Opponents Keep Watch Over Lagoon

Opponents of the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project have kept up a steady presence at the entrance of the lagoon's parking lot since Friday.

Work officially started on the project Monday, with the training of volunteers, biologists and scientists by State Parks on how to salvage native plants and relocate wildlife, according to Suzanne Goode, State Parks Senior Resource Ecologist. 

A fence will be put in around the site in the coming days, Goode said.

Protesters have taken to signing up for three hour shifts that start early in the morning and last until as late as midnight or 1 a.m., according to Nece Mills, a protester who is concerned about the project.

The strategy is to keep a constant watch over the project, which opponents believe poses a risk to public health and safety. Signs are out on the street with the names and numbers of local, regional and state officials. 

"We're saying, 'call these people and tell them you are outraged," Mills said. 

She said there are plans to teach classes during the shifts to educate the public about water issues and other topics. 

"We want to keep a positive vibe," Mills said, adding that protesters have not been asked to leave the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Cross Creek Road at the entrance of the Malibu Lagoon parking lot. 

Members of the Surfrider Foundation and other supporters of the project have also kept up a presence alongside protesters with a booth with information supporting the Malibu Lagoon project.

Glenn Hening, a co-founder of the Surfrider Foundation, said that he came by on Friday and Monday to put out a different perspective about the project. He added that he was not speaking for the Surfrider Foundation, but for himself.

"I'm trying to do my little bit to give people a different frame of reference for this," Hening said.

He added that his message is more for the general public to see there is support for the project. 

"I think to the certain extent, the people who oppose this project have basically the same startegies, the same mindset and the same passion for this for a long time. I don't think there is any way of getting to them," Hening said.