Countywide : New License Plate Targets Beach Activists

Those who want to save the whales, clean up the beaches and let the world know about their dedication to those causes can do so with a new environmental license plate.

The California Coastal Commission’s Adopt-A-Beach program is sponsoring the sale of the plate, which is based on a design by whale artist Wyland of Laguna Beach and depicts the tail of the sea mammal as it dives.

Nicole Breier, spokeswoman for Adopt-A-Beach, said that 5,000 orders must be placed before printing of the license plates can begin.

A campaign for orders will be in conjunction with the statewide Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 23, which encourages people to devote a day to removing litter from California’s beaches, rivers, parks and inland waterways.

License plate applications will be available at the 730 cleanup meeting sites statewide.

The 11 in Orange County are at Laguna Main Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, Corona Del Mar State Beach, Upper Newport Bay, Newport City Beach, Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Sunset Beach, Surfside and Seal Beach.

The 11th annual event is sponsored by the Coastal Commission’s Adopt-A-Beach program and the California State Parks Foundation.

Peter Douglas, the Coastal Commission’s executive director, said in a statement that the license plate drive is an effort not only to raise money for the beach program but also to encourage public support and involvement in coastal protection, restoration and enhancement.

“It’s a new way for people to get involved and feel like they’ve made a donation and got something in return,” Breier said.

The license plates, approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles, will cost $50 in addition to a vehicle’s registration fee for the first year or $90 for a personalized plate. The annual renewal fee will be $40.

Breier said proceeds will be split between coastal protection and restoration programs and the California Environmental License Plate Fund for statewide projects.

Information: (714) 723-4511.