Update: Explore the Coast cuts partially restored

Last you heard from us on the Explore the Coast grants budget cuts, legislatures had agreed to keep the item open, postponing the decision. This week we learned from California Coastal Conservancy staff that $1.6 million of the slated $2.6 million cut will be restored. Amidst state and project wide budget cuts this is a huge win for our communities! 

While we achieved the partial restoration of $1.6 million we will continue advocating for full restoration of the $2.6 million as this grant project funds countless opportunities for historically excluded communities to access the coast.

When we put out a call to our siblings in this work and allies supporting the work to uphold and increase beach access, we were met with an outstanding amount of involvement. Brown Girl Surf believes we were able to advocate for change because of our collective efforts – we continue to be affirmed in our power. 

We’d like to extend a special gratitude to Shelana deSilva, our Advocacy Consultant, for her continued guidance, motivation, and efforts. We share great appreciation for our funders who champion our ability to do this work. And we’d like to extend an ocean deep appreciation to all our sibling organizations who continue to uphold the morals and values that guide us – thank you for truly advocating for a beach and surf culture that is centered in access, inclusion, joy, and abundance!