Coastal Cleanup in El Cerrito, Richmond Saturday

The state's largest volunteer event, California Coastal Cleanup Day, takes place Saturday, Sept. 15, and there are at least two opportunities to pitch in locally.

The City of El Cerrito and Friends of Five Creeks are inviting volunteers to help "scour the creek for trash from Creekside Park to the Ohlone Greenway or prepare areas for native plantings," according to an announcement from the city's Environmental Services Division. Refreshments will be served to participants at noon, the announcement said.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 10 a.m. at Creekside Park in El Cerrito, at the south end of Santa Clara Avenue at base of Albany Hill. Wear closed-toed shoes with good traction.

The public is invited also to help cleanup the Richmond shore – and enjoy a free healthy lunch – in an effort organized by Contra Costa County , whose district includes El Cerrito and Kensington.

Gioia, who lives on the Richmond shoreline and serves on the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, is organizing his 22nd annual Richmond shore cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon. A free lunch for the volunteers will folllow.

Participants should meet at Shimada Friendship Park, at the end of Marina Bay Parkway at the Bay. 

Here is the full announcement from Gioia's office:

WHAT:
Join hundreds of youth, families, and other volunteers as they clean the San Francisco shoreline of plastics, paper, and other trash and debris in the annual California Coastal Cleanup.  Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, who lives along the Richmond shoreline and serves on the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, will again be co-hosting his annual cleanup along the Richmond Shoreline with the Watershed Project, a non-profit organization focused on the preservation, awareness, and revitalization of San Francisco’s waterways.  Beth Terry, author of “My Plastic Free Life” will also be on hand to talk about her experience living a plastic-free lifestyle.

WHEN:
Date/Time: Saturday, September 15, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
FREE HEALTHY LUNCH FOR VOLUNTEERS AT NOON!

The Kayak Flotilla will be coming ashore at approximately 11 a.m. to bring back trash picked-up in the Bay. For more information about the Kayak Flotilla, contact Juliana Gonzalez at 510-759-1203.

WHERE:
Shimada Friendship Park, Richmond  (Located at the end of Marina Bay Parkway at the Bay)

BRING:
Refillable water bottle, debris bucket if you have one; work gloves.  Wear sturdy shoes, and dress for the weather!  Supplies provided.

SPONSORS:   Supervisor John Gioia, the Watershed Project, City of Richmond