On Tuesday, January 12 2021, our North County RAP Volunteer Lead, Janis Jones, and Oceana SoCal Campaign Organizer, Brady Bradshaw, gave a presentation on plastic pollution to the Vista City Council at the invitation of Council Member Corinna Contreres.
Brady provides a succinct overview of the plastic pollution crisis on a global scale, while Janis speaks to the damage that plastic pollution causes locally. They conclude by urging the City Council to adopt a local plastic reduction ordinance.
Below is an abridged version of their presention:
https://vimeo.com/502313398
At the conclusion of the presentation, 9 Vista residents provided public comment in support of a local plastic reduction ordinance. We thank and appreciate every person who spoke on behalf of this effort!
Below, we've highlighted the comments given by David Bronner, CEO of Dr. Bronner's (who are based in Vista). As the CEO of one of San Diego County's largest cosmetic manufacturers, Mr. Bronner's public support demonstrates the power that local businesses have to help us achieve positive environmental outcomes locally.
https://vimeo.com/502316581
Lastly, we highlight the comments of support from City Council Members themselves.
- Deputy Mayor Joe Green District 2 (comments at 0:15)
- Council Member Corinna Contreras District 1 (comments at 2:25)
- Council Member John B. Franklin District 4 (comments at 4:40)
- Council Member Katie Melendez District 3 (comments at 6:20)
https://vimeo.com/502341226/929c7d00b5
In addition to the work that Janis and Brady put into creating their presentation, numerous phone calls, meetings, and planning sessions went into making their appearance a reality. Now that the council has heard from Surfrider and their local community, it's that much easier to hold them accountable for drafting - and ultimately, adopting - an ordinance.
If you would like to learn more about our Rise Above Plastics work in San Diego County, please email RAP@surfridersd.org and/or join our next monthly RAP Committee meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of each month!