Group Tidies the Beach

With billions of pounds of trash and toxins going into the ocean each year, volunteers tried to make a difference locally by gathering all kinds of junk during a beach cleanup Saturday, Aug. 8.

The group, led by District 2 City Council candidate Robert Fox, met at Gallagher’s Pub & Grill first for a free breakfast and then marched to the beach at Long Beach for a few hours of cleaning.

With trash pickers in one hand and black yard sacks in the other, the troop of mostly Fox supporters grabbed at debris on the white sand during the sunny day with blue sky.

“This is great for Robert, great for the community,” said resident and volunteer Jerry Taylor, one of only a few who did not wear a yellow Robert-Fox-for-city-council T-shirt.

“I was neutral, but because Robert is doing something active for the community, I’m sort of leaning towards him,” he said. “Community activism like this is amazing.”

Resident and volunteer Dave Hernandez collected a number of things.

“Just plastic stuff, straws, cigarette butts,” he said.

Gallagher’s Pub & Grill co-owner Erin Edmonds found more exotic items like a pink bra, a used baby diaper and related wipes.

“It was disgusting,” she said.

Gallagher’s employee and volunteer Heidi Landa was surprised to find confetti scattered about.

“Somebody came here and had a party,” she said. “It’s okay to have a party but not to have confetti.”

In addition to confetti and wipes, twin sister Heather Landa gathered Styrofoam pieces – which wildlife can mistake for food – plastic lids and other waste.

“We work at Gallagher’s and we wanted to support Robert Fox and our team to clean our community,” Heather Landa said.

Nick Rose, who serves as Fox’s campaign strategist, said, “People in Long Beach love their community. We saw a void and we filled it. We’ve done this before.”

Fox, who is no stranger to community involvement and cleanups, lugged a bag filled with garbage.

“During this time of social distancing we can still participate in community events,” he said. “Keeping our beaches clean and our alleys and sidewalks free of litter is something we can all safely do.

“I am glad to continue leading the 2nd District with fun projects that bring hope, togetherness and positive results to our neighborhoods. Showing up is the first step on the path to success.”

Another beach cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, where volunteers will meet at the Junipero Avenue parking lot at 9:30 a.m.

Fox faces challenger Cindy Allen in a runoff election Nov. 3.

kirt@beachcomber.news