How Clean is Clean?

Cleanup officials have begun to tell us that their efforts are working and that our shorelines are clean. Yet we still see goopy oil along the shorelines and in our water, and distressed wildlife throughout the Bay. The San Francisco Bay's open water habitats, intertidal mudflats, rocky shores, salt ponds, and marshes all form the iconic waterway that defines the character and community of the Bay Area. Baykeeper will not let the polluter off the hook when there is more work to be done. We need your help to document oil sightings in your area so that we can get contractors and volunteers out to clean up every drop of oil.  Send accounts and photos of what you see this weekend (what, how much, where, and when) to volunteer@baykeeper.org.  Areas that are hard to see from flyovers or motor boats are of particular importance.

Baykeeper’s Walk the Docks Project
Local boaters who wash Cosco Busan bunker fuel off their recreational boats or other watercraft may contribute to the spread of toxins throughout the Bay.  Even in small amounts, the oil can be toxic to aquatic life, and cleaning solvents may also contain chemicals and other pollutants that can harm the environment.  We’ve developed a guide to green cleaning in the aftermath of the Cosco Busan spill. This weekend, Baykeeper volunteers will walk the docks to spread the word to marinas and boaters.

Volunteer Trainings and Shoreline Cleanups
You must participate in an official training to legally help out with beach cleanups. No pre-registration is required, but show up early because space is limited. Bring a photo ID.

San Francisco
Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Certification
Saturday, November 17
County Fair Building
9th Ave & Lincoln Ave in Golden Gate Park
One training at 8am - noon
THERE WILL NOT BE A SECOND TRAINING

The City of San Francisco will be leading daily cleanups for trained workers - call 311 to find out where to go or visit http://www.sfgov.org/site/sf311_index.asp?id=70813.

To join cleanup efforts, trained volunteers should check in at the red tent in the parking lot on Ocean Beach near Lincoln and the Great Highway. Buses will be provided to transfer volunteers to worksites. Bring your disaster service worker volunteer certification with you.

Berkeley
Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Certification
Saturday, November 17
Berkeley Senior Center
1900 Sixth St.
8am - noon

For cleanup schedules, see http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/Manager/busanoilspill.html or http://www.ebparks.org/node/538.

Half Moon Bay
Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Certification
Saturday, November 17
IDES Hall
736 Main Street
One training at 8am - noon and one at 1pm - 5pm

For more info, visit smcalert.info

Many unofficial cleanups, which are not endorsed by Baykeeper, are being organized here http://sfoilspill.blogspot.com/ and here http://www.obviously.com/tech_tips/oil_spill_volunteer_instructions.html.

Oil Spill Response Fundraisers
Doc's Clock
Proceeds from select beer sales and donations accepted.
November 16
6 pm - 2 am
2575 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Bimbo's 365
Visit our table to make a donation.
Jose Gonzalez & Friends
plus Cass McCombs
November 25
Doors at 7 pm. Show at 8 pm.
Tickets are $22 in advance / $25 at the door.
21 & over are welcome

California Culinary Academy
$20 dinner tickets benefit Baykeeper.
November 30
5pm - 8pm
The Grill at 625 Polk St.
RSVP to Chef Steven Moore at (650) 348-2071

Email us at volunteer@baykeeper.org if you want to sponsor a fundraiser!

Please continue to contact friends to sign up for volunteer alerts or to make a donation to support San Francisco Baykeeper’s efforts out on the water to respond to this crisis.