City welcomes street cleaners

There’s still time to register for the 16th annual Beautify Chula Vista, the popular neighborhood clean-up event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at two locations.

This year, Chula Vista locations for volunteers to choose from include: Rice Canyon at Discovery Park, 700 Buena Vista Way; and Otay Recreation Center area, 3554 Main St.

The community event is hosted by Mayor Mary Casillas Salas and the Chula Vista City Council, in collaboration with I Love a Clean San Diego.

More than 600 volunteers are expected to turn out this year to pick up litter, clean up graffiti and remove weeds. Last year, 721 volunteers together removed more than 14,000 pounds of litter and debris.

Participants must provide their own transportation, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, bring work gloves, refillable water bottle, and snacks or lunch. This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours and for residents to get involved by lending a helping hand in their community.

“Volunteers taking part in this special event lead by example, and can be proud that they have personally contributed to a beautiful and clean Chula Vista,” said I Love a Clean San Diego in a statement. “This rewarding experience is designed to instill community pride and environmental stewardship. Last but not least, it is also fun.”

Registration is now available to sign up with a group of friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. If you have a group of 20 volunteers or more, contact Michelle Freeman at 619-704-2774.

All volunteers must sign a waiver to participate, and minors under 18 will need an additional parent or guardian signature on their form. Save registration time and print yours to hand in when you arrive.  Service forms will be available onsite upon request if you need to verify your volunteer work.

Volunteers will receive commemorative event t-shirts and reusable water bottle giveaways while supplies last.

For more details and registration for individuals or groups, visit www.beautifychulavista.org. For registration questions, contact I Love a Clean San Diego at mfreeman@cleansd.org or call (619) 704-2774.