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In the News
WHEN WILL THE WATER BE SAFE TO SURF?
Every individual has to assess the risks for themselves.
If you see debris or visible ash in the water, stay at least 150 yards away. Between Santa Monica (Montana North) and Malibu, we strongly advise erring on the side of caution, especially for families with young children or anyone who is immunocompromised.
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Upcoming Events
Stay informed about our upcoming events and activities. Things are moving quick and your voice MATTERS! Next Step and How to Take Action!
Our Team
Ashley Oelsen
Stephanie Inouye
Elizabeth Baum
Ashley Oelsen is a conservation biologist with a degree in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Pennsylvania. She has conducted global fieldwork on chimpanzees in Tanzania and orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra.
Ashley served as Chair of Santa Monica's Clean Oceans and Beaches Measure V Oversight Committee and currently se
Ashley Oelsen is a conservation biologist with a degree in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Pennsylvania. She has conducted global fieldwork on chimpanzees in Tanzania and orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra.
Ashley served as Chair of Santa Monica's Clean Oceans and Beaches Measure V Oversight Committee and currently serves as a Commissioner on the Environmental Justice, Sustainability, and Environment Commission. She has lobbied Congress on environmental policy and worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a Directorate Fellow.
As the Founder of California Coastal Alliance, Ashley leads efforts to protect marine ecosystems from post-wildfire pollution through citizen science, policy advocacy, and public education.
Elizabeth Baum
Stephanie Inouye
Elizabeth Baum
Elizabeth is strategic communications professional specializing in public relations and digital marketing for nonprofits, sustainable brands, and environmental media. Her passion for planetary health began at Syracuse University, where she studied advertising and environmental systems.
Over the past decade, Elizabeth has advanced solution
Elizabeth is strategic communications professional specializing in public relations and digital marketing for nonprofits, sustainable brands, and environmental media. Her passion for planetary health began at Syracuse University, where she studied advertising and environmental systems.
Over the past decade, Elizabeth has advanced solutions in regenerative agriculture, conservation genomics, geothermal energy, and carbon dioxide removal. Committed to decarbonizing the built environment, protecting biodiversity, and uplifting Indigenous knowledge, she joined California Coastal Alliance to demand accountability and action on post-wildfire coastal contamination.
Carolyn Day
Stephanie Inouye
Stephanie Inouye
Carolyn Day is a lifelong ocean advocate, regenerative agriculture leader, and founder of Growing Hope Gardens, an urban farming nonprofit serving over 3,200 low-income residents across Los Angeles County. This summer, she will represent Canada at the World Surfing Championships in El Salvador, bringing her environmental values to the glo
Carolyn Day is a lifelong ocean advocate, regenerative agriculture leader, and founder of Growing Hope Gardens, an urban farming nonprofit serving over 3,200 low-income residents across Los Angeles County. This summer, she will represent Canada at the World Surfing Championships in El Salvador, bringing her environmental values to the global stage.
Rooted in environmental justice and food sovereignty, Carolyn uses community farming to advance climate resilience, ecological literacy, and neighborhood empowerment. Her nonprofit nourishes families while fostering healing and awareness through hands-on education. A surfer, former stuntwoman, and circus performer, Carolyn brings fearless creativity to everything she does—planting seeds in South LA, restoring habitats, or paddling out for her country.
Stephanie Inouye
Stephanie Inouye
Stephanie Inouye
Stephanie is a Santa Monica-based surfer, community organizer, and founder of the Santa Monica Helping Hub, a grassroots nonprofit supporting neighborhoods affected by crises, including the 2025 wildfires in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena. She established a relief center at 1207 14th Street, mobilizing volunteers across Santa Mon
Stephanie is a Santa Monica-based surfer, community organizer, and founder of the Santa Monica Helping Hub, a grassroots nonprofit supporting neighborhoods affected by crises, including the 2025 wildfires in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena. She established a relief center at 1207 14th Street, mobilizing volunteers across Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu to distribute essential supplies. Co-founder of the Santa Monica Surf Association, Stephanie also united local surfers and residents to aid their neighbors. Her bravery was formally recognized by the Santa Monica City Council after rescuing an elderly neighbor from a fire in 2024. With over 25 years in the film industry, Stephanie embodies creativity, courage, and community spirit.
JB Letchinger
JB Letchinger
JB Letchinger
JB is a director, producer, and cinematographer leading JBL Films, a Los Angeles-based boutique production company. Known for compelling visual storytelling, JB has contributed content across documentary, corporate, commercial, feature, and television formats, including dozens of PBS specials - some garnering Emmy nominations. Working wit
JB is a director, producer, and cinematographer leading JBL Films, a Los Angeles-based boutique production company. Known for compelling visual storytelling, JB has contributed content across documentary, corporate, commercial, feature, and television formats, including dozens of PBS specials - some garnering Emmy nominations. Working with foundations and nonprofits for decades, JB has produced and directed dozens of promotional films including eight PRSA PRISM award-winners. Drawn to California Coastal Alliance by a connection to environmental causes, waterways and beaches, JB leverages his filmmaking expertise to create powerful visual narratives that elevate citizen science, drive public engagement, and inspire action to protect California's coastline.
Alix Gucovsky
JB Letchinger
JB Letchinger
Alix is a seasoned policy advisor, environmental advocate, and Vice President of the Venice Surfing Association. A lifelong surfer and dedicated Venice local, she champions clean beach access, coastal ecosystem protection, and the preservation of Venice’s cultural heritage. With extensive grassroots experience, Alix leads public awareness
Alix is a seasoned policy advisor, environmental advocate, and Vice President of the Venice Surfing Association. A lifelong surfer and dedicated Venice local, she champions clean beach access, coastal ecosystem protection, and the preservation of Venice’s cultural heritage. With extensive grassroots experience, Alix leads public awareness and environmental justice campaigns.
At California Coastal Alliance, she directs outreach strategies, empowering communities to act against coastal threats. Through her work with VSA, organizing surf competitions, beach cleanups, and educational events, Alix unites surfing, sustainability, and civic activism.
Angie Rutan
JB Letchinger
Natalie Hart
Angie is a beloved surf and yoga instructor based in Santa Monica, known for her calm energy, deep ocean knowledge, and commitment to helping people connect with nature and themselves. With over a decade of experience teaching all levels, Angie brings a grounded, intuitive approach to both surf and yoga sessions. Whether she’s guiding sun
Angie is a beloved surf and yoga instructor based in Santa Monica, known for her calm energy, deep ocean knowledge, and commitment to helping people connect with nature and themselves. With over a decade of experience teaching all levels, Angie brings a grounded, intuitive approach to both surf and yoga sessions. Whether she’s guiding sunrise flows on the sand or coaching new surfers through their first wave, Angie fosters confidence, mindfulness, and joy in every session.
Natalie Hart
JB Letchinger
Natalie Hart
Natalie is a veteran casting director with over 25 years in film, television, and theater, known for standout projects like High School Musical and Heroes. Natalie brings the same tenacity and creative drive required in Hollywood to her environmental advocacy. As a proud supporter of California Coastal Alliance, Natalie uses her voice, g
Natalie is a veteran casting director with over 25 years in film, television, and theater, known for standout projects like High School Musical and Heroes. Natalie brings the same tenacity and creative drive required in Hollywood to her environmental advocacy. As a proud supporter of California Coastal Alliance, Natalie uses her voice, grit, and experience to champion coastal protection and community action.
Alliance
Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society
Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society
Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society
Venice Surfing Association (VSA)
Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society
Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society
Venice Neighborhood Council
Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society
Venice Neighborhood Council
Sustainable Joy
Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society
Venice Neighborhood Council
Protect Calabasas
Santa Monica Surfing Association (SMSA)
Venice Helping Hub
Venice Helping Hub
Santa Monica Surfing Association (SMSA)
Venice Helping Hub
Santa Monica Surfing Association (SMSA)
Santa Monica Surfing Association (SMSA)
Santa Monica Surfing Association (SMSA)
Santa Monica Helping Hub
Santa Monica Surfing Association (SMSA)
Santa Monica Surfing Association (SMSA)
OpenClosit
OpenClosit
OpenClosit
JBL Films
OpenClosit
OpenClosit
Eco By Ry
OpenClosit
Eco By Ry
BeautyCon
OpenClosit
Eco By Ry
Creative Visions
Santa Monica Studios
Creative Visions
Surf & Serve
Santa Monica Studios
Creative Visions
Santa Monica Studios
Santa Monica Studios
Santa Monica Studios