CARSLBAD AND SAN ELIJO STATE BEACHES

FORM NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Will fund facility improvements at the local campgrounds and beaches, create new Pelican Point events area at South Carlsbad and sponsor programs for campers and local citizens

A new non-profit organization has been formed to benefit popular local area beaches and campgrounds. South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach have formed a new non-profit group called Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches. The association will assist and work collaboratively with California State Parks to protect and preserve Cardiff, San Elijo, South Carlsbad and Carlsbad State Beaches. The new organization plans to do this through educational avenues providing information concerning the natural, cultural, historical and biological diversity of the parks. The non-profit will promote environmental ethics, fund interpretive programs, organize special events and enhance the recreational experiences of the visitors and local citizens.

“Our new ‘Friends’ non-profit association will enable us to make infrastructure improvements and expand our services and schedule of events at South Carlsbad and San Elijo,” said Brian Ketterer, north district superintendent for California State Parks. “This association offers local residents and businesses an opportunity to make a difference in helping preserve and protect these popular local area beaches with support through donations, time, materials or equipment.” 

At South Carlsbad State Beach, the non-profit is helping create a new special events area called Pelican Point at the north end of the campground that is sure to become a favorite of locals.

“Pelican Point will be available for rental for community events, weddings, corporate events, teambuilding sessions and other purposes,” said Ketterer. “The view from Pelican Point is just incomparable.”

The non-profit is reaching out to local businesses for donations of equipment and building materials for facilities improvements; prizes for raffles at the special events; and materials to support the volunteer efforts. Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches is also seeking people to participate on its board and assist with its new programs. Interested parties are invited to come to the next Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad meeting on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. It will be held at the south end of South Carlsbad State Beach campground at the "South Carlsbad Shop.” You can email the new group at FriendsOfCardiffandCarlsbad@yahoo.com or call board member Bill Mahoney at 917-449-3549 for more information.

Individuals will also be able to benefit Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches by becoming a “Friend” of the local area beaches by making a small annual financial donation; giving a gift of a membership to a friend; or volunteering time at one of the special events. The non-profit is also recycling CRV materials to turn in for cash to assist with the parks’ interpretive programs, and to fund equipment and materials for the park’s volunteer efforts. Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches will sponsor such programs as the Junior Rangers and special events including Carlsbad Beachfest 2010, Easter at San Elijo, Christmas in July and San Elijo State Beach Spooktacular.

Companies that have already donated to programs organized by Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches include Adventure 16, Curves for Women, Hansen’s Surf Shop, Koko Beach Restaurant, Norte Mexican Food & Cocktail, Patagonia, South Carlsbad Campstore, Surf Ride Surf Shops and Wave Hog Surfboards.

“We are so thankful to the many local businesses that have already stepped forward to provide support to this association,” said Andy Gillum, a volunteer board member of the new 501(c)(3) non-profit. “We encourage other businesses and local citizens to participate as we forge the mission for this organization and organize new special events. We want to ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate and enjoy the biological diversity and recreational opportunities that Carlsbad and Cardiff have to offer.”

EDITORS: PHOTOS AVAILABLE.  Please email billmahoney@aol.com