Community Corner
'Healing the Bay' with 'Nothin' But Sand' in the Palisades
Volunteers were "healing the bay" during the "Nothin' But Sand" event at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades.
A variety of local groups spent their Saturday morning at Will Rogers State Beach for the "Nothin' But Sand" Heal the Bay cleaning effort.
The sun hid behind thick clouds as volunteers of all ages scoured the beach with sanitary gloves and plastic trash bags. As they sifted through the sand, they picked up cigarette butts, candy wrappers and flattened cups for the monthly cleanup.
The all-volunteer event is held the third Saturday of each month and offers Angelenos the chance to take care of their environment. But the efforts don't end when the last trash bag is tied. The program also shows people how to be more earth-conscious at home.
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“A lot of families bring their kids to Heal the Bay. It's a really great way to get everyone involved and give kids some of their first volunteering experiences,” said Saira Gandhi, the event's volunteer coordinator.
At the event, Gandhi stressed the importance of keeping LA beaches clean. However, she also noted people need to be aware that the garbage they are picking up at the beach started in their own neighborhoods. The trash that slips into street gutters washes out to the coast as part of the city's storm drain system.
Find out what's happening in Pacific Palisadeswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
As for the volunteers, some found strength in numbers by organizing co-workers. Others just wanted to be one with the environment.
“It's 'Value Month' at my work so I just thought, 'Let's do this,' " said Jessica Cullo, who arrived ahead of her five co-workers. "It's a great way to be helping the environment."
“I like to volunteer independently. It's a lot of fun and great for the environment," said Ericka Jones, a Laces Magnet School senior. "There is also a lot of bonding and making friends."
Volunteers not only left the event feeling a little green, they also got a chance to try out some hot wheels. Ford offered a test drive of its new eco-friendly vehicle.
Heal the Bay oversees a number of volunteer events around Los Angeles County. The organization has been helping heal the waters of Southern California since 1985.
If you would like to volunteer, or would like more information about the next "Nothin' But Sand" event, click here.
