July 18, 2024

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Ending Our Nuclear Nightmare

How safe does it seem to store 3.6 million pounds of toxic radioactive waste in aging metal canisters, 100 feet from the Pacific Ocean, on a shore subject to King Tides? And what if the area is so seismically active it is known as Earthquake Bay?

If only the above was a disturbing hypothetical. However, this is the reality, and 9 million people live within a 50-mile radius of the decommissioned San Onofre nuclear power plant.

That is why the Samuel Lawrence Foundation is hosting a symposium on the nuclear waste issue next week, and why we kicked off the month with a video primer on the topic.

It is our hope that this brings much public attention to the issue of nuclear waste. It is far from "clean" energy.

Bart Ziegler, PhD

President, Samuel Lawrence Foundation

Radioactive Waste Symposium at UCSD

What To Do with Toxic Nuclear Waste?

Next week, the Samuel Lawrence Foundation will host a symposium on radioactive waste at the University of San Diego. "Radioactive Waste: Growing Threats, Emerging Solutions" will be an all-day event–free for the public–that will asses the current state of radioactive waste dangers, at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, in coastal areas of the US, and nationwide.

Recent federal policy and regulatory changes are expanding the industry and loosening regulations will exacerbate radioactive waste dangers, posing increasing threats to coastal communities in California and to reactor communities nationwide. The symposium's expert speakers will also discuss emerging solutions to this problem, including an unprecedented new policy initiative to mandate the development of a State of California plan for the safer onsite storage and disposition of radioactive waste which could serve as a model for reactors across the country.

Register now for this free event, which will feature distinguished panels discussing the dangers, challenges, and possible solutions to this man-made disaster.

Radioactive Waste Symposium Primer

Climate experts rightfully point out that the planet must move away from fossil fuels to reduce the negative impacts of a warming planet. But some among them have suggested that nuclear energy is a clean alternative. In a special episode of the Samuel Lawrence Foundation "First Fridays" monthly video-podcast series (produced by Brooklyn Story Lab), recorded last week, our panel of eight experts offer convincing arguments that that could not be further from the truth.

Our guests included experts from academia (Kate Brown of Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Richard Gersberg of San Diego State University; Paul Dorfman of University of Sussex; and Robert Richmond of University of Hawaii at Manoa); the media (Stephanie Cooke of Energy Intelligence); and civil society (Susan Hito-Shapiro of the Radiation and Public Health Project; Gary Headrick of San Clemente Green; and Leona Morgan of Haul No!).

SLF’s Dance Start program is gaining traction once again! In addition to continuing our ongoing program at multiple Headstart sites around San Diego, we have expanded to local community and recreation centers to offer summer camp sessions. These camps, taught by professional dancers, provide children with the opportunity to experience the transformative power of creative self-expression, accompanied by classical music. This combination has been scientifically proven to benefit early childhood development. Dance Start will continue to expand into the fall and plans to reach further into San Diego’s North County.

You don't have to be at the beach to dig deep into summer. The La Jolla Music Society's SummerFest is offering a full menu of experiences — including 50 free events — over four weeks that allow visitors to interact with music and musicians like never before.

Open Rehearsals allow visitors to watch the behind the scenes preparations for big performances, while Artist Lounges reveal meaningful insights from some of the Festival's musicians and composers.

The Samuel Lawrence Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the La Jolla Music Society for their dedication to making art accessible to everyone.



To learn more about these incredible programs, read the SummerFest Brochure.

Share + Volunteer

Spread the Word!

Please share this newsletter with your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to join the SLF community to keep informed about critical issues related to nuclear safety, environmental health, and more.

Forward this newsletter or share the sign-up link below.



Together, let’s create a larger impact and drive meaningful change. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making a difference!

Volunteers Needed!

Are you passionate about making a difference? The Samuel Lawrence Foundation needs dedicated volunteers to support our mission and various initiatives, including our upcoming symposium on Radioactive Waste at UCSD on July 24th.

By volunteering with us, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Network with international experts in various disciplines,
• Contribute to meaningful discussions,
• Play a crucial role in raising awareness about the critical issues facing our community and environment.

We have ongoing opportunities for volunteers to help with event coordination, registration, community outreach, research, and more. Your time and skills can help drive impactful change and promote a safer, healthier future for all.

If you're interested in making a difference and being part of a significant cause, please sign up here. Your time and effort can help drive impactful change and promote a safer, healthier future for all.

Like these topics? Check out our "First Fridays" Series on YouTube or Spotify, where we bring together leading experts to discuss climate change, nuclear safety, environmental issues, energy solutions, and public health and wellness.

You make an impact when you support our work.

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