Port of San Diego Presents First Anchors of Excellence Awards
Contact: Josh Kellems, 619.642.1153, jkellems@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego honors two local nonprofits with the first ever Anchors of Excellence Awards. At each monthly meeting, the Board of Port Commissioners will dedicate time to celebrate and recognize community partners that make a positive impact in communities around San Diego Bay. Port Chair Danielle Moore presented the first awards at the January 14 Board meeting to Youth Climate Advisors and Clean Coast Collaborative. Both organizations are recognized for their work raising awareness about the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis, an issue for which the Port has declared a local emergency.
“The Port of San Diego is proud to highlight the positive impacts made by local community members, businesses, and nonprofit organizations like Youth Climate Advisors and Clean Coast Collaborative,” said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “As a leader in community engagement, public participation, and open government, we will continue to acknowledge the incredible work being done throughout our member cities. Congratulations to Youth Climate Advisors and Clean Coast Collaborative. Your efforts raising awareness and searching for solutions to the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis are a perfect example of the exemplary work being done in our communities.”
Youth Climate Advisors is a youth led organization, in partnership with the Airborne Institute, that promotes mutual learning between an interdisciplinary group of scientists and youth who are directly impacted by the ongoing climate crisis in the Imperial Beach Border Region. Youth Climate Advisors work closely with the Airborne Institute to better understand the harmful impact climate change has on the air we breathe to develop solutions to improve indoor and outdoor air quality for the South Bay.
“At its best, public health research centers the voices, needs, and priorities of the public. The students who participate in the Youth Climate Advisors project are a vital part of the environmental and public health research that UCSD is conducting in the Tijuana River Valley and Imperial Beach region,” said Rebecca Fielding-Miller, Director, Youth Climate Advisors. “Their insights improve the direction, focus, and impact of the research. We are honored to have the opportunity to work with these emerging scientists and advocates and believe that the Youth Climate Advisors project will serve as a model for responsive, high impact, university-community partnerships across the region, state, and country.”
The Clean Coast Collaborative is a youth led and founded organization that empowers young people to combat water pollution in the South Bay through community action, education, and advocacy for cleaner, healthier coastlines. Through their advocacy for clean and safe water systems and beaches, they prioritize collaborating with other young community members and organizations to develop youth-driven solutions.
“This award is a testament to what’s possible when young people rise to confront environmental challenges head-on, said Luis Galvan of Clean Coast Collaborative. “It’s a call to action for all of us to fight for a future where no child has to choose between their health and where they live.”
Nominations for future Anchors of Excellence awards are welcome by anyone for any individual, business, or nonprofit that does great work in the region. Nominations will be reviewed by an internal Port selection committee. Port staff will review all submitted nominations, taking into consideration the following:
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Alignment with Port values: Accountability, Courage, Inclusiveness, Fairness, Fun, Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, and Transparency.
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Geographic diversity to ensure representation from all five Port member cities: Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego.
For more information or to submit a nomination, please click here.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.