DANA POINT : Harbor Cleanup to Be Held Today

Yachtsmen and landlubbers alike will pitch in today to clean up the Dana Point Harbor and its shores.

The annual event was held in June last year, but low turnout prompted organizers this year to schedule it in September, said Ed Williams, Dana Point park ranger and event organizer.

People with boats are encouraged to cruise along the harbor’s rocks and jetties today to rid the water of plastic, bottles, cans and other debris. Those who prefer solid ground can walk along the shore and jetties picking up trash.

“It’s not just to get people to clean up but also to make them aware of what a problem trash is at the harbor,” Williams said.

The cleanup will begin at 8 a.m. and end at noon. Volunteers can check in at the Dana Point Youth and Group Facility, Capistrano Bay Yacht Club, Dana Point Yacht Club, Dana West Yacht Club, Dana Wharf, Dana Point Fuel Dock and the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol office.

There will be free refreshments for volunteers, and some local businesses will award prizes to people who pick up the most trash, Williams said.