San Diego Coastkeeper continues to hunt for new leadership to fill the shoes of its former executive director and longtime shepherd, Bruce Reznik. As it does, the environmental group is keeping its focus on important beach and water-related issues central to its namesake. Reznik stepped down in November after an 11-year run because, he said, he couldn’t muster the energy to “fight the battles” any longer, especially in the economic downturn of the last few years. “I needed to step back … and recharge the batteries so I could move forward,” Reznik said. He added that he plans to remain active in the environmental arena. Even as Reznik releases the reins, he leaves in his wake an environmental organization with a trail of accomplishments — and one still left with much work ahead of it. He spoke of some of the prominent issues past and future in an interview prior to a public farewell sendoff Jan. 25 in his home community of North Park. SEWAGE SPILLS Early in Reznik’s career, the city of San Diego faced an average of about one sewage spill a day. Through a series of policy changes enacted by the city — at the behest of groups like Coastkeeper, San Diego Surfrider Foundation, residents and other environmental groups, city officials were able to dramatically reduce sewage spills, Reznik said. URBAN RUNOFF Storm water runoff is probably the No. 1 source of pollution to local and regional waterways, Reznik said. “That’s more of a development issue that really requires outside-of-the-box [thinking],” Reznik said. Issues related to planning and development will prove crucial turning points for the future of San Diego’s environmental stewardship, Reznik said. It’s in these areas where environmental groups will be able take a more pivotal leadership role — instead of a “reactive” role where “we’re always fighting against trash,” he said. FUTURE LEADERSHIP A need exists for the citizenry and for city leaders to meet head-on the host of issues threatening the health and quality of waterways in the beach communities, Reznik said. City leaders should focus on education and development of a “green-collar economy,” including helping to create jobs in mass transit, rainwater recycling and energy. “There’s an opportunity to get San Diego [to develop] in a sustainable way and, in the end, it comes down to leadership and vision,” Reznik said. As San Diego Coastkeeper searches for Reznik’s replacement, interim Executive Director Gabriel Solmer has stepped in to smooth the transition. Solmer acts as the group’s legal director and said she has no intention of assuming the executive director role permanently. For Solmer, some of the top issues facing San Diego Coastkeeper include sewage and storm water infrastructure, regional water supply, citizen advocacy and education. “We’re really focused on looking for that leader who is going to take us in that direction,” Solmer said. “Now that we want to find that next leader… it’s not something we want to rush.” Solmer added that it could be a few months before the group’s board of directors selects a new executive director and the next high-profile shepherd of San Diego Coastkeeper. — Kevin McKay contributed to this story