Strengthen Venoco's Clean-up of Contaminated Soils in Carpinteria!

"After several years of back and forth negotiations with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), Venoco and Chevron have submitted a proposed clean-up plan for soils contaminated with DDT and other pesticides at the Venoco (formerly Chevron) Oil and Gas Processing Facility at 5675 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria. Unfortunately, the clean-up plan they are proposing will leave substantial volumes of contaminated soils on the site and is not adequately protective of human health and the environment. Please email the RWQCB and/or attend their hearing on May 9th in San Luis Obispo (click here for directions and agenda, see item #7), and urge them to require a better and more thorough plan to ensure that the site is cleaned up in short order to levels that are truly protective of the environment and public and aquatic health, along the lines proposed by Santa Barbara Channelkeeper in our April 24th comment letter. Click here to review the proposed clean-up plan." - from SB Channelkeeper

Rockfish, not roses!

Moms fish free on Mother's Day! Channel Islands Sportfishing is offering Moms a free ride on Mother's Day: May 11. Half and 3/4 day charters included: we're going on GENTLEMAN. Contact me if you want to join us!
***OTHER NEWS*** The Nauti Chicas won the Caroline Starr trophy for best corrected time for an all-gal crew in the 125nm Newport to Ensenada race ---a major comeback after last month's Newport to Cabo San Lucas race. Details here.

HERE WE GO AGAIN ...

Next stop: Ensenada! The Nauti Chicas are at it again - but just a 125nm race this time. Pray for wind ... and check HERE for updates.

TONIGHT! April 18

SB Channelkeeper fundraiser/ screening of "One Winter Story".
This award-winning documentary is an unprecedented glimpse into the male-dominated world of big-wave surfing from an unusual and seldom seen perspective - a woman's. The surfing footage is an awesome sight but the fine, intensely immediate rendering of Sarah's experience is this unforgettable film's real reward. "One Winter Story" traces Sarah's strength and determination to their roots in a beautiful montage of film, voice, memory and emotion.

Live music and a raffle will precede the film starting at 6:30 pm, the filmmakers will be on hand for Q&A afterwards. Film begins around 7:30pm. Tickets are $12 at the door. For more details CLICK ON THE PHOTO.

YOU WANT TO BE ME!

Okay that sounds cocky and narcissistic but really, I love my life. I am one happy, lucky, blessed kinda girl!

800 miles later ...

We made it to Cabo in five days plus change. Blew up our best kite for the conditions (20+) - which was a setback, but otherwise everything went wonderfully. Mahvelous teamwork, great boat, all systems 'go'. Arrived to the most gorgeous, posh accommodations (compliments of Vista Serena/Montage Resorts) imaginable, and all the cold, wet, sleep-deprived memories of our passage melted away in the Cabo sunshine (with a little help from some margaritas ... ) More pix HERE on Shutterfly. Thanks for your prayers & support ~ Betsy
ABOVE: VIEW OF OUR PRIVATE BAHIA FROM THE CASA
RIGHT: ME ON DAY 5 - NICE WEATHER AT LAST