Culver City Observer -

Laurie Newman—who formulated the original legislation (SB 1381) that created the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission (SMBRC) in 2002—has been named President of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation (SMBRF).

A lifetime progressive and environmental activist, Newman worked 14 years for California State Senator Sheila Kuehl in various capacities, during which time she was instrumental in the creation of the SMBRC, laying the groundwork for then-Senator Kuehl to present the legislation. As Senator Kuehl’s transportation consultant, Newman also worked hard to get the Exposition Light Rail built; she staffed the bill that created the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority in 2003.

“I’m honored and excited to elevate my involvement with the SMBRF,” states Newman. “I have been involved with the Bay Commission since 1995. I am so proud to see the growth of the organization, one that has always been about bringing stakeholders together to clean up local waters. Under the leadership of Dr. Shelley Luce, I have seen how scientific knowledge and research have been successfully used to clean up our watershed. I am excited to serve as President of the SMBRF, an organization that will continue to work collaboratively and lead the way in restoring Santa Monica Bay.”

Newman’s history of key positions with multiple community groups such as the Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women (Chair), Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council (Founding Member), National Council of Community and Justice Santa Monica Bay Area Chapter Member (Board), Santa Monica AIDS Project (Founding President), and Santa Monica Democratic Club (Board), provides the SMBRF with someone well connected across many constituencies, including the private and government sectors. The two-year position is especially important as the SMBRF prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a gala in October that will include honorees and a full program.

As science-based advocates for the Bay, which stretches from the LA-Ventura county line in the north to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the south, the SMBRF is involved in high-profile projects throughout the region. These include restoration of the Ballona Wetlands, the Malibu Lagoon, coastal kelp forests, and more.

The SMBRF also works for more sustainable fisheries; runs the Honey Pot Day program for local boaters; hosts the only kayak-based Coastal Cleanup Day event in Los Angeles; and publishes the Boater’s Guide for Southern California, the annual Urban Coast journal, and an in-depth State of the Bay report every five years.

“We’re so delighted that Laurie Newman is taking on the role of SMBRF Board President,” said Shelley Luce, Executive Director of the SMBRF. “Protecting and improving urban creeks and coastal waters is incredibly challenging – it requires strong leadership and a lot of hard work. Laurie is experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated, and she’s going to lead the SMBRF to even greater success in restoring Santa Monica Bay.”