Spreading Newark Pride

For each trash pickup outing that we organize, we gain two new friendly neighbors and more good conversation to boot. Our outings usually begin with a 20-min chat at one of the two Newark Starbucks, followed by a caravan to our site of choice. Our lives are too busy to plan a fixed day, but so far our average is one Saturday cleanup outing per month for 1 1/2 hrs.

SFPUC Property at Ash Street Park

For 1 1/2 hours we picked up more cigarette butts than Philip Morris can manufacture in a day, glass, and other litter. One crew member even found a shirt! No needles or condoms, thankfully.

Prior to our onslaught, this property was unmaintained as evidenced by the dense weeds and litter, making the nearby picnic areas unattractive to park visitors who flock to the park for its attractive volleyball court, basketball courts, tot playground, soccer field, and walking path. Finally, you can sit at the picnic tables at Ash Street Park and enjoy a nice outdoor experience!

Union Pacific Property on Baine Avenue

After 2 1/2 hours (and longer if you count the hours it took to get a “green light” from Union Pacific) we made a HUGE improvement to the neighborhood, which borders Newark Civic Center park and is used by many residents who walk their dogs for exercise and by the occasional trail runner and mountain biker.

I was a bit concerned when one member stepped out of her car to see the trashy surprise awaiting us: “You weren’t kidding....” But, several trash bags, sore muscles, moments of profuse perspiration, and 2 hours later, things began to take a turn for the better.

I took the opportunity to ask a thankful resident why he doesn’t simply clean up the mess himself. His eyes surveyed the property, then sighed “I pick up, but it doesn’t make a difference.“ My eyes scanned the open space, now free of litter, and replied ”What do you think?” To which he replied, ”It looks great, thanks to you guys.” During our cleanup I expressed a desire for more crew; in retrospect, I’m glad we only had 4 people. Why? Because it emphasized what a handful of people can do if they just roll up their sleeves.

I was completely blown away by the stamina of my fellow crew mates. It’s not easy work! Glass, nails, cup after cup, diapers, wood, the occasional tampon (gross!)—you name it—we picked it up. Carbon dating (aka layers of trash > dirt > trash) would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that this trash was years old.

We were asked by a few onlookers if we live ”here.” We said, ”yes”, to which those curious folks replied, ”we don’t.” Upon further inquiry we discovered that they in fact do live in Newark, but not on Baine. Well, this crew doesn’t live on Baine (or near Ash Street Park or Newark Community Park), but we do live HERE! We live in Newark, and that’s good enough for us. But, read on, because Newark pride is contagious.

We “ended” around 11:30am, and I was the last to leave. Just as I was gathering up the bags, neighbors began to appear with brooms and rakes and leaf blowers in hand, cleaning up “their” side of the street. It was a marvelous scene. Even the kids helped out.

The neighbors greeted me with a cold Corona (okay, I confess, I had two miniature bottles) and the best carnitas ever. I left with an invitation to join a Baine Ave neighborhood Thanksgiving BBQ. Thank you Ricardo for the wonderful hospitality, and to the wonderful crew that ignited this community building activity.

We really do need more crew. However, it’s not the only way for you to contribute. We welcome construction-grade (3 mil) garbage bags, latex gloves, or even Home Depot/ACE gift cards. Or, if you’re a videographer, come out and get some footage of our event and spread the Newark pride! And, then, there’s always beer.

Angela

angela.akridge@gmail.com or 408/393-9249 (c)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NewarkTrash/