Commission invites stories for 'protecting coast' contest

The California Coastal Commission invites the public to submit stories and/or photos documenting how they have acted as a California Coastal Steward.

The commission is seeking inspirational or unique personal stories of how residents have taken action to care for and protect the coast and ocean.

Submissions may be posted on www.coastforyou.org, and one entry will be chosen by the public to receive a "Coast Lover's Prize Package," including a framed Coastal Cleanup Day poster with art by Christopher Wormell and other items commemorating the coast.

Entry deadline is Aug. 1. The public will vote on the stories during August, and a winner will be announced in early September.

Submissions can also be emailed to coast4u@coastal.ca.gov or mailed to Coastal Steward Stories, California Coastal Commission, 45 Freemont St., Ste. 2000, San Francisco, CA 94105.

Entries need to include a phone number, mailing address and e-mail address if available.

The contest is in conjunction with the Coastal Stewardship Pledge, an online program of the commission that encourages individuals to consider the impact of their everyday activities on the coast.

For more information about the contest, go to the website www.coastforyou.org.