April is a busy time of year with Earth Month events and activities, so why not throw in a little bit of ocean advocacy with a sprinkle of engaging our powerful activist network? This week, not only did we fly to Sacramento to visit with state representatives, but we also had the opportunity to chat with our federal representatives.
Surfrider Foundation staff and volunteer at CA Ocean Day in Sacramento, CA.
California Ocean Day
Nearly 300 ocean advocates throughout the state gathered in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 28 for the 21st Annual CA Ocean Day.
Our 2026 priorities included:
- Celebrate 50th Anniversary of the California Coastal Act and the Coastal Conservancy!
- Defend coastal protections from efforts to weaken
- Stand up against offshore oil drilling off California’s coast
- Stand up for ocean conservation–strengthen the marine protected area network and 30×30
- Build support for more coastal grant programs
- Prevent more plastic pollution
- Advocate for solutions to the Tijuana River Pollution crisis
San Diego showed up for our coast—not only with our local chapter, but with other community partners and organizations such as Outdoor Outreach, Paddle for Peace, San Diego Coastkeeper, Un Mar de Colores, Coastal Defenders, and more!
Federal Hill Day
This year, alongside nearly 200 other delegates, San Diego volunteers showed up for Surfrider's annual Coastal Recreation Hill Day. Our delegation came with three asks for our congressional representatives:
- BEACH Act funding in the FY27 budget
- Support for NOAA's coastal programs and the Digital Coast Act (H.R. 4256 — already passed the Senate, just needs a House floor vote)
- (and of course) A call to oppose any new offshore oil and gas leasing
Surfrider Foundation San Diego delegation meeting with Rep. Juan Vargas staff for Federal Hill Day.
We met with the Congressional offices of Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Scott Peters, Rep. Mike Levin, and Rep. Sarah Jacobs — and we're happy to report that all four are champions of the things we care about! Each conversation opened doors for continued collaboration on the issues, with us learning more, how Surfrider can support their work in these critical areas.
We were unfortunately unable to meet with Rep. Derryl Issa's office, as their office found themselves too busy during the rush of work on the hill this week, but we'll be sharing our full recap and asks via email — and hope to even find a moment to connect outside of the busy Hill Day window.
We were unfortunately unable to meet with Rep. Derryl Issa's office, as their office found themselves too busy during the rush of work on the hill this week, but we'll be sharing our full recap and asks via email — and hope to even find a moment to connect outside of the busy Hill Day window.
It Doesn’t End Here
At Surfrider, we’re more than just advocates—we’re the boots on the ground protecting the places we love. We are constantly meeting with representatives to push for critical legislation that guarantees clean water and equitable beach access for everyone.
Our coast belongs to all of us. Will you help us keep it that way? Support our local chapter with a donation today by clicking here.
Picture taken at CA Ocean Day. Image on right taken by William Bay.