The 42nd annual California Coastal Cleanup Day will take place at beaches and inland waterways throughout California on Saturday, September 19, 2026. SoCal SETAC is supporting this statewide event by encouraging members to volunteer together at two established cleanup sites—one in the Los Angeles region and one in the San Diego region.
What to Wear and Bring
For either location:
Closed-toe boots or other sturdy, protective footwear suitable for uneven surfaces
Comfortable clothing appropriate for outdoor cleanup work
Sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
A reusable water bottle
Work gloves*
A reusable bucket*, if available
*All locations will provide all cleanup supplies if you don’t have reusable items available at home
🌊Los Angeles Region – Cabrillo Beach🌊
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Meeting location: Steps leading to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium entrance, adjacent to the parking area
SoCal SETAC contact: Leah Thornton Hampton, SoCal SETAC Board member
To participate:
2. Select “Cabrillo Beach” as the cleanup location.
3. Enter “SoCal SETAC” in the company-name field.
Leah will provide registered participants with her cell phone number and any final meeting instructions closer to the event.
🌊San Diego Region – Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve🌊
Arrival time: Approximately 8:30 a.m.
Cleanup time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Entrance: 990 Bay Boulevard, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Parking: Designated parking area adjacent to the Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve (map attached)
A staff member will open the gate and direct volunteers to the parking area. Signs will also be posted along the route. Please see the map below for the entrance, parking location, and cleanup area.
Participants will complete a waiver upon arrival. The walk from the parking area to the Reserve takes approximately 10 minutes; however, trash collects along the north side of the access road, so volunteers may choose how far they would like to walk. Snacks and all cleanup supplies will be provided at this location.
We hope you will join your fellow SoCal SETAC members for a morning of service, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Please select the location most convenient for you, and feel free to invite colleagues, friends, and family members.
We look forward to seeing you on September 19!
SETAC Board of Directors
The SETAC Board of Directors (the Board) maintains oversight over the society consistent with its incorporation documents and bylaws. The Board stewards the society to advance its mission by defining policies and programs including operational functions such as membership and communications as well as SETAC programs, including journals, workshops, topical meetings and virtual events.
Five directors will complete their term on 31 December 2026, and SETAC is seeking candidates for election to the board. Board members provide strategic leadership, ensure sound governance, oversee financial stewardship, and supports the society’s continued growth and impact. Directors serve on a volunteer basis and are appointed for a three-year term starting on 1 January 2027.
To apply, please submit an expression of interest by 5 September.
We are pleased to invite you for an evening of food, networking and science on September 24th, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Southern California Coastal Water Research Program (SCCWRP)!
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information and to register click here!
