Hundreds of residents, artists and businesses will come together Saturday, April 14, to show local politicians and Congress that it’s time to get serious about the environment.
“Who You Callin’ Apathetic?!” is part of the Step It Up 2007 National Day of Climate Action, according to Rock Paper Scissors event coordinator Danielle Frey.
Step It Up rallies nationwide aim to send a message about the importance of enacting legislation to reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050, Frey said.
“[The event] really is about the community and about raising awareness for not just art but also for the environment,” art show coordinator Amanda Steinhaus said. “We can make change if we come together and do it together.”
The day’s events start at 3 p.m. with a rally at the north end of the Ocean Beach Pier. Participants are encouraged to bring beach towels, blankets or signs with messages about global warming and environmental issues.
After the rally, Rock Paper Scissors International Galleria will host a free art show from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 4976 Newport Ave. Artwork will embody the theme of environmental change, and proceeds from the event will support the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting oceans, beaches and coastal environment through conservation, activism and education, according to its Web site.
Other activities at Rock Paper Scissors will include an auction, live music, free drinks and food vendors, Frey said. The day’s events will culminate in a concert at Portugalia, 4893 Newport Ave., with Vegitation, Jordan Loder, Continental Kings, DJ Illson and more until 1:30 a.m. Proceeds from the concert will benefit San Diego Youth and Community Services, a nonprofit organization with an Ocean Beach location that helps homeless and troubled youth, Frey said.
For a generation often labeled as callous toward the environment, Frey said, attending the event is the first step to showing the world that people care about these issues.