Laguna Bluebelt Leader Voted Cox Conserves Hero

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Laguna Beach resident Jinger Wallace was awarded the California 2019 Cox Conserves Hero, Supervisor Lisa Bartlet reported. The Laguna Bluebelt environmental leader was awarded $10,000 toward her community based non-profit, dedicated toward protecting local marine wildlife and restoring coastal "hope spot" habitats.

Wallace awaits news if she won the next stage of the national Cox Conserves campaign, which would earn her charity an additional $50,000.

The Laguna Bluebelt marine restoration charity aims for a zero liquid runoff to the ocean in the Aliso Creek area. After observing children playing in the polluted pond water at the beach, Wallace sought to do something about it. The Laguna Bluebelt non-profit seeks out partnerships with surrounding water districts, county and city agencies to address the source of the problem – inland urban runoff. Through her efforts and collaboration with my office, new signage at Aliso Beach now warns the public of the pollution dangers of urban runoff in the creek.

In the summer of 2019, Wallace also worked with inland cities and Moulton Niguel Water District to reduce the flow of dry weather urban runoff in Aliso Creek by 50 percent.

Winning the national award would send Laguna Bluebelt into another tier of non-profit work, she says. "We would be able to expand our projects beyond the Aliso Watershed, and help other communities do the same thing," Wallace said.

Due to the Laguna Bluebelt's work, the Aliso Beach Sand Berm now remains in place for longer periods of time to provide greater public access and safeguard public health from urban runoff. Jinger encourages local residents to become a “Berm Buddies” and speak up in support of protecting the Aliso Beach Sand Berm.

"Walace's dedication to a healthy ocean has won the support and accolades of many, as she was also recognized by the OC Register as one of Orange County’s 100 Most Influential People in 2018," according to Supervisor Lisa Bartlet. "Her ongoing community events raising public awareness include the Annual Laguna Bluebelt Photo Contest organized by Jinger’s dynamic team."

Now in its 10th year, the contest engages talented photographers to capture the beauty and vitality of the ocean. The contest boasts over 500 entries and gives generous prizes from local businesses.

Other education events include the Laguna Art Museum’s “Art & Nature” Family Day, KelpFest at Main Beach, and presentations to regional government ocean water quality agencies.