The SB 568 act

On Friday October 28,   I participated in another letter writing campaign. (whoo!)  This was was a little more specific than the last one.

The SB 568 is a statewide ban on polystyrene takeout food packaging to help mitigate the detrimental effects polystyrene is having on our waterways, storm drains and marine life.

Another thing that I learned  is that Styrofoam containers are basically used only once before they become waste, and consequently litter.




Don't let the fact that they're an inanimate object fool you, these things are up to no good.


Cameron Shibata, leading letter writing coordinator said that it has been proven that this ban does work.  "In San Francisco, two years after the passage of polystyrene food-ware ban, a litter study showed a 36% decrease in litter."

According to the US EPA, Styrene increases the risk of leukemia and lymphoma and neurological problems such as loss of hearing and balance.  (But, what isn't detremantal to your health these days am I right?)

"It makes no sense to use these types of containers when it accomplishes so little yet do so much damage,"  says Corey Nguyen, a computer science major.

This is a small public service announcement that shows the dangers that Styrofoam poses.  The dramatic music is what got to me, I almost shed a tear. (I got over that)

Writing to the Man....

 On Thursday  October 13, Surfrider members gathered in room 300 of the Psychology building and took part in a political letter writing campaign.  The task was to write letters expressing our the goals of our organizations to prominent political figures in Long Beach such as Mayor Bob Foster and in the country such as President Barack Obama. 

People working hard trying to get local and federal government to notice the breakwater issue in Long Beach.

Cameron Shiabata coordinator of the Surfider Letter Writing Campaign feels that we can make a difference.  "Let your voices be heard" she says.  "They might not listen to one person, but a group of people, that's a different story."

The following is the letter that I wrote:

"As a student at Cal State Long Beach it is my great pleasure to write to you on this day about a problem that in my estimation has not received enough attention.  I am of course talking about the East San Pedro Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project, which you may also know as the Long Beach Breakwater Study.

 

Long Beach lacks one important thing that the rest of the beaches in Southern California have and that is waves.  The Long Beach breakwater is the cause of all of this.  Now, we do not seek to change the breakwater in way that it would be unable to protect the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.  Instead, all I ask is that the study is considered in the upcoming Army Corps of Engineers funding.  Not only will this study improve the overall environmental health and the economy of our beautiful city, but also I am proud to inform that we have the support of the full Long Beach City Council, regional leaders and the community.

I am also proud to share with you that this city has partnered up with the Army Corps of Engineers to help with our proposed study.  All we need now is your federal support to begin.  If you care at all about ecosystem restoration, improved water quality, increased recreation, increased tourism and significant job creation, then I don’t there is any reason why you even need to think about it right?

Thanks for hearing me out I know your time is limited your funding recommendations is greatly appreciated by all stakeholders.  

Sincerely,

Cesar Mondragon"

I have to admit, at the beginning writing this letter seemed pointless and I was very disinterested.  While conducting the research and applying it to the letter however, I felt that what I was doing was in the best interest for this city.  I actually felt like what I was doing was the right thing. ( I assume that hell has indeed frozen over.)

It's Saturday Morning, Why am I awake?

It's 8 am on Saturday morning and I awaken my the sound of my alarm.  It's the first day of my community service.   I was originally asked to pick one of 4 choices to which complete my 20 hours of service.  Californians For Justice, Long Beach BLAST , Surfrider Foundation, and the CSULB women's resource Center.  The decision process consisted of me asking myself which one of these 4 organization interested me and most and would most likely help me become a better person.  When that didn't work I decided to close my eyes and pick one.


Surfrider it is!

The first meeting was held at a place called "Palmer Designs" in Long Beach.  I figured it might not be so bad hanging out at the beach on a Saturday morning.  But, as I was nearing the address I found that I was nowhere near the beach and in fact was in a residential area.  CSULB student Monica Ramos had the same thoughts.  "For a foundation I thought we were going to have the meeting in a fancy place, but this is some body's house.  Looks kinda shady."

At first all I assumed about the Surfrider Foundation was that it was a bunch of surfers who want money for their parties.   There is a lot more to it though.  The Long Beach chapter of the foundation is focusing on four major things.  "Sink the Breakwater", beach clean-ups, "Rise Above Plastics", and "Ocean Friendly Gardens"

Emiko Innes her Husband Seamus, Robert Palmer, and Ananda Lee were the speakers throughout the meeting.

Excited students gather around to get more information on the programs, well except that guy yawning.

Seamus Innes explains one of the main goals of the foundation.  "The number one thing people do when they go to the beach is walk.  In Long Beach you don't hear the surf."