We would like to take a moment to pay homage to Dave Garcia, an incredibly supportive member of the San Diego Oceans Foundation. Dave started volunteering for SDOF’s diving programs in 2009 and has been amazingly devoted ever since. Going above and beyond the average duties of a volunteer, Dave makes himself available to supervise events, even on last minute notice. Without the help of someone like Dave to ensure the safety of our volunteer divers, many of our outreach events would be not be possible. Thank you Dave, for all that you do!
“My name is Dave Garcia, Custom Sign Painter by trade and diver by heart! Oddly enough, I owe my love of the ocean to my boss, who in his desperate search for a dive buddy, offered our entire company the opportunity to take certification classes for free! Given the fact your boss doesn’t usually give things away for free… I jumped at the opportunity to spend his money!!! I soon arrived at ‘the Shores’ for my first dive only revealing to my buddy at that moment that I have never been in the ocean! (Imagine her horror as we ventured into the surf zone) After the completion of our class I fell in love with the underwater world and shortly the dive fever consumed me…. Master diver, Dive Master, Assistant Instructor… I had found my passion and wanted to share it with everyone. I became involved with the Oceans Foundation when one of my students approached me about attending a White Sea Bass Pen Cleaning. My curiosity was peaked and I showed up to see what this cleaning deal was all about. That day drastically changed my involvement with the dive community. I met so many incredible volunteers that not only shared my passion for the ocean, but took it one step further by working to preserve it for future generations. I knew by the end of the day this organization was something I just had to be part of! I began volunteering for everything from Beach Clean ups to Reef Monitoring and eventually tied these paths together by providing Dive Master service to our volunteers. The people I have met through the Oceans Foundation are incredible …without the efforts of these individuals our oceans would suffer. We all enjoy the wonders the ocean has to offer it is our responsibility to give back and protect them for the future generations. While my journey to the Oceans Foundation was by chance my choice to stay and volunteer comes from the heart.”
As a token of our appreciation for all of her hard work and dedication, SDOF would like to present Dave Garcia with two Waterhorse Charters boat tickets, where he can continue to enjoy all that our oceans have to offer!
 Creek to Bay
The San Diego Oceans Foundation teamed up with I Love A Clean San Diego for Creek to Bay this year and had 48 volunteers working together to eliminate 1,604 lbs of harmful debris from Juniper Canyon! These objects, foreign to the natural environment, will no longer threaten the lives of marine residents just downstream…all because of the efforts of our wonderful volunteers! A special thank you goes out to those who attended. Everyone else, we hope to see you next year, when we plan on doing even more good!
Until then, let’s make every day ‘Creek to Bay’!
Volunteer
Opportunities
For more information about the programs below,
check out our Online Calendar.
To RSVP for any of these awesome activities, email us at volunteer@sdoceans.org.
 Reef Monitoring Invertebrate/Algal Identification Course
Join us for a FREE identification class and check out the marine diversity that tourists travel from miles around to see! Our knowledgeable instructor will cover the most commonly seen creatures found along the southern California coast and share with you some of his experiences while diving around these intriguing animals.
Once you’ve completed this fascinating course, you’ll be ready to get out, complete underwater surveys and provide valuable information to be used by fisheries management agencies, non-profit groups and the general public. Just imagine…by becoming a volunteer with the Reef Monitoring Project, you could be helping to protect the ocean you know and love!
Ocean Enterprises
Wednesday, May 12th
6PM - 9PM
To RSVP and learn how to identify most everything in San Diego’s waters, email us at volunteer@sdoceans.org!
 Canyon Watch Orientation/Group Hike
Want to volunteer for the Canyon Watch program, but don't know where to start? SDOF hosts monthly Canyon Watch orientation/group hikes to introduce new volunteers to the program and build camaraderie among current participants!
Paradise Canyon
Saturday, May 22nd
8:30AM - 10AM
If you can't make this event, but want to volunteer, check out our online 'Calendar of Events' for future group hikes, or simply review the information on our website, let us know if you have any questions and go out on your own! Doing so, will help protect fragile ecosystems and prevent the spread of pollution into our local waterways!
 Storm Drain Stenciling Group Event
Raising awareness about our connections to the ocean is never easier than when it’s with a group! Join us as we get together to stencil the town with our pollution prevention message - reminding people that motor oil, detergents, fertilizers, food wrappers and cigarette butts belong in trash cans and recycling centers…and not our streets! Urban runoff has proven to be the largest contributor to marine pollution worldwide…but together, we have the power to change that! Participate in SDOF’s Storm Drain Stenciling program and become part of the solution.
Chula Vista
Saturday, May 22nd
11AM - 1PM
Can’t make this event, but still want to volunteer? Check out our online 'Calendar of Events' for future opportunities, or simply contact volunteer@sdoceans.org and set up an appointment to check out a kit and stencil YOUR neighborhood!
 White Seabass Restoration Project: Pen Cleaning
Are you a certified diver who wants to try something new and doesn’t mind getting a bit dirty? We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers who’ll help clean our white seabass pens!
Mission Bay
Sunday, May 23rd
9AM - 12PM
Since our White Seabass Restoration Project facilities consist of mesh containment nets that hang in the water for months at a time, they often become COVERED with a variety of marine life. These organisms have found the perfect place to settle and take up residency! Problem is...they block out the very vital water circulation that provides oxygen for our fish. In order to keep our juvenile white seabass strong, healthy and ready for release into the wild, we need to perform regular maintenance on their containment nets.
To dive for a cause and maybe even have some fun doing it, contact volunteer@sdoceans.org and RSVP today! * Must have logged at least 20 dives in order to participate. Proof of certification is required.
 White Seabass Restoration Project: Volunteer Orientation
Come out, enjoy the sun and learn all there is to know about replenishing a depleted fish population with SDOF’s White Seabass Restoration Project.
San Diego Bay
Sunday, May 23rd
12:30PM - 1:30PM
After this short orientation, you’ll be able to volunteer as a ‘White Seabass Mentor’ and really contribute to the betterment of our oceans! Spending time out on the bay is never as rewarding as when you’re SEEING the difference you make! Contact volunteer@sdoceans.org to get involved. RSVP is required to attend!
 Ocean In Motion: Summer Snorkeling Volunteer Orientation
Are you a strong swimmer/experienced snorkeler who’s looking to inspire local youth with regards to marine science and conservation? If so, the 2010 snorkeling season is back and ready for you!
Marina Village Conference Center
Wednesday, May 26th
6:30 PM - 8 PM
Join us for an evening filled with fun, food and facts. During the orientation, you’ll learn all about the Ocean In Motion program, volunteerresponsibilities and safety procedures. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet SDOF staff, get to know other volunteers, pick up a schedule and ask all the questions you'd like.
Fun, safety, conservation and the identification of local marine organisms are what these trips are all about…and we want you to feel prepared. Contact volunteer@sdoceans.org to start motivating the children of your community! Dinner has been graciously provided by Pizza Fusion, a company committed to supporting organic agriculture and preserving the environment and Jimbo's Naturally, San Diego's Premier Natural Foods Grocer.
Simple Ways To Support SDOF
Become an SDOF Member
SDOF relies on the generosity of the community to help support our programs. Become an SDOF member and help promote ocean stewardship!
Check with your Employer for a Matching Contributions Program
When you donate to SDOF, let your company know! They may have an Employee Matching program that could double your donation and maximize your impact.
 Adopt a White Seabass
SDOF recently launched our 'Adopt a White Seabass' program! One of the most popular volunteer opportunities with SDOF is our White Seabass Restoration Project. Annually, volunteers help raise and release thousands of fish that live in our pens. Now is your chance to adopt one of these special little critters.
For only $25 (includes a Seahare membership), you can adopt a white seabass, name it, and help ensure it succeed in the wild! Now you can adopt fish and give them to your friends and family - and help raise awareness about our program.
Click here to visit our ONLINE ADOPTION CENTER
 Specimens for our Ocean In Motion Marine Science Education Program
As we kick off our school program again this year, we’ll be looking for even more ways to get local students excited about marine science! If you happen to have any sort of specimens (e.g. shark skin & egg casings, crustacean molts, preserved fish/invertebrates, baleen, bones), we’d love to incorporate them into our program.
Shop at Ralph's Grocery Store with your Ralph's Rewards Club Card for SDOF
 Earn money for SDOF when you use your Ralphs Rewards Card. It's simple to setup and each swipe helps to support our programs!
Click here to setup your Ralph's Rewards Club Card to benefit SDOF
Search the Internet Using GoodShop
If you set your default search browser to GoodSearch.com and select the San Diego Oceans Foundation as your charity of choice, we will receive a penny for every click! Some nonprofits make over $5,000 a year. It is simple to use and helps support our programs.
Click here to start using GoodShop.com!
Looking to Sell Something on eBay?
 You can sell anything you would like on eBay and a portion of your choice will be donated to support the San Diego Oceans Foundation!
Click here to find out more information!
Donations
Office Supplies
Desktop Printer
Organizing Supplies (tubs, bins, drawers)
Software & Hardware
Miscellaneous
Dock Cart(s)
SCUBA gear
Red Rash Guards
Submersible, temporary holding unit for marine life
Portable PA System
Docu-Cam
Vacuum
Tool Kit
Music Stand
Digital Photo Frames
Any donated goods that can be auctioned off at an SDOF fundraiser
Services
Maintenance/Construction Expert/Professional
Attorney, Nonprofit focus
Professional Organizer
Flash/Web Designer
Printing Services
Facebook Application Developer
Graphic Designer
Party Rental Services
Any donated service that can be auctioned off at an SDOF fundraiser
Contact us at sdoceans@sdoceans.org if you are able to help with any of these items! All donations will be put to good use and are tax deductible.
Career Opportunities
Internships Available
To apply, please send a completed Internship Application and resume to volunteer@sdoceans.org.
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