Santa Monica Bay activists are caving to Trump’s demands

Even as many businesses and universities rush to abandon their climate goals, diversity commitments and small-ddemocratic values for fear of reprisal from an increasingly authoritarian Trump administration, you might think an environmental group based in progressive West Los Angeles, at least, would hold firm to its principles. Alas, you'd be mistaken.

- Sammy Roth

The Bay Foundation — a high-profile nonprofit that works with government officials to protect and restore one of Southern California's most beloved natural resources, Santa Monica Bay — has been quietly scrubbing references to climate change, environmental justice and diversity initiatives from working documents and its website. A page on the Bay Foundation’s website that previously explained how climate change is affecting the watershed — as seen on the Jan. 21, 2025, version of the page, available via the Internet Archive — was rewritten to delete all references to climate. The group also removed its Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion page, which had previously pledged its commitment to “equity and inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience.” Also alarming: a draft work plan presented last month to the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission. Before the Environmental Protection Agency doles out federal funding for Santa Monica Bay restoration, it must approve a work plan written annually by the commission and the Bay Foundation, then submitted to the EPA.