Long Beach Doubles Cleanup Sites for Coastal Celebration

Long Beach is turning up the volume on beach cleanup, doubling its volunteer sites to celebrate half a century of California's coastal protection legacy.

On Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers across 10 city locations will join the 42nd Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. The expansion from just five sites last year shows how the community is answering the call to protect the shoreline they love.

"We invite our Long Beach community to join this year's California Coastal Cleanup Day and help care for the shoreline we all cherish," said Mayor Rex Richardson. The timing holds special meaning as California marks 50 years since the Coastal Act established protections for 1,100 miles of precious shoreline.

Volunteers can choose from familiar spots like Alamitos Beach and Belmont Pier, plus five brand new locations including MacArthur Park and Bluff Park. Each site will feature educational activities and giveaways, making learning fun while doing good.

The cleanup comes with Olympic flair this year. Alamitos Beach, the future home of 2028 Olympic Beach Volleyball and Paralympic Blind Football, will host USA Artistic Swimming athletes as part of the Ocean Conservancy's Protect Where We Play initiative.

Organizers are keeping things eco-friendly by providing gloves and trash bags while encouraging volunteers to bring reusable buckets and grabbers. Parking is free for all volunteers at nearby beach lots, removing barriers for anyone wanting to help.

Partners including the Aquarium of the Pacific, LA Water Keeper, and local neighborhood associations are leading individual cleanup sites. Volunteers under 16 just need a parent or caregiver signature on a waiver to participate.

The Ripple Effect

Last year's numbers tell an impressive story. More than 950 volunteers collected over 2,375 pounds of debris in three hours, proving what a motivated community can accomplish in a single morning.

This year's doubled effort means even more coastline gets attention, more marine habitats stay healthy, and more people connect with the environmental stewardship that has defined California's coastal policy for five decades. The expansion sends a clear message that Long Beach residents are invested in keeping their beaches vibrant for generations ahead.

When communities show up to protect shared spaces, they're not just picking up trash. They're honoring the vision that began 50 years ago when California decided its coastline deserved lasting protection.