Pacifica Stories

When Pacifica juniors Teal Greene and Joseph Holscher stepped before the California Coastal Commission last month, they weren’t simply speaking as surfers. They were speaking as student leaders, advocates, and co-founders of SurfersWhoServe, a student-led organization dedicated to empowering young surfers through community service, environmental stewardship, and leadership.

Alongside fellow student advocate Arshayan Desai, the students addressed the Commission in opposition to AB 1740, sharing concerns about the long-term health and protection of California’s coastline and urging continued commitment to the Coastal Act’s environmental safeguards.

Their testimony reflected not only research and preparation, but years of lived experience in the waters of Santa Monica Bay.

As Joseph Holscher explained to commissioners:

“The ocean is not a hobby for us. It’s our community, our outlet, and honestly our way of processing everything this generation deals with. We want future generations to be able to experience the same connection to these beaches and waters that we’ve had growing up.”

Throughout the hearing, the students described the environmental pressures they have witnessed firsthand along the Southern California coast—from pollution and water-quality concerns to the lasting impacts of recent fires and marine ecosystem decline. Their message resonated with commissioners.

Following the hearing, California Coastal Commission Vice Chair Dr. Caryl Hart commended the students’ testimony, stating:

“The power and intelligence and passion that these students have displayed has the potential to really make a difference going forward. It’s very uplifting to see this.”

Commissioners also encouraged the students to continue their advocacy by bringing their perspectives directly to state lawmakers in Sacramento. This is an invitation Teal and Joseph intend to pursue as AB 1740 continues to be debated.

Their engagement before the Commission is part of a broader commitment through SurfersWhoServe, which has already included student advocacy before the Santa Monica City Council and ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and coastal stewardship among young surfers.

In addition, the students recently co-authored an op-ed published in the Palisadian-Post, further contributing to the public conversation surrounding the future of California’s coastline.

At its core, their work reflects a growing reality: youth voices are increasingly shaping conversations about environmental stewardship and public policy in coastal communities.

We are proud of Teal Greene and Joseph Holscher for representing Pacifica with clarity, conviction, and humility. Their willingness to engage thoughtfully in complex public issues reflects the kind of leadership we seek to cultivate: leadership grounded in responsibility and service.

As they continue their work through SurfersWhoServe, they remind us that meaningful leadership often begins with paying attention, caring deeply, and stepping into conversations that matter.