Laguna Bluebelt and San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Center recognized at OC Coastkeeper’s annual ‘Toast of the Coast’ event.
Orange County Coastkeeper recently recognized significant contributions to marine conservation during its annual fundraising gala, Toast of the Coast, held at the Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach. The event celebrated individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving the local shoreline and promoting sustainable practices in Orange County.
Among the honorees were Michael Beanan and Jinger Wallace, co-founders of the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition, who received the Outstanding Activist Award. Their nearly two-decade-long commitment to advocating for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has played a vital role in the recovery of marine environments along California’s coast. Since co-founding the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition in 2008, Beanan and Wallace have actively engaged the community to foster a deeper sense of stewardship for marine life, garnering widespread support for MPAs. Notably, within the first decade following the establishment of California’s MPAs in 2012, significant advancements in marine biodiversity were observed.
Tim Marshall and Denise Haunert-Marshall were honored with the Business Leadership in Water Award for their commitment to sustainable stormwater management at the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Center. Sarah Spinuzzi, Coastkeeper’s legal director, highlighted the center’s efforts in promoting environmentally friendly practices, which contribute to the region’s water quality and conservation goals.
OC Coastkeeper, headquartered in Costa Mesa, serves as a nonprofit organization focused on protecting and restoring water ecosystems, encompassing both fresh and saltwater habitats. The organization’s initiatives aim to address pressing environmental challenges, including urban runoff and the ecological health of local watersheds.
The Laguna Bluebelt coalition is particularly renowned for its annual photo contest, which aims to illustrate the beauty of the local MPAs while simultaneously documenting the success of coastal protection efforts. This initiative not only showcases stunning imagery but also educates the public about the importance of preserving these critical habitats. Ray Hiemstra, Coastkeeper’s associate director of policy and projects, underscored the positive impact of this campaign in raising awareness about marine life and conservation efforts.
Historically, Coastkeeper has recognized the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition with various awards, including the My Hero Project award in 2017 and again this year, highlighting the coalition’s educational initiatives aimed at watershed protection.
As the event concluded, Coastkeeper expressed optimism that the recognition awarded to Beanan, Wallace, and other honorees would further amplify the dialogue around marine conservation and inspire continued efforts to enhance the health of Orange County’s marine environment. Through collaborative initiatives and community engagement, the organization remains resolute in its mission to ensure clean and safe waters for present and future generations.
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