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VOLUNTEER
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

January, 2003

Litter Enforcement Officer Will Speak
On most days, Kim Zachary enforces Oakland’s laws on illegal dumping and littering. But at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, January 21st, Kim will be speaking to us about her experiences with those who would trash our streets, and our waters, which should be very interesting. When we first asked for a Litter Enforcement speaker, we were told that the City’s fiscal crisis would prevent paying overtime for such an event. To get around the problem, we offered to pay a speaker honorarium, and Kim agreed to come on her own time.

The L.E.O. program began in 2002 when six officers were hired and trained. Initial efforts have focused on dumping the big stuff (appliances, furniture, construction debris etc.) which costs us tax money for clean up and disposal. When last we heard from Kim, the City was working on legal authority that would allow them to write on-the-spot citations, just like a traffic ticket. Now that would be effective !

Have you ever wondered what is being done, and what can be done, to stop those who consider the world to be their own private garbage can? This is your chance to find out. And, if you know of a chronic dumper, she may be the one who can force them to stop.

Join us to learn how you can work with the program to stop litterbugs and dumpers.

Graphic Coming Soon

East Bay Conservation Corps – Project YES students cleaned the Lake on December 14th, helping to remove a record 81 bags that day. Later, they were treated to pizza for their efforts. Other groups helping last month included: Foot Action Store managers, the Lighthouse Charter School, the Oakland Rowing Club, St. Paul’s School, Oakland High Environmental Academy students and the Redwood Day School.

December Trash Talk
Due in part to 12.05 inches of rain, we recorded our second largest trash total in five years. Eight thousand, six hundred and twenty pounds of trash were removed from Lake Merritt by 196 people working on 20 of 31 days. It included 348 bags, 12 raccoons, two City Park welcome signs, a shopping cart and a City trash box. Were you there? Remember, your best defense against litterbugs is you. Pick up at least one piece of litter daily.

The Lake Merritt Institute is supported and sponsored by the Oakland Public Works Agency

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