Storm Carries Trash to Beaches

Originally posted at 7:01 p.m. Feb. 28, 2014.

As a strong Pacific storm slammed the Los Angeles area with wind, rain and high surf, volunteers braved the elements today to collect trash at beaches in Playa Del Rey and Santa Monica.

The groups combed the sand this afternoon at Santa Monica Beach, just south of the Pico Kenter Storm Drain and at Playa del Rey Beach, south of Ballona Creek.

"We're out here with a bunch of hardy volunteers to try to get some of the urban runoff that has come down during the storms," said Alix Hobbs, chief operating officer of environmental group Heal the Bay. "Any trash that has been thrown in the street in the last couple months has been hanging out in our storm system and with all the rain unfortunately it's making it's way to the ocean. Our volunteers are out here today to try and get it before it gets into the marine environment."

Hobbs said Heal the Bay regularly holds beach cleanups, but that more volunteers are needed.

"We have beach cleanups every month that you can come out and join us," Hobbs said. "The conditions are usually a lot better."

She said people can help at home by not littering.

"If you see something in the street go ahead and pick it up," Hobbs said. "Pick up after your dog so it never makes it's way down to the beach here, so this summer when you come swimming it will be a clean environment for you."

Learn more about how to volunteer at healthebay.org.

--City News Service