 Donna's Biography ... |
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Family and Personal History
Donna attended 5th and 6th grade at Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary (she helped write the biography of Holmes for the dedication of the school, and read his biography at the dedication). In 1964, her girl's team received First Place as Skyline District Champions for Girl's Team-Ball. Donna graduated from Holmes in 1964 and went on to Hale Jr. High School. She was an Associated Student Body Representative and also a member of the Girl's Soccer Team. Donna attended Madison High School for the 10th grade, then transferred to Midway Adult School to complete her high school education one year early. While at Midway, she was the editor of the school paper, The Midway Gazette. After graduation, Donna worked at numerous jobs, including The Pantry (a clothing store) in Pacific Beach.
Donna moved back to San Diego for good in 1979. She worked as an editor for a trade publication, and also as lead editor for a naval architect and marine engineering firm. Donna received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from National University in 1984. She met Skip in 1980, and took over running Skip Frye Surfboards in 1988.
Professional Experience Member, Clairemont Town Council Member, County of San Diego "Smart Growth" Study Team for Water Resources and Availability Past board member, Pacific Beach Town Council Past board member and vice-chair, Pacific Beach Community Planning Committee Appointed to the Mayor's Clean Water Task Force (2001) Appointed to County of San Diego Environmental Health Advisory Board (May '99) Appointed to Mission Bay Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Natural Resources (Jan 2000) Past board member, California League of Conservation Voters, San Diego Chapter Advisory board member, California Surf Museum Member, Clean Water Network, San Diego BayKeeper, Environmental Health Coalition and Women in Business Founder, Surfers Tired of Pollution, 1995 to present Co-owner, Skip Frye Surfboards, 1988 to present Consultant for the Center for Marine Conservation, March 2000 to present Senior Technical Editor, Rosenblatt & Sons, Naval Architect and Marine Engineering, 1985 to 1988 Community Involvement "Encouraged" the City of San Diego to post warning signs in front of 19 storm drains that discharge directly onto some of our best surfing and swimming beaches (Nov 1996)
Worked with the City of San Diego to divert the dry weather low-flow runoff into the sewer system (Funding found after Travel Advisory appeared in the New York Times in January 1997 warning travelers about the health risks associated with polluted runoff from San Diego storm drains). Funding announced March 1997 and projects at four beaches are completed, others under construction. Worked with Terry Rodgers to get the San Diego Union-Tribune to publish the polluted water report on the weather page on a daily basis (Dec 1996) In a joint project with the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health, established the Ocean Illness Survey to help determine the number of illnesses from surfing and swimming in polluted water (Project began Nov 1997 and is on-going). First official report was released in May, 2000. Stopped the International Jet Sports Boating Association from bringing 750 jet skis for the world races to Mission Bay in 1999 by organizing the community, presenting testimony to the QCC and working with Blue Water Network, BayKeeper and others. This was proposed to be a yearly event for three years; however the promoters failed to prepare an environmental impact report. Worked with County and City of San Diego to perform DNA testing at four locations to determine the source of the bacteria at three storm drains and one river mouth (began in Feb 1999). Results were released in Jan 2000. Led campaign against Anheuser Busch (Nov '98 election) to stop them from receiving an exemption from the 30-foot height limit in our coastal zone. Even though we lost by approx. 4,500 votes, we spent only $450. A-B spent almost $2 million. We are still working on this issue. Worked to get the City of San Diego to strengthen policies related to polluted runoff. City is currently in process of reviewing enforcement ordinance and adding pollution prevention measures to the zoning code and a water quality element to the city's General Plan. Convinced City of San Diego to add $732,000 to their 2000 budget to Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (July 1999) Worked with the Coastal Commission and City of San Diego to add $411,000 from sludge mitigation funds to programs to clean up Mission Bay. The money had been going to "cement" projects rather than projects related to our natural resources. The money will be spent as follows: $200,000 for water monitoring, $160,000 for creek restoration, $32,000 for an Integrated Pest Management Program, and $25,000 for least tern nesting site restoration. Regularly participate in press conferences, City Council hearings, speaking engagements with schools (elementary to college level), comment on land use plans (EIRs, etc). Participated in three County of San Diego television programs (Ripcurrents, Water Friends For and Panel Show on Clean Water). Worked on and did voice-over for County Television Network PSA (Know Before 'You Go). Appeared in KPBS documentary "Fender Philosophers," a show about bumper stickers. Helped organize one the largest paddles for Clean Water during the Republican National Convention held in San Diego (Aug 96). It was estimated that over 1,000 surfers paddled that day. Registered hundreds of voters (ongoing program). State & Federal Issues Worked with Assemblyman Howard Wayne to help pass uniform statewide water monitoring standards (AB 411). Presented testimony to numerous Assembly panels Attended EPA Conference on Phase I and II NPDES Stormwater Rule Awards Certificate from Windansea Surf Club for Environmental Leadership (Dec '99) Certificate of Thanks from Friends of South Bay Wildlife (June '99 ) Certificate of Appreciation from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for contribution in establishing a national wildlife refuge in South San Diego Bay (June '99 ) Certificate of Special Recognition from Pacific Beach Town Council (Jan '99) Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Brian Bilbray (Jan '99) Special Commendation from City Council of San Diego (Jan '99) Certificate of Recognition from Assemblyman Howard Wayne (Jan '99) San Diego County Proclamation and naming Jan 12 as Donna Frye Day throughout the county (Jan '99) Earth Award for grassroots activism (Mar '98 ) Bank of America Small Business Award for Commitment to Community (Mar '98; one of five award winners throughout San Diego and honored at the San Diego Chamber of Commerce "Insights" conference) Proclamation from City of San Diego in recognition of STOP's work on behalf of the ocean (March '98) Education Bachelor of Business, National University (San Diego) Associate of Arts, Cosumnes River College (Sacramento, Graduated with Great Distinction) Completed course in Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants (1996) Completed EPA Water Quality Standards Academy (1999) |
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Paid for by Re-Elect Donna Frye Web |
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Donna was born in Pennsylvania in 1952. Her family moved to San Diego in 1957, where they lived in a house overlooking Mission Bay, off of Clairemont Drive. Donna attended Whittier Elementary School. In 1959, her family moved to England for two years, followed by 6 months in Naples, Italy. The family returned to San Diego in 1962, living in the same home where Donna now resides. 
In 1975, Donna moved to Sacramento to attend Cosumnes River College. She graduated with Great Distinction, taking an Associate of Arts degree in June, 1979. In the same year, Donna represented the college in the Social Science-Humanities division for the Bank of America Community College Awards and took third place. During her tenure there, she also worked at the college and was in charge of the Women's Re-entry Program.
Requested that the City of San Diego begin monitoring discharges at storm drain outfalls (began in Dec. 1996)