AMTV/SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Feb 17 – On Wednesday, February 8, the California Coastal Commission approved 56 Whale Tail Grant applications totaling more than $2 million to non-profit organizations, community groups, and schools for projects and programs that provide educational experiences focused on coastal protection, public access, and environmental justice.
“Once again, the range of proposals funded by the Whale Tail grants reminds us of how important the coast is to all Californians, regardless of race, zip code, age, orientation, or ability,” said Coastal Commission Chair Donne Brownsey. “This funding opens doors, expands horizons, and inspires life choices.”
Whale Tail Grants are supported by drivers who purchase Whale Tail License Plates, as well as California Taxpayers who “Check the Coast” at tax time with contributions to the Protect Our Coast and Ocean Fund. Over the past 20 years the Commission has awarded an average of $350,000 annually across approximately 20 grants, primarily for projects that provide opportunities for inland, rural, and historically excluded communities to experience and learn about the coast and ocean and develop leadership, stewardship, and science-based skills.
In 2021the Legislature appropriated an additional $10 million for the Whale Tail Grant Program, to be expended over five years. This is the second grant cycle since the new allocation, and is much higher than the average annual allocation. After several months of extensive public outreach, and guidance on how to apply for the grants, Commission staff received 149 applications. Many were first-time applicants, with innovative proposals engaging communities historically excluded from coastal education opportunities. The additional funding enabled the Commission to distribute $2,089,226.
Some of first-time applications included funding for environmental education and coastal experiences for tribal youth and families, low-income LGBTQ+ adults, and youth from inland communities such as Riverside, Chualar, and San Joaquin County.
“These funds allow a whole new generation of Californians to fall in love with the coast and we hope will help them evolve into coastal stewards,” said Chair Brownsey. “We want to thank everyone who has purchased a Whale Tail License Plate for making this program possible.”
On February 9, 2023, the Commission unanimously approved the following 56 competitive grants totaling $2,089,226 to the following organizations for these specified projects, roughly organized from south to north:
1. BIPOC Support Foundation, $43,359
Project Title: Explore Outdoors: From Your Neighborhood to the Coast
Engaging Communities in: Valencia Park in San Diego
Project Timeline: May 2023 – August 2024
A three-week summer program will engage BIPOC youth in earth and ocean sciences, climate change, sustainability, environmental justice, and the intersections of these topics with their city and local ecosystems. During the program, youth will enjoy six field trips, explore science careers, and learn about environmental programs at local colleges and universities.
2. Paddle for Peace, $19,600
Project Title: Diversity in our Coastal Spaces
Engaging Communities in: City Heights, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley,
National City and South East San Diego
Project Timeline: March 2023 – March 2024
Ten beach events will welcome BIPOC youth and families to learn outdoor skills like surfing and beach volleyball, create relationships with mentors, increase knowledge of ocean conservation, and enjoy community at the coast.
3. San Diego Children and Nature, $26,750
Project Title: Promoting Coastal Health by Engaging Teachers in Watershed Exploration
Engaging Communities in: Coastal south San Diego
Project Timeline: March 2023 – June 2024
Formal educators will increase their environmental literacy and outdoor teaching techniques through a ten-month program where they will visit six local ecosystems and focus on science practices that inspire engaged learning, curiosity, and wonder.
4. Ocean Discovery Institute, $50,000
Project Title: Exploring the Kelp Forest and the Rocky Intertidal
Engaging Communities in: City Heights in San Diego
Project Timeline: March 2023 – March 2024
First and third grade classes in 11 schools will learn about the rocky seashore and kelp forests through a classroom lesson, a visit to the Ocean Discovery Institute’s Living Lab, and a field trip to the coast, as they investigate human impacts and solutions and meet science role models.
5. Outside the Lens, $50,000
Project Title: Cameras in the Outdoor Classroom
Engaging Communities in: City Heights and Barrio Logan in San Diego
Project Timeline: March 2023 – January 2025
Twelve third and fourth grade classes will engage in a 12-week environmentally-focused media arts integration program to understand how their local watershed connects to the ocean. They will share their learning through creating public service announcements and participating in in-person and virtual exhibitions of their work.
6. ‘ataaxum Pomwkaan/Community Action Service Advocacy, $33,635
Project Title: Returning to Our Homelands Project
Engaging Communities in: Northern San Diego County reservations
Project Timeline: March 2023 – January 2025
Native youth and their families will be engaged in reclaiming their homelands through habitat restoration projects in partnership with Buena Vista Audubon Society. Youth will take part in coursework on climate change and wetlands, including Indigenous culture and history, and four stewardship field trips.
7. Vista Community Clinic, $50,000
Project Title: REACH Youth Coastal and Marine Education
Engaging Communities in: Vista and Oceanside
Project Timeline: April 2023 – October 2024
Middle and high school youth will take part in a yearlong afterschool program on coastal and marine conservation, with direct instruction, stewardship activities, fun and educational field trips, whale watching, fishing, and a two-night camping trip to Tijuana River Valley.
8. Amigos de Bolsa Chica, $20,000
Project Title: Reserve Watch
Engaging Communities in: Huntington Beach and visitors
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2024
A partnership of Amigos de Bolsa Chica, Bolsa Chica Land Trust, Bolsa Chica Conservancy, Sea & Sage Audubon, and California Department of Fish & Wildlife will recruit, train, and mobilize docents at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve during peak visitor times, seven days a week, to educate the public and protect wildlife. Handouts will be translated into Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese.
9. El Modena High School, $19,572
Project Title: Ecological Research Student Funding
Engaging Communities in: City of Orange
Project Timeline: April 2023 – June 2024
High school students will learn about local wetland plant communities, conduct habitat restoration, and participate in scientific research while completing a California Naturalist certification.
10. Riverside Community College District Foundation, $50,000
Project Title: “C” to Shining Sea
Engaging Communities in: Moreno Valley
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2025
As part of the TRIO Programs (e.g. Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services), middle school through college level students will learn about marine and coastal stewardship, engage in related service learning projects, learn about career pathways, and take field trips to the coast.
11. Wildwoods/Community Partners, $38,516
Project Title: City and the Sea
Engaging Communities in: Pico-Union and downtown Los Angeles
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2025
Environmental education and ocean stewardship experiences that focus on watersheds, water science, and the impact of urban actions on the coast will engage children and their families. Three cycles of this three-part program will include a local garden component, a community walk, and a coastal exploration field trip to Leo Carillo State Beach, with all materials in both Spanish and English.
12. Outward Bound Adventures, $46,000
Project Title: Coastal Conservation, Education, & Restoration Project for BIPOC Families
Engaging Communities in: Watts, Northwest Pasadena
Project Timeline: April 2023 – April 2025
Sixteen families will take part in “Teach Me to Camp” overnight camping adventures at Leo Carrilo State Beach. Activities will include exploring tide pools, family goal setting, and assisting in a restoration project at Topanga Lagoon.
13. Children’s Lifesaving Foundation, $50,000
Project Title: Coastal Eco-Mariners Surf Camp
Engaging Communities in: South and East Los Angeles, Mar Vista, Palms, Culver City, Boyle Heights, Pacoima
Project Timeline: March 2023 – September 2023
A summer camp will engage youth in fun, eco-marine education activities, art projects, guided surf therapy, boogie-boarding, and swimming at Zuma and Leo Carillo Beaches.
14. Bresee Foundation, $38,642
Project Title: A Whale of a Time at Bresee
Engaging Communities in: Central Los Angeles
Project Timeline: March 2023 – June 2024
Middle and high school youth, parents, and senior citizens will take part in educational activities about the ocean and ocean pollution, including sustainable seafood cooking classes, an ocean-themed book club, field trips to local aquariums and kayaking in the Channel Islands, as part of a summer day camp and school year programming.
15. Friends of Ballona Wetlands, $30,754
Project Title: Title 1 Schools Explore Ballona! Project
Engaging Communities in: Los Angeles County
Project Timeline: June 2023 – August 2024
Elementary students will experience hands-on field trips to the Ballona Wetlands, with pre- and post-trip in-class lessons supporting teachers with grade-specific California science standards.
16. DiverSeaFy, $30,000
Project Title: DiverSeaFying the Underwater World
Engaging Communities in: Los Angeles County
Project Timeline: March 2023 – November 2024
BIPOC teens will receive training to achieve PADI Open Water Scuba and PADI AWARE Ocean Conservation certifications. They will conduct three cleanup dives with DiverSeaFy alumni, and enjoy two days of diving at Catalina Island.
17. Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority, $50,000
Project Title: Beach Equity & Accessibility for Community Health Leadership Program
Engaging Communities in: Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2025
BIPOC community organization leaders will meet at the beach to discuss and explore barriers to equitable beach access and inform MRCA action toward solutions. Participating organizations will be supported to bring their own groups to the beach for a day, with amenities and activities provided for a fun, positive experience.
18. Queer Surf/Green Cities Fund, $50,000
Project Title: Project ACCESS (Acknowledging Certain Costs Essential for Sustained Surfing)
Engaging Communities in: Los Angeles and Ventura County
Project Timeline: April 2023 – February 2023
Low income LGBTQ+ adults will have increased access to surfing through single day and overnight programming, while fostering sustained ocean belonging, connection, and relationships.
19. Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, $47,675
Project Title: Traveling Tataveaveat (TATAVIAM LAND): Áhëvëve mëmët (ON THE OCEAN SHORE)
Engaging Communities in: San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Simi, and Antelope Valleys
Project Timeline: April 2023 – April 2025
Native American youth will be introduced to traditional Fernandeño Tataviam villages, cultural, and natural sites, and make contemporary connections to historical sites. Youth will gain leadership skills and knowledge of local conservation efforts through aquarium visits, camping, hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreation including a visit to Catalina Island.
20. City of Oxnard, $49,989
Project Title: City Corps Ormond Beach Enhancement, Education, and Cleanup Program
Engaging Communities in: Oxnard
Project Timeline: June 2023 – March 2025
Oxnard City Corps trainees will receive education about Ormond Beach habitat and perform habitat protection and conservation work; youth in after-school programs will engage in service learning on Ormand Beach; and local residents will participate in community service learning days, removing invasive plants and trash, and planting native seeds.
21. California Institute of Environmental Studies, $49,300
Project Title: Ecosystem restoration focused service-learning field trips to Channel Islands National Park for Santa Paula High School Students
Engaging Communities in: Santa Paula
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2025
Santa Paula High School students will visit Channel Islands National Park for service learning at active restoration sites. Eight day-long trips and two overnight trips will take place over the course of the grant.
22. Ventura Audubon Society, $45,232
Project Title: Ventura County Shorebird Ambassadors
Engaging Communities in: Oxford, Port Hueneme, Ventura County
Project Timeline: March 2023 – December 2024
Two BIPOC college students will receive paid internships and career relevant mentorships as they assist in communication and education on dune ecology and habits. Beach Naturalist training workshops will educate community volunteers who will then protect shorebirds and educate beachgoers. Two community stewardship events and two bilingual nature walks will engage the local public. Volunteer Dog Rangers will be recruited to help dog owners understand how they can protect shorebirds.
23. Reel Guppy Outdoors, $20,000
Project Title: Oceans of Opportunity
Engaging Communities in: Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties
Project Timeline: March 2023 – December 2024
Four cohorts of youth and their families will take part in ten experiential activities and field trips including sustainable fishing and rod building, beach cleanups, multi-media creation, port tours, and a boat trip to Santa Cruz Island.
24. Sea League/Wilderness Youth Project, $45,740
Project Title: The Sea League
Engaging Communities in: South Santa Barbara County
Project Timeline: March 2023 – August 2023
Elementary and middle school-aged, majority BIPOC youth will practice surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling in a three-month afterschool ocean sports program. They’ll explore tide pools, perform beach cleanups, and join their families on kayaking and snorkeling trips in Channel Islands National Park.
25. Wilderness Youth Project Incorporated, $49,566
Project Title: Bridge to Nature
Engaging Communities in: Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2025
Elementary youth will experience in-school and afterschool nature-based mentoring programs, visiting local places including tide pools, beaches, and mesas, for activities including journaling, sensory awareness games, child-centered wandering, and focused nature inquiry.
26. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, $50,000
Project Title: Explore the Coast Program
Engaging Communities in: Guadalupe and Santa Maria
Project Timeline: May 2023 – May 2024
Sixth graders will receive 12 in-class lessons and four coastal field trips to learn about ecosystem functions, science careers, and how human actions both positive and negative can impact the environment. Field trips will be to local estuaries, Santa Cruz Island, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
27. Northern Chumash Tribal Council, $45,238
Project Title: Curriculum Development with TEK and Scientific Research Ocean Monitoring
Engaging Communities in: Central Coast inland to Bakersfield
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2025
A certification course on the skills needed for monitoring the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary for adaptive management and mitigation of impacts of new energy sources, centered in traditional ecological knowledge and western scientific research, will be designed and piloted.
28. SLO Beaver Brigade/Ecologistics, $41,480
Project Title: Beaver Education in SLO County
Engaging Communities in: San Luis Obispo County
Project Timeline: March 2023 – March 2025
Twice-monthly experiential tours to beaver wetlands, including Spanish language and wheelchair accessible tours; monthly river and creek cleanups; new educational interpretive panels and a mural; and Spanish-translated educational materials will engage and educate the local community about the environmental and climate benefits of beavers and the connection of local waterways to the ocean.
29. Chualar Union Elementary School, $49,998
Project Title: Chualar Coastal Conservation: It Starts with Us!
Engaging Communities in: Chualar
Project Timeline: June 2023 – March 2025
A part-time science teacher will lead ocean conservation lessons with students, host bilingual coastal conservation community events, and implement community cleanups in Chualar and on the coast. Fifth and seventh grade students will attend a three-day residential outdoor science class, including trips to Elkhorn Slough.
30. Salinas Surf Club/Wahine Project, $3,687
Project Title: Salinas Youth Riding Waves with Whales
Engaging Communities in: East Salinas
Project Timeline: June 2023 – December 2023
Youth surf club members will learn about whales and the National Marine Sanctuary through hands-on activities and on a whale watch tour, and they will create personal fishing line recycling containers.
31. Bird School Project, $19,990
Project Title: Birding with Families on the Elkhorn Slough/Pajareando con Familias en el Humedal Elkhorn
Engaging Communities in: Watsonville and Salinas
Project Timeline: April 2023 – November 2024
Ten field trips to explore Elkhorn Slough on an electric catamaran, and four community birding events will take place in Watsonville and Salinas. Participants will learn about migratory coastal birds and the importance of Monterey Bay in the Pacific Flyway migration route during these bilingual programs.
32. Monterey Audubon Society, $19,800
Project Title: Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Project Latinx Internship
Engaging Communities in: Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove
Project Timeline: March 2023 – September 2023
An undergraduate student from CSU Monterey Bay will take part in a mentored, paid internship to assist with Black Oystercatcher monitoring and public education.
33. Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, $44,805
Project Title: Watershed to the Sea Experiential Education & Stewardship
Engaging Communities in: South Monterey County
Project Timeline: April 2023 – June 2024
Middle and high school classes will participate in educational programming on watersheds and sandy beaches, including classroom lessons, field trips, data collection and analysis, and conservation action projects. Teachers will receive professional development training.
34. San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, $48,598
Project Title: Voyagers: Investigating Sierras, Trails, and Seas
Engaging Communities in: Madera and Fresno Counties
Project Timeline: March 2023 – December 2024
High school youth will explore and learn about the San Joaquin River watershed, including connections between river and marine ecosystems, through two campouts, a week of summer day camp, a service-learning project on invasive plants, and a capstone project presentation and exhibition.
35. Coastal Watershed Council, $50,000
Project Title: San Lorenzo River Environmental Stewardship Program
Engaging Communities in: Santa Cruz
Project Timeline: April 2023 – December 2023
People experiencing homelessness will be offered weekly environmental education, stewardship opportunities, and services. Training emphasizes plant and wildlife identification, basic stewardship principles related to habitat, and training on plant care and seasonal needs. Work includes removal of debris/litter and invasive species, planting of new native species, weeding, watering, and other site maintenance activities along the San Lorenzo River.
36. Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful, $20,000
Project Title: Coyote Creek Environmental Education Project
Engaging Communities in: East San Jose
Project Timeline: April 2023 – July 2024
K-12 students will participate in experiential after-school programming in environmental topics including flood preparedness, urban runoff, watershed health, and trash decomposition.
37. Marshmallow Minds, $37,750
Project Title: Safe Birds, Safe Waters
Engaging Communities in: Santa Clara County
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2025
Elementary and middle school students will learn about coding and design thinking as part of a project on bird ecology, and will take a field trip to help restore San Francisco Bay shoreline habitat.
38. Climate Resilient Communities, $47,840
Project Title: Bay to Sea Youth Educational Program for Underrepresented Frontline Communities
Engaging Communities in: North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven, and East Palo Alto
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2025
As part of a six-month Youth Climate Collective, high school students and young adults will learn about sea level rise, flood zones, and pollution; participate in ten field trips to coastal, watershed, and wetland locations guided by professionals in
the field; take part in 12 environmental career workshops; participate in a career fair; and organize two beach cleanups for friends and family.
39. Literacy for Environmental Justice, $49,872
Project Title: Coast & Climate Eco-Adventures Program
Engaging Communities in: Bayview-Hunters Point in San Francisco
Project Timeline: April 2023 – August 2024
Middle and high school students will receive six hands-on field lessons and six in-class lessons on local coastal ecology, sea level rise, and coastal climate adaptation strategies, and enjoy San Francisco Bay kayaking and fishing outings.
40. Stockton Unified Native American Indian Center, $39,959
Project Title: Fleming Summer Learning
Engaging Communities in: Stockton
Project Timeline: June 2023 – July 2023
Native American youth will take part in a four-week summer learning program about local waterways and their connection to the ocean with a focus on environmental justice and Native American communities, including weekly field trips in the Delta and on the coast and guest lectures from government, community organizations, and higher learning institutions.
41. San Joaquin County Office of Education, $47,988
Project Title: Salmon Champions
Engaging Communities in: San Joaquin County
Project Timeline: April 2023 – March 2025
Elementary and middle school classes will learn about and raise salmon and release them at Mokelumne River Hatchery. Teachers and high school student leaders will participate in professional development activities, plan and lead educational programming at the salmon release event, and take part in a green career fair.
42. Golden Gate Audubon, $49,800
Project Title: Eco-Education
Engaging Communities in: San Francisco, Oakland, and Richmond
Project Timeline: June 2023 – May 2024
Four class sessions and three field trips will connect classrooms to local coastal ecosystems and human impacts to the environment as they travel from creek to marsh to ocean, with families included in the final ocean field trip.
43. Friends of Sausal Creek, $38,000
Project Title: From Headwaters to Ocean: Sausal Creek Watershed Connections
Engaging Communities in: Fruitvale District in Oakland
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2025
Through experiential classes, field trips, and restoration activities, Oakland youth will study the Sausal Creek Watershed, Oakland Estuary, and Pacific Ocean ecology; understand water quality and storm drain pollution links; identify creek and marine flora and fauna; and deepen their commitment to environmental stewardship. The wider community will engage in habitat restoration workdays and in walks with local community experts and artists.
44. California Invasive Plant Council, $41,613
Project Title: Shoreline Invasive Plant Professional Development Program
Engaging Communities in: Oakland, East Bay
Project Timeline: March 2023 – December 2023
A partnership with Oakland Civicorps will provide one year of in-depth shoreline ecology education, hands-on restoration experience, and professional development training for early-career professionals in the conservation and restoration field.
45. Earth Team, $20,000
Project Title: Blue Oceans Internship
Engaging Communities in: Antioch, Pinole, Richmond
Project Timeline: May 2023 – June 2024
High school interns will work with members of their campus communities to develop awareness campaigns of land-based ocean pollution and elicit changes in stewardship behaviors through multiple communication and engagement efforts. They will conduct related environmental investigations off campus, including through several field days and kayaking expeditions.
46. Environmental Traveling Companions, $50,000
Project Title: ETC Youth LEAD
Engaging Communities in: SF Bay Area
Project Timeline: April 2023 – March 2024
Sliding-scale scholarships will fund teens to participate in watershed education and stewardship which includes five-day sea kayaking, five-day backpacking,
and three-day rafting, with an opportunity for a follow-up eight-month internship. Curricular materials will be updated with a focus on coastal and watershed climate change impacts.
47. California State University Maritime Academy, $13,333
Project Title: Junior Ocean Explorer Program
Engaging Communities in: Vallejo
Project Timeline: March 2023 – April 2024
Vallejo fifth graders and their families will connect with Maritime Academy cadets through classroom lessons on estuary ecology, a campus visit, and a cruise on the Carquinez Strait to collect data and plankton samples.
48. United Anglers of Casa Grande, $50,000
Project Title: Tissue Sampling: Permit Management of a Rescue and Rear Program for Native Steelhead Trout
Engaging Communities in: Sonoma County, Petaluma Watershed
Project Timeline: March 2023 – March 2025
High school students will collect juvenile trout stranded from drought conditions, perform measurements and take samples, relocate them to the Casa Grande High School hatchery, and release them when freshwater flows allow. Tissue samples will be sent to NOAA Fisheries for the first-ever genetic analysis of Petaluma Steelhead trout as part of this NOAA-permitted project.
49. Sacramento Inspiring Connections Outdoors/Sierra Club Foundation, $16,000
Project Title: Three Day Adventures at the Coast for Sacramento Youths
Engaging Communities in: Sacramento
Project Timeline: April 2023 – March 2025
Youth and young adults will experience the coast for the first time on three-day outings at a coastal hostel, while learning about and enjoying coastal habitats.
50. Naked Whale Research, $17,425
Project Title: Crest to Coast
Engaging Communities in: Greenville, Plumas County
Project Timeline: March 2023 – May 2023
Greenville high school students will visit Mendocino County on a four-day trip to learn about marine science and marine mammal conservation and to participate in whale research. At home, they will produce videos comparing marine mammal recovery to that of a top mountain predator after a catastrophic fire event.
51. Mattole Restoration Council, $49,336
Project Title: Lost Coast Climate Resilience and Community Education Program
Engaging Communities in: Rural southern Humboldt County
Project Timeline: April 2023 – April 2025
Mixed-grade classes will receive age-appropriate climate and stewardship lessons as part of 12 classroom presentations, six coastal field trips, and four after-school program days. The community will be welcomed to family friendly hikes, beach cleanups, stewardship workdays, and an innovative Climate Change Emotions workshop. Scholarships will be offered to Indigenous and low-income Cal Poly students for the Mattole Field Institute Spring Field Course.
52. Northcoast Environmental Center, $16,624
Project Title: Bike Justice Humboldt
Engaging Communities in: Arcata, Eureka, McKinleyville
Project Timeline: March 2023 – March 2024
At least six bike tours along Humboldt Bay and the coast will engage students and other community members with a lens on environmental justice and increasing bicycle commuting, and provide education on basic bike maintenance, route finding, and civic engagement. At least four of the tours will be co-hosted with other local community groups and tailored to their specific interests.
53. Natural History Museum of Cal Poly Humboldt / Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation, $49,787
Project Title: Ocean and Climate Education and Exploration (OCEE)
Engaging Communities in: Humboldt County
Project Timeline: March 2023 – May 2024
The Museum will create and install two new exhibits relating to climate change science, expand on existing exhibits with additional climate information, and build a new marine science teaching box to be loaned to local teachers and used at outreach events.
54. Friends of the Dunes, $15,000
Project Title: Summer Sand Adventures
Engaging Communities in: Humboldt County
Project Timeline: March 2023 – December 2023
Summer camp programming and camper scholarships will be supported to engage Humboldt youth in multi-day inquiry-based exploration of coastal dunes and wetlands.
55. Resources for Indian Student Education, $12,022
Project Title: Native Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Engaging Communities in: Greenville in Plumas County, Alturas-Fort Bidwell in Modoc County
Project Timeline: March 2023 – September 2023
Native youth will experience the ocean for the first time on a five-day field trip to Mendocino County, including kayaking and hands-on stewardship at the Pda Hua village site near Point Arena.
56. Big Lagoon Elementary, $28,951
Project Title: Big Lagoon Coastal Camp
Engaging Communities in: Northern Humboldt and Southern Del Norte Counties
Project Timeline: March 2023 – July 2023
Indigenous youth will enjoy an immersive three-day coastal camp where they will use Yurok canoes, hike to Sue-meg State Park for interpretive presentations, and explore Yurok connection to the coast through learning indigenous skills, guided explorations of the beach, and camping at Big Lagoon.
全美电视4月29日特拉维夫报道，以色列官员越来越担心，国际刑事法庭（ICC）可能很快就会对以色列总理内塔尼亚胡（Benjamin Netanyahu）和其他高级官员发出逮捕令，指控与加沙战争有关。 据《纽约时报》援引以色列和外国官员的话说，国际刑事法庭可能会指控以色列政府高级官员在哈马斯10月7日袭击之后采取的极端军事行动，以及阻止向加沙地带运送人道主义援助物资。 该报报道称，国际刑事法庭发出的任何搜查令“可能在世界上大部分地区被视为一种令人羞辱的道德谴责”，报道援引一名官员的说法称，最近几周，这些搜查令的可能性已被纳入以色列的决策之中。 据报道，这些搜查令可能会给以色列官员带来旅行障碍，也可能会对哈马斯领导人发出攻击。 据路透社报道，以色列外长卡茨（Israel Katz）4月28日表示，“我们预计法院不会对以色列高级政治和安全官员发出逮捕令。” 卡茨报道说:“我们不会低头，也不会被吓倒，并将继续战斗，”卡茨警告以色列大使馆在“严重反犹主义浪潮”的风险上加强安全。 此前，内塔尼亚胡4月26日在社交媒体X上写道：“尽管国际刑事法庭不会影响以色列的行动，但它将开创一个危险的先例，威胁着所有对抗野蛮恐怖主义和肆意侵略的民主国家的士兵和官员。” 内塔尼亚胡称：“在我的领导下，以色列永远不会接受国际刑事法院试图破坏其固有的自卫权利。” “占领中东唯一民主国家和世界上唯一犹太国家的士兵和官员的威胁令人难以置信。我们不会向它鞠躬。” 据路透社报道，国际刑事法庭首席检察官卡里姆·汗（Karim Khan）去年10月表示，国际刑事法庭对以色列在加沙地带可能犯下的战争罪有管辖权。 据报道，以色列不是国际刑事法庭成员，也不承认其管辖权，但巴勒斯坦领土在2015年获得了成员身份。 国际刑事法庭在其网站上表示，“在有必要的情况下调查并审判被指控为国际社会最严重罪行的个人：种族灭绝、战争罪行、反人类罪和侵略罪。”
全美电视4月27日华盛顿报道，共和党人、美国参议院少数党领袖麦康奈尔（Mitch McConnell）声称，他坚持他在2021年1月6日对国会大厦的袭击后发表的评论，称包括特朗普（Donald Trump）在内的前总统“不能免于刑事诉讼”。 美国最高法院目前正在考虑对前总统特朗普是否有权享有广泛的联邦起诉豁免权，该裁决将对决定特朗普2020年大选审判的命运至关重要。 麦康奈尔今天在哥伦比亚广播公司（CBS）的一栏节目中在谈到是否仍然认为前总统特朗普不能完全免于起诉的问题中回答说，正如他在2021年初支持前总统特朗普的骚乱者冲进国会大厦一个多月后时所说的那样，特朗普不能免于起诉。麦康奈尔的此番言论明显与大多数共和党人的政治立场背道而驰，也再次公开与特朗普撕破脸面。 麦康奈尔声称：“这么说吧。我在2021年2月13日解决了这个问题，”“…2021年1月6日。我坚持我当时所说的一切。显然，这将取决于最高法院来决定我是否正确。” 三年前，虽然麦康奈尔在1月6日国会大厦袭击案的弹劾审判中最终投票判特朗普无罪，其解释的部分原因是特朗普“还没有逃脱任何惩罚”，仍然可能被法院追究责任。 麦康奈尔在2021年2月13日说：“我们国家有刑事司法系统。我们有民事诉讼，而前总统也不能免于任何一方的问责。” 在最高法院审理的“特朗普诉美国”一案中，争论的焦点是这位前总统是否会因在白宫期间的官方行为而面临刑事指控。这场争端是由特别检察官史密斯（Jack Smith）发起的联邦起诉引起的，是大法官们本届任期内面临的第二起纠纷，将对特朗普的政治前途产生重大影响。但是最高法院可能还需要几个月的时间才能做出裁决。 麦康奈尔还声称，他仍然支持特朗普竞选总统，他解释说，他一直坚持支持共和党总统候选人。 现年82岁高龄的麦康奈尔表示，他将于今年11月辞去参议院领导职务，尽管他的任期要到2027年才结束。这意味着，当麦康奈尔完成剩余任期时，特朗普可能会在白宫任职。 麦康奈尔还驳斥了事实核查或影响特朗普的想法，因为这位假定的共和党候选人在俄罗斯和乌克兰问题上散布了错误的信息。 麦康奈尔说：“在总统选举中，我不会给我们的候选人任何建议。“我关注的是把参议院变成共和党占多数。” 上周，经过多次谈判和绝望，美国参议院通过了一项950亿美元的援助乌克兰、以色列和台湾的法案。麦康奈尔在法案通过后立即与乌克兰总统泽伦斯基（Volodymyr…
全美电视4月28日华盛顿报道，4月27日周六，在华盛顿特区希尔顿酒店举行的年度白宫记者晚宴（WHCD）上，美国总统拜登（Biden）在记者、名人和政界人士面前遭遇了大选年的前所未有的抨击，晚宴外的激烈抗议活动也要谴责拜登处理以色列袭击加沙地区的战争方式。 拜登的车队从白宫前往华盛顿希尔顿酒店的路线与往年不同，试图避开抗议示威人群。 拜登在活动现场的近3000人面前发表演讲之时，场外数百名抗议者在会场外集会反对以色列袭击加沙，人们担心加沙的冲突和人道主义危机及种族灭绝罪行，以及报道冲突的记者面临的生命危险。 拜登的讲话持续了大约10分钟，没有提及正在进行的战争或加沙地带日益严重的人道主义危机，对巴以冲突只字不提。 场外身穿巴勒斯坦传统长袍的抗议者高喊道：“你们真可耻!”他们追赶着那些穿着无尾礼服和西装的男人，以及那些匆匆走过拿着手包的身着长裙参加晚宴的浓妆艳抹女人。 抗议者指责美国记者掩盖战争真相，歪曲事实。人群一度高呼：@西方媒体，我们看到了你们，看到了你们隐藏的所有恐怖。”还有一些抗议者躺在人行道上不动，旁边是印有“新闻”标志的防弹衣模型。 抗议示威者们高呼“解放，解放巴勒斯坦”。当华盛顿希尔顿酒店内的某个人从酒店顶楼的窗户里展开一面巴勒斯坦国旗时，他们欢呼起来。这是几十年来白宫举行晚宴的地方。 美国大学对拜登政府支持以色列在加沙持续了六个月的军事攻势的批评，已经在各校园里蔓延开来，学生们安营扎寨，要求大学与以色列断绝关系。而反抗议者们则支持以色列的进攻，并抱怨以色列的反犹太主义，美国社会分裂日趋严重。 抗议活动组织者说，他们希望引起人们对自10月战争开始以来被以色列军队杀害的大量巴勒斯坦和其他阿拉伯记者的关注。 上周，20多名加沙记者致信华盛顿，信中写道“呼吁他们的同事一起抵制晚宴，“仅仅是履行我们的新闻职责，我们所付出的代价是惊人的，我们受到以色列军方的拘留、审讯和酷刑，这一切都是因为新闻诚信的‘罪行’。” 此前，保护记者委员会（CPJ）4月26日公布的一份初步调查结果显示，已有近100名记者在报道加沙战争时被打死。以色列为自己的行动进行了辩护，辩称其目标是激进分子。 总部设在美国的巴勒斯坦倡导组织“阿达拉正义项目”(AJP）的执行主任桑德拉·塔马里（Sandra Tamari）说，“媒体与拜登总统一起吃饭、一起笑，而他却纵容以色列对加沙的巴勒斯坦人进行破坏和饥饿，这是可耻的。”
全美电视4月28日北京报道，中国国家移民管理局今天发布公告，为服务促进高水平对外开放，进一步便利内地人员出入境，国家移民管理局决定自2024年5月6日起实施若干便民利企出入境管理政策措施。 一、在北京等20个城市试点实行换发补发出入境证件“全程网办”。北京、天津、沈阳、哈尔滨、上海、南京、杭州、宁波、合肥、厦门、济南、青岛、郑州、广州、深圳、珠海、重庆、成都、昆明、西安20个城市16周岁以上户籍居民（国家工作人员和现役军人除外）申请换发补发普通护照、往来港澳通行证、往来台湾通行证，可以通过国家移民管理局政务服务平台网上提交申请，实现“一次都不跑”。户籍地公安机关出入境管理机构对符合申请条件、申请材料齐全且符合法定要求的，在7个工作日内审批并签发证件。 二、赴港澳商务签注实行“智能速办”“全国通办”。内地居民申办赴香港、澳门商务签注，可以在全国任一公安机关出入境管理窗口提交申请，申办多次商务签注的，可以使用智能签注设备，实现“立等可取”。 三、北京、上海六类人才可以申办赴港澳人才签注。将赴港澳人才签注政策由粤港澳大湾区内地城市扩大至北京、上海。在北京、上海工作的杰出人才、科研人才、文教人才、卫健人才、法律人才以及管理人才等六类人才，可以凭有关人才证明，单独或者同时申请办理有效期1至5年不等的多次赴香港和赴澳门人才签注，每次在香港或者澳门停留不超过30天。 四、持赴港澳商务签注人员在港澳停留期限由7天延长至14天。持赴港澳商务签注的内地居民，每次在香港或者澳门的停留时间，由现行不超过7天延长至不超过14天。 五、签发赴澳门1年多次“其他”类签注。内地居民赴澳门参展、就医或从事演艺等活动的，可以凭有关证明文件，在全国任一公安机关出入境管理窗口申办1年多次“其他”类签注。其中赴澳门就医的，允许有1至2名陪护人员申办同类型签注。 六、参加“琴澳旅游团”人员可以多次往返琴澳。参加“琴澳旅游团”的内地居民，可以凭参团材料，在全国任一公安机关出入境管理窗口申办标注“琴澳旅游”的团队旅游签注。参团人员入境澳门后，7日内可以“团进团出”方式经横琴口岸多次往返横琴与澳门。
全美电视4月27日报道，美国电影大亨哈维·韦恩斯坦（Harvey Weinstein） 在纽约上诉法院4月25日裁定他2020年的强奸罪名无效后，在返回纽约市时入院就医。 韦恩斯坦的律师阿瑟·艾达拉（Arthur L. Aidala）在4月26周六晚的在一份声明中表示，纽约市惩教署“认定韦恩斯坦需要立即就医。目前正在对哈维进行各种检查，他正在接受观察。” 纽约市惩教署发言人弗兰克·德怀尔（Frank Dwyer）表示，韦恩斯坦目前仍被关押在纽约曼哈顿的贝尔维尤医院。州惩教和社区监督部门发言人托马斯·梅利（Thomas Mailey）表示，根据上诉裁决，韦恩斯坦被移交给纽约市惩教部门。 4月25日周四，纽约上诉法院驳回对韦恩斯坦的定罪。纽约上诉法院以4比3的裁决撤销了对韦恩斯坦23年监禁的判决，并下令对他进行重审，称初审法官错误地让3名女性就不属于指控的指控作证，而且如果韦恩斯坦作证，允许对他的“不良行为”历史提出质疑。 该上诉裁决发布后，韦恩斯坦从纽约州北部的监狱转移到了纽约市。曼哈顿地区检察官办公室表示，韦恩斯坦定于周三下午在曼哈顿法庭出庭，这是他被推翻定罪后的首次听证会。 地区检察官办公室表示，打算重新审理此案。检察官将根据同一份起诉书进行审理，但不包括4年前他被判无罪的指控。 地方检察官办公室4月26日周五在一份声明中表示：“我们将竭尽全力重审此案，并坚定不移地履行对性侵犯幸存者的承诺。” 2013年，韦恩斯坦被判强行对一名电视和电影制作助理进行口交，并因袭击一名有抱负的演员而被判三级强奸罪。对韦恩斯坦的重审将取决于证人决定是否要再次出庭作证。目前在押的韦恩斯坦在加州的一起类似案件中还被判有罪。 一名因性侵犯而被判入狱的韦恩斯坦女子4月26日周五表示，她正在考虑是否愿意在任何重审中出庭作证。…
全美电视4月27日帕萨迪纳报道，对于不少来美华人，房地产交易是许多人一生中最重要的财务交易之一。然而，正因为其巨大的经济利益，房地产市场也成为了欺诈活动的温床。欺诈是指故意隐瞒或歪曲特定事实，以影响他人采取损害其利益的行动。房地产欺诈是指通过与房地产业务有关的不道德活动进行盗窃。 加州的司法系统包括防止房地产欺诈的法律。政府目前已制定多项法律，以保护无辜的房地产投资者。为了保护民众免受这些不当行为的影响，南加州知名审判出庭律师郑博仁(Paul P. Cheng）总结介绍了以下不同类型的常见骗局，以及民众应如何防范。 加州对房地产欺诈的法律定义 郑博仁律师指出，房地产欺诈不仅仅是一种定义简单的犯罪。它包括加州不同法律所禁止的各种行为。在涉及各种类型的房地产欺诈案件中，检察官使用的主要法规是《刑法典》第 487 条，即州法律中针对重大盗窃罪的规定。这一规则之所以适用，是因为房地产欺诈涉及通过伪装进行盗窃。要将房地产欺诈定性为重大盗窃，当事人必须诈骗他人价值超过 950 美元的财产。在房地产行业，这一门槛很容易达到。 大多数房地产欺诈案件并不完全符合巧取豪夺罪的法律范畴。因此，检方会使用其他法规或将 PC 487 与其他专门法规相结合。这些法规包括：《民法典》第 890…