Viewed from the air, the 'managed retreat' zone is quite visible. Imagine this area filled with vegetated sand dunes...
Compared to last year:
(photo Sep 23 12:49:49 2010 copyright californiacoastline.org)
Monday, September 12, 2011
Surfers Point from the air
Compared to last year:
(photo Sep 23 12:49:49 2010 copyright californiacoastline.org)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
California Chapter Conference - Ventura 2011
Over 100 Surfrider activists from around the state converged in Ventura for the 2011 California Statewide Chapter Conference at the Crowne Plaza in Ventura, California. The Ventura County Chapter was proud to host the conference, which provided invaluable opportunity to network with other chapters from around the state and celebrate the Ventura Chapter’s 20th Anniversary.
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| Surfrider chapter activists from around the state touring the Surfers' Point Managed Shoreline Retreat Project |
We were also treated to a presentation and workshop by Randy Olsen on how to communicate complex ideas. Randy is the author of the 'Shifting Baselines' series of videos, (watch 'Shifting Baselines in the Surf') as well as numerous other productions.
In addition to this great outside perspective, the conference also provided Surfrider staff and local campaign leaders to speak about some of our core issues and campaigns. These included
Overall, the conference was a great reminder that everything is a local issue, and that dedicated locals can make a difference in their communities. Kudos to everyone who helped make this happen!
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| Surfrider CEO Jim Moriarty talks strategic plan |
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| Founder Glenn Hening pondering almost 30 years of Surfrider. (The original logo was designed based upon images such as this one by David Pu'u) |
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| Gathering of the tribe - an opportunity to learn from each other |
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| City Councilmember Brian Brennan, who was recently appointed to the California Coastal Commission, discusses the role of Surfrider in projects like Surfers' Point |
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| Neptune overlooks the pier from the top of the Crown Plaza |
Friday, August 26, 2011
Next steps for Ventura Wastewater?
The City of Ventura has been wrestling with it's wastewater discharge for the past two decades. Increased regulatory scrutiny and pressure from environmental groups resulted in the "Santa Clara River Estuary Special Studies" process, which began in 2009. These studies have been focused on determining whether or not the volume and quality of wastewater is beneficial to the Santa Clara River Estuary.
This month the City announced a settlement with Wishtoyo/Ventura CoastKeeper and Heal the Bay, which alters the discussion. According the the VCStar, 'Ventura officials announced Wednesday a settlement agreement to spend up to $55 million to redirect and possibly reuse millions of gallons of heavily treated sewage water that currently flows into the Santa Clara River from a city treatment facility. Ventura ratepayers will be responsible for covering most of the expense.'
According to the City's website,
The major points of the long-term settlement include:
- Creating opportunities for using between 50-100% of the treated water for landscaping or other non-drinking uses to stretch water supplies and reduce the amount released into the Estuary
- If any treated water is still released into the Estuary, a treatment wetlands will be constructed to further improve water quality
- Working together with Ventura Water’s customers to arrive at the most responsible and sustainable solution for the health of the Estuary and Ventura’s water supply by 2025.
Wastewater Reuse
The "Santa Clara River Estuary Special Studies" process has included three separate studies and many stakeholder meetings. One of the studies investigated reuse options including urban and agricultural, as well as groundwater recharge.
Water Efficiency
Recent re-oganization at the City also created the new 'Ventura Water' department, with the intent of consolidating it's water management into a single department including supply, wastewater, and stormwater. (The latter has been left out for the time being.)
At a recent workshop, Ventura Water rolled out a draft 'Water Efficiency" plan, which includes an overview of a spectrum of ways to enhance efficient use of water. Included in the draft plan are the recycling alternatives above, as well as potential for disposing of wastewater to the new Oxnard Advance Water Purification Facility (AWPF) and reuse of Ojai Sanitary discharge to offset water currently used in the local oilfields.
Commentary:
Up until now, the emphasis of the Santa Clara Estuary Enhancement Studies has been on demonstrating the need for estuary discharge to maintain beneficial habitat. This is a complex question, but many stakeholders commented that an analysis relating the water level in the estuary to habitat quantity was too simplistic and therefore inconclusive.
Now the legal settlement changes the conversation from "how much should continue to be discharged" to "how much can be reclaimed." This presents an opportunity for the City to pursue the most effective multi-benefit solution.
We have advocated that the City of Ventura should undertake an 'Integrated Water Management Plan' (not to be confused with IRWMP.) With such a plan, an ecosystem-based management approach should be taken to ensure the rivers and estuaries are enhanced through more efficient use/reuse of limited water supplies to enhance the overall water budget.
More info: City of Ventura: http://www.cityofventura.net/water/rivers
Monday, July 25, 2011
Land Conservancy celebrates new preserve
On Friday July 22, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy celebrated the latest acquisition along the Ventura River. Named the 'Ventura Steelhead Preserve,' the property includes a large historic farm house that will eventually become a community 'watershed center.'
This property compliments the Confluence Preserve on the opposite bank of the river. This stretch of the river is within the 'Live Reach,' so named for the year-round flows.
The land conservancy now protects 6 miles of the river, with the ultimate goal of creating a river parkway the entire 16 miles from Matilija Dam to the ocean.
Unfortunately, after a newspaper article publicized the event, people were seen attempting to fish in the area. The trout in the Ventura River below Matilija Dam are protected, and game wardens are citing those who are caught fishing. You can report fishing by calling the DFG CALTIP hotline: 888-334-2258
For those interested in visiting the new Preserve and learning more, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is holding a panel discussion and hike on July 30, from 10am to noon. More information: http://www.ovlc.org/2011/07/healing-our-watershed-wild-about-ojai-july-30th/
In the News:
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy: http://www.ovlc.org/
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Sunday, July 17, 2011
Surfers Point Opening Ceremony
Ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of Phase 1. In this photo, L to R, Paul Jenkin, Surfrider Foundation; Kara Kemmler, CA Coastal Conservancy; Mayor Bill Fulton; Councilmember Brian Brennan; Janis Berk, Fair Board President (cutting the ribbon); Darren Kettle, Ventura County Transportation Commission; Rick Raives, City Engineer.
The City of Ventura organized the event and displayed informational posters such as this;
In the news:
"While the path appears to be a 16-foot-wide concrete bikeway surrounded by sand, it is a highly sophisticated filtration system, while providing a barrier to further erosion."
Mayor Fulton accepts the 'Friends of the Coast Award' presented by Steve Aceti, CalCoast as Brian Brennan looks on.
The 'rock garden' is a public art component of the project.
video:
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Surfers' Point - Phase 1 complete
This week the final details are being completed on Phase 1 of the Surfers Point Managed Shoreline Retreat Project. The bike path is now open for use, and the finishing touches are being done on the benches, bike racks, and connections to the old path.
The official "Ribbon Cutting Ceremony" will be held on Saturday at 10:30 am, and Surfrider is co-sponsoring a beach cleanup with the city. We hope everyone can join us in celebrating this hard-won restoration of our beach!
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