Riding the Wave into 2026

Happy New Year, Santa Cruz Surfriders!

As we ring in the new year, we are taking a moment to reflect on 2025 and all the things our incredible community made possible. The impact our volunteers made last year is nothing short of amazing, and we want to share with you a highlight of our achievements.

Here are some of the wins we are most proud of in 2025:

• Ban the Butt: Capitola joins Santa Cruz in approval of banning the sale of tobacco products with plastic filters
• 878 lbs of trash removed from Santa Cruz County beaches
• 754 total volunteers supported our cause
• 235 total samples collected and tested by our Blue Water Task Force, ensuring we can safely enjoy our local beaches
• 33 events (public meetings, beach cleanups, tabling events), in which we connected with our community

We are endlessly grateful for your support. No matter how you contributed, you helped make these successes possible.

As we enter the new year, we remain focused on carrying our momentum forward through positive change and strong stewardship. Here are some of the initiatives and updates we’re pleased to share:

Our 2026 Executive Committee Members:

• Darcie Connell: Executive Committee Co-Chair/Volunteer Coordinator
• Michael Zatzke: Executive Committee Co-Chair
• Ellen Baker: Executive Committee Vice Chair
• Dina Santos: Executive Committee Secretary
• Amir Companieh: Executive Committee Treasurer
• Tico Andrea: Executive Committee BWTF Coordinator
• Mark Burriss: Executive Committee At Large Member
• Morganna Johnson: Executive Committee At Large Member/Policy Committee Co-Coordinator
• Dave Robinson: Executive Committee At Large Member

We are launching a new Educational Program led by our Science Coordinator, Michael Hasson that connects the community with science, speakers, and learning opportunities. Join us for the first of the series: Plastics & Ocean Health Presentation w/ Dr. Cowger on Wednesday, March 4th from 6:30-8:00pm at the Patagonia Outlet.

Thanks for getting this rolling, Michael!

Santa Cruz policy campaigns we’re prioritizing now:

• Stop Offshore Drilling
• Ban the Butt (county-wide ordinances)
• Balloon Ban
• Sea Level Rise

All of us here with Surfrider Santa Cruz are thankful for your continued support and collaboration. Cheers to another year together as we continue to make a positive impact for our beloved ocean!