Senior Sequence

SAGES

Sustainability Archive of Great Environmental Stewards (SAGES)

The SAGES archive is a multimedia resource that captures glimpses of wisdom from notable “elders”—respected regional leaders and activists dedicated to environmental challenges in our region and beyond.  The archive contains some of the vision, lessons learned, and advice of great thinkers and doers who have retired, or are about to retire. For instance, one of our featured sages is John Robertus, a long-time senior public official at the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. John R. is a wise man with tremendous experience in our region. Before John retires, we thought it prudent to record his insights about our regions needs for research re water quality and integrated watershed management at a regional scale.  In addition to John R., we intend to capture other “elders” along with their treasure trove of stories and wisdom. In this way, we are creating a lively and colorful multimedia resource of the “best of the best” of our regions public servants and public intellectuals (including faculty who do civically-engaged research) right before they retire. We are designing this as an on-line resource, in an interview format, that draws out ideas for research (in a way aimed to inspire students and faculty to also be great environmental stewards).

Sage:  John Robertus

Location:  San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board offices
Date:  July 11th, 2007

John Robertus speaks about the many issues he deals with as an executive officer at the San Diego Water Quality Control Board. He speaks about the four essential keys to running an efficient regulatory agency, explains what regulatory science is and why it is important, and gives examples of effective integrated watershed management. He also describes the importance of public input, education, and involvement. John also reviews San Diego as a whole and compares it to other California cities with regards to watershed management. | View Videos

Sage:  Paul Dayton

Location:  San Elijo Lagoon/SIO Lab/Scripps Knoll
Date:  Thursday June 28th, 2007

Paul Dayton takes us on a tour of the wetlands of the San Elijo Lagoon.  He provides the history of the lagoon and shares stories of native plants and animals both past and present.  Shortly after the tour of the San Elijo Lagoon, he gives us a brief presentation on some pressing ecological issues and cultural impediments to solutions.  He also explains the importance of natural history and how to gain public support for recovering the respect the environment deserves.  He goes through many examples of educating the public in order to save the environment.  Paul Dayton also takes us to the Scripps Coastal Reserve, which is part of the Natural Reserve System at the University of California, San Diego.  There, he describes the reserve (commonly referred to as the Knoll) and the plants and animals that live there.  He also provides ideas for student research. | View Videos  |