Meet Cool Azul If you're a long-time member of the Land Trust, you're familiar with "Cool Azul" the great blue heron who is our mascot.

This wise old bird first made his appearance on September 21, 1996 on a flier advertising the Bolsa Chica Land Trust Beach Rally.  At that time, he had no name, but he showed up on posters and banners for the celebration and concert that featured Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash, and Pierce Brosnan.

In the winter of 1997, the Land Trust launched a "Name the Bird" contest in our newsletter.  More than a hundred entries poured in.  Among the many names submitted were "Big Blue," "Huey Bluey," "Bolsa Chico," and "Seymour."

But when the Board of Directors of the Land Trust reached a final decision, the winner was seven year-old, Austin Deuel of Huntington Beach.  Austin submitted "Cool Azul" because he thought the bird's sunglasses looked cool and because he knew that "azul" was the Spanish word for blue.

In April 1998 and 1999, a buff, new Cool Azul appeared on Walkathon I and Walkathon II fliers. Designed by Land Trust member, Stan Krutsick, this version served as the model for the costume which was designed and built by Kimberli Steel.

On July 4, 1999, Cool Azul marched for the first time in the Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade with Austin Deuel and the rest of the Land Trust participants. Cool Azul has appeared in every 4th of July parade since, and was most recently brought to life by Ted Dowding of the Bolsa Chica Stewards.

But now, Cool Azul has once again undergone a make-over. Designed by character artist Greg Guler, this new version of our mascot will be found on our website and in our educational materials.  It is hoped that his friendly - but still cool - personality will appeal to kids and motivate them to learn more about the Bolsa Chica.

So say hello to the new Cool Azul. We hope you like him!