The difference between entitlement and privilege is gratitude.
The San Diego River Park Foundation’s (SDRPF) mission is to engage people to create a better future for the 52-mile-long San Diego River and its ecosystem. Since its founding in 2001, The San Diego River Park Foundation has engaged the community to appreciate the San Diego River as a public treasure and develop meaningful connections with this globally significant natural resource. SDRPF has several programs which organize volunteers to clean and heal polluted areas of the river, conduct wildlife research, and promote understanding and appreciation of the river’s ecosystem through education and outings. Simon Andrews is a Board Member of The San Diego River Park Foundation.
#1 Until age 16, I grew up in the Midwest, and then moved with my parents and three younger brothers to San Diego. It was midwinter. I was homesick for Ohio for only one day!
#2 We have always enjoyed traveling the world and its many cultures with our kids – and hope to continue with grandkids. But with relatives in Northern Italy, I do have a sweet spot for the Piemonte.
#3 My wife and I are planning our first ever trip to Spain – deferred too many times before.
#4 I decompress by hiking in nature, including San Diego’s beautiful backcountry, being in the ocean, being with friends and family.
#5 Book Recommendation: Anything written by Wade Davis, especially his river books: ‘One River’ (the Amazon) and ‘Magdalena’ (Colombia).
#6 I have three cats: a spinster, a tubby baby, and the mama (quite the noble one!)
#7 I am an active member of an international organization with charitable projects in communities around the world, and just returned from visiting some of these in Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). Very inspiring!
#8 When I met Rob Hutsel, our Executive Director, and founder, of The San Diego River Park Foundation, I was immediately impressed by his dedication. But I am not alone: Rob continuously inspires the River Park Foundation’s staff, generous donors, and hundreds of volunteers.
#9 We are about to open the first phase of our River Center at Grant Park which will provide hands-on environmental education for thousands of kids every year, as well as a community park in Mission Valley, and connections to the pedestrian and bike trail. If we are to make any progress toward a more sustainable way of living on this planet, I believe our hope lies in education – for our children, their children, and beyond….
#10 I would love to be able to hike the entire 52 miles of the San Diego River – from the watershed in the mountains all the way to Dog Beach just North of Point Loma. If it is not in my lifetime, it is my hope for future generations.
San Diego River Park Foundation
www.sandiegoriver.org
