Preparing for November Summerland Oil Cleanup

Heal the Ocean’s teamwork is helping to clear the way for the California State Lands Commission to start during the first week in November on well re-abandonment of two leaking wells immediately offshore Summerland Beach. At issue: Lobster season, which opened October 15, 2020, has fishermen working in the area, their lobster traps set, and when the Curtin Maritime derrick barge comes in, together with the Danny C dive vessel, the fishermen have to clear out for the approximate 2 weeks of well-capping operations (now set to start November 4, 2020).

Heal the Ocean thanks our Board member Thomas Dabney, a lobster fisherman himself (as well as an active realtor), Advisory Board member Harry Rabin, who has been working with SLC consultants InterAct, and Danny Castagnola, owner/captain of the Danny C workboat, for establishing peaceful communication with the fishermen, so the way can be cleared for well abandonment work. The SLC Public Notice for Summerland NorthStar 815 and Treadwell 10 Well Re-Abandonment went out in October, for temporary use of the Lookout Park Parking Lot and Beach Area for construction crews to set up for work. Stay tuned!

Hurry, Hurry! The Flying Whale is Leaving this Friday, October 30!

Click Image for a Film by Heather Hudson

The response to the HTO Imaginary Gala 2020 has been tremendous for the Party that Never Was and Never Will Be – but which has been so successful because of our wonderful Sponsors and Supporters. Please don’t miss this non-Event, which closes Friday, October 30, 2020! All who donate will be recognized in the Santa Barbara Independent and the Montecito Journal as our way of shouting out a public “Thank You!” Big gratitude once again, too, to Julia Louis-Dreyfus for being our Fantasy Chair!

Please visit our GoFundMe page to learn more and to support the Imaginary Gala, and please watch our short video filmed by HTO Board Member/Event Manager Heather Hudson.

We appreciate your support - thank you for joining us on this fantastical ride!

HTO’s 2020 Newsletter is out!

Cover Painting (“Sailing West”) by Thomas Van Stein

Check your mailboxes because HTO’s 2020 Newsletter is out! With a phenomenal cover by celebrated artist Thomas Van Stein, and great graphics by our own Debby Bellman of Bellman Designs, we have expanded our coverage by 4 more pages, to make room for the work we’ve been doing since our last issue.

To get your own copy(s), please e-mail Alison@healtheocean.org, and we’ll get this publication to you. To view the Newsletter online click here.

Update on Recyling Plastic Bags at Ablitt’s

Heal the Ocean recently publicized the news that the only place in town to truly recycle single use plastic bags is Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners on 14 W. Gutierrez St. in downtown Santa Barbara. The bags in grocery store bins, unfortunately, end up in the landfill. Fortunately, Ablitt’s Planet Protector Program not only recycles single-use plastic bags but also film plastics - air pillows, bubble wrap, cleaner’s bags, clean bread bags, etc. Fill out the Ablitt’s Protector Program form here, and you will be notified of the next opportunity to recycle your film plastic. You will receive an email before every event, and if you are available on that day and hour, you can sign up to take in your plastic materials!

To sign up for the Planet Protector Program to receive notifications on film plastic recycling events, please click here.

Ablitt’s has developed this method of drop-off because of COVID-19 considerations. Thank you Ablitt’s for taking on this critically necessary project, which turns this plastic waste into usable products.

Participate in Santa Barbara’s Water Vision

Heal the Ocean has been a stakeholder in Water Vision Santa Barbara – a plan that will outline the City’s proposed portfolio of water sources and its approach to sustainably manage water into the future. As a participant, we have been involved in discussions to create an equitable, resilient, environmentally-friendly water supply and management plan for Santa Barbara for the next 30 years.

Until November 17, send your thoughts to help shape Santa Barbara's Water Vision. We invite you to check out the planning process, and please share your perspective, values, and ideas with Water Vision staff. If you have questions or comments, Staff will respond.

Heal the Ocean advocates for protecting our precious potable water resources by increasing the use of recycled water. To learn more about Water Vision, and to view interactive question boards, please click here.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! PLEASE VOTE!

One of the most important Elections in U.S. history is just around the corner - Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Heal the Ocean urges you to vote if you have not done so yet!

If you plan to vote in person at your designated polling place, find your polling place here, and please wear a mask and practice social distancing while you are at the polls);
If you are mailing in your ballot (no postage necessary) via the US Postal Service, your ballot MUST be postmarked by Tuesday, November 3 for it to count in California. Be safe and please send your ballot in ASAP to ensure it is stamped on time so your vote is counted;
If you are dropping off your ballot at a secure and official County Ballot Drop Box you can find an official Ballot Drop Box here, or click here for the interactive map) of ballot box locations.

Make sure you properly fill out your ballot and that it is sealed and signed in the appropriate place on the outside of the ballot envelope.

Remember, your vote is your voice. Make sure you are heard this election and vote today!

Thank you!