Coastkeeper launches interactive database Residents who want to sound off about local watersheds — anything water-related in their region — now have new opportunity. Late last month, San Diego Coastkeeper launched an interactive water monitoring and watershed database system. According to Coastkeeper officials, the database makes data about the watersheds freely available and easier to understand. It also features discussion boards, a repository for beach bacteria level information and a forum to track water quality violations. The site is completely fueled by public participation. The database is located at www.sdwatersheds.org. For more information about San Diego Coastkeeper, visit www.sdcoastkeeper.org. Point Loman takes silver in junior rowing nationals Point Loman rower Joe Thaxton won a silver medal at the USRowing Club Nationals held from July 15-19 in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Thaxton won the medal in the Mens Junior A 4 competition as part of the USRowing Junior Men’s Development Camp boat. Thaxton and fellow Point Loman Jason Perone — who train at San Diego Rowing Club at Mission Bay — participated in the development camp at the Three Rivers rowing complex in Pittsburgh from June 22 to July 19. Boats from the camp were slated to compete in the CanAmMex Regatta in Mexico City in July, but because of concerns over the swine flu and violence there, USRowing elected to send boats to the Club Nationals instead. For more information on the San Diego Rowing Club, visit www.sdrcrow.org. Annual Tony Mezzadri Surf Classic set Aug. 15 The 16th Annual Tony Mezzadri Surf Classic will take to the waves Aug. 15 in Ocean Beach. The event, which benefits the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Center for Neural Repair’s spinal cord regeneration program, launches from the foot of the OB pier on Newport Avenue at 7 a.m. Entry fees for the event have been rolled back to the original cost of $35. The contest offers a variety of heats for all ages, including the stand-up paddle open division. The celebration will include a barbecue luncheon, live music and opportunity drawings for surfboards. In its previous 15 years, The Tony Mezzadri Surf Classic has raised over $175,000 for the UCSD spinal cord regeneration program. For further information or entry form, call (619) 481-8288, or visit www.tonycontest.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available, according to organizers. Clown around at Liberty Station Marketplace Liberty Station Marketplace will celebrate National Clown Week in San Diego with an event called “Clowning Around at the Marketplace” today, Aug. 6. The event, designed for children and family members of all ages, takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. Organizers said there will be a variety of hilarious and fun activities created and led by professional clowns from San Diego All Star Clowns. Activities will occur in the East Courtyard where La Salsa, Dakines and Tender Greens are located. Clowns include Snoozy, Skippy, Dreamin Mimi, Jewlz, Buddy, Dizzy Dave, Cricket & Clumsy Mumsy, Mr. Bright, Yor and others. Activities include balloon artistry, face painting, tricks, games, magic, puppets and other attractions. The event is free. Participants may enjoy a late lunch or dinner at La Salsa, Dakines, Ikiru Sushi or Tender Greens. La Salsa is offering $1 dinner plates for all children 12 and under when another regular meal and beverage is purchased. The event takes place at 2400 Historic Decatur Road at Liberty Station. Free parking is available on Truxtun Road and on Historic Decatur Road between Roosevelt and Womble Streets. For more information, call (619) 335-0221.








