Heal the Bay

Pasadena and South Pasadena propose cleaning contaminated water in the Arroyo Seco, a tributary of the LA River, by removing 140 mature trees, but face opposition from LA residents and the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians-Kizh Nation over environmental and cultural concerns. Critics argue the project prioritizes a public golf course irrigation over ecological and sacred site preservation.

Plastic Free July, an eco-challenge started in 2011 by Australian activist Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, encourages reducing single-use plastic consumption. Environmental groups in L.A. and Orange counties, such as Heal the Bay and Surfrider Foundation, promote the initiative, highlighting microplastics' health risks and offering actionable steps like avoiding plastic straws.

Santa Monica Pier in California has been ranked as the second most polluted beach in the U.S. for the second consecutive year due to fecal pollution, urban runoff, and sewage spills. Despite infrastructure upgrades like stormwater systems, bacteria levels remain elevated, prompting public health advisories. Heal the Bay highlights the need for sustained investment to address chronic pollution.

California beaches have varying levels of pollution, with some being pristine and others being impacted by rainfall, urban runoff, and chronic pollution. Heal the Bay releases a yearly Beach Report Card to measure water quality. The report ranks beaches based on their cleanliness.

The Santa Monica Pier area has been ranked as one of the dirtiest beaches for the 10th year in a row according to the Beach Report Card. Heal the Bay and the city of Santa Monica are collaborating to investigate and find solutions for the pier's poor water quality. The partnership aims to address the ongoing issue.