Yep, this is what I did this morning till lunch time. It was quite the event. The beach cleanup was hosted right at the small beach here at El Segundo.
The group that turned out were mainly families with their kids. So a lot of kids and grown-ups. We all got a free t-shirt. Free water and free snack bars. Looking back, I should have helped myself to more fruit bars. Next time. We stood around for some time, I was early showing up. I was ready just to go and start picking up trash and not have to wait for the formalities. While we were waiting, I met another woman, Susan, there. We started talking.
Finally when the hosts were ready to send us off. They gave a safety speech. No touching needles or syringes. If found notify the Lifeguard on the beach... they have a special procedure and kits to handle the needles and such. Also, notify the lifeguard if weapons are found or any dead animals. Then we had to split in groups of five. Honestly, I thought that was sort of lame to follow others because I know my pace probably will not match others in my careful, thorough collecting of trash. But the reason given for such collective groups were because some people had gotten lost last year. Susan and I looked up and down the beach, and looked at each other and laughed. How can anyone get lost on a beach? Especially this beach? Ah dear.
Susan and I ended being on one team. It was quite obvious that the two other ladies were not exactly being thorough with their work. Susan and I were. There was a guy with us too. So as time went on, Susan and I had a bag each for our trash. The guy stayed with us and the two ladies went off by themselves. We each had one glove and a tool that acted like extended fingers to pick up the trash. Actually, this beach in El Segundo is not littered with trash. The reason due mainly because it is not near a storm drain. Most of the trash is from the storm drains, sewers, and such that come out of the city. So most of the trash were these little bits of plastics, Styrofoams, and plastic bottle rings.
Well us three ended up being the last out picking trash out of the nearly 100 people who came. I think it is safe to say that we were passionate about our mission. Sadly there is still trash still on the beach and we could not just say no. So while everyone else were eating this lunch that was part of the celebration, we were still out scouring the sands. It was a great day for surfing and these surfer guys came by and said, "Whoa, you rock! Thanks for picking up the trash."
We did get some lunch and plenty to drink. The sun came out and was rather hot. I had 30 Sunscreen on, sunglasses, and a hat. Also for part of the event, the kids got to enter into an art contest. Whoever drew the most creative marine life won the prize and had their picture on the shirts we all received. A good way to get the kids involved and more mindful of a better environment.
And by the way, when I called to get more information about this cleanup last night, I left a message on the answering machine for the program. For some odd reason I said, "I am looking to join the beauty pagent tomorrow." Oh dear. Whoever will hear the message will probably get a kick out of it.
Kristy, one of my coworkers and I went on a hike today at the Topanga State Park. It is not very far north of Santa Monica. Probably about a 40 minute drive (the same to my Abalone Cove). In reality I am not that far from the border of LA to the North. I am not really in the heart of LA, which is a good thing. Somehow knowing I can get out of the city in rather a short span of time (considering LA traffic) is very reassuring to me. The park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains (hem). I do not know if one really would consider the hills mountains but hey. And in the Pacific Palisades. We were hiking around among the canyon area. Our hike included a waterfall in a loop trail covering a distance of 2.6 miles.
The trail started in the canyon and we made our way up. It was not a bad trek at all. Many people traverse this trail often. It is very dusty though. Probably due to lack of rain fall and we just entered into the dry season. There really is some serious drought issues around here.
Bridge over creek.
And here is the waterfall. Yes, there is a waterfall. Just a trickle coming down off of the green plants. This is fairly serious. I saw a picture of what the waterfall looks like in full flow. Drastic change from cascading water over rocks to a steady trickle. It is evident that the water flow has not been in full flow for many many many moons. Dusty creek beds.
After the waterfall, the trail started to incline rapidly again till we started coming to the ridge of this canyon.
The fog started coming back in again from off the ocean. It was a great day for a hike especially since we were doing it about lunch time. Warm out but by this point, often breezes from the ocean coming in to keep us cool.
At this vantage point, we are looking down at the houses and the ocean is right there too but obviously hidden from view.
This is looking south toward LA. Really it is not this foggy where we are but the way the camera took the picture. There was blue patches of sky overhead. We could not figure out what the light was. I think it is from LAX airport. But kind of fun to see nothing expect for this glowing light.
From there we started a decline back into the canyon. 
It was a good hike. Got me hooked again. A passion for more hiking.
Another view and the road congestion is as bad on the other side too, if one is studying the pictures closely. Supposed to be the Santa Monica Mountain range ahead but the smog makes it hard to be visible. I am on the I-405. Took me almost an hour on a 18 mile stretch before the exchange to the 101. 101 was better as I was going the speed limit all the way to Ventura. Speed limit: 65mph. But folks were going well over 85 mph. Driving ~success.
Now on to my weekend. I spent it was my former roommate's parents. They live in Ventura. Saturday was busy from dawn to dark. I got up had breakfast. Portia and I went to the local farmer's market. Checked out the Ventura pier which at one time was the longest wooden pier in California. Shorter now but still very busy with fishermen and local homeless people. I do not know why homeless people actually congregate on piers. We then went to Ojai for the lavender festival. Cool town nestled in the rolling hills. This place is big on hippies and holistic health avenues. We came back for lunch and this time Roger joined us taking us in his sport's car to Solvang.
Very festive in Solvang. A Danish town originally but have to admit with Portia... to many other vendors besides Scandinavian vendors are just as popular. That is kind of too bad. But did find some of the historic Scandinavian stuff including the dishes and some clothes. Of course bakeries abounded everywhere... what's a Danish community without their Danish treats?
The rest of the afternoon was spent not just looking at the art work but becoming an artist myself with the digital camera. So I toured the neighborhood, taking a few photos. 
I am finding that within LA there are communities within communities. Such the case for this neighborhood. The communities each have their own style, flair, and rapport. For example with this case of the artist neighborhood encompassing First Street to Broadway and Long Beach Blvd. to Los Alamitos Blvd. is the artists with varying styles of paintings, art shops, coffee shops (I guess those artists even need the caffeine for late night inspiration), and even tattoo shops. Art of tattoos are an upmost trend high right now. There was a feature of the 4th Avenue Women boasting their tattoos. I have to admit, the creativity of the tattoos were incredible. Birds, vintage looking designs, figures, etc. I saw one guy's face completely covered in tattoos, as in the face was completely inked with the exception of his eyelids and lips... inked with multicolored designs and shapes. I wonder if it hurts? A popular sight around here is full length arms covered in tattoos. People when they do get tattoos seem to go full length and all out and cover significant portions of their bodies with this indelible ink art. I do not know if it is just my take on it but I think LA has one of the hottest spot if not the hottest spot for tattoos in the USA. I do not recall seeing such a significant portion of society (being LA society) with tattoos. Is this just because more skin typically is showing? While in Arizona it gets hot and I do not recall the majority wearing tattoos. Perhaps because the majority are snowbirds? ha ... But even with my admiration of this body art, I have absolutely no desire to ink myself even with a tiny little figure. Same goes with body piercing. By the way, the fourth annual tattoo convention or gathering is coming to Long Beach. Sounds like big names from not just from the US but some European specialists are going to be featured. I will not be there.
Another full day of festivities and fun for me.
This looks more like a gypsy boat. Something right out of the far east.
I know I have mentioned some of the sights earlier of Long Beach, like the big barges, freighters, and islands. Here is an example. An island in the distance with Palm trees and buildings. The the cargo ships sitting dotting the horizon. I do not know if one can really tell but past the breakers (rock barrier) the ocean is actually red. From red algae and pollution. Red tide I am sure. Not a pretty sight. And would not be wanting to eat the fish caught by the fishermen on the docks from this area.
Looking towards San Pedro, the stretch of miles of the hold for cargo, freighters, ferries to unload and load. The semi-trucks are also seen to transport the cargo once ashore to the different areas. But back where I was, an area just for smaller boats, plank ways, shops, and a walk way following the shoreline for the most part. I enjoyed my lunch watching the ships and boats roll by, the pelicans and seagulls all busy with the mid-day rush hour. I think in a ferry boat the passengers were throwing food to the seagulls creating a mass of wings.
And so another busy day at the Long Beach Marina.
