Your favorite eco site and ours, Treehugger.com, recently spread their arms around Propaganda HQ’s main man Vipe Desai during their profile on project BLUE. And as the exclusive online dealer for all project BLUE merchandise, our name and product shots were all over the place. Read the full article here.
Swell stormed the beach at Poche this morning, fearlessly risking bacteria and staph infections to bring peace to a toxic San Clemente shore. As a thank you to the fine people of Poche Beach for allowing us to conduct a photo shoot on their compound, 12 Swell army members volunteered in a clean-up effort that resulted in 12 bags of trash, a vintage Obi Wan collectible, a pink dolphin and 3 condoms. Click here to view all the action at our Flickr page.
June 20 has been officially declared the International Go Surfing Day by your friends at Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine. As the world’s premier online surf apparel shop, naturally will be taking the day off. Freaking figures 6/20 happens to fall on a Saturday. Click here to see how folks at your home break will be celebrating:
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ front man Flea is scheduled to host an important night of art, music and film to benefit Surfers Healing Autisim. The exhibition titled “The Environmentally Stupid” will feature works from Quiksilver’s contemporary artists Dana Louise Kirkpatrick and Isaiah Paskowitz, photographers Michael Muller and David Scharff, and filmmakers Pat R. Notaro III and Alejandro DeMetrius. The event will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2008 from 8pm - 11pm at Quiksilver’s siteLA, located at 2252 Sunset Blvd.
Several weeks ago we had mentioned that Surfrider had just moved their global headquarters to our hood in San Clemente. (Excuse us, Rancho San Clemente.) They were nice enough to invite us to their open house where we dined on chocolate chip cookies and Stone Brewery’s IPA. As impressive as the spread was, we noticed that throughout their digs small signs were posted that explained the enviro-conscious construction of the building’s design and materials. As you might guess, every square inch was given painstaking attention to ensure that it held up to their high, high, high standards. We asked Olaf Lohr, Surfrider’s membership manager, if he could send us the full details on the build-out. Needless to say, our crappy recycling bins and energy saving light bulbs are pathetic to what they have done. Thanks for ruining our day Olaf! We’ll be thinking of you before we jump out the window. (And no, they’re not the fancy energy efficient, temperature controlled ones like you have.) Go to the jump to view more pictures and read the complete build-out specs.
Your favorite grassroots organization and ours, the Surfrider Foundation, will be moving their global headquarters just around the corner from us at 942 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92672. Did you know that since its inception in 1984, Surfrider has grown to over 50,000 members with 60 chapters nation wide, and is responsible for the second largest Clean Water Act suit in American history? But that’s just a blip on their radar screen of monumental accomplishments. If you haven’t already become a member of one of the most important non-profit environmental groups of our time, take a moment to check out our exclusive Surfrider Foundation membership packages. It just may save your life one day.
The wheels that turn the project BLUE machine are gaining greater momentum each day, especially now with the relaunch of their website, betruetoblue.com. Better, stronger, faster, BLUE round two features extensive coverage of Surfrider events and victories, ways to get involved in and around your community, in-depth product images and descriptions, and wouldn’t you know it; fast links to buy all your BLUE gear right here on Swell. Did you know that we’re the exclusive online dealer here in the US? We are, and we’re beyond stoked to play such a huge role in the success of this tremendous cause.
While we’re all about giving ’til it hurts, we still want to get the most bang for our buck. (Enter Spitzer joke here.) Which is why we feel it’s our duty to point out what a bargain our Surfrider Membership package is. For a mere $25 you’ll receive an exclusive t-shirt featuring a sublimated photo by the legendary Ron Stoner, a year’s subscription to Surfrider’s Making Waves Magazine, and a decal for you car. Pick this up anywhere else and you’ll be paying $100. True story.
Okay, so Paul Watson, captain of the anti-whaling boat, Steve Irwin, (yes, the Crocodile Hunter) wasn’t exactly shot in the heart, but he could have been if he hadn’t been wearing a Kevlar vest. According to a report recently published on SeaShepherd.com, Captain Watson and his crew came under fire while confronting the Japanese whaling vessel, Nisshin Maru, within the waters of the Australian Territorial Zone near Antarctica. The shot was fired by a presently unknown gunman as Japanese Coast Guard members hurled flash bang grenades onto the deck of Steve Irwin.
Jack’s Surfboards in Huntington Beach has partnered with San Diego County Crime Stoppers and the San Diego Police to increase the reward for information leading to an arrest in the Dane William’s homicide to $10,000. On January 26, 2008, the 23-year-old employee of Hurley International attended the Action Sport Retailers’ convention at the San Diego Convention Center. Dane was last seen at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Saturday morning leaving a local bar. His body was found three days later in a residential alley near 5200 Landis Street in San Diego. The cause of his death has still been undetermined. Anyone with information on his death is asked to call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-TIPS.
We’d heard about this video several weeks ago, but didn’t get a chance to view it until one of our very loyal fans sent it our way. (Gracias T.A.) We want to be adamant that this clip in no way represents the opinion of Swell.com. Nor are we posting it in an effort to persuade your vote. However, there’s no denying this is a powerful presentation. With that said, should you come across anything similar in support of the other candidates, please pass it on.
If you’ve noticed the air around Carlsbad has been easier to breathe lately, you can thank Taylor Knox. Homeboy recently had the crew at Grease Not Gas convert the diesel engine on his 2008 F250 to one that runs completely on vegetable oil. At a price of around $3,700, Taylor’s new 37-gallon tank can make a run up to Maverick’s and back with a little juice left over. As well, filling up has also gone from a hassle to pure pleasure, as local breakie hot spot Hill Street Cafe in Oceanside lets him chow down on home fries while the day’s grease is transfered to his ride, for free.
Lost Clothing showed us some major love today when they posted photos of our epic art mural at last week’s Save Trestles rally. And with tomorrow being V.D. we want to give some love to our girl Theresa LaVelle who’s art was the focus of this fracas. Besos!
Our on-the-spot reporter Elsa Gomes-Wingett braved life and limb to bring us compelling images from the front lines of the California Coastal Commission’s hearing on Toll Road Extension 241. Here, we can clearly see that even the beautiful people took time out to show their support for saving Trestles and San Onofre State Beach. Ultimately, the extension would be vetoed by a vote of 8 to 2.
An estimated 3,500 people attended the hearing, including bus loads of students, industry supporters, and concerned citizens. All attendees who registered at the Surfrider Foundation tent were provide tickets for a free lunch. Incredibly, after the last of the thousands of lunch boxes were passed out, remaining individuals were given $10 to purchase food from nearby vendors.
As anticipated, all walks of like came to show their support.
The decision was a major setback for the Transportation Corridor Agencies, which has spent years and tens of millions of dollars preparing to construct the 16-mile tollway as an alternative to Interstate 5.
“I am very dissappointed because there was a number of things that did not match up with the testimony given,” said Tom Margro, the chief executive officer for the toll road agency in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. He expects the authority will take some time to examine the vote and to determine what it means to the future of the project. He also added that it is likely the commission’s decision will be appealed to the federal government.
A huge thanks to everyone who turned out for the monumental occasion. We have tons of video footage and photos to post throughout the next few days. For now, check out this clip of the California Coastal Commission shooting down the toll road extension by a vote of 8 to 2.
We’re putting out this invite to everyone: Join us tomorrow at the Save Trestles rally in Del Mar. This is a huge, all-day event. We’ll be there at 9am until the vote is rendered that evening. You can’t miss us –we’ll be hosting a tailgate BBQ where two renowned artists will be painting murals on our company van. Passerbyers are more than welcome to add their own art or message on the van as well. For a full rundown of the day’s events, click here.
The Coastal Commission hearing that could decide the fate of the Toll Road will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego. The address is 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Take the I-5 to Del Mar and exit Via De La Valle. We need everyone to attend this crucial hearing. Save San Onofre will be handing out t-shirts, signs, stickers and lunch on a first-come, first-served basis.
The race to Save Trestles is approaching a dark end. On Wednesday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a letter in support of the proposed 241 toll road extension, just two weeks before a critical vote by the California Coastal Commission to determine if extension violates the California Coastal Act. A staff report prepared by the CCC concludes that it does.
We urging everyone to take just a few SECONDS to add their name to Surfrider Foundation’s petition.
The annual Ocean Film Festival gets underway in San Francisco, February 1 -3. Now in its fifth year, the festival’s current focus concerns political and environmental issues threatening the sea’s life and lively hood. The image above is from “Sliding Liberia”, a documentary about the war torn and poverty stricken African region, and its children’s attempts to rebuild its future.
After two long days of dramatic negotiations, the environmental activist “hostages” aboard the Japanese whaling vessel have been handed over to Australian officials. Something fishy was definitely going on. CNN has more.
As support for project BLUE continues to gain momentum, so do the designs and technically-advanced materials featured in their exclusive apparel and accessories line. There’s been a ton of interest in O’Neill’s latest offerings (their Jethro tee is shown above), as well as Billabong’s boardshorts which are made entirely of recycled materials including PET bottles. Click here to see what’s new for guys and girls BLUE.
project BLUE has just unveiled plans for a short-film initiative, and is asking the public to provide their VIEW on the global message.
While we’re all are looking to make the most of our lives, the endless amount of options can turn the decision process into a heavy burden. Which is why we were stoked to discover Volunteer Match, an easy-to-use online database and resource guide to finding amazing volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood and around the world. Check out the real-time US map that pinpoints disaster relief needs as they’re happening. You can also navigate by interests and age groups, which is ideal for students who are looking to give back during the upcoming winter break.
A co-founder of Greenpeace and Greenpeace International, the creator of the Sea Shepard Conservation Society, the former director of the Sierra Club, and the current commander of both the Canadian-registered research and patrol ships The Farley Mowat and the Sirenian, Captain Paul Watson sits down with E Magazine.com to discuss his fears and hopes for the planet, as well as his distrust for corporate environmentalism.
He’s known to be a regular at Sydney’s best breaks, he’s leading the fight against global warming, and he wants to immediately pull troops out of Iraq. He is Kevin Rudd, Australia’s newly elected Prime Minister, and he’s about to make a lot of people in Washington very angry. CNN has more.
What has four doors, fuel cells, solar panels, and a plug-in electric system? Hopefully, the vehicles we’ll all be driving in next few years. Volkswagon unveiled their “space up! Blue” concept car this past weekend in Los Angeles, further proving that Gov. Ahnold’s plans for “hydrogen highways” aren’t merely science fiction. Dwell.com has more.
With the hundreds of fan letters and emails we sift through everyday, there are a handful of questions that are constantly repeated. “Why are you so rad” and “Who gets to walk the models and clean-up their cages” are the most popular, as well as, “What do you do with the clothes and gear that are returned?” (more…)
This is arguably one of the most compelling stories we’ve heard in some time. Earlier this week Dave Rastovich led an international group of celebrities, surfers and activists in a paddle-out peace mission in the waters off Osaka, Japan, to honor the lives of the 25,000 dolphins and pilot whales killed each year by local fisherman. However, the demonstration quickly derailed when the group encountered 30 captured pilot whales that were facing immediate termination. In blood filled water, the activists faced off with fishermen who wilded wooden poles and propeller blades in an attempt to avert the group from stopping the slaughter. TransWorld Surf has full details.
As our Halloween treat to you, we’ve found quite possibly the scariest video you’ll ever see. Don’t run away, don’t cover your eyes; for seeing is believing. The truth is out there.
Earlier this morning, Al Gore, along with the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in dispersing knowledge regarding the connection between human activities and global warming. Along with bragging rights, Gore and Co. will share $1.5 M in prize money, a commemorative gold medal, and a diploma. (Check out MTV’s article for the full story.)
Pardon us, but for an award as major as this the parting gifts seem a little run of the mill. The cash is chump change for Gore, (who will most likely give it Leonardo DiCaprio to ensure his next documentary appears in more than 5 theaters) and we can only imagine the how long the marathon rock-paper-scissors game will take to decide who gets to bring medal home.
For next year however, we strongly recommend including the following items in the kitty. Super cool and super fun, they’re sure to put a competitive fire in bellies of all the contestants.
