“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
― Maya Angelou
We are a group of locals with a love of stories and of our coastal communities in equal measure. We see ample opportunity for literature and writing to be more prominent in daily life here. To expand our efforts to do just that, we’ve formed Coastal Literary Arts Movement as a nonprofit, public benefit corporation based in Half Moon Bay, California.
Our purpose is to foster a wide variety of literary endeavors, including local reporting, spoken word, authorship, playwriting, student journalism and most any other verbal expression. While we are a new group, we are already reaching far into the coastal communities to learn where we will have the most benefit.
We are steadfast in our determination to create literary programs that are actually needed by our communities. You know your needs better than we do. We want to listen to your ideas.
Coastal Lit is a 501(c)(3) registered charity with the IRS and state of California and donations to us are deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Board Members
We are a group of locals who love words and want to help literary experiences flourish in our coastal communities. Though Coastal Lit board membership is an unpaid position, we find the results of the work itself to be amply rewarding.
David Gorn
President
David Gorn has been an award-winning editor and reporter, in print media and in public radio. He was Deputy News Director at KQED-San Francisco and ran The California Report, has been an editor for NPR’s Day to Day and KPCC Public Radio in SoCal, as well as a longtime reporter for NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered. In print, he has worked at the San Jose Mercury News, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, CalMatters and was editor of San Francisco Magazine and the Half Moon Bay Review. He has taught journalism at San Francisco State University and San Jose State University. Locally, he has served on the City Council and Planning Commission, and on the board of Coastside Children’s Programs.
Leslie Hunt
Secretary
Leslie Hunt has been a Coastside resident for over 35 years. Her educational background lies in English Literature and Healthcare Administration which led to a 40+ year career in the Healthcare environment. Beyond her career background, her lifelong love of literature and participation in community literary arts lends to her delight in encouraging all styles of the written/spoken word in our coastal community.
Bella Garcia
Board Member
Bella works with the Coastside Farmers Market helping coastside’s to get fresh, local veggies. She grew up on the coast and has a passion for literary arts and community organization.
Matthew Spigelman
Board Member
Matthew Spigelman is a coast side writer, poet and advocate. He works at the Cabrillo Unified School District as a sustainability coordinator and attends College of San Mateo for writing and music. He is a member of the creative writing club at CSM. He volunteers with Make It Main St, hosting art demos for children and sharing at Speaker Space.
Mauro Fortissimo
Board Member
Mauro is a creative in all senses. He moves people to come together for food, movement, music and spoken word. He is an advocate and activist who has been in the literary and arts scene of the Bay Area for decades.
Do you have questions?
Want to help with your time or donation?
Please contact us:
LetsTalk@CoastalLit.org
Mailing Address: PO Box 3557, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
