Blue Water Ball Celebrates Channelkeeper’s 25th Anniversary

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper (SBCK) celebrated its 25th anniversary at its annual Blue Water Ball fundraiser, held March 14 at the Cabrillo Pavilion in Santa Barbara.

SB Channelkeeper, formerly the Environmental Defense Center (1999), is an independent conservation organization that describes itself as a “science-based environmental advocacy, education, fieldwork, community engagement, and enforcement” organization dedicated to protecting the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds. Its mission is centered on clean water, healthy habitats, and thriving communities through programs focused on water quality monitoring, pollution prevention, education, and environmental advocacy.

Ted Morton, executive director of SB Channelkeeper, explains, “For 25 years, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper has served as a vigilant defender of our coast. The commitment of our staff, volunteers, partners, and community members who believe in the importance of a healthy and resilient ocean and coastline has led to significant achievements for clean water and the environment.”

The evening began with a reception for guests, board members, and staff. Emcee Geoff Green announced that Keynote Speaker Jane Lubchenco, PhD, was unable to attend and that Assemblymember Gregg Hart would appear in her stead, prompting some disappointment among attendees.

The event also featured a silent auction of art and raffle prizes, with live music performed by Tony Ybarra.

I first met with Mia Lopez, representing the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation, who introduced me to Indigenous artist John Khus. One of Khus’s oil paintings, titled Like Water, was included in the event’s auction, which featured works by 14 local artists centered on the theme of water. After catching up, I photographed them.

From there, I met with Communications Director Laura Sanchez to photograph Morton alongside SB Channelkeeper Board President Jeff Phillips, Tim Robinson, and Mike Brown. I also connected with Event Chair and SBCK Board Vice President Kathy Rogers, who shared, “We are constantly facing new challenges to the health of our ocean and its watersheds. We hope to secure the resources needed to address these threats and protect the critical marine ecosystems that are deeply connected to our lives and our future.” Rogers’ event committee included Mimi deGruy, Kim Bluitt, Nancy Kogevinas, and Sarah Preston.

Attendees included Randall T. Moon, Sarah Sikich, José Castro-Sotomayor, Alex Katz, Diane Evans, Tom Farr, Tara Brown, David Phillips, Steve Gaines, Peggy Lubchenco, Robert Warner, Isabel Downs, Will Shafroth, Peter Schuyler, and Lisa Stratton; SBCK Founding Board Member Mike Brown; former SBCK Board President Mike Wondolowski; Holly Sherwin; SBCK Board Member Ben Bhutani Goedert, Leslie Bhutani, and her daughter Lane; and Terry Kleid with partner Mike Cutcliff.

Throughout the evening, video screens displayed images highlighting SB Channelkeeper’s program work.

Lopez opened the formal program with a Chumash blessing centered on the theme of “when we all spoke the same language,” singing in her native language and offering an English translation. Hart followed with remarks on ocean health, legislation surrounding offshore drilling, and the upcoming California Ocean Summit.

Morton concluded the program, saying, “Environmental challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. Channelkeeper strives to connect people to possibility. Pollution, climate change, habitat loss, offshore drilling – these are complex issues. When we unite with purpose and persistence, we create progress, especially in a community so committed to protecting the ocean and coast. Thank you for your generous support. It strengthens our ability to connect people with nature, science with action, and ideas with policy – for a better future.”

The SBCK Honorary Committee included Michael Brown and Laura Malakoff, Laura Capps, Jon Clark, Nancy Even and Joel Ohlgren, Steven Gaines and Peggy Lubchenco, Nels and Katharine Gerhardt, Terry Kleid, Morgan Maassen, Mercedes Millington and Susan Torrey, Gail Osherenko and Oran Young, Lakey Peterson, Julie Ringler and Richard Powell, Tim and Talli Robinson, Judy Stapelmann, Rebecca Vega Thurber, Mike and Diane Wondolowski, and Holly, Lanny, and Alec Sherwin.

Green led the auction and paddle raise. The event raised approximately $190,000, surpassing its $180,000 goal. SB Channelkeeper extended thanks to event sponsors including the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation, Montecito Bank & Trust, Open Water, Santa Barbara Adventure Company, Wild & Free Film Festival, and individual supporters.  

411: www.sbck.org