FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alexa Lewis-Rosenfeld, The San Diego River Park Foundation, alexa@sandiegoriver.org, 619-307-0268
San Diego, CA – As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issues an advisory for a strong “Super” El Niño event this fall and winter, The San Diego River Park Foundation is mobilizing the community to take action for the San Diego River and the ocean downstream before heavy rains arrive.
The River Park Foundation expects over 100 volunteers to help remove trash from the riverbed at the Great River Cleanup on Saturday, November 7th, at Fashion Valley. This annual event is one of the last opportunities to clear litter and pollutants from the San Diego River and its banks before winter storms, safeguarding local beaches, waterways, and native wildlife.
The River Park Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, Sarah Hutmacher, explains, “El Niño events can double and even triple our expected rainfall, and the increased stormwater volume and velocity carry even more trash into our river and other waterways. We have made significant progress in reducing trash in the riverbed, but our recent surveys just documented over 60 tons of trash within the naturalized areas along the river, and it is imperative we take action now to prevent this trash from embedding in sensitive wildlife habitats along the river or negatively impacting water quality downstream. Each pound of trash we remove protects both wildlife and people from pollution.”
Preventing debris from washing into our rivers, beaches, and ocean is crucial for protecting our water quality and preserving San Diego’s natural beauty. This cleanup effort mobilizes local volunteers to make a tangible difference in protecting local wildlife habitats and waterways and enhancing our communities and beaches.
Media Opportunities:
WHO: The San Diego River Park Foundation, its volunteers, and elected officials
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE WITH:
- Sarah Hutmacher, Chief Operating Officer, The San Diego River Park Foundation
- Community volunteers cleaning the bank of the San Diego River
- Possible elected officials
WHAT: A Community River Cleanup
SUGGESTED MEDIA SITE: Check in at Fashion Valley Mall (Tesla charging stations), Southeast side near Hazard Center Drive, 7007 Friars Rd., San Diego, CA 92108
Parking is free at the Tesla charging stations
WHEN:
- Saturday, November 7th, from 9 a.m. – Noon, with check-in at 8:45 a.m.
- Interviews are best between 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. while the group is gathering before they embark to clean trash over a large distance of the riverbed
VISUALS:
- Volunteers actively removing trash from riverbanks and the river itself
- Trash in the river and on the riverbed
- Group photo opportunities
CONTACT (DAY OF): Sarah Hutmacher, Chief Operating Officer, (559) 280-4696
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About The San Diego River Park Foundation
The San Diego River Park Foundation’s mission is to engage people to work toward a better future for the historic San Diego River and the creation of a 52-mile river parkway from the mountains to the ocean. The River Park Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization founded in 2001.
Visit www.sandiegoriver.org for more information.