Death of prominent activist shocks O.C. environmental community

November 6th, 2009, 11:56 am · 3 Comments · posted by Pat Brennan, green living, environment editor

The sudden death of Jan Vandersloot, a fixture in the Orange County environmental community, left his friends and fellow activists in shock and disbelief this week.

Vandersloot died Wednesday at his home in Newport Beach from what his son, Jon Vandersloot, described as a possible massive heart attack, although the cause has not been confirmed.

His death prompted a moment of silence and kind words at a meeting of the California Coastal Commission Thursday. Meanwhile, the allies in his many causes — from raising treatment levels for sewage emptied into the ocean to preserving wetlands and wildlife — spoke of his dedication, energy and drive.

Vandersloot also was a local dermatologist whose office was always crowded with patients. Read full O.C. Register story.

Latest posts:

Prefab “green” house hoisted into place in Newport

Watch building of prefab, ultra-green house live on the Web

State’s green building program easier than national system

Report: job potential high in renewable energy

Green tip: eco-sensitive washing (and money saving, too)

Thorny problem: volunteers needed for planting cactus

Edge of Nature: O.C. quarantine continues for citrus pest

Green tip: new uses for old jars

Waste company fined $219,000 for skipping smoke tests

Green tip: simplicity + elegance = EcoCents