Coastal commission holding photo contest

The California Coastal Commission has announced its 2007 amateur photography competition to pay tribute to the state's world-famous coast and ocean.

Entrants may submit photos of the scenic coast, ways people use the coast and coastal wildlife.

Plants and animals photographed should be native species captured in their natural setting.

Pictures must be taken in a public place and should be in color.

Photographs of marine mammals must be taken from more than 50 yards away.

The grand-prize winner will receive a choice of tickets for either a yacht cruise, Disneyland, Universal Studios or a dinner show, "Love, Chaos and Dinner," at Teatro ZinZanni in San Francisco.

Second, third and fourthplace winners will select from the remaining prizes.

All entries must be postmarked no later than Saturday, Aug. 25.

The contest is open only to amateur photographers who earn less than half of their income from photography.

For an entry form and contest guidelines, call (800) 262-7848, or e-mail coast4u@coastal.ca.gov or visit www.coastforyou.org.

To receive information by mail, write to: California Coastal Commission Photo Contest, 45 Fremont St., Ste. 2000, San Francisco, CA 94105.