Community Corner

Students Pour Out For California Coastal Cleanup

South San Francisco student volunteers cleaned a half-mile area and collected 450 pounds of trash and 75 pounds of recyclables.

Written by Adam Au

A group of 75 volunteers consisting of local school students and volunteers came out to 29th Annual California Coastal Cleanup at Haskins Bay in an effort to help clean the local environment. 

September 21st is California Coastal Cleanup Day, and community events like this happened all over the state, according Gus Veillis, who oversaw the cleanup efforts. 

Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Led by Mr.Veillis, students from Westborough Middle School and South San Francisco High School picked up litter and trash that lined the bay at Haskins Way.

The kids were eager to help clean not only for environmental purposes, but for extra credit. Westborough social studies teacher Daniel Yanow invited students from all grades to participate.  

Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I feel that there should be some type of public service required of students, so that they learn that they are a part of a community, and that community includes the environment” Yanow said. He is not a stranger to these cleanups as he has been a part of them for several years according to S.S.F High School teacher Dianna Ariani.

The participants combed the Bay as they picked up cigarette butts. Unfortunately, the cloudy morning turned into a heavy downpour half way through the event. 

With everyone scattering for cover, Veillis ended the cleanup early. Even with the rain, the cleanup was a success, as bags filled with trash were collected and taken away by Scavenger garbage trucks. 

According to Veillis, the volunteers cleaned half-mile area and collected 450 lbs of trash and 75 lbs of recyclables. 

See a photo gallery here.

For more information on Coastal Cleanup Day in San Mateo County, please visit http://www.flowstobay.org/ccd.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here