These volunteers took part in the California Coastal Commission s 15th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, presented by Brita. Beach and inland waterway cleanups took place all over the state, from Mexico to the Oregon border, around San Francisco Bay, and at sites as far inland as Lake Tahoe and the San Joaquin River. Past Coastal Cleanup Day data tells us that most of the debris on our beaches and shorelines comes from inland sources. Many people don t realize that something as simple as hosing down a sidewalk can wash cigarette butts, bits of Styrofoam and candy wrappers into a storm drain or local stream and out to the ocean. We are asking Californians to take responsibility for making sure trash goes where it belongs - securely in a trashcan or in a recycling bin.
Businesses can also help out by placing ashtrays outside where many people smoke.
This year s turnout was greatly assisted by the Brita Products Company, Coastal Cleanup Day s statewide presenting sponsor. Brita provided extensive pre-event publicity and offered every volunteer a free water filtration pitcher as a thank you for participating in the cleanup. The Third Annual Brita Award for the Most Unusual Item in northern California will be awarded to George Becker Sr. for finding a grave marker from San Antonio, Texas at Baker Beach. In southern California, the Brita Award will go for finding a carved pumpkin full of cooked eggs at the Los Angeles River Atwater Village site. Beach Captain Maureen Reilly is in the process of tracking down the individual who found this unusual item.