While we achieved the partial restoration of $1.6 million we will continue advocating for full restoration of the $2.6 million as this grant project funds countless opportunities for historically excluded communities to access the coast. The above are some of the questions we addressed during the roundtable. New businesses and/or nonprofits wanting to conduct surf camps on Linda Mar have not been able to apply and/or obtain permits; many have not even been able to start the permitting process as no new permit slots have opened since the creation of the initial 4.Under Pacificas current surf camp permitting system, nonprofits like City Surf Project and Brown Girl Surf and new commercial programs such as Sea Surf Fun have never been allowed to legally operate a surf camp on Linda Mar Beach.There is no numerical value that can be placed on the emotional and mental wellbeing that is impacted by exclusionary practices. January 26 2022 Resolution Summary: Surf Equity in Pacifica at Linda Mar BeachBrown Girl SurfAdvocacy UPDATE: A resolution has been made! And this is just the case in California. BIPoC individuals, especially BIPoC women, girls, and gender-expansive folks currently need to be prioritized because of their historical oppression and exclusion from coastal resources. Check out our Whats Happening in Pacifica summary below to learn about the waves of change that we and allies have made in Pacifica so far and why it is important to racial equity. Within the Biden administrations America the Beautiful initiative, we see several commitments to blue spaces through conservation and marine protected areas however, we see very few commitments that ensure equitable access to these spaces. Surf equity means that the communities who have had limited access to surfing namely Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPoC) folks due to systemic racism and other oppressive factors, are prioritized in a new system that breaks down the systemic barriers to surfing. If you have not already shared some of your insights into community needs, barriers to access, and personal hopes for Brown Girl Surf, we invite you to take our survey! This really impacts the quality of our programs and the ability to bring more of our youth to enjoy the benefits of our coast.. Mo Asebiomo, Program & Engagement Specialist - Brown Girl Surf Our Team Mo Asebiomo, Program & Engagement Specialist They Mo is a Nigerian-American East Bay transplant who loves to write and be outside. Each registered group will have to abide by the community surfing agreement in order run programs at Pacifica State Beach, An annual review of the process to allow for changes to be made to adapt to any issues that may arise, Kevin Woodhouse, City Manager for the City of Pacifica, stated: , Development of this program began in 2020 by a collaborative group of stakeholders including city staff, the citys Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission, non-profit surf camp providers, commercial surf camp providers in Pacifica, and others. Surf equity does not mean the exclusion of those who have historically monopolized beach access, but rather a creation of a community where there are no barriers for anyone to enjoy the ocean and its resources.It has been proven undoubtedly that access to nature, especially to the coast is crucial in mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Yes! Were told it will start around 12:30pm both 3/1 and 3/2, but depending how long discussion goes, it could be a few hours on either side of this. According to a new report by the Center for American Progress, only 10 percent of this countrys coastline is covered by strong legal protections that ensure equitable public access. Our Mission Based on unceded Ohlone land, Known today as oakland, california, Brown Girl Surf works to build a more diverse, environmentally reverent, and joyful women's, girl's, and gender expansive surf culture by increasing access to surfing, cultivating community, amplifying the voices of surfers of color, and taking care of the earth. During the first week of June 2023, our Executive Director, Adriana, attended Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) in Washington, DC on behalf of Brown Girl Surf. JOIN US in raising awareness and sharing with your communities whats going on and how far weve come since the paddle in 2020 BE PROUD of yourselves for taking action, supporting the fight for equity, and continuing to learn and grow with us. Ultimately, we hope to decrease localist attitudes and localist acts in towns like Bolinas and Pacifica (for example, maybe we will no longer see signs that say Black Lives Matter next to signs that say If you are not from here, do not come here.)Aims to start Bay Area conversations about the connections between localism and structural racism and spur conversations about this topic in the global surf community.We hope that localism will no longer exist in the California surf community and beyond.How can you become involved?At this moment, all we ask is that you SPREAD THE WORD, stay engaged and be ready for action! 2005 Australia Day Honours - Wikipedia Brown Girl Surf 2023 | All Rights Reserved | Brown Girl Surf is a fiscally sponsored project of the, Update: Explore the Coast cuts partially restored, Pacifica Beach Equity APPROVAL Press Release. It should be celebrated by all involved in its development and upcoming implementation.. Stephanie Chang, Advocacy Specialist She Stephanie is passionate about the intersection of the environment and health, and joins Brown Girl Surf after working as a physician, documentary filmmaker, and communications specialist in West Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. The work being done in Pacifica is setting a precedent for the rest of California where many nonprofits and community organizations have faced similar permitting exclusion. BGS is often, if not the only, organization within these conversations that is actively supporting individuals in getting in the water and our communities perspectives bring invaluable insight to the table. It should be celebrated by all involved in its development and upcoming implementation., Attitudes of the Commissioners were supportive and multiple Commissioners commented that this is not the first time theyve heard of this locals only issue, and suggested staff work on model guidelines that could inform practices statewide. Surf equity means that the communities who have had limited access to surfing namely Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPoC) folks due to systemic racism and other oppressive factors, are prioritized in a new system that breaks down the systemic barriers to surfing. She moved back to the states in 2022, and has now landed in Ohlone Land/San Francisco! We often have to seek out less desirable places that are less restrictive. [2] Order of Australia Companion (AC) General Division Officer (AO) General Division Military Division The PBRC unanimously approved the recommendations set forth by the STF we are now waiting for the PBRC to vote on the new permitting system, which includes the CAPP.Whats next?There has been unclear communication from the City of Pacifica on whether or not they will prioritize applying for a CDP before the end of the year in order to continue the work of ensuring surf equity. We and our allies would like a formal apology from the City of Pacifica acknowledging its role in upholding exclusionary systems and reinforcing systemic racism and oppressionWe would like to start a conversation with the city after this apology about what reparations for the community might look and feel like.We are inviting the City of Pacifica to embrace change through an equity lens.BGS and CSP would like to see the City of Pacifica apply for and be granted a CDP that includes the CAPP proposal as a focus.In order for equity to be ingrained into the future of Pacificas surf culture, we believe it must be part of policy foundation and action.Once the CAPP system is created, we would like more priority to be given to CAPP schools when permits are approvedThis may look like allocating more spots to CAPP schools than commercial surf schools We expect surf equity to be continuously promoted when making surf camp policy and beach access decisions in the future.One of our goals has always been to create a replicable system of surf equity for the entire state of California. Submit written testimony in advance of the hearings. The Ocean Justice Roundtable was intended to, highlight the Biden-Harris Administrations policy progress and historic investments to advance ocean conservation and climate action. And give attendees the space to discuss opportunities to integrate environmental justice into ocean-based climate solutions to pave an equitable path towards climate-resilient systems, resources, communities, and infrastructure., What are the barriers to realizing ocean justice?. At this meeting, community members and allies spoke during the public comment period or sent in letters of support, sharing their personal experiences at Linda Mar Beach. While we achieved the partial restoration of $1.6 million we will continue advocating for full restoration of the $2.6 million as this grant project funds countless opportunities for historically excluded communities to access the coast. Without a mechanism for the inclusion of additional groups, including non-profits who provide access for community members who have historically-faced barriers to coastal access, this system had proven to be discriminatory, exclusionary, and illegal. That is why its so important that the Brown Girl Surf community continues to work towards beach equity on all fronts. This means that technically, any surf camps and organizations can hold programs on Linda Mar Beach outside of the citys invalid permitting system.How has the California Coastal Commission (CCC) responded?The CCC has provided us with emails and other evidence that shows the City of Pacifica was made aware of the fact that they must apply for a CDP to legally regulate surf schools. ! and claims it now rivals luxury vehicles . When not studying or surfing, you can find her playing guitar (she loves playing jazz, jammin to the blues, and anything by the Red Hot Chili Peppers), going to live shows (especially music and stand-up comedy), and riding her bike! Changing hearts and minds will continue to take time, work and community engagement. Within these conversations Brown Girl Surf believes its imperative that ocean justice includes, and centers, increasing access to the ocean for communities who have been historically removed and/or excluded from the coasts. May 11ths historic vote now allows for the City of Pacifica to resume management of surf camp operations at Linda Mar Beach, under specific conditions that guarantee a new, more equitable system. Brown Girl Surf Advocacy The California Coastal Conservancy's ability to support communities that have been systematically excluded from accessing the coast is at risk. Last you heard from us, Linda Mar Beach was open to all members of the public, no permit required. Her work with youth and families in various organizations is driven by her desire to support the cultivation of healthier lives through connection to land, water, and culture. Finally, in 2020, after the Paddle Out for Love Black Lives Matter paddle out, attention was directed towards Pacificas inequitable permit system through grassroots organizing and community engagement. This means that technically, any surf camps and organizations can hold programs on Linda Mar Beach outside of the citys invalid permitting system. Access isnt the only thing weve been fighting for, however. Within these conversations Brown Girl Surf believes its imperative that ocean justice includes, and centers, increasing access to the ocean for communities who have been historically removed and/or excluded from the coasts. We look forward to continuing to improve access at Linda Mar. Advocacy - Brown Girl Surf The foundation is focused on giving voice to, validating, and preserving the experiences and stories of the lesbians, queer women, trans women, and nonbinary people of all races and ages . No speaking required, but let us know if youd like to join us by filling out this, You may also give a public comment at the hearing (in person or virtually), Or provide written testimony directly to the California Coastal Commission before May 5th at 5pm, More instructions on how to get engaged via our, Update: Explore the Coast cuts partially restored, Pacifica Beach Equity APPROVAL Press Release, The Community Access Partnership Permit (CAPP), Resolution Summary: Surf Equity in Pacifica at Linda Mar Beach, Surf Equity in Pacifica at Linda Mar Beach, Governor Newsom has proposed to revert $2.6 million from the Explore the Coast (ETC) program to the CA General Fund with no proposal for alternative funding or support to ETC, ETC funding cuts are proposed in attempt to fill $22.5 billion deficit in CA budget revoking the $2.6 million allotted to ETC will have little to no impact on relieving the General Fund and doing so will perpetuate disconnection to nature, The State Coastal Conservancys Explore the Coast (ETC) grant program provides grants to public agencies, federally-recognized Tribes and Indigenous communities, and nonprofit organizations for programs that facilitate and enhance the publics opportunities to explore Californias spectacular coast. The same 4 commercial surf camps/schools have held permits with no turnover or opportunities for new permit applicants. PHENOMENAL: Jack Janetzki exhibits his 1957 FE Holden ute at the biggest-ever Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids, WACK, Car and Bike Show on Sunday. Many non-profit groups along the coast face similar challenges with outdated permitting systems that further the exclusion of groups that have historically lacked access to the coast. Sophia Rebolledo (she/her) - Stay Rad Magazine Founder - Stay Rad Teen Brown Girl Surf | LinkedIn The other 90 percent is at the whim of private property owners and wealthy coastal developers. Being able to publicly share the impacts of inequitable and exclusionary policy informed many and encouraged community members and allies to act, thus leading the City of Pacifica to create the Task Force. Consisted of 9 members made up of one representative from traditional surf camp/ school, one community access partner surf camp/ school, one representative from San Mateo County Chapter Surfrider Foundation, and three PB&R commissioners, and two at-large members representing the Pacifica Public. This really impacts the quality of our programs and the ability to bring more of our youth to enjoy the benefits of our coast.. And although we have successfully pushed for the expansion of their outdated permitting system to include both Brown Girl Surf, City Surf Project, and other future nonprofits, we recognize that with our continued partnership, much larger, more equitable reform is possible and necessary. March 1, 2023 Public Comment Line: 877-692-8957 / Access Code: 131 54 47, March 2, 2023 Public Testimony: Phone Number: 877-226-8216 Access Code: 6785618, Senate Subcommittee No. New businesses and/or nonprofits wanting to conduct surf camps on Linda Mar have not been able to apply and/or obtain permits; many have not even been able to start the permitting process as no new permit slots have opened since the creation of the initial 4.Under Pacificas current surf camp permitting system, nonprofits like City Surf Project and Brown Girl Surf and new commercial programs such as Sea Surf Fun have never been allowed to legally operate a surf camp on Linda Mar Beach.There is no numerical value that can be placed on the emotional and mental wellbeing that is impacted by exclusionary practices. Brown Girl Surf is Hiring!! Surf equity is important not only to right historical exclusion, but to provide a path forward for everyone to find joy and benefit from the ocean.Who will benefit from surf equity?EVERYONE! 2. We do not offer private lessons through Brown Girl Surf. Named in honor of Polynesia's first female surfers, Brown Girl Surf TM is dedicated to fostering girl's, women's, and gender expansive surf community . Summary of activities include: The STF has met once a month for 2-3 hour meetings for the last 11 months to discuss the permitting system and review the CAPP proposal. Since then (Fall 2020), Brown Girl Surf has had over 20 surf . The prioritization of marginalized folks may look like, but not limited to:Lowering monetary barriers to accessCreating more points of entry into surfingProviding reparationsProviding additional resources such as affinity groups and organizations where folks can feel safe and supportedInclusion in decision making, planning, and permitting processes and/or public apologies and admittance of harmful actionsWhy focus on Pacifica?Linda Mar Beach, also known as Pacifica State Beach, has been the focal point for Brown Girl Surfs and City Surf Projects (CSP), along with our allies, fight for equitable beach access. She spent most of my summers in Oakland, San Francisco, and Berkeley visiting family members that have been scattered across the bay area. To learn more about the Ocean Justice Forum and what weve been up to: read our policy platform here. This new system will include: Troy Bohanon, Surf Instructor of City Surf Project views the passage of the CDP as essential for communities today and in the future. , we see several commitments to blue spaces through conservation and marine protected areas however, we see very few commitments that ensure equitable access to these spaces. Brown Girl Surf will continue to advocate for federal support of equitable ocean access and hold government administrations to their word. New businesses and/or nonprofits wanting to conduct surf camps on Linda Mar have not been able to apply and/or obtain permits; many have not even been able to start the permitting process as no new permit slots have opened since the creation of the initial 4. Sonia Diaz, Public Policy Manager for Outdoor Outreach, stated, in San Diego there exists a patchwork of permit processes across different land managers that create a system that favors commercial for-profit entities over nonprofits like ours. California is only one of three states that have dedicated statewide equity funds, and our funding sources are victim to the volatile economy. At this meeting, community members and allies spoke during the public comment period or sent in letters of support, sharing their personal experiences at Linda Mar Beach.Equitable access to nature is absolutely critical always, but especially now as COVID further compounds the historic exclusion of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) from parks, open space, and coastal resources. The work being done in Pacifica is setting a precedent for the rest of California where many nonprofits and community organizations have faced similar permitting exclusion. Our space centers the experiences of BIPOC participants and leaders and we uplift and amplify BIPOC voices in our community. These equity focused symposiums give BGS the opportunity to connect with, learn from, and ideate with like-minded organizations across the sea of ocean justice centered entities. We expect participants of dominant identities to show up in this space as an ally and participant please read our, Can it be beach day everyday?? 2007 Queen's Birthday Honours (Australia) - Wikipedia Wed like to thank Black Girls Surf for their call to action and to CSP who organized the 2020 Paddle out for Peace where Brown Girl Surf was able to share the inequitable policies of the very beach the paddle out was held at. Brown Girl Surf believes that it is the federal governments responsibility to fund and back state bodies like the California Coastal Commission (CCC) who protect the California Coastal Act and fight for coastal access. They have learned the Liked by Vanessa McGrath Carcedo. A task force of these stakeholders worked tirelessly on this program to benefit all and balance critical safety, access, and operational factors. The Community Access Partnership Permit (CAPP) has been unanimously approved and passed by the Pacifica City Council, the Pacifica Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission, and the Surf Camp/School Policy Advisory Task Force. In speaking this truth, we hope to shift surf culture away from the exclusionary and resistant actions that perpetuate harm within our communities. We will continue to expand this path to equity for future groups and organizations wishing to share the ocean with their community. Camp Phoenix 112 followers . The STF was created after public action and support to ensure safety and equity for underrepresented groups by creating a permit program with equitable access for all. While we can take a moment to rest, the journey is not over. Pacifica is operating a permitting system that lacks compliance with the California Coastal Act.How is Pacifica upholding an invalid permitting system?Under the California Coastal Act, the City of Pacifica DOES NOT have the authority to regulate activities of surf camps/schools because it does not possess a Coastal Development Permit (CDP).What does this mean for surf schools?For the past 17 years, the City of Pacifica has been upholding an exclusionary permitting system that is null and void. BGS is often, if not the only, organization within these conversations that is actively supporting individuals in getting in the water and our communities perspectives bring invaluable insight to the table. Since then, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) has continued to make it clear that the CAPP recommendations, while a great first step, did not go far enough to prioritize equity and true access to the beach, as detailed in this SF Chronicle article. Brown Girl Surf is working to strengthen our relationships with these communities, deepen our knowledge, and follow the path of deep listening. The City of Pacifica is currently awaiting approval of their application. Join BGS in calling offices of the Senate and Assembly Budget Chairs, Senator Skinner: (916) 651-4009 and Assemblymember Ting: (916) 319-2019 and the Governor: The Office of the Governor, Deputy Legislative Secretary, Hazel Miranda, who covers environmental issues at (916) 445-4341. (last updated November 2021, please see Resolution Summary for the most recent updates on our work in Pacifica)In our ongoing efforts towards decolonization Brown Girl Surf acknowledges that we are occupying unceded and stolen Lisjan Ohlone lands. In April 2022, this system was found to be in violation of requirements set by the Coastal Act, Californias landmark 1976 coastal protection law, and therefore suspended. Sacramento, CA May 12, 2023 On May 11th, the California Coastal Commission unanimously voted to approve the passage of the City of Pacificas Coastal Development Permit (CDP), fully authorizing a reformed surf school permitting program at Linda Mar Beach. Restricting and removing this funding will limit the organizations that already receive financial support from ETC and impede other organizations from being allotted funding to continue programming that is essential to environmental and social justice along the California Coast. Organizations lead by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and non-dominant culture groups that are working on the California coast to further beach access and provide surf programs/lessons include: If you are also doing work or have recommendations/suggestions of groups who are actively running programs/lessons please feel free to reach out to us. However, as we have seen in instances of mismanagement and privatization, this is not always the case. As one of a handful of equity-focused state grant programs, Explore the Coast (ETC) has granted more than $18 million to organizations, Tribes, and agencies who work directly with communities facing barriers to coastal access. Stay tuned as we continue the movement for surf equity! All Californians rely on safe access to nature, now more than ever.Nonprofit organizations and school-based programs with proven track records of bringing BIPOC folks to the ocean through culturally relevant, thoughtfully designed programs, are the best resource to ensure equitable community connection to nature Shelana DeSilva, BGS community memberThese personal share outs emphasized the importance of a safe and inclusive surf culture, and a citys role in upholding policies and practices that encourage and uplift that culture.Ultimately, the City of Pacifica council members unanimously voted to create the CAPP program and integrate more equitable policies for surf camps/schools on Linda Mar Beach moving forward.AcknowledgmentsThe work to achieve these successful policy shifts has not been quick, nor simple, but the support weve encountered and built along the way has been monumental. What elements, activities, and components should an Ocean Justice Strategy include? A national equity fund, like that being promoted by Nuesta Tierra and the Outdoor FUTURES project, would go a long way to ensure that our communities have continued access to nature. Summary of activities include:Creation of Surf Camp/School Policy Advisory Task Force (STF), Dec. 2020 :The STF was created after public action and support to ensure safety and equity for underrepresented groups by creating a permit program with equitable access for all.Consisted of 9 members made up of one representative from traditional surf camp/ school, one community access partner surf camp/ school, one representative from San Mateo County Chapter Surfrider Foundation, and three PB&R commissioners, and two at-large members representing the Pacifica Public.The STFs goal was to review potential new permitting systems and make a recommendation to the PB&R after several STF meetingsProposal of a Community Access Partnership Program (CAPP):BGS and City Surf Project created and proposed the CAPP permit system as a way for nonprofits to apply for permits to operate on Linda Mar beach and address the issue of equitable access for historically excluded and/or underrepresented groupsThe CAPP lays out a clear framework for equitable access going forward and supports organizations that are committed to the principle of increasing access to surfing for underrepresented groupsThe STF has met once a month for 2-3 hour meetings for the last 11 months to discuss the permitting system and review the CAPP proposal. Brown Girl Surf works to build a more diverse, environmentally reverent, and joyful women's, girl's, and gender expansive surf culture by increasing access to surfing, cultivating community, amplifying the voices of surfers of color, and taking care of the earth. We often have to seek out less desirable places that are less restrictive. All of this while learning how to surf and meeting such incredible female surfers continues to be one of the greatest experiences of my life., BGS has been an amazing experience that I think, one day, Sayrewill look back on as a formative time. Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2023: Ocean x Climate, will underscore the relationship between climate change and the worlds ocean, addressing the importance of understanding how climate change is negatively impacting the health of ocean ecosystems and the coastal communities that rely on them.. Suggestions for continued repair included free-parking passes for non-profits and lower cost or no cost permit applications. While in DC, Brown Girl Surf was also invited to join Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice, hosted by Azul, Center for American Progress, and Urban Ocean Lab.
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