Southern California Communities Unite for Historic Paddle Out Against Radioactive Waste
A powerful community movement is forming as Southern Californians prepare to paddle out together on Saturday, October 11, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at San Clemente State Beach, South of the Pier. The Samuel Lawrence Foundation in partnership with Paddle for Peace are bringing together surfers, families, students, and ocean lovers for a unified stand against 3.6 million pounds of radioactive waste stored just feet from the San Onofre coastline.
Join the Movement
The grassroots effort has already gained momentum across Southern California, with supporters rallying around a simple message: our coastline deserves better protection from radioactive waste storage risks.
The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station continues to store highly radioactive spent fuel in thin-walled containers mere hundreds of yards from the Pacific Ocean, sitting directly on an active earthquake fault zone. This unprecedented risk to millions of Californians and our marine ecosystem has sparked a grassroots movement demanding safer solutions.
A Gathering for San Onofre
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: San Clemente State Beach, South of the Pier
Bring: Surfboard, paddleboard, kayak, canoe – or just yourself
Who: Everyone – families, kids, ocean lovers, concerned citizens
The community gathering promises to bring together ocean enthusiasts of all ages for what organizers describe as a powerful visual demonstration of unified concern. Participants will create an inspiring scene of solidarity as hundreds gather both on the water and shoreline.
The gathering will feature inspiring speakers, family activities, snacks, and the incredible sight of a unified community taking peaceful action. Whether you paddle out or cheer from shore, you're part of this movement.
Why This Matters Now
The radioactive waste will remain dangerous for thousands of years, while storage containers are designed to last only decades. With rising seas, earthquake risks, and millions living nearby, experts agree: this waste needs to move to safer inland storage – now.
The Samuel Lawrence Foundation emphasizes that this gathering represents communities across Southern California demanding safer storage solutions for nuclear waste currently housed just hundreds of yards from the ocean.
Be Part of History
This paddle out represents something bigger than a single event – it's communities across Southern California saying we deserve better. Similar movements are growing from Malibu to San Diego as more people realize what's at stake.
Join the movement:
- RSVP here to be part of the headcount
- Share with friends and family – the bigger the gathering, the stronger our voice
- Bring anyone who cares about our coast and our future
Join Us
Event: Saturday, October 11, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: San Clemente State Beach, South of the Pier
RSVP: [Link]
Free and open to all
Come paddle out, come cheer from shore, come be part of the solution. Together, we're stronger than any challenge our coast faces.