What is your role with the Surfrider Foundation and when did you get involved?
I'm currently the Vice Chair of the San Mateo County Chapter. I got involved after moving to Pacifica and surfing at Linda Mar daily. Our daughter was about to be born. I wanted to learn more about my local surf break, understand the water quality problems, and why we always have signs posted at the creek.
Can you expand on the issues that affecting water quality in your community?
Over the years of monitoring the creek and water quality along the coast, I’ve learned there are many contributing factors — the main one being residential runoff. Outdated sewer laterals or pet waste in yards become runoff in the rainy season that contribute to water quality issues.
How is the San Mateo County Chapter responding to those issues?
Along with our weekly coastal testing, our chapter has helped put together a water coalition with local organizations that are also interested in solving the water quality issues at the creek.
The Coalition focuses specifically on San Pedro Creek, where we have volunteers and additional funding to test sites along the creek weekly. When we identify water quality issues, we share our monitoring data with the community, city, and county in an effort to establish solutions.
Milligan testing a water sample in the San Mateo County Chapter's BWTF lab.
What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience?
Meeting like-minded individuals and families is the biggest highlight since I started volunteering for Surfrider. If I'm lucky, it’s another excuse to get in the water and paddle out with someone that I just met.
Do you have any personal experiences or campaigns where the social justice and environmental movements have intersected?
I’ve gotten the opportunity to volunteer a few times with ALAS (Ayudando Latinos A Soñar) Surf Camp. They focus on getting kids in the local community to the coast to learn ocean safety and how to surf.
Some of the kids I’ve met had never been to the ocean, even though they live nearby. It’s a personal experience I will never forget and reminds me of why protecting our ocean and making it accessible to all is so important.
Why is being a part of Surfrider important to you?
Being part of Surfrider has enabled me to grow by giving me the resources, support, and tools to move past just knowing about a problem and start actionable steps to solve it.
What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
It’s not just for surfers! There’s so many opportunities to get involved with Surfrider for those passionate about protecting the ocean as a valuable resource.
Want to learn more about water quality at Linda Mar Beach in San Mateo County? Check out Surfrider's 2025 Clean Water Report for a full case study!