Launched in 2025 by a group of climate activists, San Diego Climate Week creates a space for community- led climate action, bringing together the people working every day to address climate change and its many intersections. From October 1-October 8, San Diego Climate Week fosters community-centered collaboration, education, and climate action while amplifying local solutions and advancing climate justice.
This year, the Surfrider Foundation San Diego County Chapter was proud to support San Diego Climate Week as a Surf Sponsor!
An Engaging Tour of the Tijuana River Valley
San Diego Climate Week kicked off on October 1 with a tour of the Tijuana River Valley! With just over 70 participants, it was one of the largest tours we’ve helped coordinate yet, filling a total of eight vans.
Our Tijuana River field tour included 5 stops:
1. Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center: Our starting point for the tour.
2. International Wastewater Treatment Plant: An opportunity to learn about wastewater infrastructure and ongoing challenges.
3. Spooners Mesa and Goat Canyon: We traveled to the top of Spooners Mesa before heading down to the international collector and trash boom at Goat Canyon.
4. Monument Mesa: We continued along Border Patrol roads.
5. Saturn Boulevard Hotspot: Where turbulent, contaminated water sends pollution into the air, creating one of the most significant public health crises in the western hemisphere – our final stop before heading back to the starting point.
2. International Wastewater Treatment Plant: An opportunity to learn about wastewater infrastructure and ongoing challenges.
3. Spooners Mesa and Goat Canyon: We traveled to the top of Spooners Mesa before heading down to the international collector and trash boom at Goat Canyon.
4. Monument Mesa: We continued along Border Patrol roads.
5. Saturn Boulevard Hotspot: Where turbulent, contaminated water sends pollution into the air, creating one of the most significant public health crises in the western hemisphere – our final stop before heading back to the starting point.
At each stop, speakers from several local organizations and agencies shared information about the watershed, the pollution, the resulting environmental justice and public health crisis, and what is being done to address it. Sarah Davidson, Surfrider’s Clean Border Water Now Manager, spoke at Saturn Boulevard about the community impacts, advocacy wins, and what gives us hope moving forward.
All in all, it was another powerful group experience in the Tijuana River Valley that left a lasting impression on everyone who participated. We were grateful to join the effort alongside Sierra Club San Diego Chapter, 4 Walls International, San Diego Coastkeeper, Friends of International Friendship Park, Wildcoast, CA State Parks, County of San Diego Parks and Rec, and SDSU.
The Water Summit
Also on October 1, we're stoked to have participated in this year's Water Summit at Coronado Community Center for a powerful day of advocacy, community, and action!
The day kicked off with a symbolic paddle out blessed by Martha Rodriguez, a member of the Kumeyaay Nation and cultural educator. Paddlers, kayakers, surfers and ocean lovers called out for clean water and demanded action be taken against offshore oil drilling.
The summit continued with an opportunity to connect with various community organizations, from San Diego and Baja, who were present with information and activities at a festive community tabling event. The Surfrider table highlighted our Clean Border Water Now program, shared information about Measure B (also known as the San Diego Health and Safety Act) and why it’s important to vote yes on it, and engaged passers-by in the Coastal Ribbon Project, shown below. The day also included a panel discussion on water concerns facing San Diego and breakout groups for those who wished to delve deeper.
With more than 200 people in attendance, the Water Summit brought together community members to paddle out, connect with local organizations, and join provocative discussions to increase awareness and participation in local water issues.
From Ocean Beach to Oceanside
Among major cities with over 1 million people, San Diego ranked as the third-hottest city on the planet on October 3, 2026. Despite the scorching temperatures, 223 volunteers showed up for our two public beach cleanups in Ocean Beach and Oceanside, collectively removing 256 pounds of marine debris from our coastlines! We’re grateful to our volunteers for braving the heat to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people.
Working with Friends to Restore Smiley Lagoon
Also on Saturday, October 3, we joined the San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF) to host a habitat restoration event at the San Diego River mouth in Ocean Beach. The event was also part of Surfrider Foundation’s first Climate Week!
During the two-hour event, volunteers planted and watered 80 native plants, including Laurel Sumac, Lemonade Berry, Bush Sunflower, San Diego Sunflower, Marsh Elder, Chaparral Mallow, and Buckwheat. They also removed European Sea Lavender, an invasive species in the area. Other volunteers sorted and packaged 131 Buckwheat seed packets for distribution.
The event was led by Natalie Borchardt and Shane Conta from SDRPF and Zack Zeilman, Program Lead for Surfrider San Diego’s Climate Action Program, with support from core Surfrider volunteers Elena Burington and Amy Mandel-Burington.
Photos: Zack Zeilman
Why does native habitat restoration matter? Native species have adapted to survive in a balanced ecosystem, each filling certain niches in relation to other species. Invasive species can disrupt this balance by outcompeting native species for resources, spreading unchecked, and damaging natural habitats. Removing invasive species helps control their growth and prevents them from spreading throughout the ecosystem. Restoring native species allows them to reclaim their niches, support one another, and help maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
Through their efforts, volunteers contributed to erosion prevention, improvement of water quality, habitat restoration, and the protection of native wildlife, including endagered species. No prior experience was required, making the event an opportunity for people of different ages and backgroundsto get involved in local conservation.
Our San Diego Chapter looks forward to continuing the collaborative work with SDRPF through future restoration events!
Shuuluk Wechuwvi - Where Lightening Was Born
On October 4, as part of Tijuana River Action Month (TRAM) and San Diego Climate Week, the new theatrical company Native Theater Co. premiered its inaugural production, the Kumeyaay play Shuuluk Wechuwvi - Where Lightning Was Born: Guided by Nature - Built by Knowledge & Tradition for Future Generations. The play envisions a revitalized Tijuana River Valley and was presented with two premier performances at the Living Coast Discovery Center, each followed by a panel discussion.
The second panel featured Sarah Davidson, Surfrider’s Clean Border Water Now Manager, who spoke about connections between themes in the play and collective opportunities to take action now to realize the vision of a healthy Tijuana River Valley presented in the play. Native Theater Co. plans to host future productions of the powerful play.
Rising Up in North County
On Monday, October 5, we hosted a screening of Rising Up: A Journey to Uncover the Solutions to Our Greatest Crises, which addresses plastic pollution and climate change through the experiences of young people around the world who have been impacted and are taking action.
The evening began at the welcoming Pure Project Vista, where guests connected over vegan refreshments. After introductions by Plastic Pollution Program Lead Janis Jones and a land acknowledgment by Tishmal Turner of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, we watched the inspiring film, which was followed by a powerful discussion.
Photo: Janis Jones
Our panelists spoke passionately about the work they are doing and shared what gives them hope.
- Dr. Christine James, UC San Diego Health
- Katie Melendez, Vista City Councilmember
- Tishmal Turner, Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
- Rishika Varma, Youth 4 Climate Student Advocate’s
Learning from the film and hearing from the speakers was just the beginning. When we come together in community, we can and will make a difference. Or, as our young panelist from Youth 4 Climate eloquently shared: “Silence serves no one and change can be made when people stand up for what they believe in together.”
It Doesn’t End Here
From beach cleanups and habitat restoration to community education and advocacy, San Diego Climate Week was a reminder that climate action takes many forms. We’re grateful to everyone who showed up, volunteered, shared knowledge, and worked toward a healthier future for our communities and coastlines. Together, we can continue protecting our ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people.
Next Steps: Call to Action - VOTE YES on Measure B
The Surfrider Foundation is proud to endorse the San Diego Health and Safety Act, also known as Measure B. Beyond funding vital community and fire prevention programs, this measure would secure long-term funding to address the Tijuana River pollution crisis. Severe pollution in the Tijuana River Watershed threatens public health, coastal access, ecosystems and wildlife, and local economies in San Diego County. Despite being one of the most significant public health emergencies in the United States, there is no dedicated and sustainable funding source for the infrastructure solutions we need. This Act would finally provide that funding.
Join us in voting yes and telling others about this critical opportunity. Together, we can take a momentous step toward a better future for San Diego County, a future where our beaches and wetlands are protected, and where residents and visitors can spend a day at school, at work, or at the beach without getting sick from Tijuana River pollution.
Learn more about how Measure B would address pollution in the Tijuana River Watershed here.