FRIENDS OF THE LOS ANGELES RIVER TO HOST 23rd ANNUAL LA GRAN LIMPIEZA

[SUSAN J. SILVESTRI]

Massive, Countywide Volunteer Effort to be Part of Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup™ Nationwide Day of Service April 28

WHAT: Some 4,000 volunteers representing a broad cross-section of Los Angeles’ diverse population are expected to take part in the Friends of the Los Angeles River’s (FoLAR) 23rd Annual La Gran Limpieza: The Great Los Angeles River CleanUp happening April 28, 2012. FoLAR estimates more than 25 tons garbage will be pulled from the 15 river clean-up sites sprawling from the Sepulveda Basin to Tujunga Wash to Long Beach. The Los Angeles event has been chosen as one of ten events taking part in Keep America Beautiful’s (KAB) nationwide Great American Cleanup™ day of service. This year, The Great Los Angeles River CleanUp brings the community together at the height of local enthusiasm and national attention to urban river revitalization. The event will reveal a side of the river that volunteers likely have never seen, including fish and birds in their riparian habitat. Participants will be inspired to become stewards of this natural treasure of Los Angeles. College students will conduct a scientific trash sort at five locations, opening every fifth garbage bag and cataloging the contents. From the data gathered by the students, FoLAR will release a report to the community describing the types of trash found in the river. The fun and festive “work party” atmosphere will be livened up with gift giveaways, raffle prizes, entertainment and refreshments at each site.

WHO: Elected officials and civic leaders; diverse community members representing societies, cultural associations, charities, Neighborhood Councils and stakeholders; families, youth, seniors, corporate teams, churches, eco groups, river enthusiasts and more.

WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 2012, 9 a.m. to noon

WHERE: 15 sites, including current and future river park sites as well as some locations normally off limits to the general public. Locations – Sepulveda Basin, Encino; Big Tujunga Wash, Sunland; Griffith Park; Atwater Village (2 sites); Glassell Park; Cypress Park (3 sites); Elysian Valley (3 sites); Compton Creek, Carson; and Long Beach (2 sites). Check FoLAR’s website for maps: