- Challenging Newark’s Plan to Build in a Flood Zone
- Recent King Tides Demonstrate Risks of Sea Level Rise
- Take Action: Stand Up Against Offshore Oil Drilling Tomorrow
- Thank You for Defending San Francisco Bay
- Save the Dates! Upcoming Baykeeper Events
- Secure Your Legacy for the Bay
Challenging Newark’s Plan to Build in a Flood Zone
With our partners at Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge, we’re challenging Newark’s decision to build a new development of mostly single-family, market rate homes in a flood zone.
“This is a contaminated, environmentally sensitive area that floods regularly during high tides, including just recently during the King Tides,” our Executive Director Sejal Choksi-Chugh said. “We absolutely recognize the urgent need for affordable housing across the Bay Area, but this project fails to meet that need. Plus, placing new housing in a location that already floods will put future residents at risk.”
Pictured above: The Newark site slated for housing several days after the King Tides in early January
Recent King Tides Demonstrate Risks of Sea Level Rise
Every winter, the gravitational pull of the sun and moon join forces to produce unusually high tides, known as the King Tides. And this year they caused acute flooding across the Bay Area.
One factor in the tides’ outsized impact: sea level rise. Bay tide charts are based on decades-old data—and sea level rise of just a few inches is already having a massive impact. In Marin, the King Tides were over a foot higher than predicted and, combined with heavy storms, overwhelmed pumps and retaining walls despite extensive flood preparations.
Pictured: A flooded road in Alameda during the King Tides in January
Take Action: Stand Up Against Offshore Oil Drilling Tomorrow, 1/16
Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, we’re joining the Bay Area People’s Hearing to Stop New Offshore Oil Drilling in response to proposed offshore oil and gas leasing from the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Our attorney with a fossil fuel focus, Ben Eichenberg, will speak at the event about the impact ocean drilling might have on the Bay. The event will also include a presentation from the Surfrider Foundation, comments from community leaders and other non-profits, and opportunities for public engagement.
Thank You for Defending San Francisco Bay!
We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who donated to defend San Francisco Bay heading into the new year. With your support, you are taking on urgent threats to the Bay and protecting the Bay Area. Thank you!
And it’s not too late to join us in defending the Bay. Make a gift to stand up for a healthy Bay in 2026 and beyond.
Photo: Bart Quigley
Save the Dates! Upcoming Baykeeper Events
Join us online for the State of the Bay on Wednesday, March 4, at 5:30 PM to learn about the biggest threats facing San Francisco Bay in 2026. You’ll hear all the latest updates on Baykeeper’s work to stop polluters and resist federal anti-environment policies—and how you can help!
And on Saturday, May 9, join our special event, the 2026 Bay Celebration. Enjoy stunning Bay views from the Dolphin Club, savor sustainable food and drink, and celebrate the wins we’ve achieved together for the Bay this year.
Registration opening soon. Save the dates and we’ll plan to see you there.
Photo of the Bay Celebration above and rainbow below by Robb Most
Secure Your Legacy for the Bay
Do you want to ensure that San Francisco Bay keeps thriving long into the future?
Leave a gift to Baykeeper in your will to keep us on the water and in the courtroom for the long haul—while costing you nothing now. Through our partnership with FreeWill, you can create or update your will online in just 20 minutes, completely free. It’s a simple, secure way to ensure your loved ones are cared for while also protecting the Bay that you love.