San Elijo State Beach is treasured by visiting campers and local surfers alike. But beyond the striking ocean views and plentiful surf breaks lurk some worrisome problems.

The winter weather of 2009 hit hard there, causing erosion and bluff issues at the south end of the campground; some stair access points have had to close as well. The perennial mess that is the California budget doesn't offer much help, which has resulted in partial closures and cuts in services statewide. Proposition 21—which would've implemented a car registration surcharge to raise money for the state park system—failed in November's election.

But to the rescue comes Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches (FCCSB), a local nonprofit group that supports the state park campground at San Elijo State Beach, as well as the state beaches and campground in Carlsbad. The group formed in April 2009, and actively started recruiting members that November. It is one of 87 "cooperating associations" across the state that raises funds for California parks that the stretched-thin state budget can't provide.

"In the past, if an individual wanted to help out, they had to go through the state parks, and it was very bureaucratic and you had to have certain licenses," says Bill Mahoney, a founding board member of FCCSB. "Now, people can get in touch with us directly."

During its short history, the group has already raised about $50,000, much of which went into the building of Carlsbad's Pelican Point, an area that can host educational and special events. There's an ambitious list of future projects as well, including painting, stair rebuilding, and construction of a playground. To achieve these goals, the group is looking into grants and corporate funding, and always seeks volunteer groups to work on projects. About 100 members pay $35 to $50 for one-year memberships.

FCCSB also hosts some fun events throughout the year. In Cardiff, there are what Mahoney calls "give-back events" for the community: the free Spring Spectacular Easter Event (slated for April 23 this year) and the San Elijo Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 29). In Carlsbad, the group is also known for Christmas in July, which last year raised about $11,000, and its involvement in Beach Fest.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, whether it's volunteer work on a special project or attendance at the monthly board and projects committee meetings. "We are the caretakers of our beaches," Mahoney says. "The state is under more limitations and we want to protect them for the children out here."

The projects committee meets from noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 11 and the monthly board meeting takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27. Both meetings take place at South Carlsbad State Beach. For more information, send an e-mail to mail@fccsb.org or go to fccsb.org.

Life Saver

Parents, babysitters, and anyone else who takes care of a child should sign up for Family and Friends Infant and Child CPR and First Aid. The class is offered in two different sessions this month at Scripps Well Being Center Encinitas: from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 15, and from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 18. The cost is $40 per person, or $60 per couple; preregistration is required. The center is at 681 Encinitas Blvd., Suite 307. For more information, visit encwellbeing@scrippshealth.org.

Just Go There, to the YMCA

Now's the time to join the YMCA, and not just because of that whole New Year's resolution thing. The facility's annual Open House takes place Jan. 8, and if you sign up for membership that day the $150 joining fee is waived. The event, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., also includes entertainment, tours, refreshments, gift bags for the first 500 new members and more. The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA is located at 200 Saxony Rd.  For more information, visit ecke.ymca.org.