Pleasanton Coastal Cleanup

OK, I know, Pleasanton doesn’t have a coast. But that hasn’t stopped volunteers from participating in the California Coastal Cleanup for the past 13 years. How do Pleasanton residents clean up California’s coasts without leaving Pleasanton, you ask? By cleaning up the local arroyos that eventually drain water and trash into the bay.

Picture courtesy of the California Coastal Commission

The Pleasanton Weekly reported that far less trash was picked up this year.

Volunteers pulled more than 280 pounds of trash and recyclables and 53 tires out of creeks in Pleasanton. Experts believe that a large portion of the trash found along California’s beaches originates from inland sources and reaches the coast via creeks that drain to the Bay or the coast.

Pleasanton city staff reported a significant reduction in the amount of trash collected this year, attributing the change to a combination of factors: For one thing, Pleasanton has participated in the Coastal Cleanup for 13 years, so past accumulations have previously been cleared.

In addition, CalTrans has been more diligent in cleaning up debris along Interstate 680 that can end up in the adjacent creeks. And, most importantly, the public is more aware and more conscientious about not littering.

Dublin residents got in on the act this year for the first time. I love this event. Every September, I see Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church groups and other concerned residents cleaning up our arroyos. What a great way to keep our city clean and help keep the bay clean. Our arroyos and the adjacent trail system create an excellent environment for walkers, runners, and bikers. It is quite common to see Cranes, hawks, raccoons, skunks, and even foxes along the trails. Hats off to all of those volunteers who work hard to keep them clean.