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Thank you for your interest in the Beautify Chula Vista event. This cleanup is unique in that there are four areas in which volunteers can participate in.

Storm Drain Stenciling

Storm drain stenciling is an important way to educate the public about the connection between our inland waterways with ocean pollution and health. Storm drains carry urban runoff and pollution from our cities to our ocean. Many people mistake storm drains for sewer systems, and are under the impression that they can dump trash and pollutants into a storm drain. However, while sewer systems treat water, storm drains do not; they carry whatever is dumped directly into the ocean. Urban storm drain runoff is the biggest contributor to coastal marine pollution, which is a problem that can be fixed by human forces. Storm drain stenciling displays a preventative message warning potential polluters that marine animals live down stream, and that dumping waste such as oil, soap, food wrappers, and cigarette butts is harmful to marine health. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to take action and educate the public about ocean health and storm drain pollution.

Clean Up

Volunteering to cleanup trash is a great way to improve the health of your community. Participants will canvass local neighborhoods picking up debris, so this activity involves some walking as well as bending over to pick up litter. Volunteers of all ages are invited to beautify their communities by removing the debris that is not merely an eyesore but also represents a danger to public health.

Tree Planting

Tree planting improves urban areas in many ways. Trees beautify neighborhoods and increase property value; they improve air quality by reducing pollution; provide shade and alleviate heat or glare; and even help to reduce water contamination. Tree roots act as a filter for water that they absorb, preventing groundwater pollution. Additionally, the more trees there are the less concrete that leads to increased urban runoff to the ocean. Trees therefore not only enhance the natural beauty of a city, but they also serve a greater cause that improves environmental health. Volunteers planting trees will be doing heavier lifting than other activities that beautify their city, so adults that can perform these tasks are encouraged to participate.

Graffiti Removal

Removing graffiti beautifies cities by cleaning up this form of visual pollution. Graffiti negatively affects communities by decreasing property values, increasing residents' fear of crime, and attracting more graffiti artists. Removing graffiti deters offenders from continuing to deface property as well as improves the overall appearance and beauty of urban areas. Volunteers will use towels with a product that dissolves away the graffiti paint, and will also use paint brushes to paint over graffiti on walls and fences.

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