Since going on-the-air, Startree / KOCI has been able in a very short time to establish extensive contacts and working relationships with of some of the most important environmental organizations and related professional groups and individuals in our service area. This wide-ranging network has included local non-profit educational organizations and advocacy groups; state and local agencies; technical experts, and community volunteers.
Building these relationships has enabled us from the outset to start effectively utilizing the special medium of community FM Radio to provide valuable coverage of environmental issues and events of local interest. This has been produced through a variety of means such as promotional public service announcements (PSAs); in-studio as well as field interviews; website video coverage; participation and networking at local events and meetings, and promotion of KOCI’s overall environmental mission.
Our central objective in these efforts can be simply stated: to creatively use our unique position as an alternative, non-profit community-based broadcaster to offer local leaders, environmental groups, educators, advocates, event planners, and others active in the field an opportunity for greater public exposure and promotion than they might otherwise have through existing commercial media. Combined with this website, our goal has been to foster greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of the environment…
along with its many issues and life-style challenges and opportunities for local involvement. We place a particular emphasis on enhancing environmental education, particularly for children and young people. We believe this aligns closely with plans we have for our own charitable program called “Life Changes For Kids.”
Following below is a summary of some of our most important coverage efforts, listed by the organization or event that we have supported since KOCI went on the air. We have plans to supplement this by developing and producing our special sponsored show on the environment called “The Green Report.”
· ISLA Earth, Catalina Island Conservancy / Avalon
As part on our regular on-air rotation, we play a series of innovative and creatively- crafted messages on a variety of different topics related to the natural environment and conservation as provided by the Catalina Island Conservancy. These well-produced pieces approach the importance of environmental awareness and education through perspectives that are not often heard. Stories and vignettes on such subjects as ecosystems, habitat, and sustainability emphasize the interrelated nature of our natural world. The supportive imagery attracts attention and reinforces the message in a uniquely personal way. After all, we are really one Earth.”
Contact Link: www.catalinaislandconservancy.org
· The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) / Newport Beach
On-air promotional announcements (PSAs) of the Center’s Annual “President’s Week Camp For Kids” Febuary 15-19, 2010 for students K-6. Involves hands-on naturalist activities, games, crafts and art projects to help young people gain a greater perspective of the natural world around them. KOCI also attended opening day to add further support to the Event.
Contact Link: www.encenter.org
· City of Newport Beach / Mayor Keith D. Curry
On-air in-studio interview on weekly “Money Matters” Show with Troy Davis, February 6, 2010. Alongside topics on the local economy and the City’s planning and budget priorities for “Fiscal Sustainability,” the Mayor discussed several important local environmental issues including noise and air quality at John Wayne Airport; dredging of the Lower Back Bay; preservation of Banning Ranch, water quality and tide encroachment levels.
Contact Link:
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· Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and
All Green Electronics Recycling / Orange
On –air promotional announcements for the “Free Electronics Recycling Event” January 30-31, 2010 at the Orange County Marketplace. Also conducted on-air field interview with All Green Special Events Coordinator Jim Waymire on opening day. Promoted the Event as a valuable way for the public to dispose of prolific amounts of used or unwanted electronic equipment in an environmentally responsible manner. This diverts significant tonnage from area landfills, with the associated public health benefit of helping to control toxic material exposure.
Contact Links: www.costamesachamber.com
www.allgreenrecycling.com
· Orange County Sustainable Business Leadership Council
Attendance, networking and reporting on the Councils 1st Annual “Green Business Expo” held at the Irvine Hyatt Regency November 2, 2009. The Expo aimed to explore and showcase the possibilities for eco-friendly businesses. It featured an array of environmentally-friendly products and services, as well as workshops that focused on the needs key decision makers should consider in “going green.” Among the many timely and important topics covered were: Eco-Friendly Business Practices;Energy and Water Conservation Methods; Easily Renewable Resources that can be used; and the basics on Sustainability, Biodegradable, and Recycling.
Contact Link: www.SBLC-OC.org
· Endangered Planet Foundation / Laguna Beach
On-air promotional announcements in support of the Foundation’s Second Annual “One Earth, One Dream” Eco Fest, October 3-4, 2009 in Laguna’s historic Lumberyard Mall. Supplemeted with on-air in-studio interview on September 27th with Foundation Board Member Bonnie Macmillian. KOCI also attended the Fest, which emphasized the environment’s important link to the arts, education, and raising the awareness of children. The Event featured a wide array of environmental and art exhibits, speakers, workshops, films, and live entertainment.
Contact Links: www.endangeredplanetfoundation.org
www.1E1D.org
· Environmental Nature Center (ENC) / Newport Beach
On-air in-studio interview with Executive Director Bo Glover on September 20, 2009. He discussed the Center’s unique facility and resources which is right around the corner from Newport Harbor High School. The ENC offers natural and local habitat exhibits; educational materials, special workshops, and field trips. Its mission is to provide quality education on the environment through hands-on experience with nature, with an emphasis on making this especially meaningful for children and young people.
Contact Link: www.encenter.org
· OC Parks: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve / Newport Beach
For the second straight year, KOCI did PSA announcements and an on-air field interview in support of the Preserve’s Annual “Upper Newport Bay Cleanup Day,” held on September 19, 2009. Interview was held at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center with Sue Stoffel of OC Parks who administers the Preserve and helps coordinate the Event. She highlighted how participating in “Cleanup Day” can offer not only important environmental benefits for a valuable local resource, but bring personal satisfaction as well. We watched as the many local volunteers spread out all over the Back Bay.
KOCI recognizes the importance of this event, as it is part of both a statewide and national designated “cleanup day” to help maintain sensitive coastal waterway and habitat resource areas. The Event was also sponsored by the Upper Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends, the California Coastal Commission, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the City of Newport Beach.
Contact Links: www.ocparks.com
www.newportbay.org
· Banning Ranch Conservancy / Newport Beach, Costa Mesa
Two part in-studio interview on September 6th and 13h, 2009 with Executive Director Steve Ray. He discussed the history of the Ranch, where it is located, and the current status of efforts to conserve the property through the proposed creation of a 400-acre Open Space Preserve. Also discussed the Banning Ranch Preserve Task Force, its goals and next steps, and how people can get involved. Mr. Ray is also President of a statewide Watershed Coordinating Council whose work could be a topic of a future program.
Contact Link: www.banningranch.org
· Jim Fitzpatrick / Costa Mesa Local Business Owner, and newly-appointed
Planning Commissioner / City of Costa Mesa
On-air field interview on the Bistro Brunch Show September 6, 2009 that reviewed salient facts on the critical issues of water useage and supply, both here locally and in Southern California as a whole. . Included how serious the situation is, trends and outlook for the future. Also discussed his personal interest in water issues as a local businessman. He operates a car wash that is getting favorable results in conserving water, including recycling of grey water with “no net discharge.” He also offered tips for other local businesses and private individuals on what we all can do to help conserve, and how to get involved on local water issues.
Contact Link:
· Russ Proctor, CEO Extreme Dream Rider / Costa Mesa
On-air field interview with this local business on the Bistro Brunch Show August 30, 2009. Discussed trends in motorcycle rentals and sales, an incredibly popular area of recreation and sport. Used this opportunity to highlight the energy and environmental
benefits from “Zero Electric” motorcycles, a valuable shift in the market which this business supports through both promotion and having them available.
Contact Link: www.GoEDR.com
· Kitty Willis, Coastal Environmental Volunteer Coordinator / Newport Beach
On-air field interview on the Bistro Brunch Show August 16, 2009 with this coastal environmental organizer who formerly worked with the Surfrider Foundation. Discussed a range of environmental issues effecting our coastal waterways, beaches and public lands, and how she has helped organize volunteers. Placed particular emphasis on the value of coastal cleanup efforts along our beaches and in preserve areas such as the Back Bay and Bolsa Chica.
Contact Link:
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· Bolsa Chica Land Trust / California Department of Parks & Recreation /
State Department of Fish and Game / Huntington Beach
Live on-air interviews and website video from the field in Huntington Beach State Park on April 18, 2009 in support of the “Bolsa Chica Project: Preserve Our Reserve.” This involved 2 special events the Trust was holding in celebration of “Earth Day.” Done in cooperation with the State of California and the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, the first event involved the planting of over 88 native plants on the Bolsa Chica wetlands mesa. This was then followed by a large-scale beach cleanup at the State Park. Two interviews were held; the first was with a Trust spokesman who promoted the event and the merits of volunteering. A second was with a staff coordinator from the State Departrment of Fish and Game who reviewed the delicate ecology of the Bolsa Chica wetlands area, the science behind preservation, and some of the more interesting artifacts that have been discovered there. Also highlighted were the various roles state and local agencies play at Bolsa Chica, and how people can get involved in helping both the Trust and the Conservancy.
A live in-studio interview with the Land Trust was also held prior to the event to promote another major project, this being a large-scale county-wide fund raising drive for people to make donations online on “Earth Day” itself, April 22nd in support of the Trust’s efforts involving further restoration and land acquisition at Bolsa Chica.
Contact Link: www.BolsaChicaLandTrust.org
· Green Series Workshops for Homes / Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach and Green Build CA.
Attendance, networking and reporting at a special seminar, “Green Building 101,” held on February 22, 2009 at the ENC. Open to the public, this was an informal and practical “workshop; ” it reviewed some basics in home design. construction, and remodel that can be used to help achieve energy and cost savings as well as be “environmentally friendly.”. The session particularly focused on answering questions and making important clarifications about “green products and materials, passive and active solar energy in the home, and cost/benefits. The seminar was conducted by Kevin Kelly, a local certified green building professional who has served with the City of Newport’s Green Building Task Force, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the California Association of Building Energy Consultants .
Contact Links:
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www.encenter.org
· Earthroots Field School / Trabuco Canyon
On-air public service announcements, and live on-air, on-site interview for the School’s
3rd Annual Winter Festival Fundraiser held in Nellie Gail on January 18, 2009.
Open to the public, this free Event was to thank the community for supporting the School’s Enrichment Program that helps raise awareness for home-schooled children ages 3-14 of the close relationship between the arts and the environment. This is a form of environmental education of which StarTree / KOCI is especially supportive as it closely aligns with goals for our own “Life Changes For Kids” charitable program. The Fundraiser featured food, music, crafts, exhibits, gardens, and animals…all in a beautiful ranch setting. It was particularly rewarding to see all the kids bouncing around, being inquisitive, and having a great time…all under the smiling faces of teachers, parents and community supporters.
Contact Link: www.earthrootsfieldschool.org
· Endangered Planet Foundation / Laguna Beach
On-air PSAs, attendance, and extensive on-air, on-site interviews in support of the
Foundation’s 1st Annual “One Earth, One Dream” Festival, held October 2-5, 2008
at the Festival of Arts Grounds in Laguna Beach. This premier West coast assembly of environmental experts, VIPs, organizers and artists actually encompassed 2 events: an “Autumnal Green Festival,” and a “Life on the Edge Symposium.”
The scope of the 2 events when taken together was both impressive and comprehensive featuring prominent speakers, exhibitors, films, and demonstrations. The “Symposium” focused on environmental issues from a more technical and policy standpoint with panels on such subjects as Clean Air and the Role of EPA; Innovations in Fuel Cell Technology; Environmental Ethics, the UN’s Role in Environmental Action, and Trends in Passive Solar Energy. “The Autumnal Green Festival” on the other hand linked the environment to lifestyle, the arts and children’s education with such innovative displays and exhibits as the “Earth Moon’s Children’s Village,” Honda Fuel-Celled Vehicles, a Transportation and Energy Village, and the internationally-supported “Art Miles Mural Project” and “Shoes of Hope.”
This was StarTree / KOCI’s first major effort in covering the environment as we were privileged to be given sponsorship status and complete access to a local festival of this scale after only being on-the-air 6 weeks. Our effort included numerous on-air interviews which sought to capture the Festival’s tremendous scope; to reflect the dynamic mix between environmental education and the arts; between policy challenges and ways of living, and to emphasize the importance of reaching our children. Among the prominent participants KOCI was able to interview included Chris Jordan, National Geographic Eco Ambassador and world-renowned photographer; Wayne Nastri, Western Regional Administrator (Region 9), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and USC Professor Dr. Mark Bernstein on Environmental Action Points for the Next Administration. How the Festival’s art, music, nutritional and exhibitor presentations were organized was also discussed with Bonnie Macmillian, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Contact Link: www.1E1D.org
www.endangeredplanet.org
· AeA/Orange County Business Council and Orange County Innovation (OCI)
Promotion, attendance and networking in support of “Innovation and Globalization
in Green,” a 2-day conference held at the Irvine Hyatt Regency, October 1-2, 2008.
This was a unique gathering of local and national business leaders, educators, technical experts and key officials from federal agencies such as the Department of Commerce and EPA. The goals were to showcase how Orange County has become a recognized leader in technological and business innovation, and how that can be translated into growth opportunities in the emerging “green economy.” The Event featured notable speakers on a wide variety of strategic and relevant topics. These included an “Overview” of Orange County’s position by the CEO of the Orange County Business Council; how to “Preserve America’s Global Competitiveness;” “Energy, Innovation, and Sustainability;” and “Green Trade: The Policy Implications of Climate Change.” Toshiba also presented “Green Innovation Awards” to deserving area businesses as judged by a panel of experts from OC-based universities and corporate offices.
A live in-studio interview discussing the event was also held 1 week prior with John Brown, a member of the OCI Planning Committee and the Endangered Planet Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Contact Link: www.ocinnovation.org
· OC Parks / Upper Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends / Newport Beach
For its very first environmental event, KOCI did PSA announcements and live on-air interviews in support of the Annual “Upper Newport Bay Cleanup Day” held on September 20, 2008. A field interview was held at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center with Volunteer Administrator Rita McCoy from the Upper Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends, a co-sponsor of the Event. The session was assisted by Lead
Ranger Bill Reiter from OC Parks. Phone interviews were also held with the lead statewide coordinating official from the California Coastal Commission, “live” from a beach in San Francisco, as well as with an OC parks official who was coordinating cleanup efforts at multiple Orange County coastal locations.
Contact Link: www.ocparks.org
www.newportbay.org
