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Finalists Named for California's Cox Conserves Heroes Program, Public Asked to Vote for WinnerSAN DIEGO, May 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications and The Trust for Public Land are recognizing volunteers who are creating, preserving or enhancing shared outdoor spaces. Finalists for California's Cox Conserves Heroes program were announced today, and the public is being asked to vote for the winner now through June 10. To vote, visit CoxConservesHeroes.com and select the California area. A total of $20,000 will be donated to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the three finalists, who were selected to represent Orange County, San Diego and Santa Barbara and compete for California's Cox Conserves Hero title. Finalists have already secured a $5,000 donation for their environmental nonprofits of choice, and are now competing for an additional $5,000 – bringing the total award to $10,000 for the winner's nonprofit of choice. The winner will be chosen through an online public vote. California's 2016 Cox Conserves Heroes Finalists Orange County: Andrea Ramos' volunteerism is distinguished by partnership, innovation and integration. Under Ramos' leadership, students at Brea-Olinda High School created a campus recycling program, planted a school garden and performed habitat restoration at Randolph Creek. She partners with local organizations to expose students to environmental careers and adult mentors. Encouraging students to become environmental ambassadors is Ramos' enduring legacy. Her environmental nonprofit of choice is Inside The Outdoors. San Diego: Margaret Godshalk is a retired teacher who is helping transform the blighted Westside area of National City into a healthy and safe neighborhood. She has volunteered with the Environmental Health Coalition for 25 years and led the ommunity effort to transform Paradise Creek from a polluted health risk into a thriving ecosystem with a park, nature walk and amphitheater. Her work created a beautiful area for outdoor recreation and environmental education. Her environmental nonprofit of choice is Environmental Health Coalition. Santa Barbara: Lee Heller advocates for outdoor recreation for individuals and their companion animals. Recognizing that Summerland Beach was being impacted by leaking and abandoned oil wells, she organized a coalition of concerned stakeholders to address the issue. Thanks to Heller's advocacy, the State Lands Commission is currently working toward future remediation opportunities. Her environmental nonprofit of choice is Environmental Defense Center. In California, the Cox Conserves Heroes program has honored nearly 70 environmental volunteers and donated nearly $250,000 to their local nonprofits of choice. The program is sponsored in San Diego by Subaru. The Cox Conserves Heroes program was created through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Cox Communications. Cox Conserves Heroes also takes place in Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington. About Cox Communications: About The Trust for Public Land: About Cox Conserves: Social Media: #CoxConservesHeroes and #CoxConservesHero To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/finalists-named-for-californias-cox-conserves-heroes-program-public-asked-to-vote-for-winner-300274848.html SOURCE Cox Communications |