Mendocino Vision 

Our Cities and the County are at the first stages of updating policies and processes

for managing Mendocino’s coastal zone.  As we embark on this effort, the public demands

a science based, community driven process that ensures environmental sustainability,

social equity, and practical Local Coastal Program revisions. To achieve sustainable

best-governance processes and equitably balance our needs for a healthy environment,

social justice and efficient/effective performance, these revisions must be rigorously implemented

with clear accountability in regard to coastal management agencies and stakeholders.

 

For years, consumers, small businesses and non-profit organizations have been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to installing solar systems, rain catchment and gray-water recycling, zero waste programs, cooperatives, community gardens, volunteer fire departments and emergency services, communal and co-housing, alternative education, art and music collaboratives, etc; all examples of valuing the planet’s health, social equity and personal needs in a sustainable and equitable fashion.   

 

Sadly, while often voicing support for climate action, too often government officials have been slow in practice to adapt and embrace a culture that balances planet, people and government outcomes in a sustainable fashion.  Too often what citizens see, is the spectacle of government leaders unveiling grand climate action plans, but then failing to follow thru with concerted, diligent action to accomplish the objectives of those plans.

 

That has to change. Climate change and sea level rise are rapidly reshaping our coastal areas.  The adverse impacts of climate change are exerting massive forces on people, infrastructure and the environment all along Mendocino’s coastal zone. 

 

Over the course of the multi-year Local Coastal Program update process, the Grassroots Institute will demand government agencies managing the update process be transparent to ensure maximum public awareness and that the public be fully engaged in shaping the policies and implementation that ultimately govern coastal zone management.

 

The path of science based assessment and full public engagement is not easy, but it is the only one that provides any hope for practical success.