![\"Marilyn](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ALJ-L-MAYOR-COL-0301-1A.jpg\")
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda. (photo courtesy of Maurice Ramirez \u2014 BANG archives)\u00a0<\/p>\nDon\u2019t miss the stunning photographic exhibit \u201cOcean Photographer of the Year\u201d that opened recently in Hangar 41 at Alameda Point.<\/p>\n
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda. (photo courtesy of Maurice Ramirez \u2014 BANG archives)\u00a0<\/p>\n
Described as \u201ca historic World War II airplane hangar \u2026 transformed into an immersive gallery of the world\u2019s most extraordinary ocean photography,\u201d the photographs will be on display through May 17 (visit westendartsdistrict.org<\/a>\u00a0online for tickets and more details).<\/p>\n The exhibit\u2019s opening night featured a \u201cfireside chat\u201d with Dr. Kate Huckelbridge, the California Coastal Commission\u2019s executive director, and Rachel Kyte, the U.K. special representative for climate, both of whom discussed the important collaboration between California and the United Kingdom to achieve global climate goals. Huckelbridge also highlighted the California Coastal Commission\u2019s vital role in preserving this state\u2019s public coast and beaches for the past 50 years.<\/p>\n The commission\u2019s creation began when a group of activists, alarmed by events \u2014 including PG&E\u2019s attempts to build a nuclear power plant on California\u2019s coast, the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and numerous efforts to privatize the coast \u2014 placed Proposition 20, a statewide voter initiative, on the November 1972 ballot (famed photographer Ansel Adams was among that initiative\u2019s supporters).<\/p>\n Proposition 20 declared that \u201cthe California coastline is a distinct and valuable resource, and it is state policy to preserve, protect and, where possible, restore the natural and scenic resources of the coastal zone for present and succeeding generations.\u201d California voters approved Prop. 20, which established the state\u2019s Coastal Conservation Commission (now the California Coastal Commission) to provide landmark protection for California\u2019s coast and preserve public access to the shore.<\/p>\n In 1976, continued public advocacy led the state Legislature to pass the California Coastal Conservation Act (the Coastal Act), which provides a legal framework for coastal resource management. The Coastal Commission\u2019s website (coastal.ca.gov<\/a>) declares that \u201cThe enduring legacy of the Coastal Act is evidenced in the coastal wetlands not filled, the sensitive habitats not destroyed, the access trails not blocked, the farms and ranches not converted to urban uses, the freeways and gated communities and industrial facilities not built.\u201d<\/p>\n The website further notes that \u201cPublic engagement has been central to all the Coastal Commission\u2019s greatest achievements. Time and again, ordinary citizens have stepped forward to save a beloved beach or protect a stretch of coastline from harmful development proposals.\u201d We are all the beneficiaries of the Coastal Commission\u2019s 50-year legacy.<\/p>\n Alameda is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who conduct monthly coastal cleanups at Alameda Point to protect our island city\u2019s shoreline and beaches. You can Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) and other organizations from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month at the Seaplane Lagoon Promenade at 1801 Ferry Point. The next coastal cleanup is planned for May 9. Visit casa-alameda.org<\/a> online for more details.<\/p>\n Apply for city panels: Other opportunities for public engagement include serving on one of the city of Alameda\u2019s commissions or boards. Openings are on the Recreation & Parks or Transportation commissions and on the Historic Advisory, Social Services Human Relations or Planning boards. For further information or to submit an application online, visit alamedaca.gov and select the \u201cYour Government\u201d tab.)<\/p>\n Hope over fear: We are living through trying times, to say the least. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that there are always things, big and small, that we can do to make the world (or our corner of it) a better place.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a quote that inspires me, from one of our nation\u2019s most impressive first ladies, Eleanor Roosevelt: \u201cSurely, in the light of history, it is more intelligent to hope rather than to fear, to try rather than not to try. For one thing we know beyond all doubt: Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, \u2018It can\u2019t be done.\u2019\u2009\u201d<\/p>\n Be engaged! Choose hope! Stay \u201cAlameda Strong!\u201d<\/p>\n