Port of San Diego Recognizes Living Coast Discovery Center as Anchors of Excellence Awardee for the Month of August
Contact: Josh Kellems, 619.642.1153, jkellems@portofsandiego.org
The Chula Vista based nonprofit Living Coast Discovery Center is the Port of San Diego’s Anchors of Excellence awardee for August. The organization is honored for its continued service to the public in the areas of sustainability, environmental stewardship, youth engagement, and education. Port Chair Danielle Moore presented the award at the August 12 Board of Port Commissioners’ meeting.
“The Port of San Diego is proud to honor the Living Coast Discovery Center with our Anchors of Excellence Award,” said Chair Danielle Moore of the Board of Port Commissioners. “They inspire local youth and the public at large to connect with San Diego Bay through exciting education programs and a rich history of conservation efforts. As climate change continues to impact communities around the world, innovative organizations like Living Coast Discovery Center are inspiring community action today, that will allow future generations to enjoy the beauty of our coastal environment.”
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a nonprofit zoo and aquarium dedicated to delivering impactful education and conservation programs that connect the community to San Diego Bay. For more than 30 years, they have hosted thousands of children, including through a partnership with the Port and the Chula Vista Elementary School District, which offers field trips, outreach, scout programs, and other community education programs. The Living Coast Discovery Center is also responsible for raising and releasing nearly 700 endangered Ridgway’s rails, into the wild, since 1999.
“The Living Coast is thrilled to receive the Anchors of Excellence Award,” said Ben Vallejos, Executive Director of the Living Coast Discovery Center. “Thanks to the Port of San Diego’s partnership, we’re able to continue delivering impactful education and conservation programs that connect our community to the San Diego Bay and our coastal environment.”
Nominations for future Anchors of Excellence awards are welcomed by anyone for any individual, business, or nonprofit that does great work in the region. Nominations are reviewed by an internal Port selection committee, which considers the following:
-
Alignment with Port values: Accountability, Courage, Inclusiveness, Fairness, Fun, Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, and Transparency.
-
Geographic diversity to ensure representation from all five Port member cities: Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 23 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.