Richmond Shoreline Coastal Cleanup Day has been held every year since I co-founded it 30 years ago.
But, like most large events, this annual community event is being adapted for COVID-19 into a month of smaller, pandemic-friendly activities.
September is Coastal Cleanup Month this year, and the theme in Contra Costa County is "A Clear Shore Starts at Your Door."
Most sidewalk and street litter ends up in San Francisco Bay or along the shoreline.
Picking up litter on your block is a great way to help clean the Bay and shoreline. It's a pandemic-friendly activity that can easily be done with a face covering, gloves, and while maintaining six feet of social distance from others.
I've hosted a Coastal Cleanup site at Richmond's Shimada Friendship Park, in partnership with the nonprofit Watershed Project and the city of Richmond.
This year the Watershed Project is spearheading neighborhood cleanups in September throughout the County. This may be cleaning litter from sidewalks, street gutters, creek beds, or local parks.
You can register with the Watershed Project to track and tally the debris you pick up, which helps gather data that is used for important policy decisions to make San Francisco Bay cleaner and healthier.
It also has a helpful Safe Cleaning Guide.
This isn't the same as our usual Richmond Shoreline event with conversation, coffee, and a group lunch, but it's an impactful way to help our beautiful San Francisco Bay and neighborhoods at the same time!
Please join me on one or many days in September cleaning our shore, by starting at our door.
I also like the California Coastal Commission's Coastal Cleanup slogan this year: Protect Your Happy Place! The commission is also championing neighborhood cleanup Saturdays in September.
The Bay shoreline is one of my Happy Places, as I know it is for many of us. I walk along the Bay Trail frequently and feel energized by the Bay's beauty and wildlife. I look forward to joining you to make our neighborhood and Bay cleaner. | 
