Volunteer Water Testing:
We are in our third month of regularly-scheduled testing at designated locations. The
testing we are doing is important because the health department testing is solely focused
on sewage/bacteria. We are attempting to gauge the larger picture of the health of our
body of water. We do this by conducting chemical analysis. For instance, we are testing
parameters such as pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia nitrate and phenol presence. If
you'd like to get involved, we could use your technical or administrative help. Please
email Emiko.
Water Quality Reporting:
A couple weeks ago, Task Force members Jim Soboleski and Diana Mann looked into an
unusual phenomenon where the red tide just offshore had turned milky white in some places.
These two tried to get some answers from the Coast Guard and a marine patrol officer. They
were frustrated by the lack of an explanation but bolstered by these officials' parting
suggestions: "Go ask Surfrider, they're testing the water." Although we're not
yet in position to mobilize our testing at a moment's notice to troubleshoot occurrences
like the one above, at least the public is getting the picture that there's someone like
us keeping an eye out for our watery world. Complimenting our chemical analysis, you can
easily find the latest easy-to-understand report card of water health (relevant to
bacteria) at Health the Bay's website at www.healthebay.org/baymap.
Tuesday, September 7: Presentation to the Belmont Shore Homeowner's
Association
We had a lively exchange of information with the members of this group. There was plenty of participation during the Q&A portion. At the close of the meeting several members of the organization made testimonials for their desire to leave a clean beach and ocean for their children to enjoy. We were well received and were happy to be invited to tell our story to an interested audience. If you’d like to have us make a presentation to yourneighborhood group, civic group or school, please e-mail Mike Murphy.
Saturday, September 11: Training for Volunteer Water Quality Testing
Congratulations to Ted Stoker for completing the training course to become a certified
volunteer water quality tester. Thanks also go to the Southern California Marine Institute
for sponsoring Ted's training.
Tuesday, September 14: Political Education Sub-committee meeting
We have a date set with the first chosen councilmember. We recognize that most of the
Task Force volunteers live in proximity to the beach but we feel that reconfiguring the
breakwater/restoring the shore has benefits for the entire city. Therefor, we're
determined to spread the campaign to all nine council districts. We feel it would be
beneficial to have a resident of a district be part of the delegation to each
councilmember. If you live in any of the inland council districts and have an interest in
interfacing with the councilmembers, please e-mail Rob
Russell.
Saturday, September 18: Annual Coastal Clean-up Day
This was a really fantastic day for our beach. The national event brought several hundred
volunteers to Long Beach in the clean-up sponsored by the city's Parks, Rec & Marine
Dept. We had a booth fully staffed and got to spread the word to many enthusiastic
newcomers. We also had friendly exchanges with councilmember Dan Baker and state
assemblyman Alan Lowenthal. Then at 10 am we relocated over to where the Granada boat
launch crosses the bike path. This is the site for our monthly 1/2 hour cleanup in
cooperation with Justin Rudd and his friends. This event is really growing! There were
plenty of willing volunteers and a host of prizes and awards. The beach was really taken
care of this day.
September 20, Executive Committee Meeting:
We spoke about the Wine Tasting Fundraiser. The date for this event will be Saturday, November 11 from 5-9 pm. The tentative location is the Fleur de Lis restaurant. If you'd like to help make this a success, please jump in! E-mail Gordana to let her know your ideas and your availability.