Motion by Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky

May 29, 2001

MOTION BY SUPERVISOR ZEV YAROSLAVSKY

Los Angeles County Beaches attract over 30 million visitors annually who come to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. As we enter into Summer 2001, we must remainmindful of our responsibility to keep our beaches safe for swimmers and surfers.

Los Angeles County continues to monitor water quality at our beaches, gathering critical data for accurate reporting of current conditions. Through combined efforts with organizations like Heal the Bay and the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project/ Bay Watershed Council, we have made progress in cleaning up our beaches, but there is more to be done. Turning "D" and "F" rated Beaches to "A's" and "B's" will require the elimination of polluted run-off onto our shores.

Governor Davis' Clean Beach Initiative proposes funding to improve beach water quality statewide. Los Angeles has indicated support for a list of priority projects for this funding, including Cabrillo Beach and Mother's Beach, and the world-famous Malibu Surfrider Beach and Lagoon, three of the most popular, yet worst rated beaches in Los Angeles County. Funding for these beaches, if received, will be used to improve water circulation and provide critical storm drain filtration and disinfection systems at these locations.

I, THEREFORE, MOVE that the Board of Supervisors send a five-signature letter to Governor Davis supporting the allocation of $45 million dollars for his Clean Beach Initiative.