Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education

Gearing up for a good year . . .
Thursday, 31 January 2008

Hello, fellow ocean lovers!

It's hard to top all of last month's exciting news, 
but good things are in the making, we assure you.

January is a planning month for us as we gear up for the
rest of the year.... 

In the meantime, we'd like to bring a couple of things
to your attention.

 ---

The fifth annual San Francisco Ocean Film Festival is
taking place this coming weekend, February 1st-3rd at
the Cowell Theater at Fort Mason.  

With more than four dozen films of varying lengths 
covering a variety oceanic interests, there is something 
for everyone at this festival!  For more information 
and to check out the program, visit http://oceanfilmfest.org/ 

 ---

As you may already be aware, COARE has been working with
other conservation groups to support the most effective
and sensible proposal for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) 
along California's North Central Coast.  Now it's *your*
turn to get involved in the California Marine Life 
Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative!

Public workshops on the topic of the MLPA North Central
Coast Project will occur next Monday through Wednesday 
(February 4th-6th, 2008), and we invite and encourage
you to participate in one or more of these gatherings.

The public workshops are an excellent opportunity to
learn more about the process and how it will affect us, 
to voice your opinion, and to show support for your 
favorite proposals.

Each day's meeting is scheduled to take place
from 6:00pm-9:00pm as follows:

(Monday, 04 February 2008)
  Sheraton Sonoma County
  745 Baywood Drive
  Petaluma CA  94954                   

(Tuesday, 05 February 2008)
  Gualala Arts Center
  46501 Gualala Road
  Gualala CA  95455                    
 
(Wednesday, 06 February 2008)
  Best Western Lighthouse Hotel
  105 Rockaway Beach Avenue
  Pacifica CA  94044

Pick one that's close to you, and show your love!
For more information about these meetings, or to
download a copy of the agenda, visit 
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/meetings.asp#public

 ---


We hope that the New Year is treating you well so far,
and that you're sticking to your resolutions.... at
least to the ones that count.  =)

Wishing you happy and healthy oceans,
 - Your friends at COARE

==========================

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