Summer lecture series

June 4th  

Updates on the I-5 Construction Project with Caltrans
A representative from Caltrans will be joining us again this year regarding the I-5 project and any updates on the progress and continuing work. The existing embankment at Agua Hedionda Lagoon is experiencing substantial erosion on both sides. The Agua Hedionda Slope Restoration project will restore bridge slope to address this existing erosion and to withstand future sea level rise risk. Slope erosion has undermined the outlets of existing culverts draining into the lagoon and exposed embedded guardrail posts. Caltrans contractors are reconstructing the drainage system outlet and slope along with Rock Slope Protection (RSP) armoring and reconstructing the roadway hinge to original condition and installing new Metal Beam Guardrail. Join us to discover how this exciting project will make a big impact!

June 18th   

Dan Hume- Eliminating Pollutants in Pest Control 

Details coming soon

July 9th 

Decommissioning of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) 

Southern California Edison (SCE) formally notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on June 12, 2013, that it had permanently ceased operation of Units 2 and 3 on June 7, 2013. The notification set the stage for SCE to begin preparations for dismantling and decommissioning the plant. 



Today, over 50% of the plant has been dismantled. While NRC regulations allow up to 60 years to complete decommissioning, SCE believes completing the current phase of dismantlement and decontamination work in a timely manner benefits our customers, the local communities, and the environment. This phase is expected to be completed around 2029. 

The presentation will cover the operation of, and current decommissioning of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station which has provided over 50 years of emissions-free electricity. Kevin Sheek will provide an overview of the dry cask storage process, show the progress being made to dismantle the structures on-site and explain the future for the SONGS site. 

Kevin began his career with Southern California Edison in July of 1989 and worked as a Nuclear Plant Equipment Operator at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) for over 20 years. He worked in the SONGS Operations Training Department for 5 years where he became a Senior Reactor Operator Certified Training Instructor.  In 2014, Kevin transferred to the Emergency Preparedness Department, transitioning the SONGS Emergency Plan from an Operating status to a Decommissioning/Dry Cask Storage status- the current state of the plant. He maintains his dedication to the safe storage of spent nuclear fuel at the San Onofre site and regularly engages with the public, as well as local and federal officials, by leading tours and describing what is taking place at SONGS. 

July 23rd 

ELM Fire Prevention - Goat Brush Removal 

Brush and weed control are becoming a major concern with Federal Management Agencies and public utilities across the nation. With the driest conditions we've had in 40 years, the old methods of fire prevention such as plant poison, heavy machinery and millions of dollars spent on manpower aren't cutting it. The situation demands a more viable alternative. 

What could be a more natural alternative than placing a large herd of hungry goats in a field and letting them graze on the brush and weeds straight down to the earth?  No toxic chemicals, no pollution of the environment, no loud noise, only the soft bleating of goats in the distance. Join us to learn about this simple and convenient way to clear brush and implement preventative measures to control fire outbreaks from the owner of Environmental Land Management (ELM), Johnny Gonzales. 

August 6th 

Monarchs and Milkweed
Summer means enjoying your garden and all the life that thrives there! Come and learn all about the "Native Milkweeds of San Diego County" with Ken Abernathy of Caterpillar Chow. Caterpillar Chow works with nonprofits and other agencies to put milkweed habitat back into the wild as well as our urban sprawl. They want to help make sure the decline of the monarch butterfly is halted and permanently prevented by harnessing the power of people who care to help put policies in place that protect our natural ecology. Native Milkweed will be available for purchase! 

August 20th   

Carlsbad Rangers
The Carlsbad Police Department goes beyond city residents to manage the Carlsbad Ranger Program. This program is a crucial addition aimed at ensuring a secure, pristine, and enjoyable environment for visitors across the city's preserves, parks, trails, lagoons, open spaces, and beaches. Meet our Carlsbad Police Rangers, Belinda Butcher and John Hull, discover their methods, and find out how you, as a citizen, can contribute to safeguarding Carlsbad's renowned natural surroundings!