP STAFF THE SURFRIDER BOOTH DURING THE DAY. WANNA SEE A COOL SURF-COMMUNITY EVENT IN ACTION? WANNA SUPPORT FEMALE SURFING AND SURFERS? Contact us at VOLUNTEER or at SURFRIDER, SANTA CRUZ to join the crew!

Click here to sign up!

SWELLEBRATION and OFFICER ELECTIONS Results:

Did you make it to the SWELLEBRATION? If not, WHY NOT? Good Vibes...Good food...Good company! On October 14, we held our regular monthly chapter meeting and also held CHAPTER ELECTIONS for new officers all in conjunction with the SWELLEBRATION to honor our outstanding volunteers over the past couple years.

We had a lively crowd at Hula's Island Grill in downtown Santa Cruz that evening, and th' joint was crowded and busy, busy, busy!

OH, BTW, we're very glad to add that Lina Jurkunas and Shaara Ainsley will also be a HUGE HELP as Assistant or Alternate Volunteer Coordinators. too.

We're stoked to have a strong new leadership group and to thank all our hard-working volunteers. Without strong community support and everyone who volunteers their time and talents to keep the chapter active, we, the Santa Cruz Chapter, wouldn't exist!

ELECT NEW OFFICERS and HONOR OUR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS....

Hey, all you chapter members...We need your VOTE for new Chapter Officers, so please make it to this IMPORTANT MEETING!

ON TUESDAY, October 14, we'll be in the TIKI ROOM at HULA'S ISLAND GRILL on Cathcart Street, downtown Santa Cruz, starting PROMPTLY at 7 pm. FREE FOOD; FREE RAFFLE TICKETS, DRINKS AVAILABLE!

FIRST, we'll vote for new Chapter Leaders....MEET YOUR NEW LEADERS and offer your support.

NEXT, we'll highlight some of the hard-working volunteers who have kept the Chapter strong and active over the past couple years. IT'S A SWELLEBRATION! Give all these fine folks a huge 'THANK YOU!" from everyone in the Santa Cruz Chapter. These Surfriders all have our sincere appreciation for all they've done, so here's a chance to say so yourself!

AND, OH YEAH...Don't forget our cool raffle of a bunch of surf stuff...Every member who comes to this meeting gets a FREE TICKET, too, so YOU COULD SCORE some swag! We're still collecting, BUT we'll have surf films, skate board decks, surf clothing and gear, a massage certificate, Santa Cruz Chapter gear, tote-bags, magazine subscriptions, and surf prints..maybe some surf lessons, even. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS, RIGHT?!

SO, HERE'S WHO'S RUNNING AS OF TODAY...Don't forget, you can still write-in a candidate at the election.

CHAIR: Rich Ferdinand...Rich is a long-time surfer and an environmentally-minded guy who "walks the talk". Check out his electric car, for example. Many of you have heard Rich speak about the state of our beaches and oceans and wildlife at Surfrider beach cleanups and chapter meetings for the past two years.

VICE-CHAIR: Running as "Co-Vice-Chairs" are Dustin Macdonald and Jim Littlefield. These guys are former Chapter Chairpersons, surfers, and active environmentalists who bring a ton of experience and a grab-bag of local surf and environmental contacts to add cred to the leadership group.

SECRETARY: Denna Myers, is ready to step into the Secretary position, having done an admirable job of "filling in" as an appointed officer, due to chapter vacancies. She's been very active in chapter activities and you may have met her at chapter meetings or the Surfrider table at surf films or environmental events around the area. Denna is currently our webmaster, too, so when you see changes on our site, she's responsible!

TREASURER: Cheryl Ferguson has offered to stay on in this vital job for the chapter, and she brings a huge amount of relevant experience to this volunteer job. Many of you, particularly in the San Lorenzo Valley, may know Cheryl from her years of community activity in the area.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: We're stoked to have Virginia M. Rodriguez volunteer for the VC position! Virginia grew up on the beaches of Santa Monica, CA. She and has been a passionate ocean lover her entire life. As director of International Yoga Association for the past eight years, she has united Yoga and surfring at retreats around the globe. You may have met her at Global Mala Yoga for Peace, an event staged in Santa Cruz last September,.

AND WE HAVE JUST ADDED Justine Marshall to the VC list. Justine is running as "Co-Coordinator" and is a UCSC student who's ready to step up and help Surfrider Santa Cruz!

INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP DAY IS COMING!

When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Moran Lake County Beach

International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer event of its kind. Last year, 378,000 volunteers from 76 countries and 45 states cleared six million pounds of trash from oceans and waterways and recorded every piece of trash collected.

If you would like to participate in the International Coastal Cleanup all you need to do is register and show up at Moran Lake County Beach

Hey, what's all this stuff in the media about opening America's coasts to more marine oil drilling? Didn't WE kill this plan STONE DEAD years ago?

Everyone is invited (as usual) to our Santa Cruz Chapter general meeting to speak your mind on this pending issue. This seems to be one of those HOT BUTTON emotion-grabbers for folks around Monterey Bay--AND, NO WONDER!

So, we remind you that times change, and you can't automatically assume existing environmental protections will stand under mounting political pressure. BUT, we all know pressure works both ways, so LET'S FIGURE OUT HOW TO PUSH BACK!

You already know Surfrider always works hard to keep our coastal waters and surf breaks pollution-free and safe for human contact, so you know where we stand on this...It's a no-brainer if we ever saw one!
In fact, here's an easy way to STAND UP WITH SURFRIDER on this one: Surf on over to actionnetwork.org to post an electronic letter to our political reps. LET 'EM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL, BEFORE THEY VOTE ON IT!

BTW, this opportunity comes from the Surfrider Activist Network. If you never heard of it, NOW"S THE TIME for looking up this no sweat way to get involved....

We're stoked to have David Wilmot from the Surfrider Foundation's 2008 Board of Directors in attendance to join our discussion. David is also the Ex.Dir. of Ocean Champions, a Capitola-based lobbying and political action organization focusing on issues related to our oceans. If you don't know about this outfit, you oughta check 'em out because they've done excellent work on influencing political decisions on the ocean environment since they were formed.

Moss Landing Harbor /Elkhorn Slough Cleanup- Again!

WHEN: 10am-1pm, Sunday, August 24th, registration from 10-11am

WHERE: North Moss Landing Harbor parking lot between the restrooms and the launch ramp. Turn in the lot near the pottery garden.

Well, we did it in June...We did it in July...and now we're revving-up for August! Yep, we're gonna clean-up Moss Landing Harbor and Elkhorn Slough one more time this summer!

Our Santa Cruz Chapter will partner with Surfrider's Monterey Chapter, Save Our Shores, and the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation, among others, to pull trash from both land and sea, so, if you're up for it, consider paddling a kayak through designated zones of the harbor and lower slough scooping junk out of the water. We understand a few kayaks will be made available generously donated by Kayak Connection and Monterey Bay Kayaks. Still, if you have your own kayak, feel free to bring it along.

The over-all plan is to document numbers and type of trash collected over three months this summer to determine if any major sources and / or locations of debris can be identified. Please contact Sarah Corbin at scorbin@surfrider.org for more info

WHY: Marine debris is a global problem of local concern. Come be a part of the solution, help us remove debris from this highly impacted and sensitive habitat!

COST: FREE! Volunteers will need to pay for parking; a self registration station is near the restrooms and parking costs $3 for 4 hours or $5 for the entire day.

INFO: All cleanup materials will be provided. We will also have a few free kayaks available on a first come first serve basis for volunteers. You should wear closed toe shoes and bring sunscreen, water and work gloves if you have them. Your kayaks are welcome as well! Please pre-register online at www.cleanbeachescoalition.org

CONTACT: For more info contact Sarah at scorbin@surfrider.org

Pollution Prevention is Patriotic!

We would like to invite you to help us with one of our most important beach cleanup events of the year!

As you can imagine, our beaches take a terrible hit on the 4th of July. Huge crowds of people leave tons of trash on the beach every year on the 4th of July. Any trash that that doesn’t get picked up, ends up in the Monterey Bay after the next high tide. Birds, fish, turtles, and sea mammals choke on the debris.

This year the Surfrider Foundation is partnering with other members of the Clean Beaches Coalition in a major county-wide pollution prevention and beach cleanup campaign. Surfrider will be captaining the program at Seabright State Beach. It is a two-phased strategy. Phase one will be on the afternoon and early evening of the 4th when we will be handing out trash bags to beach goers. Phase two is on the 5th, when we will do a major cleanup starting at 7:30 am. We want to get an early start and pick trash before the tide and wind flush it into the ocean.

Pollution Prevention/Trash Bag Handout:
When: Friday, July 4th 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Seabright State Beach

Beach Cleanup:
When: Saturday, July 5th 7:30am - 10:00am
Where: Seabright State Beach

If you would like to participate in either or both of these events all you need to do is register and show up at Seabright:

International Surfing Day Storm Drain Stenciling with Surfrider Santa Cruz

Come out and enjoy the longest day of the year by participating in a special International Surfing Day storm drain stenciling project with Surfrider! The event will include special prizes from our friends at Globe, Reef, Sector 9, Matix, Simple, Billabong, Volcom, Oakley, Quiksilver, Vans and Electric.

Time: 1:00 pm, Friday, June 20

Starting Location: Meet at Westside Coffee Roasting Co. (next to Hollywood Video and Safeway, off Mission and Almar)

Area to be stenciled: North end of Mission Street

Contact: For more information, contact Sean Van Sommeran at 831-600-5214.

When: Saturday, May 31st 8:00pm
Where: The Rio Theater plus an After Party at The Crepe Place (right across the street featuring surf movies and a live band)
Tickets: $10.00
(all proceeds go to Surfrider Santa Cruz!)

OUT THERE, a 16mm and HiDef film taking a progressive, fresh look at what faces the surf world today. Humankind threatens many pristine and favorite surf breaks and surfers need to take action. In partnership with the Surfrider Foundation, TGR’s OUT THERE takes viewers to a variety of breaks around the world, showcasing the cutting edge surfing of today. Through the eyes and experiences of surfers and locals, the film takes a thought-provoking look into the environmental destruction threatening key surf spots such as Trestles in Southern California, surf in Southern Chile threatened by pulp mills, Teahupoo and its growing popularity, El Salvador, mainland Mexico, North Shore Hawaii near the Turtle Bay development and beyond.

Starring…Ian Walsh, Shane Dorian, Manoa Drollet, John-John Florence, Jamie Sterling, Raimana Van Bastolear, Jordy Smith, Jamie O’Brien, Nate Yoemens, Brett Simpson, Greg Long, Garret McNamara, Pancho Sullivan...more

RAFFLE!! Billabong athletes Adam Replogle, Jonny Craft and Nic Hernandez will be present to give away a SoBE surfboard signed by athletes from the movie, DVD's from Teton Gravity, gear from Jeep and Billabong, including hats, hoodies and T-shirt, and skate decks from FRINGE!

SURFER MAGAZINE will be giving away magazines to each attendee, plus SoBE/LIFE WATER will be giving away samples of their products!

DON'T MISS THIS EYE-POPPING FLICK!

After the movie join us right across the street at The Crepe Place. There will be surf flicks, a live band and they have a full bar to quench your thirst!

For more information and to watch the trailers go to: TetonGravity.com

We've got a lot on tap to celebrate Earthday! Join the Santa Cruz Chapter of Surfrider Foundation at our Earthday events:

Beach Cleanup at Cowells:
When: Sunday, Aril 27th, 11am
Where: Cowells Beach

Storm Drain Stenciling:
When: Sunday, Aril 27th, 10am
Where: Surfrider Office at 2222 East Cliff Drive #234 at the Santa Cruz Harbor

We will meet up at the office and then head out to various spots in Rio Del Mar, Seacliff and West Side Santa Cruz. Click here for more info on our Storm Drain Stenciling program.

We will also have booths set up at the Big Stick Surfing Association's Annual Log Jam on April 26-27 at Pleasure Point and at Earth Day 2008 in Santa Cruz -- downtown all day on April 27th!

Come on down and check out all the cool things happening for Earthday! Hope to see you there!

You all know by now that we've been all over the polystyrene bans around the Santa Cruz area, so it's no surprise that many of our members and contacts are upset about the City of Capitola's apparent lax effort to enforce their own law--the first polysty ban in our county!

So, let's get the Surfrider membership and the coastal community involved and show Capitola City Hall we want styrofoam take-out containers off our beaches and out of our waters! THIS IS AN ACTIVIST MEETING AND WE ASK EVERYONE TO GET INVOLVED. WE'LL TRY TO MAKE SOME SENSE OUT OF THE CONFUSING POLYSTY BANS AROUND THE COUNTY AND WE'LL FIGURE-OUT A PLAN TO URGE CAPITOLA TO GET UP TO SPEED.
Yes, we've all heard how Capitola doesn't seem serious about their own law, so let's go for it and remind them with a wave of contacts that the public is watching them.

What YOU can do: Bring your ideas; bring names of restaurants who are still using polysty take-out containers; bring names of places that have STOPPED using polysty take-out containers, too!

What we intend is to get our community involved and show some Surfrider muscle! We'll have copies of the hard-to-find Capitola "polysty complaint form" to hand out and ideas on how to get 'em filled-out in a way that the City will have to follow-up.

We'll lead-off with a short presention on Seabirds and Plastics by our Volunteer Coordinator and active field researcher Beth Phillips. See the ugly reality of plastic's effect on wildlife. BRING YOUR IDEAS AND ENERGY AND LET'S DO IT!

This is an all-ages event that will benefit the work of the Santa Cruz Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. So come out and celebrate before the show while supporting
your local chapter!

3:00 to 7:00pm at
Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant!
1220 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA

Many thanks to the Wishlist Foundation
for putting on this awesome event!

(a Pearl Jam Fan Non Profit Organization)

Join us at our next Chapter meeting on March 11th: A surfers guide to sharks of the Eastern Pacific Coast of California and Monterey Bay region

Join the Santa Cruz Chapter of Surfrider Foundation at our monthly general meeting on the evening of March 11 for the Annual Shark Report and Update provided by the Santa Cruz based Pelagic Shark Research Foundation. The Presentation will be delivered by chapter member and PSRF founder Sean Van Sommeran. We'll be at Simpkins Swim Center starting at 7 p.m.

Lecture will cover shark safety tips and updates regarding latest in local research and behavioral studies of sharks within the Monterey Bay and California coast, all new and original images and data gathered around the bay will be presented in a power-point lecture presentation.

Santa Cruz City Council meets Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at City Hall on Church Street at 7:00 p.m. to consider an "Environmentally Acceptable Food Packaging Ordinance". Click here to learn more!

Barbara Graves, from Capitola Commissions on the Environment, will be giving a presentation on the recent plastic/foam ban that is taking place in Capitola. We will also be discussing our next steps on this important campaign. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!!

The Coastal Watershed’s First Flush Program is an annual volunteer monitoring event that samples storm drain run-off during the first significant rainfall of the wet season. These samples are analyzed professionally to asses levels of non-point source pollutants such as nutrients, bacteria and metals, which are washed into the Monterey Bay during the first rain of the year. The First Flush results illustrate the impact of non-point source pollution that is generated through our daily interactions in the environment.

When: Sunday, September 23, from 12pm - 6pm.
Where: Capitola Beach
AND
Cava Wine Bar
115 San Jose Ave
Suite G
Capitola, CA 95010

Hosted by Cava Wine Bar and participating Capitola merchants, Surfrider Day in Capitola will feature an art contest, educational booths on Surfrider programs, face painting, a paddle for clean water, a film on plastics in the ocean by Algalita Marine Research Foundation, and a raffle.

The event is free, and everyone is welcome. So come to the village for a day of fun and help us bring attention to the growing problem of plastics in the ocean.

When: Saturday, September 15, from 9am to noon.
Where: The Santa Cruz Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation will be at Capitola Beach.

Surfrider Foundation invites you to join us for the 23rd Annual International Coastal Clean-up Day. This is the biggest beach clean-up of the year. Last year 350,00 volunteers removed 7 million pounds of trash from beaches in 65 countries.

Surfrider Santa Cruz proudly present the documentary film, Synthetic Sea Story. The Synthetic Sea Story is the latest on the issue of marine debris studies conducted by the Algalita Marine Research Foundation. Key researchers are interviewed, including Dr Anthony Andrady, the leading authority on how plastic breaks down in the marine environment. Ways to combat the plastic plague through education are discussed.

Surfrider Santa Cruz Proudly Presents: A Discussion of Environmental Issues with Rep. Sam Farr

In conjunction with the Santa Cruz Chapter’s August general meeting, Rep. Sam Farr will outline the environmental issues currently before Congress and offer viable ways that each of us can affect the legislative process. He will also speak about cruise ship sewage treatment issues. This informal discussion begins at 7:00 pm at Simpkins Family Swim Center: 979 17th Ave., in Santa Cruz.

Don’t miss this chance to get informed and let your concerns be heard. All are welcome.

Rep. Sam Farr, a fifth-generation Californian, represents the State’s Central Coast, encompassing the cities along Monterey Bay from Santa Cruz to Pacific Grove, all of Monterey County, including the Big Sur coastline, and San Benito County. Rep. Farr has championed ocean policy reform since he came to congress in 1993. Known for his passion for ocean issues, he has worked tirelessly to bolster the nation’s land and ocean resources. He has introduced one major ocean bill this year and soon will offer two more.

Seating is limited. For more information, please e-mail Sarah Corbin at scorbin@surfrider.org.

Surfrider Co-Hosts Fundraiser with Filmmaker Andy Norris
Presenting Earth Vision Festival Winner Source to Sea: The Columbia River Swim

Where: Del Mar Theatre in Downtown Santa Cruz
When: 7-9 pm, July 19, 2007
Tickets: $5-10 donation requested – nobody will be turned away for lack of funds

In this Earth Vision Festival winner, filmmaker Andy Norris documents Christopher Swain’s 1,243-mile swim along the entire length of the Columbia River. To bring attention to pollution and human rights, Swain swam as many as 25 miles per day in arsenic- and zinc-laced waters. But 39-degree water wasn’t the worst of his problems. Nuclear waste discharges and toxic chemicals from a local paper mill were. Along the way, he trudged past no less than 14 dams—the ecological effects of which have caused a decline in the salmon population. More than 30 Northwest filmmakers collaborated on the film (led by Norris), which depicts the indigenous populations of the area and the hazards that threaten them.

What: Culver City Dub Collective (CCDC) is playing along with Forro in the Dark.
Where: The Attic in downtown Santa Cruz.
When: July 10, 2007 - Show starts at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

The Santa Cruz Chapter of Surfrider needs your help to keep non-biodegradable Styrofoam off of our beaches and out of the ocean.

Here’s how you can help:
Attend the Capitola City Council meeting Thursday, June 28th at 7pm

What: Capitola City Council hearing to revisit the city’s ban on polystyrene food service ware in city restaurants

Why: Due to pressure from the California Restaurant Association, the City Council is going to revisit the ordinance they passed to ban the use of Styrofoam and non-biodegradable food service items from use within the city.

What can I do?: Let the council know you support efforts to reduce non- biodegradable litter from the source, that this ban is a step in the right direction, and that as a surfer/beach-goer, you appreciate cleaner beaches and breaks.

Come Celebrate The Sport Of Surfing with A Beach Clean-Up and Board Demo At Steamer's Lane

In honor of the 3rd annual International Surfing Day, Surfrider Santa Cruz and SurfTech are holding the following event:

Event: International Surfing Day beach clean-up and board demo
Date: June 21, 2007
Location: The lawn at Steamer's Lane
Time: 7:00 am to 11:00 am

Tuesday, May 8, 7pm
Simpkins Swim Center
979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz
ALL ARE WELCOME!

Surfers, this is your chance to resolve all the questions you’ve been contemplating about the creatures you see in the water.
The Marine Mammal Center’s Stranding Coordinator, Lauren De Maio is giving a presentation at Surfrider Santa Cruz’s next general meeting. Her talk will feature:

Join Surfrider Santa Cruz for our fifth annual Swellebration at The Ideal bar & Grill. The event will feature live music, a slideshow, raffle, speech by O’Neill Sea Odyssey Executive Director, Dan Haifley (www.oneillseaodyssey.org/osoTeam/crew.asp), surf videos, and an awards ceremony honoring key donors and volunteers. Admission is free, with the raffle proceeds supporting chapter activities, such as storm drain stenciling, water testing, beach clean-ups, conservation-related education programs, and more. click here for directions
(Staff writer, Santa Cruz Chapter - Kelly Vander Kaay)

April 10 general meeting to feature a slideshow presentation by shark expert, Sean Van Sommeran

Join us at our chapter’s April general meeting for a presentation by Pelagic Shark Research Foundation Executive Director and Surfrider member, Sean Van Sommeran. Sean has been featured on the National Geographic Channel and the Discovery Channel as well as in the local news. Last September, Sean was quoted in The Sentinel for his role in helping rescue a humpback whale off Carmel Point, along with other Surfrider members. His research has taken him from Chile to Half Moon Bay, California—and many places in between.

Don’t miss this opportunity to find out the truth about the mysterious creatures that inhabit our waters. Sean is sure to surprise you with awe-inspiring slides that bring you face to face with white sharks while he recounts a wealth of scientific details and humorous stories about Team Pelagic’s research endeavors over the past year.

Our January 13th beach clean-up was a huge success, with approximately 20 volunteers banning together to scour 3 Mile Beach for trash and recyclable items. In all, participants collected nearly 30.5 pounds of trash, 35 pounds of nails, and 7.75 pounds of recycling off the beach. Our thanks go out to volunteers and Wilder Ranch rangers alike. In particular, Ranger Supervisor, Joe Connors, graciously opened the gate at 3 Mile Beach to provide additional parking for our beach clean-up crew. And Senior Park Aid, Scott Sipes, greeted our efforts with enthusiasm and support—even going so far as to help us haul off trash at the end of our event. Please join Surfrider Santa Cruz at our next clean-up on March 3rd at Twin Lakes Beach from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
By KELLY VANDER KAAY

Surfrider Santa Cruz hosts informational meeting on the National Marine Sanctuary Program’s Joint Management Plan Review (JMPR)

Tuesday, December 12, 2006, 7:00 pm
Simpkins Swim Center
979 17th Avenue (near 17th & Brommer)
ALL ARE WELCOME!

The National Marine Sanctuary Program (overseen by NOAA) has released a Draft Management Plan for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which addresses resource protection, education, research programs, and sanctuary boundaries, amongst other issues. Surfrider Santa Cruz is holding a general meeting to inform its membership about the plan and to detail how the community can communicate its concerns regarding the proposed action plans contained there within. (more info) By Kelly Vander Kaay

On October 17, 2006, the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation (PSRF) detected a shark tagging transmitter a couple of miles off Steamer’s Lane, drifting away from shore in a south-southeasterly direction. According to PSRF Executive Director and Surfrider member, Sean Van Sommeran, until recently the transmitter had been attached to a white shark they were following through the Tagging of Pacific Pelagics (TOPP) program. (more info)

Surfrider Benefit at the E3 Playhouse
Bands: The Parafins & The Concaves

Saturday, Nov. 18th - 9pm
E3 Playhouse
Downtown Santa Cruz
Thickets: $10 at the door

On Saturday, November 18th, 2006 The Parafins and The Concaves will be doing a benefit show for the Surfrider's Foundation. The show will start at 9 o'clock. Tickets will be $10 at the door. Come out and enjoy these two great surf bands and contribute to a good cause. The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of our world's oceans, waves and beaches. (more info)

Come join Surfrider, Save Our Shores, Coastal Watershed Council, and Pleasure Point Nightfighters in a joint storm stenciling effort this Sunday. Anyone and everyone who wants to get the word out that what we put down the storm drain goes directly into the Monterey Bay, where we surf, swim, and fish. Help us address this timely issue with the first flush past us and more rain on the way next week!

Come to the Blue Water Festival and celebrate clean water, Santa Cruz, and the lifestyle of surfing. It will be a fun filled day of music, special activities, and celebration. Cost is only $10, and proceeds benefit the Surfrider Foundation and the Aquatic Protection Agency. (more info)

Join Us for Our Chapter's October General Meeting
Featuring: Eric Russell on Santa Cruz Water Quality

Tuesday, Oct. 3rd, 7pm
Simpkins Swim Center
979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz
ALL ARE WELCOME!

Join us for the Santa Cruz Surfrider General Meeting—with a presentation on Santa Cruz Water Quality, featuring our chapter’s Lab Director, Eric Russell

Are you concerned about how clean the water is at your local surf spot after Cowell’s record-breaking 51-day stretch of warnings against entering near-shore waters last summer? Then come join us for a presentation on water quality by Surfrider Santa Cruz Lab Director, Eric Russell, who will speak about:

Crowd of 80 Assembles at Cowell’s Beach to Voice Their Concern for Water Quality Issues

The Santa Cruz chapter’s Paddle for Clean Water was a huge success with 80 people trekking down to Cowell’s Beach to meet our newly elected officers over a bagel and a cup of coffee. Raffle prizes were won, including a Vernor surfboard, therapeutic massages, chiropractic visits, surfboard airbrush, a helicopter ride from Specialized Helicopters, Ezekiel clothing, and sunglasses from Spy Optics and Rain or Shine sunglasses.

Bill Macdonald of Algalita Marine Research Foundation in Long Beach spoke about the effects of plastics on the marine environment and global water quality concerns. Additionally, Pelagic Shark Research Foundation’s Executive Director Sean Van Sommeran demonstrated water sampling techniques as well as reviewing the chapter’s storm drain stenciling procedures and program goals.

Around 10:00 am, 35 surfers and swimmers paddled out and formed a circle of solidarity near the wharf to demonstrate their concerns regarding the state of our coasts and oceans. Stories and photos from the Cowell’s Beach paddle-out will be featured in The Sentinel, fall issue of Ocean Roar (Surfrider Santa Cruz newsletter), and the September Swell Events newsletter. (Staff writer, Santa Cruz Chapter - Kelly Vander Kaay)

MONTEREY BAY, CALIFORNIA, 09/03/06 — Surfrider member and Pelagic Shark Research Foundation (PSRF) Executive Director, Sean Van Sommeran, departed Moss Landing Harbor at approximately 9:00 am to conduct a routine bottlenose dolphin survey. Aboard the vessel Astirix (Pelagic I) were Van Sommeran (skipper) and four research assistants, including fellow Surfrider member and Earthwatch Institute affiliate, Anna Janovicz. Around 9:30 am, the crew of the Astirix heard radio traffic about a disabled whale, which they subsequently learned was a humpback entangled in fishing gear near Carmel. (Read More) (Staff writer, Santa Cruz Chapter - Kelly Vander Kaay)

ROUND 5 WITH THE NOTORIOUS FOAM!