OCEANSIDE — The fifth annual Rubio’s CoastFest is expected to draw a sizable crowd to pick up trash from Oceanside beaches and celebrate clean oceans July 16.
Events start at the Pier Amphitheater with instructions and distribution of cleanup supplies, for those who do not bring their own gloves and trash buckets. Then volunteers scour the shoreline and beaches for left and washed-in trash.
“They walk the whole beach in Oceanside, it’s amazing how far they go,” Colleen Foster, city solid waste and recycling senior management analyst, said.
Oceanside sees a daily average of 10,000 to 20,000 people on its beaches during the summer. Just one piece of trash left behind by each beach-goer can quickly add up.
Last year miles of shoreline were cleaned up, and 1,000 pounds of trash was collected by 500 volunteers, despite the cleanup taking place on a rainy day.
This year a sunny day, and spontaneous participation from beach-goers is expected to gather even more trash during the one-hour cleanup.
Following the morning cleanup a festival will take place at the amphitheater. The ocean-friendly after party will include live music, free Rubio’s food a kid’s zone and information on clean oceans efforts.
Rubio’s will be serving up free tacos, guacamole and chips, and drinks.
There will also be a beer garden for guests age 21 and older, with proceeds going to I Love A Clean San Diego.
The kid’s zone will have face painting, a braid bar, a giant inflatable slide and its own live music stage.
Boys and girls can also express their commitment to clean oceans on the kids’ chalkboard pledge wall.
Another fun feature of the event is free surfing and stand up paddleboard lessons for anyone who wants to participate.
The city’s GreenTeam will staff an outreach table and share information on clean oceans and water conservation.
They will also provide resources on zero-waste efforts.
Foster said Rubio’s has been a great partner in promoting environmental stewardship and encouraging people to take part in the annual event.
The seafood restaurant honors the link between clean oceans, a healthy supply of fish and its business.
Foster added local efforts make an impact on keeping our oceans clean.
The beach cleanup takes place July 16 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater. The clean oceans festival follows from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
