Jean H. Watt’s legacy includes creating multiple non-profits, saving natural lands, and protecting our coasts from overdevelopment and pollution. From saving pets to serving on the City Council and creating a housing trust—Jean united voices and votes. On Saturday, October 14 family, friends, and fans will convene to celebrate her service oriented life.
Author Archives: Melanie Schlotterbeck
Posted inCommunity Opinion
Schlotterbeck: Housing and Conservation Can Co-Exist and a New Tool Makes it More Possible
SoCal Greenprint offers assistance in planning for the region’s future by creating an online mapping tool available for the public, planners, landowners, developers, and non-profits. The tool makes accessible publicly available information in a single comprehensive database.
Posted inCommunity Opinion
Schlotterbeck: Conservation Community is Ready to Achieve the 30×30 Campaign Goals
Through a partnership between Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks and Hills For Everyone, a mapping effort to document conservation opportunities in/around Orange County to benefit the statewide 30×30 effort resulted in a coalition letter and 18 maps supported by 31 non-profits and community groups.
Posted inCommunity Opinion
Schlotterbeck: Friends Saved OC Harbors, Beaches and Parks
The non-profit Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks, formed twenty years ago this week in the wake of the 1994 bankruptcy, have provided a model of how active residents and citizens can engage with agencies like OC Parks on mission and funding, ultimately improving regional quality of life by protecting important natural community assets. This coming Saturday, October 14th from 5:30 – 8:30 PM, readers can join supporters celebrating at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center in Newport Beach.
Posted inCommunity Opinion
Schlotterbeck: Conservation Victories Come in All Forms— Including From Transportation Agencies
On June 20, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks (FHBP) and the Orange County Transportation Agency celebrate the dedication of 1,300 acres of permanently preserved lands. Melanie Schlotterbeck writes that it’s a culmination, noting that activist leaders took the long view in 2000 in creating the Green Vision Map that highlighted lands in Orange County that needed to be protected along with a leadership role by partnering with the OCTA to conserve lands through Measure M2, the county half-cent sales tax.
Posted inCommunity Opinion, Countywide, Transportation
Schlotterbeck: Understanding How to Love Our Parks Without Destroying Them
Orange County is home to an outstanding open space and regional park system. Here’s background information and handy tips that can help keep these treasured lands in top notch shape for all to enjoy.
Posted inCommunity Opinion, Transportation
Schlotterbeck: Making Parks a Priority
Recent park study focuses on urban parks in Garden Grove, Stanton and Westminster. Recommendations to improve the barriers that prevent access and use are included.
Posted inCommunity Opinion, Countywide, Health & Wellness
Schlotterbeck: Earth Day Reminds Us Keeping Our Planet Healthy Starts at Home
It’s Earth Day. Time to celebrate our planet and continue to think of ways to protect our environment. Every action matters.
