Policy that opens doors
The Surf Justice Collective works at the intersection of coastal policy and racial equity, advocating for legislation and regulatory change that removes systemic barriers to ocean access. We don’t just talk about equity, we write it into law.
Local parks and beaches access for all
Signed into law in 2024. Requires cities and counties statewide to treat outdoor equity programs serving 30 or fewer participants as allowable public use of local parks and beaches — eliminating the costly, time-consuming permitting processes that have historically shut out equity-focused nonprofits. This law builds on AB 1150 and extends the community access framework from state parks to every local park and beach in California.
See the California Natural Resource Agency FAQ for more information.
Status
Implementation phase. SJC is convening a working group to develop guidance for local jurisdictions and monitor compliance.
What you can do
If your city or county still requires special permits for nonprofit groups working with historically excluded communities at local parks and beaches, report it to SJC. We’re tracking compliance statewide.
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State Parks Community Access
Authorizes the California Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into community access agreements with nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Tribal nations, allowing outdoor equity programs to operate within the state park system.
Status
Implementation phase. SJC is working with State Parks on pilot programs in San Diego and Santa Cruz to ensure the community access agreement framework is accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of frontline organizations.
Water Safety & Swim Lesson Vouchers
Building on the momentum from AB 1005 passage, SJC is working with several other nonprofits to develop and propose a swim voucher program across California to provide free swim lessons to children under 18 in families earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level.
Status
SJC is working hand-in-hand with several nonprofits to submit a formal implementation plan to the Governor. See Water Safety page for more detail.
Ongoing Advocacy
California Coastal Commission
SJC member organizations participate in public comment proceedings to highlight inequities in coastal access and advocate for policy changes that center historically excluded communities in coastal decision-making.
Ocean Protection Council
SJC provides input on state ocean protection policies to ensure equity considerations are embedded in resource management decisions.
California Natural Resources Agency
SJC advocates to strengthen and improve the state’s outdoor equity grant programs, ensuring funding reaches the organizations doing frontline access work.
CA Ocean Day
Ocean Day is a chance to bring our love of the ocean to the state’s Capitol in Sacramento. Coalition members convene to meet with legislators and agency leaders, building the political relationships that drive lasting policy change.
What we've won together
Real change doesn't come from words alone. It comes from showing up, organizing, and refusing to accept barriers that keep people out of the water. Here's what we've built together.
2023
Pacifica Permitting Reform
After years of advocacy by SJC members Salted Roots (then Brown Girl Surf) and City Surf Project, the California Coastal Commission unanimously approved new rules requiring equitable access for all groups offering surf instruction at Linda Mar Beach. The Commission indicated the decision could prompt statewide guidelines, calling it a model for addressing localism in beach permitting.
2024
Budget Defense — $1.6M Restored
SJC’s advocacy campaign led to the reinstatement of $1.6 million from a proposed $2.6 million budget cut, protecting outdoor education programs statewide.
2025
San Diego Parks Pushback
When San Diego Parks and Recreation proposed restrictions that would have limited the ability of equity-focused nonprofits to run coastal programs, SJC mobilized. The San Diego City Council rejected the immediate adoption of those restrictions, opting for a longer process to balance safety with equitable access.
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