BCR continued its recent successful projects which help CLEAN, GREEN, EDUCATE, ADVOCATE & BEAUTIFY the watershed areas of Ballona Creek. To celebrate our achievements and to fund our future projects we are showcasing highlights from over the last year or so below.
We are especially proud of our nearly 10 year strong partnership with Culver City High School, BCR Club, the backbone of all of the cleanup events. The club membership also offers students exposure to local environmental issues and elevates the next generation of engaged environmentalists. We give an annual scholarship to a Culver City High student who has demonstrated goals of leadership in Environmental action and education.
Highlights of BCR’s recent and continuing projects include:
- Partnering with The Ocean Cleanup and collaborating with LA County in placing the first trash collector in North America called “007 The Interceptor” at the mouth of Ballona Creek. The Interceptor has already cleared 180+ tons of trash in just 2 years.
- On September 20th, we celebrated the opening of a new Stoner Avenue Elementary School Native California garden, in which 9,000 sf of asphalt was replaced with more than 10,000 sf of native plantings and permeable surfaces. There will also be a second 6,000 sf garden/turf removal project coming in the next year or so! A heartfelt thanks to Landscape Architect Ryan Drnek for leading the design efforts on these two proejcts1
- This year, BCR will have hosted 7 cleanups along the creek: 4 public, 2 private and one with the Del Rey Neighborhood Council. Our Annual Coastal Cleanup Day with Heal The Bay and City of Culver City pulled in 520 lbs of trash and recyclables with 140 volunteers! Leave no Trace and Parks Project were special guest hosts.
- BCR is working with the Culver City council to push for stronger legislation and implementation of The 4B’s (bans): disposable Balloons, all single use plastic Bags, plastic single use beverage Bottles and cigarette Butt sales within the city. We are grateful for Craig Cadwalladers impressive knowledge of all local and state bans to aid in our efforts.
- We continue to diligently track the progress of a commercial development at 5000 Beethoven, at the confluence of Centinela Channel and Ballona Creek. This was originally proposed as a 5 story apartment building right on the creek! We are seeking a special investor to acquire and preserve this almost 3 acre parcel that would wonderfully serve as a nature preserve or location for special school visits and birding space.
As part of our fall fundraiser would you please:
You can also become a sponsor of our cleanups? Sponsorship opportunities start at the Water level of $500 for the year; an Earth sponsorship is $250 for 6 months. They will include your logo and website link on our website and in our emails to 1600+ engaged subscribers. All donation levels are welcome – We are searching for our 2025 sponsors!
Fall fundraiser giveaway rules
No donation or purchase necessary. The giveaway is open to any resident of the United States 18 years old or older. You may enter by making a donation or mailing in a free entry form here. Entries limited to 5 per person. Odds of winning depend on how many entries are entered.
The prizes include: 2 $50 credits for California Grooming, a $50 credit for Village Well bookstore and an artwork from Ben Bregman valued at $245. The winners will be selected randomly and notified by email. Winners responsible for reward pick ups. Please consult your tax professional as to how much of your donation may be tax deductible. Ballona Creek Renaissance (BCR) is a non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization based in Culver City. For a full description go to this page.
Please reach out with any questions. For questions about sponsorships and the fall fundraiser please contact:
Ben Bregman, Digital design and development manager
