The Los Angeles Waterkeeper will host its 5th annual Making Waves benefit to honor the leaders who are transforming how the region protects and restores its local water resources on Sept. 29.
Making Waves is LA’s Waterkeeper’s annual benefit to support the organization’s groundbreaking work to safeguard the regions waterways.
Every year, hundreds of business, philanthropist and community leaders come together to raise awareness and funds needed to help the program further their mission to protect the coastal waters and inland waterways through enforcement, fieldwork, and community action.
LA Waterkeeper has worked for nearly a quarter century to protect and restore the Santa Monica Bay. They have been on-the-water, in-the-water, and in-the-community ensuring protection and restoration of local waterways.
The Marina Protected Areas (MPA), watch boat-based survey trips and regular coastal patrols engage volunteers in monitoring and safeguarding the protected areas. MPAs are a critical component of keeping the coastal ecosystems thriving; and LA Waterkeeper's programs ensure that MPA regulations are enforced.
“With donations and funds that are collected will be put towards the efforts that are focused on protecting all the waterways throughout LA County”, said Sharon Licht, Events & Membership Coordinator of Los Angeles Waterkeeper. “The company will be focusing on legal initiatives such as sewage management and storm water runoff, to protect the Santa Monica Bay from contamination.”
A brief description of some of the solutions the company is working on consists of restoring the concrete waterways to natural ecosystems. Rebuilding the streets, homes and businesses to capture and reuse runoff that is necessary for LA’s clean water future.
Terry Tammien, is an environmental leader, author, lecturer, and strategist on energy and the environment. He founded the Los Angeles Waterkeeper in 1993 and continues the mission of protecting and restoring the Santa Monica Bay, San Pedro Bay and adjacent waters through enforcement and community action.
“It’s an honor to have the man that started Santa Monica Baykeeper and has served as a mentor to me for nearly two decades joining us at the first Making Waves celebration since I took the helm of LA Waterkeeper,” says Bruce Reznik, Los Angeles Waterkeeper Executive Director. “Since its founding, LA Waterkeeper has been at the forefront of water protection in Los Angeles County, and much of its successes are due in large part to Terry’s tireless work and forward-thinking vision.”
Tammien served as the Executive Director of the Environment Now Foundation in Santa Monica and will be present sharing his thoughts about his experience in business, farming, education, non-profit, and the environment.
The LA region is focusing and recognizing the changes that are underway within the county such as how and where the county sources water. How LA County should rebuild the infrastructure to promote water stewardship and how to revitalize the Los Angeles River so it becomes a jewel of Los Angeles.
“LA County as a whole has transformed and continues to”, said Licht, “Mayor Gracetti is not only focusing on the ocean water but also the water within the county. Doing our best to not solely rely on importing water from other countries.”
The LA Waterkeeper is paying respect to three honorees who have contributed to the transformation.
SA Recycling, industry leader in auto and metal recycling. The SA Recycling converted its Terminal Island site to a zero discharge facility and is now helping to set the standard for the thousands of industrial facilities that collectively have a impact on the health of the regions water.
SA Recycling is a full service ferrous and non ferrous metal recycler and processor and operating 70 recycling facilities from California to Tennessee.
Lawyers for Clean Water Inc., is an important partner and represents environmental and community groups in litigation and administrative advocacy designed to advance environmental protection and enforcement of environmental laws.
Recently they served as LA Waterkeepers’ counsel on dozens of cases, including the settlement with the City of LA that resulted in the investment of over two billion dollars in the city’s sewage collection system and helped reduce sewage spills by 85 percent over a decade.
“Jay Borzi is a philanthropist who has made an impact on many people, he has a valuable perspective on many aspects that contribute to water usage,” said Licht.
Borzi is a longtime board member and environmentalist. His commitment and donations to clean water has helped the organization’s succeed and flourish.
The event will take place at the Fairmount Hotel in Santa Monica on Sept. 29 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.. There will be a VIP after party at The Bungalow. Tickets start at $150 and for more information visit www.lawaterkeeper.org.
By Marina Andalon
marina@www.smdp.com
