Paul Jenkin, Surfrider Foundation Ventura County Chapter Campaign Coordinator addressing a Chapter meeting. Photo by Surfrider Foundation
Sustainabilty Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)
On Tuesday, August 6, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Surfrider Ventura’s August Chapter Meeting will host Lucas Zucker, Policy and Communications Director for CA– USE (Central Coast Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy). Zucker will speak to CA– USE’S work in advancing environmental justice and erasing economic disparities in environmental health (exposure to agricultural pesticides as well as oil and gas development in our region) and community concerns about the proposed expansion of the Port of Hueneme and potential impacts to air quality and coastal access for Oxnard residents.
In 2012, after achieving the victory of creating a living wage region on the Central Coast for working-class immigrant families, CA– USE, founded in Ventura County in 2001, and PUEBLO, founded in Santa Barbara County in 2003, merged. Today, their mission is to advance social, economic, and environmental justice for the people of the Central Coast centered around issues from affordable housing to worker’s rights. CA– USE supports creating a global community and sustainable economy on California’s Central through policy research, leadership development, organizing, and advocacy.
“CA– USE has been keenly focused on deindustrializing the Oxnard coast, said Laura Oergel, Chair, Surfrider Foundation Ventura County Chapter. “This translates into campaigning for removing polluting facilities, reducing harmful emissions, cleaning up toxic sites, restoring wetlands habitat, and opening public coastal access for the people of Oxnard. All these directives are in line with Surfrider’s mission in caring for and preserving our waterways.”
Surfrider’s Chapter Meetings, which take place the first Tuesday of every month from approximately 6:30 to 8:00 pm, are customarily held at the Patagonia store in Downtown Ventura. However, due to County Fair traffic, the August meeting will be held at the Pierpont Racquet Club at 500 San Jon Road.
“The meeting at the Pierpont Racquet Club is great timing,” said Oergel. “From June 22 to August 31, 2019, Pierpont is offering a special 20/20 Summer Trial Membership at 20% OFF the regular price with 20% of the purchase price being donated to the Surfrider Foundation Ventura County Chapter. Folks who sign up as members by the end of July, also get a free $25 gift card to Traveler’s Café, a Surfrider identified Ocean Friendly Restaurant.”
Surfrider’s monthly Chapter meetings customarily host guest speakers who talk for 30 minutes on a variety of subjects pertinent to Surfrider’s mission. The gatherings also feature a networking component and food and drink.
“Our guest speakers tend to be partners or other local non-profit organizations that we help to give a voice to,” added Oergel. “The meetings are a great way to connect with members, supporters, and volunteers and attendees get the opportunity to discuss and learn about important conservation issues impacting the coast as well as Surfrider’s upcoming programs, events, and campaigns.”
Surfrider’s Upcoming Chapter Meetings
August 6, 2019 – Lucas Zucker, Policy and Communication Director, CA– USE (causenow.org). Food provided by OFR Jimmy’s Slice and beer generously donated by Topa Topa Brewing Co.
September 3, 2019 – Marie Lakin, new Executive Director of CFROG (Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas, cfrog.org). CFROG works for the health of the planet and Marie joins CFROG from the State Assembly and Senate where she worked on climate- and oil and gas-related legislation.
October 1, 2019 – Ventura Water (venturawater.net). Ventura Water will speak to the current state of Ventura’s water supply
November 5, 2019 – TBD
December 3, 2019 – Surfrider’s Annual Holiday Party
Find out more, visit: ventura.surfrider.org. Find out additional information on Pierpont Racquet Club Special, visit: pierpontrc.com.
