Central OC Times

LAGUNA BEACH (June 5, 2024) – On Saturday, Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) will celebrate World Oceans Day at KelpFest. The festival, hosted by the Laguna Ocean Foundation, honors Laguna Beach’s coastal shoreline and kelp resources. It is a family-friendly event aimed at raising awareness about ocean conservation and starts at 10 a.m. at Main Beach in Laguna Beach.

“I am looking forward to participating in KelpFest and opening the day with some exciting news about my legislative efforts to name the State’s first seashell,” said Assemblymember Dixon.

In addition to discussing the State Seashell initiative, Assemblymember Dixon will provide updates on her legislative efforts to combat ocean pollution. Earlier this year, she established the San Gabriel River Working Group to find solutions and funding to prevent trash from littering Seal Beach and the Pacific Ocean. She is also collaborating with The Ocean Clean Up, an international non-profit dedicated to removing plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch using innovative technology called The Interceptor, which targets plastic waste in rivers before it reaches the ocean. According to The Ocean Clean Up, rivers are the primary source of plastic pollution entering the ocean.

“I am proud to represent a large part of the coastline in Southern California, and it is imperative we find solutions to clean the ocean for future generations,” said Assemblymember Dixon. “Recognizing World Oceans Day on June 8 is an excellent way to encourage Californians to take action to protect our valuable natural resources.”

On Monday, June 10, Assemblymember Dixon will present Assembly Concurrent Resolution 182 on the Assembly Floor. This resolution commits the State Legislature to keeping coastlines clean and eliminating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The presentation can be livestreamed here Monday afternoon: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/schedules-publications/todays-events

To further emphasize reducing ocean pollution, Assemblymember Dixon will start a working group focused on addressing the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Constituents interested in joining these efforts can contact her District Office at 949-798-7221 or via email at Assemblymember.Dixon@assembly.ca.gov.