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Community Spirit Shines at Alamitos Beach Clean Up
Long Beach, known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning waterfront, has another side that often goes unrecognized—the effort of its residents to maintain the cleanliness of Alamitos Beach. Despite the city's efforts to provide a welcoming environment for both tourists and locals, the reality can be quite different for regular beachgoers. Resident Brenda Loughery, who frequents Alamitos Beach with her dogs, emphasizes the need for cleanliness. "I can see how littered it gets and I want to help keep it clean. This is part of my neighborhood," she states passionately.
A Legacy of Cleanup Initiatives
The Alamitos Beach Clean Up, a community-driven initiative, has been active since 2014 with a mission to protect marine life and beautify the local environment. This effort is crucial, especially considering the harmful substances that threaten coastal areas, from oil spills to everyday litter. According to Pamela Chotiswatdi, who recently took over organizing responsibilities for the cleanup, "My non-profit just stepped up to take over the organizing part this year." This revitalization of leadership injects new energy into an important community activity.
Measurable Impact and Community Engagement
Every fourth Sunday, dedicated volunteers gather from 10 to 11 a.m. at Alamitos Beach to collect trash littering the shoreline. Notably, the group has amassed over 7,094 pounds of trash since its inception. Just last month, volunteers gathered approximately 30 participants and collected 417 pounds of trash in just one hour. This kind of tangible impact demonstrates the power of community action and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Empowered by Collective Action
Volunteers like Jose Jimenez express their frustrations over the beach's cleanliness, which, he argues, hasn’t improved despite the city's efforts. However, it’s more than just trash collection—it’s about inspiring broader change. New volunteer Carley Castro reflects, "You see all the little, tiny things, like the amount of trash that’s out here; it just makes you think more about how we are treating the planet. It’s just a few hundred yards that we are covering here, but there’s so much trash, it’s wild to me." This collective action fosters not just a clean beach but also a sense of community.
The Evolution of a Cleaner Long Beach
Long Beach's water quality grades consistently range between A and C, yet the perception among locals suggests a different reality, according to Heal the Bay's annual report. As the Alamitos Beach Clean Up continues its mission, pieces of educational outreach are woven into the initiative. Chotiswatdi frequently shares vital history about the beach, including the impacts of the breakwater built in 1941, which affects sediment and trash retention. She explains, "It just sits here; it has nowhere to go." Through these teachings, volunteers gain a clearer understanding of how human actions affect the local ecosystem.
A Call to Action: Join the Movement
Participation in the Alamitos Beach Clean Up goes beyond merely picking up trash; it fosters connections among neighbors and cultivates awareness. Pam encourages newcomers to join, stating, "Come out here and visit us on Sunday, bring some friends because it is nice to have a little conversation while you’re doing it." Everyone is welcome to take part and contribute to the community. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or a newcomer, your effort can make a substantial difference.
As the community unites for these cleanups, the hope is that it will inspire long-term behavioral changes that will prevent littering and contribute positively to the environment. Together, residents can work towards not just cleaning up misguided litter but nurturing a more conscientious and environmentally aware community. Next time you're at the beach, reflect on how you can contribute—since every small effort counts, and a cleaner Alamitos Beach might just start with you!
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