Community Corner
North Coast Team Conducts Beach Cleanups
The North Coast beach cleanup efforts resulted in over four cubic yards of trash being removed from the shoreline.
CAPITOLA-SOQUEL, CA - From the County of Santa Cruz: The County of Santa Cruz is pleased to announce results from the first cleanup of North Coast beaches resulting from a new partnership between the County and Downtown Streets Team.
During beach cleanups at Davenport Beach and Panther Beach around the 4th of July holiday, team members collected more than four cubic yards of trash and debris, and an additional amount of recyclables, protecting marine life and the North Coast environment. The team consists of five members tasked with keeping North Coast beaches clean under a pilot project established by the Board of Supervisors.
"The North Coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. I'm thrilled to have the Streets Team caring for beaches there," Supervisors Ryan Coonerty said. "Everyone benefits."
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The yearlong pilot program represents the first partnership between the County and the San Jose-based Downtown Streets Team, which operates in several California counties and provides homeless men and women with an opportunity to serve the community and gain work experience while working with a case manager and taking steps toward more permanent employment and housing.
"I've been doing this for more than seven years, and watched people go from completely down in the dumps to begin to work on their goals, including employment, housing and self-sufficiency," said Greg Pensinger, project manager of the Downtown Streets Team. "This program can be an important first step toward getting off the streets."
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Downtown Streets Teams currently operate in downtown Santa Cruz, on the Riverwalk/Levee, in the Harvey West neighborhood and Pogonip Park, as well as at Cowell's and Main Beach in Santa Cruz. The North Coast team will conduct routine beaches cleanups north of Wilder Ranch State Park, with augmented services during major holiday weekends), and is funded by the Department of Public Works and Department of Human Services, with additional support from the Parks Department.
Photo courtesy Renee Schiavone/ Patch
