Friends of Loma Alta Creek

ANOTHER VICTORY FOR FRIENDS OF LOMA ALTA CREEK

Friends of Loma Alta Creek (FOLAC) announce they have defeated the North County Place project on El Camino Real in Oceanside. Late yesterday afternoon, June 16th, 2009 the project was officially withdrawn by the developer and The Lightfoot Planning Group. See press release here.

Friends oppposed this project due to lack of appropriate environmental review plus the project's location in the wildlife corridor that drains into sensitive Buena Vista watershed. We defeated a concrete plant on Loma Alta Creek for similar reasons and will continue to oppose projects that negatively impact our watersheds and the environment.

NEVER DOUBT THAT A DEDICATED GROUP OF CONCERNED CITIZENS CAN MAKE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE!

LOMA ALTA CREEK SAFE FROM CONCRETE PLANT

see press release & news articles (click here)

A grassroots group of concerned citizens,

business owners & neighbors

whose mission is to rejuvenate and protect Loma Alta Creek

" We envision a vibrant, healthy and diverse watershed that actively contributes to

the fiscal well-being of the City of Oceanside and its residents' quality of life."

For years and years this little Creek was simply known as 'the industrial drainage ditch' in the City of Pollution Loma Alta Creek

Oceanside. You can see why it was characterized this way:

In late 2006, several friends and residents of Oceanside got together over breakfast and hatched the Friends of Loma Alta Creek. They had observed sensitive plants and animals struggling for survival in this damaged waterbody and believed that improved creek health will turn things around and help them to flourish.

In spite of the somewhat dismal appearance of Loma Alta Creek, over 100 species populate the Creek EgretLAC

area and use it as a wildlife corridor. Some of these include the California gnatcatcher, Cooper's hawk, red-tailed hawk, the least Bell's vireo, ducks, egrets, terns and many others.

The Creek area also contains coastal sage scrub, native marsh plants, willows, and many other native plants. (see link)

THE ENVIRONMENT & DEVELOPMENT ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE

WHY WE CARE:

A healthier Loma Alta Creek can contribute to a more diverse, sustainable environment. In the long run, the group believes this little Creek can become the centerpiece for rejuvenation of the Oceanside Boulevard and Industry Street corridor and contribute to the residents' quality of life. Many of the Friends participated in the recently adopted Oceanside Boulevard Corridor Task Force Plan to see this become a reality. (see link)

Right now this creek tells a story about poorly planned and wrongly placed development and how it contributes to the overall decline in Creek health. Pollutants are entering the Creek at various points along its course from many sources that include residential yard chemicals, pet droppings, industrial runoff, and irresponsible dumping of unwanted items.

Invasive species, bacteria and sediment fill the Creek at various locations during the year. These materials run all the way to the beach and finally enter the Pacific Ocean at very popular Buccaneer Beach. Adding to the already overwhelmed ecosystem, Buccaneer Beach is often closed

due to a high level of hazarous bacteria and pollutants.

In addition, for a number of reasons, medium to heavy rains have flooded out local businesses in the corridor, resulting in expensive business closures and clean-up costs.

This does not contribute to a positive fiscal result -- valuable tourist dollars are lost day in and day out.

In the future, the Friends hope the Creek tells a different story.

Won't you join us as we move forward to a future that benefits our Creek, City and the world?

Sign up above so we may contact you about updates and new material. Your support is essential to the restoration of Loma Alta Creek, a legacy we can leave for future generations.