Over 100 Long Beach City College students gathered with staff at Rosie’s Dog Beach on Sept. 20 for International Coastal Cleanup Day, which joined volunteers across the region to fight pollution and build community.
The Viking Volunteer event was held at Rosie’s Dog Beach. Attendees included multiple campus clubs, including the Environmental Action Movement Club and the International Students Club. The event lasted from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Within the hour, a large trash barrel was filled to the point of overflowing with debris collected by participants.
For many volunteers, the cleanup was about more than removing waste. It was a chance to connect with others who share the same concerns about the environment.
Event attendees pick up trash for the Viking Volunteer Beach Cleanup event at Rosie’s Dog Beach. The event was held on Sept. 20 on International Coastal Cleanup Day. (Isaiah Ryan)
“Beach cleanups bring a community together by recognizing that there is a pollution problem while taking responsibility for it in a way that we can together,” said Alecia Jensen, former president of the Environmental Action Movement Club and current Student Sustainability Representative of LBCC.
“And we’re doing it in a fun way. The more seasonal the events are, the bigger show of force you have,” Jensen added.
Other students echoed the theme of community.
International Students Club member Kimberley Marquez said the collaboration between different campus groups was what made the event memorable.
“Since it’s multiple clubs here, you get a chance to meet a new face, in a generally good way to give back,” Marquez said.
Vietnamese international student James Trinh described volunteering as both a responsibility and a way to express gratitude.
“It’s a chance to give back to the community because I’m grateful to be here,” Trinh said. “Go out there! Try giving back to the community. We need you here!”
Long Beach City College Student Alecia Jensen holds up trash for a photo at the Viking Volunteer Beach Cleanup event at Rosie’s Dog Beach. The event was held on Sept. 20 on International Coastal Cleanup Day. (Isaiah Ryan)
Sergio Grimaldi, who oversees the Viking Volunteer program, said the turnout reflected how much students care about their surroundings.
“It creates a sense of belonging and community, a sense of mattering,” Grimaldi said. “We had over a hundred students show up and help today. The Viking Volunteer program gives students opportunities to get involved in great causes on and off campus. If you’d like to learn more, reach out and get involved in your community.”
The event highlighted that while pollution can feel overwhelming, collective action makes the work less daunting and more rewarding.
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